CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE
2025-05-04 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Tickets for CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE will go on-sale Friday, February 21st.
Pre-sales beginning today, Tuesday, February 18th. For tickets and additional information, visit Rialtosquare.com. CoComelon’s favorite teacher Ms. Appleberry welcomes JJ, his friends and YOU to come along on a Melon Patch Musical field trip! In CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE, dance and sing along with JJ, Nina, Cody, Cece and all of their friends to some of your favorite bops, including If You’re Happy and You Know It, Wheels on the Bus, Animal Dance, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, Freeze Dance, and many more! Jam with the fam and dance every chance you get in this new musical journey, coming to a city near you!

A Dance with Death - A Murder Mystery
2025-05-07 11:15 - 15:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
This 1950’s sock hop is a doo wop disaster!
When a death on the dance floor makes this fun night a disaster, it is up to you to get this dance back on track. Gather clues about the crime to reveal the punk that made this hop go to nowheresville.
Lunch Entree: Jake’s Chicken Cordon Bleu: Grilled chicken breast served open with ham, cheese, and bearnaise sauce, with a side of chef’s choice starch and vegetable.
Price is $60 per guest.

Wild Bill Days
2025-05-08 08:00 - 18:00 | North Utica, 101 E. Canal, North Utica, 61373, United States
The LaSalle County Historical Society invites you to join us for a weekend filled with family fun and entertainment celebrating LaSalle County’s most famous native, Wild Bill Hickok. The weekend will include an 8 scene re-enactment of the life and times of James Butler Hickok (one performance each day). Also included on this wild west weekend will be the Buffalo Bill’s Best of the Wild West Show, an 80-minute live arena performance on Saturday &Sunday featuring numerous horse acts, rolling stock, trick shooters, as well as the legendary performers that made the Wild West THE extravaganza to see around the world. More information coming soon!

Think & Drink - Demystifying AI: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping Our Future
2025-05-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Gaylord Building, Lockport, 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just science fiction anymore—it’s changing the way we live, work, and explore the world. Join us at the Gaylord Building for a lively and accessible conversation about how AI is shaping our future!
For May’s Think & Drink, researchers from Argonne National Laboratory will explain what AI really is (and what it isn’t), how scientists are using it to accelerate groundbreaking discoveries, and what emerging technologies could mean for our everyday lives.
Whether you’re an AI skeptic, enthusiast, or just curious about the future, this program promises to be informative, accessible, and engaging.
Free! Registration recommended (includes Public Landing Restaurant discount – details below)
About the panelists:
Christopher Knight
Christopher Knight is a computational scientist at Argonne, leading efforts in materials and chemistry research. His team uses AI-enabled supercomputers to develop cutting-edge simulations that help solve complex scientific challenges across multiple disciplines.
Tim Hobbs
Tim Hobbs is a theoretical physicist whose research in quantum chromodynamics combines quantum field theory, advanced computing, and AI to better understand nucleon structure, particle interactions, and the fundamental building blocks of matter.
Gillian King-Cargile (moderator)
Gillian King-Cargile is a science communicator at Argonne, where she partners with scientists to tell powerful stories about groundbreaking research and the discoveries shaping our future. She’s also an author of books for children and adults that explore science and imagination.
Reserve your spot today!

Karaoke Night
2025-05-08 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-05-15 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-05-22 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!

#IMOMSOHARD
2025-05-08 19:30 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
From the creators of #IMOMSOHARD, Jen and Kristin are heading out on a Fall Tour, with a brand new show: LADIES NIGHT!
Guaranteed to make you laugh, and maybe pee your pants, these two dive into all things womanhood, motherhood, and friendship. There are new things to talk about and some old things to talk about in new ways like surviving marriage, fashion, and the tween-teen years. These two may be older but they are only getting better. Or bitter. Let’s go with better. Let’s all get together and find a way to laugh at the stuff that usually makes us cry. This show is rowdy, raucous, and a little bit naughty. Get a group of your lady friends, or fly solo, you can even bring your husband (make sure he sits in the front row) and get ready to laugh. #IMOMSOHARD LIVE: LADIES NIGHT! is the night you need and deserve.

Roses and Rose' for Mother's Day Workshop
2025-05-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Uptown Grill, 601 1st St., LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Join us as we team up with Petals By Peyton to create a beautiful and unique wine bottle bouquet perfect for Mothers Day gifting or for yourself to enjoy. Includes a bottle of Rose & all materials for your bouquet.

Seneca Lumberyard Farmers' Market
2025-05-10 08:00 - 14:00 | The Lumberyard, 113 W. William St., Seneca, IL, 61360, United States
Join us for The Lumberyard’s very first Farmers Market in Seneca!
We’re bringing together fresh produce, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind finds to create a space where our community can gather, shop, and support local businesses.
Don’t miss out!

3 French Hens Market
2025-05-10 08:00 - 14:00 | 3 French Hens French Country Market, 402 Liberty St., Morris, 60450, United States
It’s 3 French Hens French Country Market weekend in Morris!
Back in its Downtown location, this open-air market runs 8AM-2PM.
Boasting nearly 100 vintage, handmade, and culinary vendors, the market is situated among more than 55 locally-owned shops, restaurants, bars and boutiques. We invite you to come for the market and spend the day in our charming Downtown.

Lockport Historic District - 50th Anniversary Celebration
2025-05-10 16:00 - 18:00 | The Roxy
Lockport Historic District – 50th Anniversary Celebration
This year marks 50 years since downtown Lockport was officially designated a historic district and placed on the National Register of Historic Places—and you’re invited to celebrate this milestone!
Hosted by our friends at Main Street Lockport, this special event will highlight the formation of the historic district, major renovations over the decades, and the ongoing efforts to preserve Lockport’s architectural treasures. Enjoy presentations by distinguished speakers Jerry Adelmann, Ron Lif, and Lance Thies, each offering unique insights into Lockport’s remarkable journey from canal town to heritage destination.
Your ticket includes:
-First drink on the house (cash bar after)
-Appetizers by Lock & Mule
-Anniversary cake to close the event
-An afternoon at the beautiful ROXY Lockport!
Lockport’s downtown remains one of the best-preserved examples of a canal-era commercial district in Illinois—thanks to decades of dedication by the community. Come be part of this celebration of history, resilience, and pride!
Tickets are limited—reserve yours today!
Looking for a place to eat before or after the event? Make reservations at Public Landing Restaurant! Located inside the Gaylord Building along the historic I&M Canal. Call 815-838-6500.

Education Day 1 - Slammers vs. Quebec Capitales
2025-05-13 10:00 - 13:30 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Get your game face on for Education Day at the ballpark!
It’s where textbooks meet baseballs, and fun facts fly as fast as the pitches. From math in the stands to history on the scoreboard, we’re making learning a home run! Grab your glove, it’s time to hit the books and the ballpark!

Education Day 2 - Joliet Slammers vs. Quebec Capitales
2025-05-14 10:00 - 13:30 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Welcome to Education Day – where the only thing more exciting than a grand slam is a learning curve!
It’s a day filled with trivia, teamwork, and taking a swing at knowledge. School’s in session, but the classroom is the ballpark!

Cody Calkins - Hegeler Carus Mansion Third Thursday Concerts
2025-05-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Hegeler Carus Mansion presents Third Thursday Concert Series May and September.
Enjoy live music, food trucks, 50/50 raffles, mansion fun facts, and more. Guests bring their own chairs or blankets and enjoy music under the tree canopy on the Mansions West Lawn. Bring your friends and family for a spectacular evening! Bands play on the west lawn of the Mansion.
Special sponsors are acknowledged at the beginning of each concert.
For the latest concert updates at Facebook.com/hegelercarus
Gates open at 6:00 pm Concerts begin at 6:30 pm Bands play until 8:00 pm.

Peru's TBM Avenger Reunion & Salute to Veterans
2025-05-16 11:00 - 22:00 | Illinois Valley Regional Airport, 4251 Ed Urban Dr., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
Peru’s TBM Avenger Reunion & Salute to Veterans
Friday Schedule:
11 AM – Gates Open
1 PM – 4 PM Airshow featuring:
-USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon VIPER Demo Team
-US Air Force Heritage Flight (F-16/P-51)
-TBM Avengers
-Illinois Air National Guard C-130H Flyby
-Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star
-2x AD-1 Skyraider
-Fairchild PT-26 Cornell
-Vultee BT-13 Valiant
-North American SNJ/T-6 Texans
-Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor
-Douglas C-47 Skytrain
**Evening Activities INCLUDE concert & beer garden. Plus tons of terrific aircraft on display and MORE!
6 PM – Evening Airshow Begins featuring:
-USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon VIPER Demo Team
-US Air Force Heritage Flight (F-16/P-51)
-JP Mellor Aerobatics in the T-6 Texan “Spanish Lady”
-2x AD-1 Skyraider
-Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star
-Fairchild PT-26 Cornell
-Vultee BT-13 Valiant
-North American SNJ/T-6 Texans
-Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor
-Douglas C-47 Skytrain
After 8 PM:
-Titan Aerobatic Team Night Airshow
-The World Famous TBM Avenger Glow
-FIREWORKS to close the night

Ottawa's Third Fridays
2025-05-16 17:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Ottawa, 223 W. Madison, Ottawa, 61350, United States
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 fantastic restaurants.

Chicago & The Civil War Navy - Chicago Maritime Museum
2025-05-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Chicago Maritime Museum, 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago, IL, 60609, United States
Joseph Gamble will present his research on a little-known Civil War gunboat fleet from Chicago.
With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the US Navy realized it would need a fleet of gunboats to control the western rivers from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. To furnish the sailors and equipment for this fighting ‘brown water navy’ the city of Chicago took up the challenge. While the connections between Chicago and the Union Army are well-documented, the city’s impact on the Naval service has often been overlooked.
This presentation will showcase new research on the impact and experiences of Chicago sailors in the Western Gunboat Fleet during the Civil War.
In person or via Zoom. Go online at chicagomaritimemuseum.org to register.

Clean Sweep Lockport
2025-05-17 08:30 - 12:30 | City of Lockport
Help Clean, Sweep & Plant Downtown Lockport!
Sign up for Clean Sweep!
Free t-shirts and lunch for Volunteers! (Grilling hot dogs on the plaza.)
Don’t forget your hats, gloves & sunscreen. Water will be provided.

ACTION PLAN:
• Weed, Plant & Mulch Public Gardens (at South Public Landing)
• I&M Canal Path Trash Pick-Up (Division to 2nd Street)
• Beautify Volunteer Garden (1035 S. State Street)
Sign up online or call: (800) 600-2489.

A Walk Thru Time - A Living History Event
2025-05-17 10:00 - 17:00 | Will County Heritage Village Open Air Museum, 249 W. 2nd St., Lockport, 60441, United States
Take a tour through time from the Roman Empire to the 20th Century.
Explore our original 19th Century buildings furnished to the time period. Open to the public. Historical reenacts and activities throughout the weekend. Free admission.
Catholic Mass at 4:15. Bring a chair.
For more information: 815.838.5080 or info@willhistory.org

Pullman Railroad Days 2025
2025-05-17 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, 60628, United States
Historic Pullman Foundation invites you to step back in time and experience the golden age of rail travel during the Fourth Annual Pullman Railroad Days May 17–18 at Pullman National Historical Park. A beloved celebration of American railroad history, industrial innovation, and cultural legacy, the weekend promises two unforgettable days filled with captivating exhibits, neighborhood tours, family fun, and living history.
Presented in partnership with Metra and the American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners (AAPRCO), the event features exclusive access to beautifully restored Pullman railcars on display at the 111th Street/Pullman Metra Electric Station. Two of the railcars featured at this year’s event are the 1928 “SuitsMe,” originally built for the president of the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad, and the 1953 “Promontory Point,” a long-distance sleeper turned executive business car.
Beyond the railcars, the park will be alive with activities for all ages. Hop aboard Little Obie, a replica train that will travel all around the national park. Or, visit the Model Train Extravaganza at Historic Pullman Exhibit Hall—featuring hundreds of feet of miniature track and vintage model trains, courtesy of Chicago’s top model railroad clubs. Guests can also ride a Pullman-era CTA bus around the historic community.
Walking tours will offer a closer look at Pullman’s rich legacy, including the popular Tragedy to Innovation Tour, the Illinois Labor History Tour, and the First Sunday Walking Tour of the historic district. Live entertainment, food from local favorites, an antique car show, and featured exhibits will round out the festival experience.
Tickets are available now, with early-bird pricing of $25 ($22 for HPF members) through May 9. After that, regular admission will be $35 ($30 for members). Children under 12 are free, and new HPF memberships are 50% off during the event. To purchase tickets go to bit.ly/PullmanRRD, or visit pullmanil.org for more details.
Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast, a history lover, or just looking for a great day of family fun, Pullman Railroad Days are a rare chance to experience Chicago’s only national park in full motion.

Peru's TBM Avenger Reunion & Salute to Veterans
2025-05-17 12:00 - 17:00 | Illinois Valley Regional Airport, 4251 Ed Urban Dr., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
Peru’s TBM Avenger Reunion & Salute to Veterans
Saturday Schedule:
Gates Opening Time TBA
12 Noon – Opening Ceremonies, Veterans Parade & Honor Walk
Veterans Salute
12:20 PM – Missing Man Salute & Salute to Veterans Parade
1 PM – 4:45 PM – Airshow Featuring:
-USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon VIPER Demo Team
-US Air Force Heritage Flight (F-16/P-51)
-TBMs Galore!
-Titan Aerobatic Team
-Skydive Chicago
-JP Mellor Aerobatics in the T-6 Texan “Spanish Lady”
-2x AD-1 Skyraider
-Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star
-Fairchild PT-26 Cornell
-Vultee BT-13 Valiant
-North American SNJ/T-6 Texans
-Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor
-Douglas C-47 Skytrain

Looking for Lincoln Wayside Exhibit Dedication Ceremony
2025-05-17 12:30 - 15:00 | Strevell House, 401 W. Livingston St., Pontiac, IL, 61764, United States
You’re invited!
The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, City of Pontiac, and the Livingston County Historical Society invite you to the dedication of Pontiac’s newest Looking for Lincoln Wayside Exhibit sponsored by the Union Pacific Railroad. The wayside exhibit explores the story of Albert Cashier, a Civil War soldier who later settled in Livingston County.
The dedication will take place Saturday, May 17th, at 12:30PM at the Strevell House at 401 W Livingston Street in Pontiac. Light refreshments will be served at the Strevell House after the ceremony and the house will be open for tours from 1:00PM to 3:00PM!

Pontiac Cruise Nights
2025-05-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pontiac, Downtown, Pontiac, 61764, United States
You’re invited to join us for our 2025 Cruise Season.
Pontiac Cruise Nights are the 3rd Saturday of each month, May through August, located Downtown Pontiac, 2 blocks South of City Hall.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to construction in our downtown area, the entrance and location of our 2025 Cruise Nights will be a bit different. Please enter Mill St. from Water and follow the instructions of the volunteers. Cruise night cars will be parked in and around Block 59. We ask that all participants avoid the Historic County Courthouse grounds due to safety. Welcome Dustin & Donna Cook with Twizted Machinez Car & Truck Club as this years’ hosts, along with the return of Jd’s DJ Service.
We’re excited for an amazing Cruise Season this year!

Android Paranoid - A Tribute to Radiohead Concert
2025-05-17 19:00 - 21:30 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
The Rooftop Outdoor Music Series at the Joliet Area Historical Museum opens May 17th featuring ANDROID PARANOID paying tribute to Radiohead!
ANDROID PARANOID pay tribute to Radiohead with a theatrical performance recreating their once-in-a-generation music with painstaking detail. They use everything from specially modified guitars, orchestral instruments, and modular synthesizers to bring all the sounds found on Radiohead’s records to the stage. 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of The Bends, Radiohead’s first album masterpiece, and ANDROID PARANOID will be performing the album from front-to-back.
There is general seating for all guests, and reserved tables are available on a first-come first-served basis.
Ticket prices start at $14 for museum members & $16 general public. Many shows do sell out, so we suggest registering on-line.
In addition to great live music, there is a beverage bar (beer, wine, mixed drinks, pop, water) snack vendor, and access to museum galleries for all paying guests.
Doors open at 6:15 pm, shows start at 7pm. Register/Info go to www.jolietmuseum.org or call (815) 723-5201. Walk-ups welcome while tickets last.

A Walk Thru Time - A Living History Event
2025-05-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Will County Heritage Village, 249 West 2nd Street,, Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
Take a tour through time from the Roman Empire to the 20th Century.
Explore our original 19th Century buildings furnished to the time period. Open to the public. Historical reenacts and activities throughout the weekend. Free admission.
For more information: 815.838.5080 or info@willhistory.org

5th Annual Kites in Flight Festival - Ottawa
2025-05-18 11:00 - 15:00 | Peck Park – Ottawa, 1498 State St., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Get ready to soar at the 5th Annual Kites in Flight
Happening on May 18, 2025, at a brand- new location—Peck Park, 1498 State Street, Ottawa, IL 61350!
This year, we’re partnering with the Ottawa Exploreum Children’s Museum Committee to make it bigger, better, and even more exciting!
New Features & More Fun:
Unlimited bouncing fun with a $5 wristband for kids, giving them all-day access to the bounce houses and a pop-up experience from the Ottawa Exploreum. Craftier crafts, bouncier bounce houses, and more entertainment for the whole family! Hoping for even stronger winds to get the big kites soaring high!
Professional Kite Demos:
Watch awe-inspiring aerial displays by the Chicago Kite Company and feel the magic as colorful kites dance across the sky. Plus, bring your own kite or purchase one on-site to join the fun!
Family-Friendly Activities:
Live entertainment
Candy drop
Balloon artists
Face painting
Food & Craft Vendors:
Gather your family and friends for an unforgettable day of kite flying and community celebration. Whether you’re an experienced kite flyer or just looking for some outdoor fun, Kites in Flight has something for everyone.
For the latest updates and event details, be sure to follow the Ottawa Exploreum Children’s Museum official Facebook page. Let’s make this the best year yet!

Til Death Do Us Part - A Murder Mystery
2025-05-20 11:15 - 14:30 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Join us for a (not so) beautiful wedding day interrupted by the murder of a member of the wedding party!
Help the bridezilla and her unenthused fiancée get their wedding back on track by solving the case of this marriage murder mystery.
Lunch Entree: Jake’s Chicken Cordon Bleu: Grilled chicken breast served open with ham, cheese, and bearnaise sauce, served with chef’s choice starch and vegetable.
Price: $60 per guest.

First Responder Night/ Guns & Hoses - Joliet Slammers vs. The Washington Wild Things
2025-05-22 18:30 - 22:00 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Sound the sirens, it’s First Responders Night at the ballpark!
Join us as we salute the real-life heroes who always rush in when we need them. With special honors, high-fives, and a whole lot of gratitude, this night is all about showing our love for the men and women who keep us safe.
