I & M Canal

Moss & Lichen: Hide & Seek
2026-01-17 09:30 - 10:45 (America/Chicago) | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
While many species become dormant over the winter, lichens and mosses are thriving! Come enjoy a winter morning learning about these unique and hardy species. This program will begin outside, hiking and searching for species in the wild. Then well head indoors for warm beverages and a closer look at some specimens under our scopes. Ages 10 or older. Registration required by Friday, Jan. 16: 815-722-9470.

Duck Discovery Day
2026-01-17 10:00 - 13:30 | Rock Run Rookery Preserve, 23065 S. Youngs Rd., Joliet, 60436, United States
Ages 18 and older. Did you know winter is a good time to learn how to identify migrating ducks? Well, suit up for this half-day program where we will travel to three different locations to see how many ducks we can find! After our duck-viewing adventure, we will end at Plum Creek Nature Center to view the Federal Duck Stamp Art Display while we get cozy by a fire, enjoy hot beverages and raffle off door prizes.We will meet at Rock Run Rookery Preserve then drive to Monee Reservoir and finish at Plum Creek Nature Center. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Ages 18 and older. Registration required by Thursday, Jan. 15: 708-946-2216.

Lunch & Movie - "Rescuers Down Under"
2026-01-17 11:00 - 13:00 | Pontiac Public Library, 211 E. Madison St., Ppontiac, IL, 61764, United States
Pack a lunch and join us for a free movie!

Ice & Lights Book Signing
2026-01-17 15:00 - 18:00 | Smokey Row Antique Shop, 112 Stephen Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
We are pleased to welcome Pat Camalliere, author of the Cora Tozzi Historical Mystery Series . Pat writes about and lives in Lemont.
Learn about the fascinating history of Lemont while enjoying Pat’s award-winning and bestselling novels. Each takes place in a different time period and brings new memorable characters from the past.
Stop in to get her latest release, or just to chat!

Lemont's Ice & Lights Fest
2026-01-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Historic Downtown Lemont, Canal & Stephen St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
The sixth annual Ice & Lights Fest will return to downtown Lemont featuring a day of ice carving displays, eventgoers can enjoy the shops, restaurants and holiday lights downtown.

There will be over 20 ice sculptures, sponsored by businesses, on display. The sculptures will remain on display until they melt away.
Activities will be held on Canal Street, including:

Nate Johnson of Johnson Studios Ice Sculptures will have a 2-ice block live carving demonstration

Fire performers

Roast marshmallows with the Lemont firefighters

Yoga & Hike
2026-01-18 09:00 - 22:30 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Start the day off right with yoga and a hike! This program includes a 35- to 45-minute all-levels yoga session and a 35- to 45-minute hike along our scenic trails. Ages 14 or older. Participant younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Saturday, Jan. 17: 815-722-9470.

"The Outsiders" by Joliet Drama Guild
2026-01-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
S.E. Hinton wrote The Outsiders when she was only sixteen, choosing to publish under her initials so boys would take her writing seriously. While the story’s events are fictional, the emotions, struggles, and relationships reflect real life. The novel (and play) follows Ponyboy Curtis, a sensitive Greaser who must navigate class conflict between the Greasers (the poorer kids) and the Socs (wealthier kids).
Through fights, friendships, and tragedy, Ponyboy learns that everyone—rich or poor—faces challenges and that there’s goodness (gold) in youth and innocence, even if it doesn’t last forever. Admission is $25 per person.

Extraordinarily Ordinary
2026-01-24 10:00 - 11:15 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Take a moment to appreciate some of the plants and animals that get brushed off as just ordinary. You may think you know those common creatures, but they have their secrets! Just because they are everywhere, doesnt mean theyre basic. Join a naturalist for a cozy morning in the Grand Hall to chat about some of the life you thought you knew. Ages 8 or older. Registration required by Friday, Jan. 23: 815-722-9470.

Crafting a la Cache: Handheld Habitat
2026-01-24 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-24 13:00 - 14:30 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
What is a habitat? Who calls each habitat home? Learn those answers by creating your own handheld habitat in an Altoids tin! An interpretive naturalist will join in to discuss different animal habitats and natural environments and offer tin-spirations for your project.All materials will be provided, but if you have small leftovers from previous craft projects of your own, this is a great opportunity to recycle and repurpose! Two sessions will be offered: Session 1: 10:30 a.m.-noon. Session 2: 1-2:30 p.m. Ages 5 and older. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Thursday, Jan. 22: 815-722-9301.

Ava Easter
2026-01-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Grace Theatre, 316 Main St., Princeton, 61356, United States
Ava Easter is a 26-year-old folk/indie singer-songwriter from Metamora, IL who has been uplifted by community found in the Peoria music scene and karaoke scenes alike. A firm believer of no subject being too difficult to relive and find catharsis in through music, she has formed a devoted fanbase drawn to her brutally honest lyrics and raw guitar and vocals. Admission is $15.00 per person.

Brick of Chicago
2026-01-25 14:00 - 15:30 | The Old Stone Church, 306 Lemont Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Will Quam is coming to LAHS! Join us for a fascinating look at Chicago brickits history, craftsmanship, and lasting influence on the city we know today.Will is the creator of Brick of Chicago@brickofchicago, an ongoing effort dedicated to documenting, researching, and preserving Chicagos rich brick heritage. Through photography, historical research, and on-site exploration, Will shares the stories behind Chicagos brickyards, distinctive brick patterns, and the skilled labor that shaped the citys architectural landscape. His work highlights how local materials, industry, and craftsmanship influenced neighborhoods across the region, including the Lemont area, and continues to educate and inspire history and architecture enthusiasts. Admission is free.

Mysterious World of Owls
2026-01-28 16:30 - 18:30 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
As the moon rises, so do the creatures of the night. Come to Four Rivers to learn about the owls that live in Will County. Learn about their unique adaptations, dissect an owl pellet and hike through the forest preserve after-hours in hopes to hear one of our feathered friends. Registration required by Monday, Jan. 26: 815-722-9470.

Nature's Art Box
2026-01-29 10:30 - 12:30 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Explore the wild side of creativity! Children ages 3-6 with an adult can enjoy hands-on nature-inspired art and activities. Supplies provided.

Vitamin String Quartet: The Music of Billie Eilish, Bridgerton & Beyond
2026-01-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) is one of the most popular string ensembles in the world. Erasing the boundaries between classical, dance, hip-hop and pop, VSQ performs spellbinding renditions of everything from Billie Eillish to BTS, Taylor Swift to The Weeknd, and Danny Elfman to Daft Punk. Praised by the likes of Buzzfeed, The New York Times, Consequences of Sound, Nerdist and more, VSQ has garnered over 2 billion streams and numerous Billboard chartings since its inception. VSQ can also be heard in numerous hit shows, Including Netflix’s Bridgerton, HBO’S Westworld, and ABC’S Modern Family.

Adult Lecture Series: Coyotes
2026-01-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States

Brett Young: 2.0 Tour
2026-01-30 20:00 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Riding the momentum of an incredible 2019, multi-platinum selling performer Brett Young shared details for his headlining The Chapters Tour. Hitting nearly 30 cities on the trek throughout the U.S. and Canada, Young brings his big stage presence beginning in January 2020 and featuring special guest Matt Ferranti.

Drew Lynch
2026-01-31 20:00 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
A comedian with a stutter is how Drew Lynch describes himself on his popular YouTube channel, and that description is certainly accurate. But it’s also misleading, because Lynch is so much more.
More than making people laugh (the job description of every comedian ever), Lynch’s mission is unique. Yes, he’s a comedian with a stutter, and he often makes his condition the punchline of his jokes. But whether in his videos, on stage, or acting in film and TV, Lynch applies his comedic gifts to dispel stereotypes and convey a message of perseverance, open-mindedness, and positivity.
Lynch didn’t originally set out to inspire anyone — or to be a stand-up comedian, for that matter. Relying on his boyish good looks and stutter-free charisma, he left his native Indianapolis to attend performing-arts high school in Las Vegas and, after graduating, moved to Los Angeles with aspirations of becoming an actor.
While hustling for acting gigs in 2011, he was derailed by a freak sports accident. Fielding grounders for the Flappers Comedy Club softball team, he took a couple balls to the head and throat and woke up with a speech impediment that still afflicts him. Stand-up comedy provided release, as well as an eager audience.
But his biggest break came in 2015, when he came in second place in the 10th season of America’s Got Talent, receiving the rare and prestigious Golden Buzzer courtesy of fellow comedian Howie Mandel. Since then, Lynch has made his condition both a cornerstone and a sideshow of his comedy routines, establishing himself (and a prodigious YouTube presence) and taking his show across the U.S. and Canada.

Full Moon: Family Bonfire
2026-02-01 17:00 - 18:30 | Prairie Bluff Preserve, 2025 Renwick Rd., Crest Hill, 60403, United States
Every moon tells a story of tides, time and seasonal changes. Join us across Will County for full moon nights throughout 2026 and discover where science and wonder meet beneath the glow of the moon! Our Full Moon: Family Bonfire at Prairie Bluff will feature panoramic views of the night sky at the open prairie space with smores and fireside trivia, facts and stories about the moon. Get cozy with your family and bring camp chairs and blankets or warm beverages to sit by the fire and enjoy the sights and sounds of the winter night while we revel at the moon. Registration required by Thursday, Jan. 29: 815-727-8700.

Moonlight Ski
2026-02-02 16:00 - 21:00 | Sagawau Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Ski by the light of the full moon. Ski rentals limited. Reservations required via SignUpGenius, available the Sunday before. Skiers with their own equipment must wear a free trail pass. Weather Dependent (Snow): Program runs only when trails are skiable (requires frozen ground and 5 inches of snow); call/email organizer to confirm.

Moonlight Hike
2026-02-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Sagawau Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Hike by the light of the full moon.

Eagle Walk & Talk
2026-02-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Dont be frightened by the cold! Its the perfect weather to see bald eagles! Warm up with a hot beverage and a fun chat about bald eagles, then take a short hike with a naturalist to hopefully see a few of these spectacular birds. Registration required by Monday, Feb. 2: 815-722-9470.

Modern Terrariums - A Guided, Social Plant Experience
2026-02-04 18:30 - 21:30 | Juliet’s Tavern, 205 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Join us for Modern Terrariums, a hands-on terrarium experience where participants will create a unique, living terrarium of their own in a relaxed and social setting. Guided instruction and all materials are provided, making this experience approachable for both beginners and plant lovers alike. All terrarium supplies are included in workshop registration.
This event takes place at Juliet’s Tavern, a beautifully restored historic restaurant known for serving some of the best American comfort food and cocktails in the area. Throughout the workshop, guests are welcome to order food and beverages directly from the Juliet’s Tavern menu. Price per person is $65.(Menu items and drinks are available for purchase and are not included in the ticket).

Trail Club: February at Lake Chaminwood
2026-02-05 15:00 - 16:00 | Lake Chaminwood Preserve, 24251 W. Shepley Rd., Minooka, IL, 60447, United States
Welcome to Trail Club! Each month we will meet at a different preserve for a brisk weekly walk to promote fitness and community! Join other walkers to beat the winter blues and embrace the beauty of the season. Trail Club will be held from January through March. Februarys walks will be two laps totaling 1.5 miles around Lake Chaminwood. Enter the preserve from Shepley Road and follow the access drive to the left for parking. Meet the group at the picnic shelter at the edge of the lake. Join us for any or all Trail Club sessions! Participants who attend at least three walks this season will earn a Trail Club sticker. If inclement weather affects a program, an update will be posted on this page the morning of.

Adult Lecture Series: Winter Sowing for Monarchs
2026-02-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Stay curious by discovering something new with Hidden Oaks Adult Lecture Series. Join naturalists as they share fascinating stories, science and natural histories of the wild world. This time around we will be getting our hands dirty! We will study the importance of common milkweed the host plant for the monarch butterfly and home to an assortment of other garden friends!Learn the ins and outs of winter seed sowing. You can help provide the migrating monarch butterflies an advantage by getting a head start on gardening season with the winter sowing method. Participants will leave with an upcycled greenhouse ready to be put outside to endure the winter weather while waiting for spring to arrive. Ages 16 and older. Registration required by Thursday, Feb. 5: 815-722-4121.

Four Rivers Wedding Open House
2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Dreaming of a beautiful, eco-friendly celebration? Start your journey at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center open house!Plan a truly unique wedding or event surrounded by nature. Stroll through our facility to get a feel for the space, view photos of past events and collect inspiration for your own green decorations. You can also chat with our friendly staff and meet approved caterers. Other vendors will be on-site to help you with your planning process. View our 2,000-gallon fish tank and hands-on exhibit gallery that you and your guests can enjoy during your event. The first 50 couples will go home with a special swag bag! Ages 18 or older. Registration recommended by calling 815-722-9470 or emailing fourrivers@fpdwc.org.

Motorcycle Swap Meet
2026-02-08 08:00 - 14:00 | Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
All kinds of great things can be found HERE!!! Grab all that old stuff sitting in the garage, and come out to Walneck’s motorcycle swap meet. $10 admission. Vending is $50 for a 10′ x 10′ spot. Please call to reserve spots 630-985-2905.
Admission $10.00 Under 15 are ‘FREE” Plus “FREE” Parking
Heated & connected buildings. Free Tables.
ONE LOW PRICE.$50.00. Great Food in Building.

Yoga & Hike
2026-02-08 09:00 - 10:30 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Start the day off right with yoga and a hike! This program includes a 35- to 45-minute all-levels yoga session and a 35- to 45-minute hike along our scenic trails. Ages 14 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Saturday, Feb. 7: 815-722-9470.

Lunar New Year
2026-02-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Embrace the promise of luck and prosperity in 2026 by honoring the Year of the Horse through festive activities, hands-on crafts, and lively performances.
