"Blues and Brews" at the Forge
2023-05-27 12:00 - 19:00 UTC | The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 1001 Main St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
The Forge Blues & Brews Fest is coming up! This event is only $5 for admission and includes live blues music all day from renowned artists, including Joanna Connor. Drink tickets will be available for pours from more than 15 featured Illinois breweries.
Park food & beverage, activities, and tastings are also available for purchase day of.
12:00 pm – Doors open
12:00 pm – Live Music begins
2:00 pm – Matt Shukin & The Ramblers
4:00 pm – Live Music: Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio Performance
6:00 pm – Live Music: Joanna Connor
***Arrive early for prime parking and seating!***

Wild Bill Days
2023-05-27 12:00 - 2023-05-28 17:00 | North Utica, 101 E. Canal, North Utica, 61373, United States
Celebrate the life and times of Deadwood’s most famous gunslinger and the I&M Canal’s most famous mule tender—Wild Bill Hickok at Wild Bill Days. See big name artists and your favorite bands perform live concerts on Main Street all weekend long and Outlaw Square will host a free kick-off concert on Thursday, June 15. Along with the awesome free concerts, you can also check out the National Dock Dogs Competition, watch (or participate in) a classic car auction, learn the tricks of gold panning and sluicing from Northern Hills Prospectors, right on Main Street! Book Your Room Today! Call 1-800-999-1876 for more information. ** All times are subject to change due to weather or technical issues. Thank you for understanding.

Reclaiming the Narrative
2023-05-31 09:00 - 2023-07-14 19:30 | Gaylord Building, Lockport, 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
Now on display in the Gaylord Building’s first-floor gallery
through July 14th!

African Americans called the Joliet region home before its incorporation in 1852. They have built up the community, found jobs, and enjoyed life in the Des Plaines River Valley.

In spite of this long history, the Black community has often been on the periphery of historical narratives. As a way to increase the scope of history, this exhibit highlights four African American organizations that contribute to the region’s diversity.

The scope of this grant-funded initiative included a traveling banner exhibit and public programs. These banners are currently on display in the Gaylord Building’s first-floor gallery.

They can also be viewed online at the Lewis University History Center.

The Lewis University History Center partnered with Second Baptist Church, Mount Zion Baptist Church, The National Hook-up of Black Women Joliet Inc., and Warren-Sharpe Community Center on this project, which focused on regional historical collections and allowed them to broaden their scope and facilitate the stories of historically marginalized peoples. In turn, this served to broaden the scope of the collection of the Adelmann Regional History Collection (ARHC) at Lewis University.

Invitation to Book Club at Three Rivers Library Minooka Branch - "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer
2023-06-01 08:00 - 2023-06-21 18:00 | Three Rivers Library District – Minooka Branch, 109 N. Wabena Ave., Minooka, 60447, United States
Join The Three Rivers Library in reading and discussing Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants”

Ottawa Wine Festival
2023-06-02 17:00 - 2023-06-04 16:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Blue skies, a warm breeze, music in the air and refreshing beverages will be a great way to kick off the lineup of summer events. Ottawa 2 Rivers Wine festival is a 3-day event in the heart of downtown, featuring wineries, breweries, and distilleries from across Illinois. Be sure to check back for the full music lineup.
Ottawa is a vibrant tourist destination located 80 miles west of Chicago, situated between the Fox and Illinois Rivers. Lending itself to the natural backdrop of open spaces and a robust downtown filled with trendy boutiques and modern eateries, it’s no wonder we were chosen as one of the 15 most charming towns in Illinois. Come visit us!

CabinFest
2023-06-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Goose Lake Prairie
Learn and celebrate life on the Prairie in the 1800s at the Cragg Cabin that served as the county’s first tavern, polling place, and post office. Travelers were treated with courtesies and comforts of a frontier inn. Stage coach passengers and drovers moving cattle to Chicago stock yards over the Overland Trail which ran from Bloomington to Chicago often were treated as guests. It is thought that the cabin may have even been part of the Underground Railway (from 1831 to 1863). It was said hundreds of slaves found shelter under its roof on their way to freedom in the North.
Every year, the first Saturday of June, The Prairie Partners call on Partners and friends to help with the Cabin Festival celebrating a simpler time on the prairie. The group lectures to class visits and groups about life on the prairie in the 1800s.

fForestfest
2023-06-03 10:00 - 20:00 | Goold Park, 308 Northern Avenue, Morris, 60450, United States
fForest is a Norwegian word that means to Be, Do & Make under the Trees; so fForest Fest seemed like the perfect name for this one day festival. Don’t miss this fun day filled with live music, shopping, eating, drinking, and creativity. This year it will include booths for the I&M Canal 175 Anniversary activities. It’s an event where everyone is welcome to be themselves.

Free Public Interpretative Tours of the Chicago Portage
2023-06-03 10:30 - 12:00 | Chicago Portage, 4800 Harlem Ave, Forest View, IL, 60402, United States
The Chicago Portage was an ancient portage that connected the Great Lakes waterway system with the Mississippi River system. Connecting these two great water trails meant comparatively easy access from the mouth of the St Lawrence River on the Atlantic Ocean to the Rocky Mountains, and the Gulf of Mexico. Join the Friends of the Chicago Portage as they give you a free interpretative tour of the Chicago Portage area.
Enter at 4800 S. Harlem, Forest View, IL. Meet at the statue.

Underneath the Bark
2023-06-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
There’s a great, big world out there, but what’s underneath? From tiny organisms and mysterious creatures to covert ecosystems, discover the hidden life we usually ignore in this summer series. Join for one program or come to all four, each held at a different visitor center throughout the Forest Preserve. Peek under bark in the first program, investigating the layers of a tree and the critters that call trees home. Start inside the museum for a discussion of what we are looking for, then hike outside to explore Underneath: The Bark firsthand with bark dissections.
Registration required by Thursday, June 1: 815-722-9301.
Please wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
The program may include walking up to 1 mile on preserve trails over uneven terrain. The museum is an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request online(Opens in a new window) no later than 48 hours before the program.
REGISTER ONLINE(Opens in a new window)

Moon Walk at Little Red Schoolhouse
2023-06-03 21:00 - 22:30 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Let the full moon be your guide as you hike in the largest Urban Night Sky Place in the world.

Ride Our 1840s-Replica, Mule-Powered Canal Boat
2023-06-04 11:30 - 15:30 | Lock 14 Access, Canal Rd &, IL-351, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Join us in a trip along the I&M Canal in our mule-powered, 1840s-replica Canal Boat.
Your journey includes: a “Mule Tending 101” class in which you’ll meet Moe the Mule, interact with crew of period dressed guides, hear tales of the canal’s heyday and enjoy a 60-90 minute boat ride.

ADMISSION PRICES
Adults – $20
Seniors (62 & over) – $17
Children (4-16) – $9
Children under 3 – Free
Family Pack (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $49
Purchase tickets here >

Catch the boat at I&M Canal State Trail – Lock 14 Access, LaSalle IL. It’s near our I&M Canal Visitor Center and Lock 16 Café and Gift Shop (754 First Street), so pop in if you have questions, need to use the restrooms before you embark or are looking for a tasty bite or beverage.

The boat typically runs three times a day from late May through October Fridays through Sundays, Wednesdays and a handful of other days. If you’re looking for a particular date and don’t see it in our events section, click through to our Ticket Purchase page and check the calendar. It’s possible dates were adding there but not in our Events Calendar.

Lemont Downtown Days
2023-06-05 08:00 - 2023-06-11 17:00 | Village of Lemont
You can’t celebrate 150 years of Lemont without acknowledging the locally-owned and operated businesses that makeup Historic Lemont Downtown. Celebrate with us all week-long during Legendary Lemont Week by enjoying deals and special menu items from participating retailers and restaurants.
From June 5 -11, we want you to enjoy shopping and eating in the Historic Lemont Downtown. At participating retailers, earn a raffle ticket for every $50 you spend. Save your ticket because, at the end of the week, we’ll pull three winners to a basket of Lemont Merchandise, gift cards, and more!L

Lemont 150: Plein Air Session with Lemont Artist Guild
2023-06-05 11:00 - 13:00 | Lemont Safety Village, 55 Stephen St., Lemont, 60439, United States
Join us as we celebrate the artists and authors who have been inspired by Lemont. “Plein Air” is the art of painting and drawing in the outdoors. Lemont Artists Guild will make Lemont Downtown their studio. There are no requirements to join this session so feel free to bring your sketchbook, paints, sculptures, knitting, and anything else to create in the outdoors.

Learn More

Additional sessions will be held on Wednesday, July 12 and Monday, August 14.

You are responsible for your own supplies but can enjoy the company of others as you create! Suggested items to bring along are a chair/tiny table or easel/flat surface you can easily transport, some water, snacks or lunch, bug spray and sunscreen, of course your transportable art supplies, and anything else you wish to assist in your time enjoying Plein Air!

We always hope for good weather but will have to cancel if the weather conditions are bad.
We will meet at the Lemont Safety Village at 55 Stephen St, Lemont, IL 60439 and then you can choose your spot to work! There is a variety of nature and Lemont’s beautiful buildings and stone architecture to work from. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes that are weather appropriate. Artists participate at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety and belongings.

Contact Liz Connelly at 815-341-1145 or email lemontartistsguild@gmail.com with any questions!

I am a Scientist: Ichthyology
2023-06-07 10:00 - 10:30 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity: explore, experiment, and make discoveries in the natural world. Ages 4-5 w/adult.

2023 Lemont Legends Car Show
2023-06-07 17:30 - 21:00 | Village of Lemont
The 2023 Lemont Legends Cruise Nights are back! The area’s best block party takes place on Wednesday nights during the month’s of June, July, and August (no show July 5). For official news and updates on Lemont Legends, visit the new web page located at LemontLegends.com, or follow Lemont Legends on Facebook or Instagram.

2023 Show Schedule

June 7
Calling All Cars

June 14
Street Rods / Antiques

June 21
Farm Tractor Night

June 28
Ford / Mustang

July 12
Jeep

July 19
Chevy / Corvette

July 26
Exotic Cars

August 2
Emergency Vehicle Night

August 9
MOPAR

August 16
Custom Trucks / 4×4’s

August 23
Buick / Oldsmobile / Pontiac

August 30
Calling All Cars

Lemont Legends Cruise Night
2023-06-07 17:30 - 21:00 | Village of Lemont
Calling All Cars! The first Cruise Night of the season is dedicated to Lemont’s 150th Anniversary. Join us in Lemont Downtown to view the classic collection of cars and take home giveaways in celebration of the night.

Wonderkids: Ants
2023-06-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Calling all families with preschoolers! Join us for a hands-on program designed for your little one. This program is geared toward children ages 2-5 and is complete with tons of facts, singing, story time, table activities and crafts.
Registration required by Tuesday, June 6: 815-722-9301.
REGISTER ONLINE(Opens in a new window)
Please register the child then add a seat for the caregiver attending.
Isle a la Cache Museum is an accessible facility. Outdoor activities will take place on paved paths and natural surfaces across 1 mile of uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request online(Opens in a new window) no later than 48 hours before the program.

S.E.N.I.O.R.S.
2023-06-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Seniors Enjoying Nature Inside/Outside Rain or Shine! Join us for a nature-inspired adventure for seniors. Ages 55 & up.

Lemont 150th Commemmoration
2023-06-09 13:30 - 15:00 | Village of Lemont
Join us in celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Lemont! Mayor Egofske will proclaim the anniversary date and special speakers will recognize this significant milestone. Plus, there will be a special dedication to the future Village Green park, along with treats and giveaways. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
The event will take place at Village Green, 322 Main Street, Lemont (lot just west of Pollyanna Social). Rain location is Village Hall Boardroom – 418 Main Street.

Old Canal Days
2023-06-09 17:30 - 23:30 | Old Canal Days Location, 303 W. 2nd St., Lockport, 60441, United States
The annual Old Canal Days celebrates the I&M Canal and its contributions to the success of Lockport. This summer festival features a carnival, beer garden, live music, artisan market, food trucks, wine tent, family entertainment, fireworks and more! Thousands of residents and visitors come from all over the state.

R.I.P. Stewardship
2023-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Join us as we Remove Invasive Plants. Tools, gloves and snacks provided. Ages 18 & up or 17 w/adult.

Canal Corridor Association Lemont Anniversary Reception
2023-06-10 11:30 - 16:00 | Canal Corridor Association Lemont Office, 315 Illinoios St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Please join us in celebrating the Lemont Anniversary! Junior Ranger Day, view Edward Ranney Photos of the I&M Canal, Lincoln and the I&M Canal Exhibit, as well as refreshments, 175th Anniversary literature and merchandise, drawing for Mule Pulled Boat Ride for a family of four!

Lemont 150th Anniversary Celebration
2023-06-10 13:00 - 18:00 | Village of Lemont
Drinks, Food, Entertainment & Fun!
Main Stage Entertainment
DJ | GAC Entertainment
1:00 p.m. | Lemont High School Band
2:00 p.m. | Lithuanian Folk Dancers
3:00 p.m. | Slovenian Youth Group Marela Dancers
4:00 p.m. | Irish Dancers
5:00 p.m. | Pierogi Eating Contest
Children’s Entertainment, Activities & Fun!
✭ Face Painters, Balloon Artists & Games on Front Street
✭ Carnival Games: Ballistic Swing, Meltdown, Mini-Carousel & All Star Basketball Hoops
✭ Get Ready to Color Our Brand New MONSTER MURAL
✭ Lemont Jr. Woman’s Club | Safety Village Area | Trikes, Games, Competitions, Raffles & More!
✭ Mining Rocks Activity on Front Street
✭ Mr. Lincoln is coming for a visit. Make sure to get a photo!
Plus More!
✭ Take some fun photos at Lemont’s 150th Anniversary Photo Booth!
✭ Stop by Zoltar and see what the future might bring!
✭ LAHS Presents Chicken Poop Bingo!
✭ Ruby Whiskers Animal Rescue | Pets for Adoption
Food, Food & More Food!
Ethnic & American Favorites! You’ll love all the FOOD!
Ice Cream, Pierogis, Polish Sausage, Icees & Popcorn, too!

Lemont Quarrymen vs. Oregon Ganemedes Vintage Base Ball Game
2023-06-11 13:30 - 15:30 | Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster, Naperville, IL, 60540, United States
Join us at Naper Settlement as the Lemont Quarrymen will battle the Oregon Ganemedes. President Abraham Lincoln will be joining in the fun! Hope to see you there.

Lemont 1873-1893: Architectural Walking Tour
2023-06-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Village of Lemont
How did Lemont spend its first 20 years as an incorporated village?

Join us for a guided walking tour through the Lemont of 1873. The tour will focus on the buildings that were present in the first two decades of Lemont’s establishment as a Village–from when the downtown was incorporated in 1873 up to the construction of Lemont’s “City Hall” in 1893.
Beginning at Village Hall, we’ll discuss historic properties along Main Street, Canal Street, and Stephen Street, discover a few blocks of the “paper town” of Keepotaw, and learn how the I&M Canal changed the old town to Athens.

This FREE walking tour is part of a weekend-long series of events to celebrate Lemont’s 150th Anniversary!

Spittlebug Art Camp
2023-06-13 10:00 - 2023-06-15 12:00 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Enjoy three fun-filled days creating art inspired by nature. Activities include hiking, animal encounters and learning through hands-on art making. Ages 5-6.
Registration opens April 1 and is in person only. Forms, waivers and payment are required to complete registration. Cash or check accepted.

"Miracle on Assisi Hill" Book Signing by Author Patricia Camilliere
2023-06-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Canal Corridor Association Lemont Office, 315 Illinoios St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Meet local author Pat Camalliere! Join us at our new space at 315 Illinois Street for a book signing for her new novel: The Miracle at Assisi Hill! Books will be available for purchase.
Amateur historian and writer Cora Tozzi embeds herself in a convent in her hometown of LEMONT to coauthor a book about the history of the order. While dealing with her own feelings toward love, mortality and faith, she soon finds herself in the middle of a desperate search to solve a mystery from the past that could impact a local nun’s path to sainthood.

Book Club and Virtual Program featuring the author of "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer
2023-06-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Three Rivers Library District – Minooka Branch, 109 N. Wabena Ave., Minooka, 60447, United States
Join the Minooka Branch of the Three Rivers Library in a book club discussion and virtual program featuring Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of “Braiding Sweetgrass”.

Puckerville Farms Harvest Revival
2023-06-24 10:00 - 19:00 | Puckerville Farms, 13332 Bell Rd., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Live Worship & Praise
Speakers & God’s Word
Prayer Wall & Needs
Special Events & Giveaways
Lunch & Water Provided

INVITE YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS! BRING LAWN CHAIRS.
View event schedule & supporters at puckervilleharvestrevival.com.

Pollinator Party
2023-06-24 11:00 - 15:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Fly on over to Isle a la Cache to celebrate Pollinator Week with a family friendly event. Learn about the insects and animals that pollinate our plants through various fun games, activities and special guests!
