Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade
2026-03-07 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Utica, Downtown Utica, North Utica, IL, 61373, United States
Join the UBA as we celebrate St. Patricks Day the Utica way! A fun filled day with family friendly activities, music, bagpipers, business specials and of coarse our famous parade so nice we go around twice. Mark your calendars for this fun event!

Bureau County United Way Cheers for Change Beer & Wine Tasting Event
2026-03-07 17:00 - 20:00 | The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens, 11379 2300 St. E., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Join Bureau County United Way for an unforgettable evening filled with beer & wine tastings, delicious food, and a silent auction at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens all supporting an incredible cause. This is one fundraiser you wont want to miss! Tickets: $30 pre-event $35 at the door. Contact BCUW to sponsor a table. All proceeds support local programs making a real difference right here in Bureau County.

Felted Easter Egg Workshop
2026-03-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Get into the spirit of spring at our Felted Easter Egg Workshop! In this hands-on class, you’ll create beautifully textured Easter eggs using both wet felting and needle felting techniques. Start by forming the egg shape through wet felting, then add decorative designs and details with needle felting. All materials are provided, and artist Jacqueline JoAnn will guide you step by step through the entire process, making this workshop approachable for beginners and enjoyable for experienced crafters alike. You’ll leave with charming, handmade felted eggs perfect for seasonal décor or gifting. Cost is $40 per person.

Cover to Cover Tour: Women's Edition
2026-03-12 12:30, 2026-03-13 12:30 - 15:00, 2026-03-14 12:30 - 15:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Mothers, daughters, workers, and writers; the women of the Hegeler Carus Mansion were quite a busy bunch!This March, join us on a fantastically female-centered tour that begins in the Reception Room, covering areas of the home both public and private, all the way to the 7th floor Cupola. See our collection of gowns, gloves, letters, and lace that help tell the story of these remarkable women.This tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and features walking breaks. Tickets are $125 per person with a maximum capacity of 10 (If your group is larger, please contact us directly to schedule a private tour). Note: Tickets are non-refundable.Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your tour. This will allow you time to hang up your coat, use the restroom, and be ready before your tour group departs at its scheduled time.

Shake Your Shamrocks - St. Patrick's Day Bingo Round 2
2026-03-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Bruce & Ollies, 166 Mill St., North Utica, IL, 61373, United States
St. Patrick’s Bingo Night – Round 2 at Bruce & Ollie’s! Join us for a festive evening filled with bingo, prizes, great drinks, and plenty of fun! Shamrocks – Shenanigans – Sweet Prizes!! Your $22 ticket includes: • One bingo card • Your choice of an alcoholic beverage from the cooler or a small latte.

Shamrock Stroll
2026-03-13 17:00 - 22:00 | Downtown Joliet, Downtown Joliet, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
The Joliet City Center Partnership is proud to present the 4th Annual Shamrock Stroll !
Kicking it off with a FREE concert featuring Classical Blast at 5:30 PM at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Join the Joliet City Center community as we bring the energy, the music, and the fun to the heart of downtown. Then stroll downtown Joliet and enjoying great food, festive beverages, and live entertainment at participating businesses throughout downtown!
Admission is first come, first served — and the first 200 guests will receive a free gift with a completed survey! Come celebrate with Joliet City Center Partnership and be part of an exciting night in Downtown Joliet!
After the concert, visit downtown businesses for special food, drinks, and activities!

Rock the Mic - Poetry Unplugged
2026-03-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66, 9 W. Cass, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 presents: ROCK THE MIC – POETRY UNPLUGGED. Hosted by Uxmar Torres, Joliet’s Poet Laureate. Join us for Poetry and Acoustic Music Open Mic Night. Sign up at the door or sign up early by email: uxmar@outlook.com, Suggested donation of $10.00, or whatever you can give. All proceeds support the ILRR66 Museum. Need more info? Contact the Museum at 815-927-1540 or email Hello@RoadToRock.org

Hairball
2026-03-13 19:30 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
A band puts on a concert – Hairball puts on an event! Hairball is a Rock & Roll experience you won’t soon forget. The lights, sound, smoke, fire, bombs, and screaming hoards of avid fans…to merely call it a concert would be like calling Mount Rushmore a roadside attraction!
Vocalists Kris Vox, Dave Moody, and Patrick Stone lead the band through a 2+ hour, mind-blowing, and dropdead accurate homage to some of the biggest arena acts in the world. Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey, and Aerosmith are but a few of the acts fans will see brought to life. The Hairball stage becomes an entirely new rock concert before your very eyes countless times throughout the night. Tickets start at $35.

Barrel Society St. Patrick's Day Party and Charity 5K
2026-03-14 11:00 - 23:00
It’s time for our annual St. Patricks Day Party and Charity 5K on Saturday March 14th! The run/walk 5K begins at 11am, with our St. Patricks Day Party directly to follow! Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ & Catering will be on-site serving Corned Beef & Cabbage, Irish Nachos, Reubens, and more! PLUS, Nick Wilkinson and Quinn Miller are playing LIVE at 7pm!As usual, the $5 from each participant in the 5K goes directly to Freedom House womens shelter in Princeton! Additional donations are always welcome.

We the Native People
2026-03-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Join us at Isle a la Cache to meet Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, an award-winning Ojibwa author and speaker. Her family is from White Earth Reservation in Minnesota. In this presentation, she will discuss what was happening in the country regarding Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. She will discuss how the signing of that document affected the Native people and whether it mentioned them. She will also discuss how the government and its people viewed Native Americans and the consequences of those views. Sigafus will emphasize the impact the document had on the lives of the Native people and what ultimately was lost and how those fundamental differences between the government and the Native people ultimately led to conflicts. She will also explain how Native people viewed their land and why the ultimate loss of it negatively impacted them. Sigafus will discuss how they once lived, worked the land, and raised their children and explain what was lost of their culture as western expansion moved forward.Sigafus will lead the audience into the lives of the Native people through a traditional story and song. The audience will have the chance to learn music, drum, sing and play other Native American instruments. Traditional native foods will also be discussed, and a recipe will be handed out. This presentation will end with a Q&A with the audience.This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission’s theme We the People. This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nations promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of the people. The Illinois America 250 Commission’s goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life. Admission is free. Registration required by Thursday, March 12: 815-722-9301. https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/fpdwc/activity/search/detail/9996?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

City of LaSalle St. Paddy's Day Parade
2026-03-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Downtown LaSalle, 1st Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Experience the Magic of the La Salle St. Patricks Day Parade!Get ready to don your green and join the La Salle St. Patricks Day Parade! Saturday March 14th at 1:00pm. Step into a world where Irish charm meets exhilarating festivity, as our vibrant parade transforms First Street into a dazzling display of color and cheer. This annual tradition is more than just a parade it’s a jubilant celebration of culture and community. Dont miss out on this unforgettable celebration where every float, every note, and every sprinkle of confetti brings a touch of magic to La Salle. Join us and experience the joy, excitement, and community spirit of the La Salle St. Patricks Day Parade! To participate, call: Dan Burke 815-228-7710.

Lucky If You're a Local Pub Crawl
2026-03-14 14:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Lucky If You’re A Local Pub Crawl brings neighbors and visitors together to enjoy Morris one stop at a time.
Clayton’s Tap – The County Seat – Ebbey’s – Fraternal Order of the Eagles – Hook’s – Keg Grove Brewing – McBride’s Morris – Montage – Tully Monster Pub & Grill
As you explore participating pubs and restaurants, you’ll be having fun, engaging with our member restaurants and bars and raising funds for a nonprofit.
Tickets are $20 per person. To reserve your spot, get event updates, and help the Morris Retail Association plan a smooth, safe night out in support of our local businesses contact the Morris Retail Association.

The Forge: Muddy Shamrock Trail Race
2026-03-15 09:00 - 13:00 | The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 1001 Main St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Woods, dirt, mud, roots, and maybe some other adventurous trail stuff will be experienced at the 5th annual Muddy Shamrock Trail Races @ The Forge. And now that we’ve earned the 4th leaf in our clover, the race is now named the MUDDY SHAMROCK!
This early-season trail race will be run on wooded single & double-track trails with awesome scenery around the historic Lemont Quarries. Both races will traverse the single-track MTB trails within the woods and some gravel trails throughout the Forge and adjoining trail systems. $50 – $65 for participation.

Cover to Cover Tour: Women's Edition
2026-03-19 10:30 - 13:00, 2026-03-20 10:30, 2026-03-21 10:30 - 13:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Mothers, daughters, workers, and writers; the women of the Hegeler Carus Mansion were quite a busy bunch! This March, join us on a fantastically female-centered tour that begins in the Reception Room, covering areas of the home both public and private, all the way to the 7th floor Cupola. See our collection of gowns, gloves, letters, and lace that help tell the story of these remarkable women. This tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and features walking breaks. Tickets are $125 per person with a maximum capacity of 10 (If your group is larger, please contact us directly to schedule a private tour). Note: Tickets are non-refundable. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your tour. This will allow you time to hang up your coat, use the restroom, and be ready before your tour group departs at its scheduled time.

Death of A Gangster - A Murder Mystery
2026-03-19 11:15 - 14:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
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!
Lunch Entree: Stuffed chicken breast. Boneless chicken breast stuffed with homemade apple celery stuffing. Served with potato and steamed vegetable.
Itinerary:
11:15 AM Group Arrival
11:30 AM Lunch Served/Mystery begins
1:30 PM Self-guided tour of the Jacob Henry Mansion
2:00 PM Departure. Thank you for sharing your day with us!
Price: $65 per person.

Gelli Plate Printing Workshop
2026-03-19 18:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Dive into the vibrant world of Gelli plate printing in this hands-on workshop! Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this class will guide you through the basics and beyond of monoprinting using Gelli plates. You’ll learn how to create stunning, one-of-a-kind prints using a variety of techniques, including layering, texturing, and stenciling. These will make great cards or gift tags or could be a unique collage material. $40 per person.

Think & Drink: 50 Years of Preservation: Plan, Purpose & Prosperity
2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Gaylord Building, Lockport, 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
As our 50 Years to Overnight Success exhibit enters its final weeks on display, we’re giving the spotlight to the artist and architect who helped bring it to life.
At our next Think & Drink, join Bob Morris for a special behind-the-scenes look at the exhibit and the preservation movement it celebrates. Morris will share how the project came together, how he approached recreating every building in downtown Lockport through his detailed pen-and-ink drawings, and why this story matters. But this evening is about more than the exhibit. Over the course of his career, Morris has personally overseen the restoration and revitalization of many of Lockport’s historic buildings. These are projects that helped shape the downtown we know today. This program is both a reflection on fifty years of preservation and a look at the life and work of someone who has played a direct role in that story.
If you’ve enjoyed the exhibit—or haven’t yet had a chance to see it—this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate it before it comes down one week later.
This is a free event. Registration is not required but appreciated to gauge attendance:
REGISTER HERE
Bonus! Enjoy a Public Landing Restaurant discount when you register! Details below.

Abstract Blossom Paint Night
2026-03-20 19:00 - 20:30 | SOL Art Solutions, 81 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Let creativity bloom! Join us for an Abstract Blossom Paint Night – where bold colors and expressive brushstrokes come together.
No experience needed- just paint, relax, and watch your art come alive. $40 per person.

Great Moments in Vinyl: "A Tribute to the Doobie Brothers" Concert
2026-03-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
-Doors open at 6:15pm

Band starts at 7pm

Concert located in the Indoor Auditorium Theater

Guests have access to all museum galleries

Beverage Bar (Beer, Wine, Mixed Drinks, Soda, Water)

Snack Vendor

General Seating available for all guests

Limited number of highboy tables available on first come first serve basis

Admission:
General Public – $18.00
Museum Members – $16.00 (with ID)

Sailors, Keepers, Racers & More: Women on the Great Lakes
2026-03-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Chicago Maritime Museum, 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago, IL, 60609, United States
The Great Lakes have a long and fascinating history of women involved in maritime life at every level, from cooks to captains. Join Chicago Maritime Museum curator Madeline Crispell for a survey of the evolving roles women have played on the Great Lakes over centuries. Learn about trailblazers who worked as lighthouse keepers or led female racing teams, but also about everyday women who helped keep life on the Great Lakes afloat.
Madeline Crispell is the curator of the Chicago Maritime Museum. Her exhibitions, walking tours, and public programs across Chicagoland have focused on a range of subjects, from American travel history to the Thorne Miniature Rooms to Chicago’s alleyways.
$10 – Non Members; $5 – Members; also available to view online.

Knot Your Average Lace Class
2026-03-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Learn the art of Tenerife needle knot 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 beautiful doily! Admission is $65.00 per person. All materials are supplied. No experience needed. Register by March 14th at Hegelercarus.org.

Joey Figiani
2026-03-21 14:00 - 17:00 | Clarks Run Antiques, 215 N. Division St., Utica, IL, 61373, United States
Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment with Joey! Admission is free.

Chris Vallillo Forgottonia
2026-03-21 18:00 - 21:30 | The Eagle Theater, 319 N. Plum St., Pontiac, IL, 61764, United States
Pontiac Tourism and the Pontiac Public Library are excited to present Forgottonia: An Intimate Portrait in Rural America! Join us for an evening of music and storytelling with historian and folk musician Chris Vallillo. Admission $6.25 per person.

The Starved Rock Murders - A Presentation by the LaSalle County Historical Society
2026-03-22 13:00 - 14:30 | Bruce & Ollies, 166 Mill St., North Utica, IL, 61373, United States
The LaSalle County Historical Society invites you to examine the Starved Rock Murders tragedy and its ongoing impact on the local community.
The LaSalle County Historical Society cordially invites you to explore the history and enduring effects of the Starved Rock Murders on our local community. Admission to this program is available with a $10 donation to the LaSalle County Historical Society, which includes a complimentary cup of Bruce & Ollies regular coffee.

The Journey of Mollie's War: WACS and WWII
2026-03-22 13:30 - 15:00 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Cyndee uses excerpts from her mother’s letters written home during WWII to provide a romantic yet frightful glimpse into the life of a woman in uniform during this crucial time in history.
Cyndee will detail her mother’s experiences from basic training in 1943 to a dramatic image of seeing the Statue of Liberty in the midst of darkness in November 1945 when she returned home.
Seniors – $9.00
Youths – $5.00 (3-12)
General Public – $10
Museum Members – Free
Children under 3 – Free

Driving Forces: 100+ Years of Women & The Automobile Industry
2026-03-22 14:00 - 15:00 | The Old Stone Church, 306 Lemont Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Join us in person to celebrate the incredible journey of women who have shaped the automotive world for over a century. Discover stories, achievements, and the fierce passion that drove these amazing trailblazers. Whether you’re a car lover, history buff, or just curious, this event promises inspiration and some great conversations! Join us for a fascinating journey through automotive history! 100+ Years of Women Influencing, Buying, Designing & Driving Automobiles. From Bertha Benz’ historic 1888 outing to Mary Barras leadership at GM today, women have always been at the wheel. Join guest speaker Barbara Barrett for a lively slide and lecture presentation exploring the trailblazers who shaped the industry. Cost is $5, free for members.
