Trivia - Naplate Community Hall
2025-03-14 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Naplate Community Hall, 2005 Center St., Naplate, IL, 61350, United States
Join us for a fun-filled night of trivia to support the Ottawa Exploreum!
Gather your smartest friends and test your knowledge for a great cause.
💰 Cash Prizes for Top Teams!
🍽️ Bar & Food Available – Enjoy delicious bites and drinks while you play.
👥 Teams of up to 10 players – $20 per person.
Don’t miss out on a night of friendly competition, laughter, and community spirit! Reserve your spot today and help support the Ottawa Exploreum!
Doors open at 6:00 pm. Trivia starts at 7:00 pm.
For more information or to register: https://www.visitottawail.com/trivia/

Women in the Woods Hike
2025-03-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Join fellow women of the woods on this hike to celebrate women’s role in nature. Along the trail, learn about the historical women who have quite literally paved the way. Discover the women blazing their own trails today and explore the paths chosen by women of the future.
Fee: Free! Age: Women and girls ages 12 and older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required by Friday, March 14, by calling 815-722-9470 or online.
Meet at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center for this women-only hike.
This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. The hike will be approximately 2 miles on paved trails. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

The Forge: Muddy Shamrock
2025-03-15 09:00 - 12:00 | The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 1001 Main St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Woods, dirt, mud, roots, and maybe some other adventurous trail stuff will be experienced at the 4th annual Trail Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon @ The Forge: Lemont Quarries. And now that we’ve earned the 4th leaf in our clover, the race is now named the MUDDY SHAMROCK!
This early season trail race will be run on wooded single-and double-track trails with awesome scenery around the historic Lemont Quarries. Both races will traverse the single track MTB trails within the woods and some gravel trails throughout the Forge and adjoining trail systems.
1/2 Marathon: $65.00
1/4 Marathon: $50.00

Joliet Iron Works Tour
2025-03-15 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-03-15 11:30 - 13:00 | Joliet Iron Works Park, 31 Columbia St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Which city carried the nickname City of Steel and Stone? Joliet’s once-thriving industrial plant rivaled Pittsburgh’s steel power. Explore the stone foundations that are more than 100 years old. An interpretive naturalist will share the fascinating stories of the men and machines who worked at the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site.
Registration required by Friday, March 14, by calling 815-722-9301 or online.
Paved walkways are accessible on this 1-mile tour. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Maple Syrup Magic
2025-03-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, United States
From the earliest times, Native Americans and pioneers of the Midwest made syrup from the sweet sap of the maple tree. Drop in anytime from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn the process of making maple syrup. Find maple trees tapped on site and even try some real maple syrup. History has never been sweeter.
Throughout the day, sessions will take place on the history of maple syrup, the selection and tapping of trees, the gathering of sap, and the cooking of the sap to make syrup.
Plan to stay for 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours for the full experience.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
Indoor activities take place in an accessible facility. Outdoor activities take place on paved and natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

City of LaSalle's St. Paddy's Day Parade
2025-03-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Downtown LaSalle, 1st Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Get ready to don your green and join the La Salle St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Step into a world where Irish charm meets exhilarating festivity, as our vibrant parade transforms First Street into a dazzling display of color and cheer. This annual tradition is more than just a paradeits a jubilant celebration of culture and community.Dont miss out on this unforgettable celebration where every float, every note, and every sprinkle of confetti brings a touch of magic to La Salle. Join us and experience the joy, excitement, and community spirit of the La Salle St. Patricks Day Parade!Staging at 11am – K of C parking lotto participate – Dan Burke: 815-228-7710.

Buy Locally Produced Food - What are Advantages of knowing your Producer?
2025-03-15 13:30 - 14:30 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
Meet the young families that are the co-owners of Homegrown Meat Market in Newark, IL.
Learn about how they started this business and how they are providing a wonderful resource to the area. Their store is filled with fresh meats, cheeses, eggs and a wonderful ice cream parlor with delicious small batch ice cream made from locally sourced milk. This presentation will give you some insight into how your food is grown and harvested and the benefits of getting to know your local producers. Presented by Homegrown Meat Co.
Please register by calling 815-220-1848, extensions 1 or 2 or at the I&M Canal Visitors Center ~ Lock 16 Café.

Magical Storytelling by Tricia Kelly - Enjoy the Craic!!!
2025-03-15 14:00 - 15:00 | NCI ARTworks Gallery, 400 5th St., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
Storytelling is an art as old as time, and in the Illinois Valley.
we are fortunate to have one of the most entertaining storytellers around, Tricia Kelly. Kelly is neither a painter, nor a quilter, nor a sculptor, instead, she uses words to create a picture through the art of storytelling. For over thirty years, Tricia’s original tales have entertained audiences of all ages.
She honed her storytelling skills by regaling guests on the I&M Canal Boat rides with tales of adventure and drama that took place as the canal was built to facilitate a thriving commercial waterway between Chicago and the Gulf of Mexico. Kelly’s delightful folk tales and Irish fairy tales continue to delight audiences throughout the Illinois Valley. Nowadays she splits her time between storytelling at arts, culture and wellness events and dog sitting.
​
In addition to the Tricia Kelly story hour at 2pm at the NCI ARTworks gallery guests will also enjoy the exhibit of art by Tony Seabolt and Jeanne O’Melia. A private viewing of the exhibit can be arranged at any time by emailing outreach@nciartworks.com.

Annual Beer & Wine Tasting
2025-03-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Join us as the Bureau County United Way host their annual Beer & Wine Tasting and help us reach our 2025 goal so we can continue to financially support local nonprofits that serve our neighbors in need throughout Bureau County.

The Forge: Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt
2025-03-16 10:00 - 13:00 | The Forge Adventure Park and Ziplines, 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont, Illinois, 60439
Bring the whole family to The Forge: Lemont Quarries for a St. Patrick’s Day adventure! Embark on a self-guided Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt and follow an enchanting story to uncover where the mischievous Leprechaun is hiding at the end of the rainbow.
Complete the hunt and return to the starting point to claim a special prize—and don’t forget to tell us where you found our elusive Leprechaun friend!
Want to keep the fun going? Our Kid Zone and Jump Zone will be open for playtime (additional charges apply). Don’t miss this family-friendly event filled with festive fun and unforgettable memories!

REMEMBER THE LADIES Series
2025-03-16 13:00 - 15:00 | I&M Canal Visitors Center, 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
“Irish Need Not Apply”
REMEMBER THE LADIES Series Sundays at 1PM during the Month of March
Presented by Tricia Kelly, first person interpreter and famed storyteller
What was life like for Irish women living in America during the 19th century? What obstacles did they have to face, and how did they cope with everyday challenges? Find out through this informative, entertaining presentation told through the eyes of an Irish maid.
Hosted at the I&M Canal Visitors Center 754 First St., LaSalle, IL 61301

St. Patrick's Day Bash in Utica
2025-03-16 16:00 - 19:00 | North Utica, 101 E. Canal, North Utica, 61373, United States
Come down and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Utica style! The UBA will be hosting our annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
There will be many specials throughout town all weekend long! More details to come.
If interested in participating in the parade please use the following link to sign up. https://form.jotform.com/240144607894056

Medium Michael Gourley
2025-03-19 11:00 - 14:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Participate in a group reading by Psychic Medium Michael Gourley, one of the Top 10 Chicago Psychics.
Michael uses his gifts to deliver messages from loved ones in spirit and will deliver messages that come through for our guests. There may even be a message for you!
Lunch Entree: Jake’s Chicken Cordon Bleu – Grilled chicken breast served open with ham, cheese, and bearnaise sauce, served with a chef’s choice potato and steamed vegetable.
Price: $52 per guest

Take a Break with the Warblers (Zoom)
2025-03-20 12:00 - 12:45 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Need a break in your day? We are here for you! Grab your lunch and enjoy warblers with a naturalist.
After a long winter, spring is finally here, bringing warblers to our woods. The tricky thing is that most of them look very similar. Learn the subtle differences in appearances and calls of these little yellow birds. This is a beginner’s crash course going over the most likely suspects seen in the preserves.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 10 and older. Registration required by Wednesday, March 19.
Go to link on reconnectwithnature.org.
The meeting ID and password for the Zoom session will be sent via email after registration.

Where the Wildflowers Are!
2025-03-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Raccoon Grove, 5851 W. Pauling rd., Monee, IL, 60449, United States
You won’t need to sail off through night and day or in and out of weeks. Will County is where the wildflowers are! Anemone, Dutchman’s breeches, trillium, hepatica – our wildflowers have stories to tell! Journey to Raccoon Grove, a top spot to seek wildflowers. Join a naturalist for a hike to find wildflowers and hear stories of how these beauties were named, their uses through time and other lore and legends.
These ephemeral blooms are beautiful but fleeting. Join us each month for more chapters in the everchanging tale of wildflowers as old ones fade and new ones bloom. Look for other preserves in this series or choose your own adventure. We invite you to visit the same preserve each month to see the changes unfold over time or mix it up and enjoy a different preserve for the full story of Will County wildflowers.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 10 or older. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Registration required by Thursday, April 11, by calling 708-946-2216 or online. Raccoon Grove does not have bathroom facilities; please plan accordingly.
The trail is approximately 0.75 mile in length on natural surfaces with some hills. Spring rains can make the trail muddy; please dress with that in mind. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Karaoke Night
2025-03-20 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-03-27 19:00 - 23:00 | The Twisted Pin, 15610 Joliet Rd., Plainfield, IL, 60544, United States
Join us for Karaoke with Host Joe Son!
Start your weekend on a high note – Food, Fun, Self Serve Beer Wall, Craft Cocktails & Giveaways!

Woodcock Walk
2025-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Demanding a romantic light, the male woodcock waits until dusk before performing his theatrical display.
The woodcock sky dance is quite a sight to see! We will start the evening learning about the American woodcock, then we’ll take a hike to see if we can catch a glimpse of the male courtship flight.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 8 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Thursday, March 20, by calling 815-722-9470 or online.
Be sure to dress for the weather as we will stand in place for a bit to listen for the calls and look for the flight of the woodcock. This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. The hike will take place in low light at dusk. The hike will be 1 mile to 2 miles on paved trails and natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Early Bird Hike
2025-03-22 08:20 - 10:00 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, United States
Spring is here, and it’s time for our early bird migrants to arrive! Join us at Plum Creek Nature Center first thing in the morning to see our visiting flyovers.
This location is a great stop for birds heading home for the nesting season. All birders are welcome, from beginners to seasoned veterans.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 16 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Thursday, March 20, by calling 708-946-2216 or online. Please dress for the weather.
Plum Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility. The hike will be no more than 1 mile on natural surface trails. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Junior Naturalist: Birds!
2025-03-22 10:30 - 12:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
There is a big, beautiful world of birds, and we are going to learn all about them!
Junior naturalists will learn about different species of birds found here in Will County, their calls, their adaptations and some clues to spotting them in the wild. Participants will play some games, get crafty and do some scientific work!
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 8-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Thursday, March 20, by calling 815-722-9301 or online.
Please note this is not a drop-off program; adults or chaperones do not need to register but must be present for the program. The program may include hiking less than 0.5 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 submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Sustainable Gardening
2025-03-22 13:30 - 14:30 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
Discover the joys of sustainable gardening, where you’ll discover easy and affordable methods to transform your home garden!
Learn about techniques for rain collection, composting, saving seeds and so much more!
Pearl will guide you through each step, ensuring you leave with the knowledge and confidence to cultivate a greener future.
Join us and become a part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Empower your gardening with eco-friendly practices and make a lasting impact on your world!
Presented by Pearl Carpenter owner of the Farmacy Farmstand, LLC.
Please register by calling 815-220-1848, extensions 1 or 2 or at the I&M Canal Visitors Center ~ Lock 16 Café.

Beach Boys Tribute - Sounds of Summer
2025-03-23 10:45 - 14:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Sounds of Summer tells the story of America’s band – The Beach Boys.
These four incredibly talented performers have shared their love of the Beach Boys’ harmonies since 2015, giving audiences an authentic depiction of the 1960’s.
Lunch Entree: Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken – Chicken breast with with a sweet and tangy pineapple brown sugar sauce, accompanied with rice and green beans.
Price: $60 per guest

REMEMBER THE LADIES Series
2025-03-23 13:00 - 15:00 | I&M Canal Visitors Center, 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Prairie Iron: The Remarkable Life of Pioneer Elsie Armstrong
In this emotionally charged presentation, storyteller Tricia Kelly becomes Elsie Armstrong—a mother and adventurer who relocated to Illinois in 1830 with her sons in tow. Her will knew no limits and her spiritual, physical, and emotional strength surpassed many of even the strongest male pioneers. The tales of her setbacks and triumphs will leave you in awe and a whole new respect for the early settlers of Illinois. Presented by Tricia Kelly, first person interpreter and famed storyteller.
REMEMBER THE LADIES Series Sundays at 1PM during the Month of March
Hosted at the I&M Canal Visitors Center 754 First St., LaSalle, IL 61301

Burton Cummings of the Original "The Guess Who" 60th Anniversary Hits Tour
2025-03-23 20:00 - 22:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
As the VOICE of all the classic Guess Who hit songs, Burton has toured with his long-time band, for the past twenty-three years across North America as well as joining Randy Bachman onstage as Bachman Cummings, performing the songs from the original The Guess Who, Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Burton’s solo career.
Described as Canadian rock ‘n’ roll royalty, a national treasure, and a living legend, for Burton Cummings, there has always been one constant: he remains true to himself and his own way to rock…and continuing to perform the songs the way they were originally conceived by the artist who sang and wrote/co-wrote them.

I've Been to Dwight - the Story of the Keeley Cure
2025-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
This program tells the story of the Keeley Institute and the Keeley Cure for Alcoholism, otherwise knows as the Double Chloride of Gold Cure for Addictions.
The presentation will tell the story of the Keeley Institute–from its beginnings in Dwight, through growth and franchising around the world, to the final days in Dwight and the lasting impact of the cure on addiction issues today.
Presenter: Dr. Lynn Bertino Neville.

Spring Break Staycation: Wetland Wonders
2025-03-26 10:30 - 12:00 | Plum Creek Nature Center in Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, IL, 60401, United States
Include Plum Creek Nature Center in your spring break staycation plans!
Visit each day from Tuesday to Friday to join in a new adventure. Pack a picnic lunch and extend your day. Hidden beneath the surface of the pond is an abundance of life that awaits discovery. On Wednesday, we’ll dive in to learn about water as a resource and the importance of quality fresh water. Armed with nets and buckets, we’ll sample a wetland, identify aquatic invertebrates and draw conclusions from data.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 5-12. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Monday, March 24, by calling 708-946-2216 or online.
Plum Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility. Outdoor activities may take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Plant Bingo
2025-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Rejuvenate – Plants & Wellness, 2212 Plainfield Rd., Crest Hill, IL, 60403, United States
Join us for Plant Bingo the last Wednesday of each month!
$30 buy in for 10 games, equaling $3.00 a game.
One card per person, per game!
3 FREE games after the initial 10!
Win Rare Plants, Hand-painted pots, Gift Certificates, Home Goods, Workshop Gift Certificates, Cool Stuff & MORE!
Bring your own beverages and snacks to enjoy while you play!
First game starts at 6:00pm each game day!
Limited spots available.
Please pre-register to claim your spot!
Whether you win or lose, everyone will walk out with a little something, something!
Come enjoy a fun night out!
Pre-Registration is required!
All tickets will be checked at the door!
Limited spots are available so please pre-register!

Spring Break Staycation: Pollination Pals
2025-03-27 10:30 - 12:00 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, United States
Include Plum Creek Nature Center in your spring break staycation plans!
Visit each day from Tuesday to Friday to join in a new adventure. Pack a picnic lunch and extend your day. On Thursday we fly into the world of flowers and pollinators. Join a naturalist to explore the prairie and forest seeking pollinators and flowers to study. What better way to understand a pollinator than becoming one!
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 5-12. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Tuesday, March 25, by calling 708-946-2216 or online.
Plum Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility. Outdoor activities may take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

The Four C Notes
2025-03-27 10:45 - 14:30 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
The Four C Notes were created by John Michael Coppola, known for his appearance in Chicago’s production of the Broadway hit, the Jersey Boys. The Four C Notes are the Midwest’s only tribute to the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons!
Price: $60 per guest. Lunch is included in the ticket price.
