Family Fun Hike at Messenger Woods
2025-03-29 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, 60491, United States
Kick off spring break with outdoor family fun! Hike with a naturalist through the trees at Messenger Woods.
At designated stops along the way we’ll pause to try our hand at fun early-spring activities. We might investigate the creek, play animal Simon says, discover the age of a tree, listen to bird calls or play tug of war. We’ll take advantage of this amazing season.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Thursday, March 27, by calling 815-722-9301 or online.
This program is geared toward 6- to 10-year-olds, but the entire family is welcome. Please dress for any type of weather, including reliable hiking shoes. Meet at Hawthorne Grove Shelter. The outdoor hike will take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Be prepared to walk up to 1.5 miles. 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 Series ~ Submarines Down the Illinois River by Joe Tokarz
2025-03-30 13:00 - 14:30 | I&M Canal Visitors Center, 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
I&M Canal Lecture March Series
Submarines Down the Illinois River by Joe Tokarz
Sunday, March 30th at 1PM during the Month of March
During World War 2, twenty-eight submarines were built in Wisconsin. Twenty-five went to war, but tragically, four never returned home. Join us to discover their remarkable journey from the prairie to the Pacific at “Submarines Down the Illinois River.”
Hosted at the I&M Canal Visitors Center 754 First St., LaSalle, IL 61301

Zero Waste Heroes
2025-03-30 14:00 - 15:30 | Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Rd., Joliet, 60433, United States
Celebrate International Day of Zero Waste at the Forest Preserve District of Will County!
Learn how your everyday choices can — and do — make a big impact! See how small changes can make you a zero waste hero! This program will begin with a presentation followed by a gallery of zero waste swaps and conclude with a make-and-take gift for you to make your life a little greener.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 13 and older. Registration required by Friday, March 28, by calling 815-722-4121 or online.
Sugar Creek Administration Center 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.

Bridges of Will County
2025-04-01 08:00 - 19:30 | Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Rd., Joliet, 60433, United States
Our spring preserve challenge returns with the Bridges of Will County!
This ongoing Forest Preserve District of Will County program runs from Tuesday, April 1, to Monday, June 30.
This spring, adventure out to five select preserves and find your way to each bridge to earn a Forest Preserve canvas tote bag. To participate, download the Goosechase app and join the experience once it begins on April 1 then complete the Bridges of Will County missions between April 1 and June 30.Get in the spirit of the challenge and choose your own adventure by making your own route for a walk, hike, run, skate or ride to each bridge! Check in on the app while at each bridge location. Visit all five and you’ll be contacted via email to pick up your tote bag from one of our visitor centers in July. The five bridge locations are as follows: River bridge at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve Big bridge at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve Swing bridge at Centennial Trail I&M Canal bridge at Lake Chaminwood Preserve Kankakee River bridge along the Wauponsee Glacial Trail at Forked Creek Preserve.

Smithsonian Gardens' "Pollination Investigation" Exhibit
2025-04-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
This ongoing program runs from Wednesday, April 2, to Sunday, June 22.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Pollinators are an essential part of the natural world.
One in three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators. From butterflies and bees to beetles and birds, many kinds of pollinators have evolved within their ecosystems by building unique relationships with plants. Smithsonian Gardens Pollination Investigation exhibit takes participants on an exploration of the who, what, when, where, why and how of pollination by interpreting the unique relationship between pollinators and flowers. Pollination Investigation was created by Smithsonian Gardens in collaboration with the National Museum of Natural History and made available by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. It is funded in part by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.
This exhibit was made possible by The Nature Foundation of Will County.

Ocean's Rat Pack
2025-04-02 10:45 - 14:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Ocean’s Rat Pack is the ultimate tribute to the music of Dean Martin, by Tony Ocean, Frank Sinatra, by Bill Serritella, and Sammy Davis Jr., by Elliot Wimbush. Enjoy their authentic performances that prove that these classics will never go out of style.
Lunch Entree: Pork Chop – BBQ Glazed Pork Chop served with chefs choice potato and vegetable. Price: $60 per guest

Lucille Ball Portrayal
2025-04-03 10:30 - 14:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
In the 1950’s, actress and comedienne Lucille Ball captured the hearts of television viewers across the nation, while her production company brought new innovations off screen. You won’t want to miss this portrayal by historian Leslie Goddard.
Lunch Entree: Chicken Apricot – Seasoned breast of chicken dressed with a delicate apricot sauce served on a bed of wild rice and chefs choice vegetable. Price: $50 per guest.

Karaoke Night
2025-04-03 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!

Rough Road 100
2025-04-05 08:00 - 13:00 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
The Rough Road 100 Spring Classic returns to the region April 5th.
The ride draws hundreds of cycling enthusiasts to Morris, where the race will start and finish Downtown. Morris Retail Association member stores and restaurants are ready to welcome participants with special discounts. The race benefits We Care of Grundy County Inc.

Fishing for Trash
2025-04-05 08:00 - 18:00 | Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing event will be held Saturdays and Sundays from April 5 to April 27.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To celebrate Earth Month, do a little bit to help your mother (Earth)!
Staff at The Tackle Box bait shop at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm will provide a bucket and picker to help you do your part. Pick up litter around the forest preserve to contribute to a cleaner environment and earn a gift!
We will have ice cream and other sweet treats on hand for your choosing.
Everyone who participates in the cleanup efforts will receive a treat.
Remember: A clean Hidden Lakes is a happy Hidden Lakes!

IN - Introduction to Lacemaking
2025-04-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Introduction to Lace Making Workshop
April 5th, 9am-12pm | Open Court Office (Ground Floor) at the Hegeler Carus Mansion
Cost: $65 for new participants; $55 for returning participants. For New Students: What to bring: Bring yourself and your desire to learn this lost art form, and well supply the rest. What is provided: A lacing kit of a 18×20 foam board, bobbins for the project, pins, pincushion, thread, pattern and a handout. For Returning Students: What to bring: Bring back the supplies handed out from first class (lace pillow, bobbins).What is provided: Bobbins needed to catch up with and the pricking and paperwork for it. Learn the lost art of Bobbin Lacemaking with Donna, a seasoned lace artist that has been working in lace for over 20 years providing demos and classes, and a member of the Lacemakers and Collectors Exchange. In this 3-hour class you will learn the fundamentals of lacemaking while creating a small project. At the end of the class, you will have all of the essential supplies and knowledge needed to lace whatever your heart desires!! https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML7ZHXZ6B7FMC/checkout/DKNKMZ33CHCT65YE7BSAT6ZA

History Series ~ Author and Historian Dick Joyce
2025-04-06 13:00 - 15:00 | I&M Canal Visitors Center, 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
I&M Canal Lecture March Series
Author and historian Dick Joyce
Lecture Series Sundays at 1PM during the Month of March
Richard Joyce is a retired educator who has been researching northern Illinois coal miners and their communities for decades. He recently published a book on Spring Valley that covers the town’s origin and early decades as a mining center. He will speak about the town’s labor-management struggles, religious and ethnic tensions, political battles, saloons, anarchists and more.
Hosted at the I&M Canal Visitors Center 754 First St., LaSalle, IL 61301

Will County Route 66 Centennial Summit
2025-04-10 10:00 - 19:00 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Join local leaders, visionaries, and changemakers as we celebrate 100 years of progress and shape the next century of growth. Be part of the conversation—register now to make an impact!
OPTIONAL – PRE-SUMMIT ED SESSIONS 9 to 10 am Route 66 History and Preservation – John Weiss & Greg Peerbolte 10 to 11:30 am Reaching Visitors through Social Media – Unidos Marketing
LUNCH – ON YOUR OWN Suggestions provided by Joliet’s City Center Partnership
WILL COUNTY’S ROUTE 66 SUMMIT SCHEDULE 12:30 pm Arrival/Check In 1:00 pm Opening & Welcome – Greg Peerbolte and Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant
1:15 to 2:00 pm Mayor’s Panel – How Cities are Celebrating the Centennial Moderated by County Executive, Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant Joliet, Wilmington, and Pontiac
2:00 to 2:30 pm The First Hundred Miles of IL Route 66 – Bob Navarro Route 66 Grant Projects Marketing & Promotion 2:30 to 3:00 pm IL Route 66 Centennial Commission Update – Cory Jobe 3:00 to 3:45 pm State and National Centennial Efforts William Thomas, The Road Ahead Initiative Casey Claypool, IL Route 66 Scenic Byway 3:45 pm Wellness Break – Sponsored by The First Hundred Miles 4:00 pm Travels with Darley – Darley Newman Route 66 Illinois episode Bloopers and Q&A 5 – 7 pm Entertainment with Refreshments provided and Cash Bar.
Must Register to Attend – Registration Fee includes Dinner & Entertainment.

Think & Drink: Local Heritage Trees
2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Gaylord Building, Lockport, 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
For our next Think & Drink, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Heritage Trees—the towering witnesses of history that shape our landscape and communities.
Join us as Kris Bachtell, Vice President of Collections and Horticulture at Morton Arboretum, shares the remarkable stories behind these trees. From centuries-old oaks to hidden ecological gems, discover their historical, cultural, and environmental significance.
What makes a tree a “Heritage Tree”?
Which trees in our region have stories to tell?
How can we protect these living landmarks for future generations?
This engaging talk will highlight the deep-rooted connections between trees and our past, with plenty of insights for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world.
Cost is free and registration is recommended (includes Public Landing Restaurant discount).
Enjoy an evening of history, conversation & community at the Gaylord Building!

Misery
2025-04-10 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-04-11 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-04-12 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-04-13 19:00 - 22:00 | The Eagle Theatre, 319 N. Plum St., Pontiac, IL, 61764, United States
Vermillion Players is bringing us another great production with Misery.
Misery is a psychological thriller play based on Stephen King’s novel and was adapted by William Goldman. It follows author Paul Sheldon, who, after a car accident, is kidnapped by his obsessed fan, Annie Wilkes. The play explores themes of obsession, isolation, and the power dynamics between artist and fan.
This production is directed by Angie McKenzie and produced by Dylan Webster. Starring actors are Kalli Verdun, Anthony Gullo and Kyle Schiebert.
Viewer discretion is authorized as this production is intended for mature audiences only.

Karaoke
2025-04-10 19:00 - 23:00 | The Twisted Pin, 15610 Joliet Rd., Plainfield, IL, 60544, United States

Phill Angotti & Friends Play the Music of Elvis, Buddy & Chris
2025-04-11 19:00 - 22:00 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Phil Angotti & Friends live in the Joliet Area Historical Museum’s Indoor Auditorium venue on Friday, April 11th at 7pm (doors open 6:15pm).
Phil Angotti & Friends bring their talents to the JAHM Indoor Auditorium Theater, and they’ll being playing great tunes that you know from Buddy Holly, Elvis, and Chris Isaak! Enjoy great live music from Phil and his group of talented musician friends. Singing along, dancing & fun encouraged!
Doors at 6:15 pm, show at 7 pm. Beverage bar, snack vendor, museum gallery access.
Only $14 for Museum Members & $17 General Public.
Museum located at 204 N. Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet.
Register/Info go to www.jolietmuseum.org or call (815) 723-5201.
Walk-ups welcome while tickets last.

Amy Grant
2025-04-11 19:30 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Conventional wisdom has it that Amy Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map, becoming the first CCM artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts, and the first to perform at the GRAMMY Awards. Since then, Grant has been strumming her way through a thirty-plus year adventure as a singer-songwriter, author, television host, and speaker.
Early on, Grant’s iconic voice became instantly recognizable in both the Christian and pop worlds. Over the years, she has sold more than 30 million albums world-wide, including three multi-platinum, six platinum, and four gold. Her chart performance has also been consistent throughout her career, boasting six No. 1 hits, 10 Top 40 Pop singles, 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In recognition of such success, Grant has received 6 GRAMMY Awards and 26 Dove Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. Additionally, she was most recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
Grant resides with her family in Nashville, Tennessee, and is widely known for her philanthropy and tireless involvement in local causes and charitable organizations. Her own organization, The Helping Hands Foundation, has afforded her the opportunity to identify needs around her and the resources to help meet them, which has proven to be the sweetest reward of all.

Recycle Your Bicycle: Hidden Oaks Preserve
2025-04-12 08:00 - 19:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing Forest Preserve District of Will County program runs from Saturday, April 12, to Sunday, April 27.
Preserve hours are 8 a.m. to sunset.
Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle! The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes, an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes locally and globally as tools of empowerment. No bike is too old or rusty! Other drop-off locations include McKinley Woods Kerry Sheridan Grove in Channahon and Monee Reservoir in Monee.

Recycle Your Bicycle: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
2025-04-12 08:00 - 19:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
This ongoing program runs from Saturday, April 12, to Sunday, April 27. Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset.
Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle! The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes(Opens in a new window), an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes locally and globally as tools of empowerment. No bike is too old or rusty! Other drop off locations include Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook and Monee Reservoir in Monee.

10th Annual Superhero Fun Run
2025-04-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Superhero Fun Run 10K, 5K and Kids & Everyone 1K All levels of runners are welcome to this family friendly event where you can walk, run, or stroll(er) on a beautiful certified 5K route.
The Kids & EveryONE 1K is great for all fitness levels and abilities; it is mostly paved and suitable for adaptive bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs; all welcome! 10K to celebrate our 10th anniversary! Runners will have a 90 minute time limit and will run our beautiful 5K route twice with a modified start line.
OUR 2025 BENEFICIARY IS THE GRUNDY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM Starts and ends from the Grundy County Courthouse!
2025 April 12th 5K & 10K @ 9 AM 1K @ 10 AM 10 Year Superhero Celebration 10:30 – 12p REGISTER TODAY!

Grundy Chamber Family Fest
2025-04-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Shabbona Middle School, 725 School St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Family Fest is a local business expo that allows the kids to be focused on fun activities while their parents get to learn about organizations, businesses, and opportunities in the community!

Doggy Easter Egg Hunt
2025-04-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Draco Dog Park, 2104 S. Old Airport Rd., Pontiac, IL, 61764, United States
We are having a Doggy Easter Egg Hunt
Draco Dog Park, on Saturday, April 12th, at 10 AM!
The event is free, and we look forward to seeing you and your dogs!

National Poetry Month Open Mic & Festival
2025-04-12 18:00 - 22:00 | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
April is poetry month – come celebrate with us!
Poets & singers welcome * Free to attend & participate. Hosted by Joliet’s 1st Poet Laureate, Uxmar Torres!
Open mic slots are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Every open mic performer can recite 2 poems or 2 songs. Acoustic and a cappella verses only (that means no beats). No cover songs or reading of another artist’s work. Due to the nature and content of the event, performers and audience members under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Questions about the event can be sent via email to:uxmar@outlook.com

Bodeans
2025-04-12 20:00 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
With countless tunes you know from the first note, rip-roaring gigs you can count on, and a whole lot of energy you’ll take home with you, BoDeans continues to contribute to the American songbook as a tried-and-true institution.
Founded and led by original frontman, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Kurt Neumann, the band’s catalog consists of generational anthems such as Good Things, You Don’t Get Much, Idaho, and Closer To Free, just to name a few. However, they still reflect the soul and spirit of the modern American experience on their fourteenth full-length offering, 4 The Last Time.

Blippi: Join the Band Tour
2025-04-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Round Room Live and Moonbug Entertainment are proud to announce a new live show, Blippi: Join the Band Tour. The brand-new production features musicians playing LIVE on stage and promises to bring the vivacious, energetic, and educational antics of global sensation Blippi to stages across North America in a never-before-seen show, with a stop in Joliet on April 13th.
Join Blippi to make music in your hometown in the brand new live Blippi: Join the Band Tour! Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah along with their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians. They’ll explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, with fan-favorite Blippi hits. So grab your drumsticks, tune up your guitar, and move those feet with Blippi and get ready for a musical performance that’s fun for the whole family!
We are turning it up to 11 with the Blippi: Join the Band Tour this Spring, said Stephen Shaw, Founder and Co-President of Round Room Live. Blippi is a rockstar for today’s kids and has been delighting millions of children and families all over the world. A brand new show that amps up the excitement to an even higher volume with a live band onstage was the next logical step in continuing Blippi touring around the world.
Following the success of previous tours, Blippi: Join the Band Tour will bring families to their feet across the country to dance and sing along to their favorite Blippi hits as well as some brand new songs. Susan Vargo, Head of Global Experiences at Moonbug Entertainment added, Parents and kids alike will share in making music the Blippi way, with curiosity and silliness center stage!
Blippi on Tour has traveled the globe multiple times and has delighted millions of international fans throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with plans to visit many more new countries in 2024 and beyond.

Sam Burns & The Heritage Jazz Orchestra of Chicago
2025-04-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Celebrate National Jazz Appreciation Month with us!
The talented SAM BURNS will be joined by the HERITAGE JAZZ ORCHESTRA – the premier repertory jazz orchestra in Chicago, led by Luke Malewicz. Come enjoy this 27-piece band and Sam Burns as they pay tribute to the big band classics like Count Basie and more!
WHEN: Sunday, April 13 at 7:00 pm Approximately 90 minutes Lobby, cash bar & refreshments open at 6:00 pm
WHERE: Indoor theatre
FREE ADMISSION!
Courtesy of the American Federation of Musicians Local 37& the Musicians Performance Trust Fundin honor of National Jazz Appreciation Month!
