Woodcock Walk - Hickory Creek
2024-03-15 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Hickory Creek Preserve, 10537 W. LaPorte Rd., Mokena, IL, 60448, United States
As the sun sets, the male woodcock makes his way to the edge of a field and prepares for his extraordinary courtship performance. Normally timid and elusive, the woodcock is readily observed during the early spring breeding season, when he leaves the safety and cover of the forest to attract a mate. We will spend the first part of the evening discovering just how amazing this bird is, then hike to view the courtship flights of the male.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 7 or older. Registration required by Wednesday, March 13, by calling 815-722-4121 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. Meet at the Hickory Hollow Shelter, which can be accessed from the second parking lot furthest from the LaPorte Road Access entrance.
The hike will be approximately 1 mile on both paved and natural surface trails over 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.

History of the I&M Canal in LaSalle County
2024-03-17 13:00 - 14:30 | Bruce & Ollies, 166 Mill St., North Utica, IL, 61373, United States
Join the LaSalle County Historical Society at Bruce & Ollies for a special history presentation on the Illinois & Michigan Canal in LaSalle County! On hand will also be local artifacts from the museum’s archives on the I & M Canal.
$10 donation, includes small coffee or scoop of ice cream. Proceeds benefit the LaSalle County Historical Society.
No RSVP needed!

History Happy Hour: Cleaning Up the Collections
2024-03-20 17:30 - 18:30 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Museum collections work is always a challenge. Protecting artifacts and archives is never easy. But how does one protect and preserve a rapidly deteriorating collection in a historic site that was abandoned for 20 years, has suffered multiple fires, water leaks and worst of all, vandalism?
Join us as Sylvia Scoggin, Collections Coordinator at JAHM discusses the process of saving this important history.
General Public Tickets $5

Murder & Mystery at The Jacob Henry Mansion
2024-03-21 11:00 - 13:30 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Death of a Gangster’ – Join the Dunn family for the mafia wedding of the century!
Don your best 1920’s wedding attire for the Don and his goons. This show will have you in stitches…especially if you’re a snitch.
$60 per person admission, space is limited! Includes Luncheon and a self guided tour of the mansion!
Cash Bar available. Please make advance notice of any special dietary needs including vegetarian selection!
Visit https://www.jacobhenrymansion.com/ Call 815-722-1420 ext. 16 or email groupsales@jacobhenrymansion.com to book your reservation!

Voices Out of the Past: Midewin Oral Histories
2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Midewin NTP Conference Room, 30239 S. State Route 53, Wilmington, 60481, United States
Dr. Pam Hunte Anthropologist, Vice President

Midewin Heritage Association
Midewin lands were once farms, and later, an arsenal. The Midewin Heritage Association has conducted interviews with people who lived and worked here. Come hear the memories of local farm families, arsenal workers, and military staff as they recall the past.

To register:

Call: (815) 423-6370

Email: SM.fs.midewin_rsvp@usda.gov

Bunny Bash
2024-03-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Romeoville Recreation Center, 900 W. Romeo Rd., Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Romeoville Recreation Center Annual Bunny Bash
The Romeoville Recreation Center is already planning its annual Bunny Bash to help welcome the spring season. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 22 at the rec center, 900 W. Romeo Road.

The Bunny Bash will offer snacks, crafts, children’s entertainment, inflatables and of course, a picture with a bunny. Kids must be accompanied by a paid adult.

Pre-registration is required for the event, and you must register by March 10. It is $18 for residents ages 1-14; $4 per adult 15 and older; and $5 per infant (under 1) for the photo only.

Indoor Community Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Village, Peru
2024-03-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Liberty Village, 1107 31st St., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
Easter egg hunt will begin at 9 A.M. at Liberty Estates located at 1107 31st Street.
Following the egg hunt breakfast will be offered along with photo opportunities with the bunny!

Easter Egg Hunt - Peru
2024-03-23 11:00 - 12:30 | Centenniel Park, Peru, 13th & West Streets, Peru, 61354, United States
Just a sneak peak of the fun that is coming our way.
We will be having an Easter Egg Hunt on March 23rd at 11!
Please stay tuned for more details.

Spring Break Black Light Peeps Rembrandt Classes
2024-03-27 10:00 - 12:00 | 408 Fine Arts Factory, 408 5th St., Peru, 61354, United States
Is this your week of Spring Break?
Come paint with us! It’s a black light, neon PEEPS class.
$23 prepay applies. ($2 transaction fee for all electronic payments CC/Venmo)
Call to reserve your spot. All materials included. Age 7 and up (adults too). Those younger than age 7 can paint with an adult.
$10 Facility Use Fee (registration fee) applies for those NEW to Music Suite 408 or those needing to update for the 2023-2024 academic year (August to August). Not sure if yours is current? We can assist you over the phone.
Cancellation Policy:
24+ hours notice will receive a credit to be used within 6 months or request a Take Home Kit.
Less than 24 hours notice prior to class will not receive credit/refund but may request a Take Home Kit.

Adult Easter Egg Hunt
2024-03-29 11:00 - 19:00 | August Hill Winery Tasting Room, 106 Mill St., Utica, IL, 61373, United States
Wanna feel like a kid again? Join us at the tasting room for an Adult Easter Egg Hunt!
FIND AN EGG & WIN A PRIZE
Find an egg and take it to an AHW associate to claim a prize. Each egg will have something special! One egg per customer. Participants must be 21 or over.

Kids Easter Brunch - Cookie Decorating - Easter Bunny
2024-03-30 09:00 - 13:00 | Hopscotch & Vine, 24047 W. Lockport St., Plainfield, 60544, United States
Kids Easter brunch with cookie decorating & photos with the Easter Bunny!

Tickets $15 – $30.

Utica FPD Easter Egg Hunt
2024-03-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Carey Memorial Park, 315 W. Church St., Utica, IL, 61373, United States
Age Groups:
Toddler
Pre-School
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd & 3rd Grade
4th thru 6th Grade

Easter Brunch at Camp Aramoni
2024-03-31 09:00 - 10:00 | Camp Aramoni, 809 N. 2199th Rd., Tonica, 61370, United States
Join us at Camp Aramoni for our annual Easter Brunch on Sunday March 31, 2024.
Adults are $28 per person and children 10 and under are $10. Reservations are required and can be made for 9 AM, 10:15 AM (sold out), 11:30 AM (sold out), 12:45 PM (sold out) or 2 PM by calling (815) 224-7333 or emailing info@camparamoni.com. Bloody Marys, mimosas and nonalcoholic drinks are also available for purchase from our bar.
Our Bloody Marys are the best in the area! Featuring a salt rim of secret spices created by our owner, Jennifer, our Bloody Marys are made with Tito’s Vodka, a dill pickle spear and accoutrements including a pepperoncini, castelvetrano olive, salami chunk, muenster cheese and pickled onion. Add your own twist with horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce! Bloody Marys are $14 and mimosas are $11.
Camp Aramoni offers a delicious brunch buffet on the second Sunday of every month. You can look forward to different monthly themes – always featuring the same great food by Chef Carson Barger.

Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt
2024-03-31 11:00 - 14:00 | Grand Bear Resort, 2643 IL Route 178, Utica, IL, 61373, United States
Enjoy brunch, an egg hunt and meet the Easter Bunny!!

Bad Momz of Comedy
2024-04-04 18:00 - 21:30 | Lone Buffalo Restaurant & Tap Room, 812 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
You saw them on the Kelly Clarkson Show, on WGN TV, in The Chicago Tribune and at Zanies, well now you can see them right here in Ottawa! The Bad Momz of Comedy are hilarious as they share their unique perspectives that may have you laughing at the crazy things you thought only happened in your own home.
Comedy Line-up:
Orly K.G. (Emcee)
Laura Hugg
Clair Sunbye
Lindsay Porter
Kristen Toomeey

Animal Track Hunt
2024-04-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Camp Sagawau
Whose tracks are in the mud? Join us for the hunt and learn about tracks along the trails.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Call Sagawau at 630-257-2045.

Spectacular Partial Solar Eclipse
2024-04-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Watch this rare natural phenomenon here! Telescopes ready for viewing.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Call Little Red Schoolhouse at 708-839-6897.

Good Humor Comedic One-Act Festival
2024-04-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Gaylord Building, Lockport, 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
Limestone Stage presents “Good Humor” comedic one-act plays.
Enjoy dinner at The Public Landing before the show.
Bar service will be available throughout the performance.
Tickets are $15.00

Minutes Matter - Lemont
2024-04-11 17:00 - 19:00 | Lemont Fire Station 1, 15900 New Ave., Lemont, 60439, United States
Join the Lemont Fire Protection District at one of their upcoming Minutes Matter Open Houses. Facilitating team members and district leadership will provide station tours, information about emergency response times, station locations, the emergency services they provide and more.
Then, you will have the opportunity to provide feedback about plans for the future. Everyone in the community is encouraged to attend.

Palos Park Spring Fishing Derby
2024-04-13 08:00 - 11:30 | Papoose Lake, 123rd & LaGrange Rd., Palos Park, IL, United States
Get ready for a reel adventure at Papoose Lake!
On Saturday, April 13th this event promises a morning of angling excitement for all ages. Registration is free of charge and kicks off bright and early at 8:00 AM, followed by the commencement of fishing at 8:30 AM.
This event isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about fostering a love for the sport in a family-friendly atmosphere. With instructors on hand to provide guidance, participants of all ages, skill levels, and mobility can enjoy the experience together.
For additional information go to Palospark.org or call (708) 671-3716.

Minutes Matter - Lemont
2024-04-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2024-04-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Lemont Fire Station 2, 12940 Bell Rd., Lemont, 60439, United States

Grundy County Family Fest 2024
2024-04-13 09:00 - 13:00 | Minooka Jr. High School, 333 McEvilly Rd., Minooka, IL, 60447, United States
The Grundy County Chamber and Channahon Minooka Chamber of Commerce are gearing up for Family Fest 2024, a family-centered business expo showcasing the programs, products and services available throughout the area! This event is presented free of charge thanks to our sponsors and attracts families from in and around Grundy County. We invite you to get in on the fun while promoting your business!

STEM Fest
2024-04-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Romeoville Branch of White Oak Library District, 201 W. Normantown Rd., Romeoville, 60446, United States
Science is Awesome!
We welcome families, scout troops, teachers, and students of all ages for a fantastic day of science. You will experience outstanding hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) leaders and innovators.
You can get an up-close and personal look at reptiles with Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles, and Crosstown Exotics, visit our SLIME Lab, or take part in the stimulating science activities we’ll have for all to enjoy.
Here is a link to our webpage with more information about STEM Fest. http://whiteoaklibrary.org/Stem-Fest

Doorways: Coming or Going? Capturing Moments in and Around a Doorway
2024-04-13 11:00 - 2024-05-03 16:00 | McCord Gallery, 9602 W. Creek Rd., Palos Park, IL, 60464, United States
This exhibition allows us to observe each artist’s ability to capture doorways from their viewpoint. The viewer is given insight into several interpretations of doorways from a variety of doors, arches, and gateways. This exhibition celebrates the allure of portals and the intrigue of what lies beyond.
Gallery Hours:
Monday – Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Mass Celebrating the Closing of the 175th Anniversary of the I&M Canal
2024-04-16 15:30 - 17:30 | St. James at Sag Bridge, 10600 Archer Avenue, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Experience a Roman Catholic Mass presided over by famous Jesuit priest and explorer Pere Jacques Marquette!
Join Fr Tom Koys (as Pere Marquette) and the Canal Corridor Association at one of the most historic churches in the region: St James at Sag Bridge. This holy place is northern Illinois’ oldest working Roman Catholic Church and the perfect setting for a Mass to celebrate the closing of the 175th Anniversary of the I&M Canal (after all, it was the growth of population in the area from the canal that necessitated the church).
A reception will follow the Mass. Both are FREE. Please RSVP here to attend >
📍April 16 from 3:30-5:30pm • 10600 Archer Avenue, Lemont

History Happy Hour: Route 66: The First 100 Years of the First 100 Miles
2024-04-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Route 66 is turning 100 years old!

Join us for History Happy Hour, when Greg Peerbolte leads a discussion on the history of the first hundred miles of Rt. 66.
General Admission: Free

International Bat Appreciation Folktale & Walk
2024-04-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Join us for a folktale recited by a librarian from the LaGrange Park Library as we walk and discuss the importance of these misunderstood flying mammals.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Little Red Schoolhouse at 708-839-6897.

Meet Abraham Lincoln for the Closing of the I&M Canal's 175th Anniversary!
2024-04-18 14:00 - 14:30 | General Fry’s Landing, 310 Front St., Lemont, 60439, United States
Please join Abe Lincoln and the Canal Corridor Association as they celebrate the closing of the 175th Anniversary of the I&M Canal.
Hear “Abraham Lincoln” extol the virtues of the I&M Canal and tell the stories that led to its creation. Mr. Lincoln (Kevin Woods) was a huge hit at the opening of the yearlong celebration of the 175th Anniversary Celebration, so we’re excited to have him back to bring the history of our region alive through his engaging retellings.
This FREE, 30-minute outdoor program will take place at two locations.
April 18 • 2 PM – 2:30 PM
Lemont
General Fry’s Landing
310 Front Street
Lemont, IL 60439
In case of rain, the events will be in the Lemont Village Hall.
RSVP for this FREE Event here >

Meet Abraham Lincoln for the Closing of the I&M Canal's 175th Anniversary!
2024-04-18 15:30 - 16:00 | Channahon Village Hall, 24555 S Navajo Drive, Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Please join Abe Lincoln and the Canal Corridor Association as they celebrate the closing of the 175th Anniversary of the I&M Canal.
Hear “Abraham Lincoln” extol the virtues of the I&M Canal and tell the stories that led to its creation. Mr. Lincoln (Kevin Woods) was a huge hit at the opening of the yearlong celebration of the 175th Anniversary Celebration, so we’re excited to have him back to bring the history of our region alive through his engaging retellings.
This FREE, 30-minute outdoor program will take place at two locations.
April 18, 2024 at 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Channahon
Channahon Village Hall
24555 S Navajo Drive
Channahon, IL 60410
In case of rain, the events will be in the Channahon Village Hall.
RSVP for this FREE Event here >
