Events

Embrace Ottawa's small-town charm. Bring a lawn chair, spread a blanket on the grass, or settle on one of the park benches to listen to the smooth sounds. Admission is free. At this time, no indoor venue is available, so if bad weather postpones a performance, it

Join us for the Lemont Downtown Farmers Market at the Village Green, presented by Aster Gardens! These markets will continue on Tuesday evenings through the September 30th from 4-7pm. Vendors feature vegetables and fruit, flowers, mushrooms, local honey, micro greens, crepes and more! Stay tuned as we

Buick, Oldsmobile & Pontiacs Light up your engines! The fastest and coolest cars are making their way to Lemont Downtown for our legendary cruise night car shows and block party. Wander the streets of historic Lemont Downtown viewing cars that take you back in time and make

Join us for Plant Bingo - Summer Edition the last Wednesday of each month! With the exception of August! August PLANT BINGO will be on August 20th - the following week your Plant Bingo host will be out of town and unable to Bingo it up! $30

What insects do we have crawling or flying around at Isle a la Cache? Come out to get a closer look by using sweep nets and bug boxes, observe pinned specimens and learn the difference between insects, bugs and arachnids. All equipment is provided, and all insects

Join us in downtown Lemont on Stephen Street for this free concert series! Put your dancing shoes on! The Annual Concert Series presented by the Lemont Park District and Village of Lemont is a crowd favorite with live music, dancing, and tons of family-friendly fun in Lemont

Join us for our 50th Season of FREE Concerts on the Hill! Every Thursday June through August join us outside on our hill to see wonderful local talent share their gifts. Remember to bring your chairs and blankets! We hope to see you there!  

See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants and maybe even see one of our resident bald eagles! The preserve has controlled access during nesting season to minimize disturbances to nesting birds. The only way to view these amazing creatures at Lake Renwick during this

Start your Saturday with an exciting market experience! Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats. Indulge in farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans. Relish mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls. Bring your family, friends, and even your

Embrace Ottawa's small-town charm: bring a lawn chair, spread a blanket on the grass, or settle on one of the park benches to listen to the smooth sounds. Admission is free. At this time, no indoor venue is available, so if bad weather postpones a performance, it

We’re back for our third year inside the historic Old Joliet Prison! Enjoy classics, imports, motorcycles, and more at the only vehicle showcase inside a 19th century prison! Over 200 vehicles will be on site as well as vendors and food trucks. The Prison itself will have

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Pullman, a town that has shaped the fabric of American history. Discover how this unique community played a pivotal role in revolutionizing industry, advancing railroad innovation, pioneering urban design, and igniting the labor movement. Each month, our expert guides share

Join us for the Lemont Downtown Farmers Market at the Village Green, presented by Aster Gardens! These markets will continue on Tuesday evenings through the September 30th from 4-7pm. Vendors feature vegetables and fruit, flowers, mushrooms, local honey, micro greens, crepes and more! Stay tuned as we

Mopars Light up your engines! The fastest and coolest cars are making their way to Lemont Downtown for our legendary cruise night car shows and block party. Wander the streets of historic Lemont Downtown viewing cars that take you back in time and make you dream of

Bring the whole family out to RomeoFest — the ultimate 4-day celebration of community and fun! From delicious food and live music to exciting carnival rides and games, there's something for everyone! Enjoy bingo, the car show, and friendly tournaments, plus extra-special experiences like the family fun

Join us for Karaoke with Host Joe Son! Start your weekend on a high note - Food, Fun, Self Serve Beer Wall, Craft Cocktails & Giveaways!

Wrap up summer with the final Fun & Food Trucks of the season at the beautiful Hickory Creek Preserve. Enjoy bites from Lil' Deb's and Life's A Slice, drinks from Hickory Creek Brewing, live music, giveaways, and even free Crumbl cookies!

Bring the whole family out to RomeoFest — the ultimate 4-day celebration of community and fun! From delicious food and live music to exciting carnival rides and games, there's something for everyone! Enjoy bingo, the car show, and friendly tournaments, plus extra-special experiences like the family fun

Escape to paradise with a margarita in hand and the game in full swing! It's a night of island vibes, cool drinks, fireworks, and hot baseball action!  

See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants and maybe even see one of our resident bald eagles! The preserve has controlled access during nesting season to minimize disturbances to nesting birds. The only way to view these amazing creatures at Lake Renwick during this

Start your Saturday with an exciting market experience! Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats. Indulge in farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans. Relish mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls. Bring your family, friends,

Do you like to draw, doodle or document? Do you like to be outside? Join us while we creatively connect to the outdoors! All skill levels welcome. A naturalist will lead guided exercises and answer questions. Each participant will get their own nature journal as part of

Experience the joys of seated birdwatching while drinking freshly brewed bird-friendly coffee. Bring a foldable lawn chair and your favorite mug and let the birds come to us at the confluence of the DuPage and Des Plaines rivers. Park at the McKinley Woods Kerry Sheridan Grove lot

Bring the whole family out to RomeoFest — the ultimate 4-day celebration of community and fun! From delicious food and live music to exciting carnival rides and games, there's something for everyone! Enjoy bingo, the car show, and friendly tournaments, plus extra-special experiences like the family fun

Step into the overlooked world of Pullman’s alleys. A place where hidden stories and unique perspectives await. Discover the secrets that lie behind the manicured facades and experience the vibrant history of this community in a whole new way. Chicago is the alley capital of America. But

Have you ever seen a shooting star? Up your odds during the Perseids meteor shower. This is considered one of the brighter meteor showers of the year. Forked Creek Preserve was selected as the location because of its lowered light pollution. The darker the sky, the more

Take a vacation day for this full day of fun. Put your kayak skills to the test and embark on a two-hour paddle down the Des Plaines River to enjoy the spectacular views of the woods and glimpses of wildlife. Break for a picnic lunch at McKinley

Join us for the Lemont Downtown Farmers Market at the Village Green, presented by Aster Gardens! These markets will continue on Tuesday evenings through the September 30th from 4-7pm. Vendors feature vegetables and fruit, flowers, mushrooms, local honey, micro greens, crepes and more! Stay tuned as we

Four Rivers is collaborating with the Three Rivers Public Library District for a book club on the go! Join us to discuss books about the environment while we stroll the trails around Four Rivers. This months book is Becoming Earth by Ferris Jabr. Books will only be

Take a vacation day for this full day of fun. Put your kayak skills to the test and embark on a two-hour paddle down the Des Plaines River to enjoy the spectacular views of the woods and glimpses of wildlife. Break for a picnic lunch at McKinley

https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/event-calendar/summer-finale-at-four-rivers-science-day/Celebrate the last days of summer break at Four Rivers! On Day 1, discover how scientists engage with the natural world around them. Participate in science experiments and head out onto the trails to take measurements with real tools. Each day of the Summer Finale will be

Antique Cars & Street Rods Citgo STEM & Kids Night Light up your engines! The fastest and coolest cars are making their way to Lemont Downtown for our legendary cruise night car shows and block party. Wander the streets of historic Lemont Downtown viewing cars that take

Celebrate the last days of summer break at Four Rivers! On Day 2, explore principles of art with inspiration from the natural world at the Four Rivers campus. Discover your inner artist and let your creative juices flow with fun opportunities both indoors and on the trail.

Four Rivers is collaborating with the Three Rivers Public Library District for an in-depth look at the temporary exhibit “Dancing for Our Tribe.” Join photographer Sharon Hoogstraten as she presents her series of Potawatomi portraits in regalia with stories of the interwoven traditional and contemporary culture of

Free concert series! Join us in downtown Lemont on Stephen Street.  Bring your blankets & chairs for free open seating.  Seating opens at 6:00 p.m., music begins at 7:00 p.m.  Food and drink will be available on site.  

Led by the University of Illinois Extension, discover something new in nature when the buildings are closed.  

Celebrate the last days of summer break at Four Rivers! On Day 3, discover how explorers engage with the natural world around them. Use maps and clues to solve puzzles, explore new places in the preserve and face (family-friendly) challenges just like real explorers. Each day of

Arts, culture, and entertainment come alive every Third Friday in downtown Ottawa, Illinois MAY – SEPTEMBER. Art vendors, music, food, and live events hosted by Open Space Gallery. Enjoy later shopping hours at many downtown retailers and enjoy custom food and drink specials at several of our

Start your Saturday with an exciting market experience! Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats. Indulge in farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans. Relish mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls. Bring your family, friends, and even your pets

Let’s go on an exploration to spot some colorful dragonflies! These aerial acrobats aren’t as delicate as they may seem; they are indeed voracious hunters. Learn about their fascinating adaptations and their strange life cycle while we search for them above and below the water’s surface. Registration

Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes. No registration required.  

Spend time in our garden where our staff will answer your hummingbird questions.  

Historic Pullman Labor History Walking Tour This guided experience will take visitors through the very streets where American labor history was made—highlighting the pivotal moments, people, and movements that emerged from this iconic South Side Chicago community. Learn how the Pullman Company, the American Railway Union, and the groundbreaking Brotherhood

Hang out with a naturalist as we chat about all things nature while getting crafty! Create a collage and interpret nature your way while staying cool from that summer heat. All materials provided. This is a drop-in program. All ages  

Enjoy the quiet of sunset as we explore the woods on a casual 2-mile hike. Registration Required Ages 13 & up.  

Join us for the Lemont Downtown Farmers Market at the Village Green, presented by Aster Gardens! These markets will continue on Tuesday evenings through the September 30th from 4-7 pm. Vendors feature vegetables and fruit, flowers, mushrooms, local honey, micro greens, crepes and more! Stay tuned as

Which city carried the nickname City of Stone and Steel? Joliet's once-thriving industrial plant rivaled Pittsburgh's steel power. Explore its stone foundations that are more than 100 years old. A naturalist will share the fascinating stories of the men and machines that worked at the Joliet Iron

Emergency Vehicle Night - Expo Night Light up your engines! The fastest and coolest cars are making their way to Lemont Downtown for our legendary cruise night car shows and block party. Wander the streets of historic Lemont Downtown viewing cars that take you back in time

Unleash your creativity with a colorful butterfly craft and coloring adventure! Join us on August 21st anytime from 11 AM to 5 PM for some hands-on fun you won’t want to miss.  

As Vietnam War Veterans Day approaches (March 29), the Village of Romeoville is honored to announce that the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be displayed in Romeoville from August 21 – August 24. Arriving by trailer, a welcome parade will escort the wall into town on the

Join Lemont Classic Car Club at our farm for our weekly Thursday Cruise Night, where the atmosphere sizzles with excitement and great music! This week, we’re thrilled to feature My Dad’s Cover Band, bringing their lively tunes to the open air. Enjoy a nostalgic evening of classic

As Vietnam War Veterans Day approaches (March 29), the Village of Romeoville is honored to announce that the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be displayed in Romeoville from August 21 – August 24. Arriving by trailer, a welcome parade will escort the wall into town on the

Unleash your creativity with a colorful butterfly craft and coloring adventure! Join us on August 21st anytime from 11 AM to 5 PM for some hands-on fun you won't want to miss.  

This is the ultimate summer celebration that you won't want to miss! Join us for a four-day extravaganza filled with thrilling carnival rides, electrifying DJ performances, live music, delicious food and drinks, and endless fun. Get ready to experience heart-pumping excitement on our carnival rides. From spinning

As Vietnam War Veterans Day approaches (March 29), the Village of Romeoville is honored to announce that the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be displayed in Romeoville from August 21 – August 24. Arriving by trailer, a welcome parade will escort the wall into town on the

Start your Saturday with an exciting market experience from 8am to 12:30pm. Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats. Indulge in farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans. Relish mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls. Bring

Have you ever wondered what's going on in our 18th-century Traders Cabin or wanted to peek inside the replica Native American longhouse above the pollinator garden? This is your chance to explore all the buildings at Isle a la Cache Museum and learn about the Potawatomi and

As Vietnam War Veterans Day approaches (March 29), the Village of Romeoville is honored to announce that the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be displayed in Romeoville from August 21 – August 24. Arriving by trailer, a welcome parade will escort the wall into town on the

The Naperville Chinese Storytellers share stories in Chinese followed by nature-based art. Stories told in Chinese. Ages 3 & up w/ adult.  

Join us for the Lemont Downtown Farmers Market at the Village Green, presented by Aster Gardens! These markets will continue on Tuesday evenings through the September 30th from 4-7pm. Vendors feature vegetables and fruit, flowers, mushrooms, local honey, micro greens, crepes and more! Stay tuned as we

Duane Peterson Trophy Award Light up your engines! The fastest and coolest cars are making their way to Lemont Downtown for our legendary cruise night car shows and block party. Wander the streets of historic Lemont Downtown viewing cars that take you back in time and make

The Annual Central States Threshermen's Reunion ​is held over Labor Day weekend and is the second oldest steam show in the USA (beginning in 1949.) This show features a variety of entertainment including a parade held in Downtown Pontiac, a flea market, craft shows, tractor rides, a

Starfish Animal Rescue is excited to attend Car Cruise Night with the Lemont Classic Car Club at our farm, offering a unique opportunity for car enthusiasts and animal lovers to come together. Visitors can enjoy a display of vintage and classic cars while supporting our mission to

Come enjoy the Season Finale and listen to the sounds of the Joliet Township High School Orchestra, The Joliet Central Band and the Joliet American Legion Band!! Remember to bring your chairs and blankets! We hope to see you there!

The Annual Central States Threshermen's Reunion ​is held over Labor Day weekend and is the second oldest steam show in the USA (beginning in 1949.) This show features a variety of entertainment including a parade held in Downtown Pontiac, a flea market, craft shows, tractor rides, a

A 60 to 90 minute walking tour of the Old Joliet Prison covering the darker side of the Historical Prison. This historical tour will cover some of the more grim stories as you walk through the prison at dusk. This tour takes you into the East and

Enjoy your evening at the 2025 Rooftop Summer Music Series! Door Open: 6:15pm Music Starts: 7pm. You can now reserve highboy or bistro tables for Rooftop Concerts on a first come-first served basis. General concert-style seating available for all guests. Live Music, Full Beverage Bar, Snack Vendor

Start your Saturday with an exciting market experience! Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats. Indulge in farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans. Relish mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls. Bring your family, friends, and even

The Annual Central States Threshermen's Reunion ​is held over Labor Day weekend and is the second oldest steam show in the USA (beginning in 1949.) This show features a variety of entertainment including a parade held in Downtown Pontiac, a flea market, craft shows, tractor rides, a

Join us at Hornbaker Gardens on Saturday, August 30th, 2025 for the Dog Days of Summer: Remembering KC. This free event is from 8am-5pm for visitors and their leashed dogs. 10% of our retail proceeds on this day will go to Princeton's Friends of Strays Animal Shelter.

The Annual Central States Threshermen's Reunion ​is held over Labor Day weekend and is the second oldest steam show in the USA (beginning in 1949.) This show features a variety of entertainment including a parade held in Downtown Pontiac, a flea market, craft shows, tractor rides, a

True North Vendors will be set up outside at BOTH True North Buildings! Your favorite vendors will be set and selling their vintage find & handmade treasures! A full list of vendors will be added closer to the event.  

Here's to YOU, our MVPs! Join us for Fan Appreciation Night at the Ballpark, where we're swinging for the fences to say 'thank you' for all your support. With giveaways, special surprises, and a night full of love for our biggest fans, it's a celebration you won't