I & M Canal

Three French Hens French Country Market
2024-10-12 08:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | 3 French Hens French Country Market, 402 Liberty St., Morris, 60450, United States
Our Summer Market Schedule is here!
Save the dates and join us for the very best outdoor market around.
We can’t wait to see you!

Monster Mash Balloon Bash
2024-10-12 08:30 - 17:00 | Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Join us on Saturday, October 12th as Princeton Tourism, Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Bureau County Fair reimagine Scarecrow Festival.
We are ecstatic to announce that the hot air balloons are making a grand return to be part of Princeton’s first-ever….
• MONSTER MASH BALLOON BASH •
Tricks, Treats, and Scares
at the Bureau County Fair!!!
Events for the day will include:
• Trick-or-Treating on Main Street!
• Kids Costume Contest!
• Bureau County Fair’s Annual Halloween Parade followed by a performance of the Hocus Pocus Hags!
• Nightmare Haunted Attraction celebrating 21 years of spooks, scares, and screams!
• Petting Zoo!
• Food Vendors!
• Fun Activities for Kids!
• Hot Air Balloon Glow & Tethered Rides!
• And So Much More!!!

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details to follow.

This is one event you won’t want to miss! Please follow our Facebook pages to stay up-to-date on all of the latest details!!!

Fall Migratory Bird Hike
2024-10-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, 60491, United States
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day in the fall!
Join other birders, beginners and experts alike, for a hike into the woods to see some of Will County’s favorite migratory birds. Birds migrating in the fall may not sing so loudly or be so brightly colored, but that only makes them more exciting to discover along the way.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 12 or older. Registration required by Friday, Oct. 11, by calling 815-722-9470 or online.
This hike will be up to 1.5 miles and take place on natural trails 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.

Starved Rock Saplings Storytime: Seeds, Seeds, Sow Many Seeds
2024-10-12 09:30 - 10:30 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
Story time for young children!!

Wonderkids Weekend Edition: Leaves
2024-10-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Calling all families with preschoolers! Join us for a hands-on program designed for your little one.
program is geared toward children ages 2 to 5 and is complete with tons of facts, singing, story time, table activities and crafts.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 2-5. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.) Registration required by Thursday, Oct. 10, by calling 815-722-9301 or online.
We have limited space, so please register everyone attending, including all adults. Isle a la Cache Museum is an accessible facility. Outdoor activities will take place on paved paths and natural surfaces across 1 mile of 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.

Pumpkin Fun Run
2024-10-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Hadley Valley, 18304 Goougar Rd., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Celebrate the fall season with the Pumpkin Fun Run!
This event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities who enjoy getting active outdoors. Take in the sights and sounds of fall as you cruise through beautiful Hadley Valley. After crossing the finish line, choose the perfect pumpkin to take home. Each participant will also receive a free doughnut and apple cider, and Lil Deb’s Mobile Eats will be onsite to help with your snacking needs. Fall activities will be waiting at the finish line.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. Registration required by Friday, Oct. 11, by calling 815-727-8700 or online.
Strollers are welcome. Please no rollerblades, bicycles or dogs. The fun run is just less than 2.5 miles on a crushed limestone surface. 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.

Spooky Craft Lab Weekend
2024-10-12 11:00 - 15:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Monsters, marionettes and more! Creatively craft a collection of decorations, toys or games all in the spirit of Halloween. A variety of examples plus instructions will be on display in the Grand Hall to inspire you as you dare to design your own Halloween art project. All supplies will be provided.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Four Rivers Environmental Education 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.

54th Annual Burgoo Festival
2024-10-12 11:00 - 18:00, 2024-10-13 09:00 - 17:00 | LaSalle County Historical Society and Museum, 101 E. Canal St., North Utica, 61373, United States
Join the LaSalle County Historical Society for our 54th Annual Burgoo Festival!!
Fun starts on Saturday when over 375 vendors will be set up in and around our Canal Market Building (210 Clark Street) from 11-6pm. Stick around to see how our famous Burgoo Stew is created when we kick off cooking at 7pm. The stew will then cook throughout the night until it is ready to be served at 9am on Sunday.
Sunday is the big day when over 375 vendors line the streets of the quaint Village of Utica. Live entertainment will be provided both Saturday and Sunday in addition to live blacksmithing demos and children’s activities.

Ottawa's Smoketober Fest
2024-10-12 12:00 - 17:00 | Jordan Block, 123 W. Main St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Join us on Saturday, October 12, 2024, for Ottawa’s Smoketober Fest & BBQ Competition
at the Jordan Block in beautiful downtown Ottawa,
from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Enjoy live music, rib tasting, whiskey and bourbon tastings, and an exciting BBQ competition. This year, we’re thrilled to introduce brisket to the competition, with competitors starting their cooking on Friday night. Stay tuned for potential plans to add a tailgate party on Friday, October 11.

Simply Patsy
2024-10-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Festival 56, 316 S. Main St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
A Tribute to Patsy Cline by Mary Pfeifer and the Pearl Handle Band.

Trick-or-Treat in the Woods: Hickory Creek Preserve
2024-10-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Hickory Creek Preserve, 10537 W. LaPorte Rd., Mokena, IL, 60448, United States
Experience the woods like never before! Come dressed in costume and hike along a glowing trail to learn what goes bump in the woods at night. Visit spooky stations, but beware! Will tricks or treats await? Enjoy a crackling fire while roasting marshmallows for s’mores. This program is a night hike, not a parking lot trunk or treat.
Two sessions will be offered:

Session 1: 6-7 p.m.
Session 2: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Fee: $5 per person. Age: All ages. (Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.)
Registration required by Friday, Oct. 11, by calling 815-727-8700 or online.
This program fills quickly, so don’t delay! The hike will be up to 1 mile 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.

Morris Cruise Nights
2024-10-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
We actively contribute to the community by supporting local charities through generous donations. Every year, we carefully select five charitable organizations to participate in Morris Cruise Night. These organizations are given the opportunity to sell 50/50 raffle tickets and operate concessions during the event. The selection process takes place in January, and detailed information and application forms can be found on our website’s Become a Beneficiary page.
In addition to supporting local charities, we are committed to promoting the local merchants of Morris. We exclusively feature local vendors, ensuring a unique and authentic experience for our visitors. We encourage cruisers and spectators to arrive early and explore the historic downtown area, which offers a wide range of shops and restaurants. Conveniently situated between the Illinois River and Interstate 80 at Exit 112, our location provides easy access for all.
The Morris Cruise Night Committee is comprised entirely of passionate volunteers who work throughout the year to ensure the success of each event. From pre-planning and organization, to setup, registration, parking, and traffic management, our team is dedicated to creating an enjoyable experience for participants and spectators alike. If you would like to join the Morris Cruise Night Committee and contribute to this remarkable organization, please do not hesitate to contact us. We always welcome new volunteers!
Our event proudly showcases a captivating array of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. From timeless classics to the latest models, from muscle cars to creatively customized rides, you will find a diverse show that is constantly evolving. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets, immersing yourself in the exciting atmosphere accented by delightful music. Morris Cruise Night is a fun and family-oriented event that guarantees a memorable experience for all.

Simply Patsy
2024-10-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Festival 56, 316 S. Main St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
A tribute to Patsy Cline and the Pearl Handle Band.

A Murder is Announced
2024-10-12 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-10-13 14:00 - 16:30 | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Unable to resist the mysterious invitation, a crowd begins to gather for …
“A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED” A Miss Marble Mystery by Agatha Christie Directed by Elana Carmine
OCTOBER 11, 12 & 13, 2024
Friday & Saturday – 7:00 pm
Sunday – 2:00 pm Indoor theatre performance.
TICKETS $10 adults $5 seniors & students General admission. Tickets available at the door & online ( no extra mystery fees!): https://shorturl.at/R5aWE
LOBBY, BAR & REFRESHMENTS Open 1 hour before each show. Try Delicious Death chocolate cake & more!
ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE The villagers of Chipping Cleghorn, including Jane Marple, are agog with curiosity over an advertisement in the local gazette which reads: ‘A murder is announced and will take place on Friday October 13th, at Little Paddocks at 6.30 p.m.’ A childish practical joke? Or a hoax intended to scare poor Letitia Blacklock?
Unable to resist the mysterious invitation, a crowd begins to gather at Little Paddocks at the appointed time when, without warning, the lights go out…

Hayride of Horror & The Curse of the Bayou
2024-10-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Dellwood Park, Woods Drive, Lockport, 60441, United States
Explore the most haunted place in Lockport with two thrilling attractions:
Hayride of Horror and the Curse of the Bayou!
� Fridays & Saturdays | 7 PM – 10 PM | In October (October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26)
� Last 2 Sundays (October 20 & 27) | 6 PM – 9 PM
• Hayride of Horror: Ride through the heart of Dellwood Park while the spirits of the long-forgotten welcome you home. Dark and mysterious forces will play with your imagination as our creatures inspire fear. Eerie movies will air on our 20-foot outdoor movie screen while you await your Hayride of Horror, and our bonfire will warm you while keeping the evil from incinerating your soul.
• Curse of the Bayou: Are you one of the brave souls to seek out the underground of Dellwood Park? We dare you to attempt the Curse of the Bayou. This haunted attraction has been hidden in the canyons below the Hayride of Horror. The veil between the living and the dead has been lifted, and a powerful Voodoo Priestess has been called forth from her home in the swamps. She commands a legion of fiendish monsters to assist her so that she may stay in this realm, wreaking havoc. Do you carry the still beating heart she yearns for? You must navigate the treacherous maze to escape, or risk being her next victim. The Curse of the Bayou is not recommended for young children. Parental guidance is suggested. This is a walking attraction with an uneven trail, tight corners, low ceilings, strobe lighting, fog and loud noises.
Ticket Prices: • $15 for one attraction • $25 for both attractions • $35 Speed Pass for both attractions Last ticket sold at 10 PM.
Cash or Credit. Line entertainment will keep you both terrified and delighted. Food and drinks available for purchase.
For more information visit lockportpark.org to Purchase tickets Private rentals and Group Discounts Available. Sponsored by CITGO.

Shadows of the Blue & Gray
2024-10-13 | City County Park, IL 126, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Visit beautiful City-County park in Princeton, IL as Shadows of the Blue and Gray presents our 28th year of family friendly Civil War Living History.
This event is open to the public for a nominal fee of $5 per person with those 3 years old and under, free.
Spend time walking through the camps and talking with our reenactors about camp life. All reenactors are eager to share their experiences. Children are able to complete a scavenger hunt and claim a prize.
There will be Presentations this year in the main pavilion. General Grant and President Lincoln, along with a third being announced soon.
A narrated mock battle will be performed on both Saturday and Sunday. You will be able to watch Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery perform their duties. After the battle will be a surgery at the Medical tent.
We are pleased to once again be able to offer a free School Day on Friday. All local private, public and home schools are encouraged to attend. Please use the phone number in the Contacts tab to set up an appointment for your group.
Plan to come early and stay for the day. There are food options available or you can bring your own and relax at our dining area.

Not So Scary Hayride
2024-10-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Dellwood Park, 1911 S. Lawrence Ave.,, Lockport, 60441, United States
Perfect for kids who don’t like to be scared!
Join us on October 13th & 14th from 2 PM to 5 PM for a fun-filled afternoon.
Activities include: Live performance with Miss Jamie’s Farm at 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM, Hayrides and fun games, Face painting, Beanie’s Candy Store, S’mores & Candy, Special appearance from the Ghostbusters.
Costumes are encouraged!
Date: October 13 & 14 Time: 2 PM – 5 PM
Cost: $10/person Get your tickets and reserve your timeslot at lockportpark.org.
NO on-site ticket sales. Purchase tickets on website
Please print a copy of your receipt or be prepared to show your receipt on your phone. Sponsored by CITGO.

Lemont Unlocked
2024-10-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Lemont Village Hall, 418 Main St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
This free public event will provide behind-the-scenes access to architecturally, historically and culturally significant sites throughout Downtown on Sunday, October 13. Locations for the 2024 event will be revealed in the coming weeks!
This tour is self guided. Stop by our tent outside Village Hall at any point from 2-5pm to pick up your ticket and custom map guide. There will be volunteers at most locations to show you around!
All tours are taken at the participant’s own risk. All participating locations assume no responsibility for the safety of any persons or personal property while on tours.

Autumn on the River
2024-10-14 11:00 - 15:00 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
Tour begins with lunch at 11am in the historic dining room at the Lodge, followed by a narrated trolley tour with history and legends of the area. The trolley will then take you to the new river boat, The Eagle I where you will see the beautiful fall foliage of the Starved Rock State Park area by water. There are restrooms available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved.
$60 adults, $55 children 10 and under.

Not So Scary Hayride
2024-10-14 14:00 - 17:00 | Dellwood Park, Woods Drive, Lockport, 60441, United States

Lost & Found: Remnants of Savannas & Old Growth Forests
2024-10-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
This ongoing program runs from Tuesday, Oct. 15, to Sunday, Dec. 29.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays and
noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
This traveling exhibition presents the work of landscape photographer Miles Lowry. Through remarkable photographs, Lowry captures the grace and grandeur in what remains of the vast forests and savannas that once covered the eastern half of the United States. Since 2001, he has searched out and documented restored savannas and pockets of old-growth forests, focusing attention on these now-rare landscapes. His images are often presented as constructed panoramas — several square images combined into one multiple-framed composition.
The Lost and Found exhibition is brought to you through the generous support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
This exhibit is fully inclusive, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Four Rivers 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

Indige-Facts
2024-10-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
This ongoing program runs from
Saturday, Sept. 21, to Sunday, Dec. 8. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesdays to Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Are Native Americans U.S. citizens? How many Indigenous people live in this country? Do all American Indians live on reservations? What are the right words to describe the people who have always lived here? It is common for people to have questions about the lives and experiences of Native peoples. Still, knowing where to find answers or who to ask can be challenging. That is why the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian has set out to share information about Native Americans with the public through Indige-Facts, its new traveling exhibit.
Indige-Facts features facts about contemporary Native Americans. The traveling exhibit covers topics ranging from accepted terminology and population size to the sovereign rights of Native people. Indige-Facts is a great way to educate yourself on contemporary Native life in the United States. This exhibition is on loan from the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Evanston and is brought to Isle a la Cache Museum through the generous support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
Isle a la Cache 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.

Matt Fraser - America's Top Psychic Medium
2024-10-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Matt Fraser is America’s Top Psychic Medium and star of the hit television series on E! Entertainment.
His sold-out live events, television appearances, and spiritual teachings have allowed him to bring healing, hope & laughter to a global audience of fans and followers from all around the world. From heartfelt emotional readings to stunning revelations, Matt Fraser has audiences on the edge of their seats with his outrageous personality and unique approach to mediumship.
His readings lead guests through a rollercoaster of emotions from laughing to crying, turning skeptics into believers with stunning details. His dynamic readings frequently include names, dates, and locations he couldn’t possibly know, only adding to his long-established reputation. Matt’s uncanny abilities and extreme accuracy have allowed him to reach millions world-wide from A-list celebrities and influencers, to people all over the world looking to get in touch with those they have lost.
The New York Times Bestselling Author of We Never Die and a psychic phenomenon, Matt has caught the attention of major media outlets across the nation including USA Today, People Magazine, CBS Radio and countless others. He has also been a sought-after guest on popular television shows such as The Real Housewives, Botched, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and many more.
Tickets: $69, $59, $49 (additional fees may apply).

Indige-Facts
2024-10-16 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Saturday, Sept. 21, to Sunday, Dec. 8. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesdays to Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Are Native Americans U.S. citizens? How many Indigenous people live in this country? Do all American Indians live on reservations? What are the right words to describe the people who have always lived here? It is common for people to have questions about the lives and experiences of Native peoples. Still, knowing where to find answers or who to ask can be challenging. That is why the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian has set out to share information about Native Americans with the public through Indige-Facts, its new traveling exhibit.
Indige-Facts features facts about contemporary Native Americans. The traveling exhibit covers topics ranging from accepted terminology and population size to the sovereign rights of Native people. Indige-Facts is a great way to educate yourself on contemporary Native life in the United States. This exhibition is on loan from the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Evanston and is brought to Isle a la Cache Museum through the generous support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
Isle a la Cache 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.

Witches Night Out
2024-10-16 16:00 - 21:30, 2024-10-17 16:00 - 21:30 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Witches Night Out Joliet is a costume fundraiser for women who want to make a difference in their community.
Net proceeds raised through Witches Night Out Joliet are distributed to our Will County 501(c)(3) Recipient Agencies, who provide necessary services and support that is vital to the well being of local women and children in need.
Since our first year, Witches Night Out Joliet has distributed over $926,000 to our Recipient Agencies through the dedication and support of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attending Witches. Each year Witches Night Out Joliet is able to give more to the women of Will County due to all of you.
Thank you for supporting Witches Night Out Joliet!

Paint Pour Pumpkins
2024-10-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Come pour with us! Paint pouring is so fun for all ages! All materials provided including pumpkins.
All materials Provided.
All ages welcome.
pre-registration required https://www.osartstudios.com/classes BYOB for ages 21+.
