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Spring Events
Step into Spring with the following Events
Take the Kids or take yourself for a close to home getaway.
March offers the first glimpse of spring and gets are hearts ready for that sunshine weather with the following events.
March | April | May
May 1
University Choir
Sancta Alberta, Lewis University
One University Parkway,
Romeoville
7:30 – 9:00 PM
Dr. Lawrence Sisk, Director.
May 3
Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Ives Hall, Lewis University
One University Parkway,
Romeoville
7:30 – 9:00 PM.
May 3 – 5
Village of Channahon
Garage Sale
Village of Channahon
815/467-6644.
May 3 – 6
The Melting Pot – An All
American Showcase–
Kiwanis Variety Show
Billie Limacher’s
Bicentennial Park
201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet
Thurs., Fri., and Sat., 7:30 PM,
Sun., 2:00 PM. Through song,
dance and more, come celebrate
the many heritages that have
made America great. Tickets
$15. 815/724-3760.
May 4
Joliet Junior College Jazz
Band Spring Concert
Joliet Junior College
Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College,
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
7:30 PM
$5 general public,
$4 senior citizens.
815/280-2223.
IVSO Concert
Illinois Valley Community
College Cultural Centre
815 N. Orlando Smith Ave.,
Oglesby
7:30 PM
Preconcert talk at 7:10 PM
Featuring Sarah Lawrence of
Ottawa playing horn $10/adult
and $5/student. 815/664-4472
or www.ivso.org.
May 4 & 5
Red Carpet Corridor
Route 66 Ride
Twelve Route 66 towns will each
have an exciting event waiting
for you. From Joliet to Towanda
you will experience entertainment,
flea markets, garage sales,
antiques, food, historical sites
and more. Contact Pontiac
Tourism at 800/835-2055 or
www.il66redcarpetcorridor.org.
The French Presence in Northern Illinois,
1673-1840
Gaylord Building Historic Site
200 W. 8th Street, Lockport
6:00 PM
An examination of French activities
and influence in northern
Illinois during the colonial and
early republic periods of our history.
Presented by Prof. B. Pierre
Lebeau of North Central
College. Part of the Dinner & A
Lecture series. Admission is $26
for Canal Corridor Association
members and $32 for non-members.
Reservations required.
815/588-1100.
www.canalcor.org.
Historic Preservation Symposium
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 Ottawa St., Joliet
8:30 AM. - 1:30 PM
May is Preservation Month.
Log on to
www.jolietmuseum.org
Early Morning Bird Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse
Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
7:00 AM
Rise and shine with a refreshing
walk to look for spring birds.
Novices to more advanced bird
watchers are welcome.
708/839-6897.
Watch and Wager –The Kentucky Derby
Bookie Magee’s Hideaway
and OTB
2450 W. Jefferson St., Joliet
Horse racing’s biggest event.
The first leg of the Triple Crown.
Pre-bet Fri., May 4. For more
information call 815/744-6500.
Consignment Auction
Reddick Mansion
100 West Lafayette St., Ottawa
Call 815/434-4409 or
815/434-2737 for information.
BesPhoto Photo Workshop
Starved Rock Lodge
Rt 78 & Rt 171, Utica
Interested in Photography? Do
you want to learn more about
how to operate your specific
camera? We will cover camera
operation, photographic theory,
and composition while hiking
the trails of Starved Rock. We
will spend one-on-one time with
you working with your specific
camera. We welcome all types of
cameras and photographers.
Cost is $100. For more information
see www.BesPhoto.com or to sign up contact Mike
Bessler at 630/667-5174 or email
Mike@BesPhoto.com.
Fairy Festival
Pilcher Park Nature Center
2501 Highland Park Dr., Joliet
10:00 – 2:30 PM
Join us for Fair Fest Nature
Center style! Enjoy fairy flower
walks, discover fairy food, make
enchanted crafts and be entertained
by winged hostesses!
Come dressed in wings, make a
wand, learn a few magic words
and indulge your inner child.
$4/child. 815/741-7277.
Motorcycle Show
Downtown Utica
10:00 – 4:00 PM
815/223-5555.
May 5 & 6
Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage
Starved Rock State Park
Visitor Center
Rt. 78 & Rt. 171, Utica
The Illinois Department of
Natural Resources is pleased to
present a Wildflower Pilgrimage
weekend. Enjoy the great variety
of wildflowers at Starved Rock.
Hikes leave from the Visitor
Center at 9:00 AM & 1:00 PM.
No Charge. 815/667-5356.
Plant Sale
Bird Haven Greenhouse
225 N. Gougar Rd., Joliet
8:00 – 4:00 PM
Bigger and better than ever!
Enjoy the gardens at the
Greenhouse? Come and buy the
same plants we use here to
attract hummingbirds, butterflies
and rave reviews. Free
Admission.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Pilcher Park
2501 Highland Park Dr., Joliet
May 5, 3:00 – 5:00 PM;
May 6, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Combining the whimsy of theatre
and the magic of the woodlands,
come enjoy a “moving
children’s production of a
Midsummer Night’s Dream. All
scenes will be held at various
locations throughout Pilcher
Park. Audience should dress
appropriately according to the
weather and are welcome to
bring water to drink, snacks to
eat, a blanket, chair or stool.
Tickets are available after March
1 at Nature Center. $6/per person.
815/741-7277.
May 5, 12, 19, 26, 28
9;00-1;00 PM & 11:00-3:00 PM
May 7, 14, 21
11:00-3:00 PM.
Waterfall & Canyon Tour
Starved Rock State Park
Rt 78 & Rt 171, Utica
Experience the fun of outdoor
adventure at Starved Rock State
park with a guided walk to 3
spectacular waterfalls and
canyons. We will visit French,
and St. Louis Canyons as well as
Lake Falls at Matthiessen State
Park. The tour will also include
your selection from our Special
lunch menu and a relaxing historical
trolley ride. $28.00 per
person For reservations please
call 800/868-7625 ext. 386.
May 6
Meet the Artist:
Preston Jackson
Illinois State Museum
Lockport Gallery
201 W. 10th Street
2:00 PM
Artist Preston Jackson will deliver
a slide presentation focusing
not only on the sculpture from
the current exhibition but his
broader body of work. No
charge. 815/838-7400 or
www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/lockport.
Read to me Under the Great Oak Tree
Little Red Schoolhouse
Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
1:30 PM
K-3 graders are inviuted to join
us for a book reading with story
related activities to follow.
Today’s story will be Secret Place
by Eve Bunting. 708/839-6897.
JJC Community Band Spring Concert
Joliet Junior College
Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College,
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
3:00 PM
$5 general public,
$4 senior citizens.
815/280-2223.
Explore Joliet
Downtown Joliet
Check in time 7:00 - 8:30 AM
Depart from a point under the
historic Rialto Square Theatre
marquee. Ride out to the
Chicagoland Speedway, zoom
down the strip, circle the 1.5
mile track, and continue on
through southeast Will County
along low-volume roads and designated
bike paths.815/774-6066
or www.jolietdowntown.com.
Dinner Theatre at the Lodge
Starved Rock Lodge
Rt. 78 & Rt. 171, Utica
6:00 – 10:00 PM
Starved Rock Lodge will swing
to the sounds of Sinatra with “Fly Me To The Moon- The
Ultimate Sinatra Celebration
Show.” The show features over
2-dozen classics made famous by
Frank Sinatra. This four person
revue, will feature such songs as
“Come Fly With Me,” “My
Funny Valentine,” My Way,”“New York, New York,” and
many more. The show also features
commentary on Sinatra’s
career, his views, and insights to
his personal life. Presented as a
dinner theatre, guests will dine
in the Lodge’s dining room, then
move to the intimate LaSalle
room for the show. $30.00 per
person. Call 800/868-7625 ext.
386.
Sweet Corn Classic Golf Challenge
Mendota Golf Course
8:00 AM shotgun start
4-Player scramble, mixed teams
welcome. For information
815/539-6507 or
mendotachamber@yahoo.com.
May 7
Joliet Junior College
Guitar Ensemble Concert
Joliet Junior College
Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College,
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
7:30 PM
$5 general public, $4 senior citizens.
815/280-2223.
May 8
Joliet Junior College Jazz
Band Spring Concert
Joliet Junior College
Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College,
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
7:30 PM
$5 general public, $4 senior citizens.
815/280-2223.
Student Jazz Combo
Ives Hall, Lewis University
One University Parkway,
Romeoville
7:30 – 9:00 PM
Steve Jacobson, Director.
The World of Light Sport Aircraft
Illinois Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook
130 S. Clow International
Parkway, Bolingbrook
7:00 PM
Discover and learn about Light
Sport Aircraft and Ultralights.
630/771-1937.
May 10
Joliet Junior College
Honors Student Recital
Joliet Junior College
Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College,
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
7:30 PM
$5 general public, $4 senior citizens.
815/280-2223.
Ladies Night Out
Downtown Morris
815/941-0245.
Ladies Night Out
Montage Spirits & Gifts
304 Liberty St., Morris
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Girls, this wine tasting is tailored
for you!
Sample some wines
before shopping at the stores
downtown, The stores will be
open late offering specials.
(Men, you’re invited too).
815/941-1006.
May 11 – 13
Heritage Days
Streator City Park, Streator
Enjoy a carnival, flea market,
crafts, vendors, food and a
parade. 815/672-2443.
May 12
Metropolitan Youth
Symphony Orchestra
Joliet Junior College
Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College,
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
4:00 PM
Call for ticket information.
815/280-2223.
Explore Joliet 8k Run
Downtown Joliet
9:00 AM start time.
Certified Course and timed run.
Cash prizes to top male/female
runners. The event will feature
free t-shirts, snacks, goodie
bags, and will conclude with
entertainment in downtown
Joliet. 815/774-6066 or
www.jolietdowntown.com.
Early Morning Bird Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse
Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
7:00 AM
Rise and shine with a refreshing
walk to look for spring birds.
Novices to more advanced bird
watchers are welcome.
708/839-6897.
May 13
American Buddhism Comes of Age
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh, LaSalle
4:00 PM
Presented by Diane Martin, Zen
Master. Admission is free; donations
are gratefully accepted.
Please phone for more information
or to check on availability.
815/224-6543.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Barber & Obertwortmann
Horticultural Center
227 N. Gougar Rd., Joliet
Bring mom to a wonderful
brunch presented by
Cutting Edge Catering, then
stroll through the beautiful
Greenhouse and enjoy the
flora and fauna Call for
reservations and available times.
$20 Adults/$12 Children
4-12 yrs; 3 and under free.
815/725-9001.
Mother’s Day at the Museum
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet
Noon - 5:00 PM.
Bring your
mom to the Museum on
Mother’s Day and her admission
is FREE! Don’t forget the
Gift Shop for great gift ideas.
A Museum membership is the
gift that gives all year long! The
Joliet Area Historical Museum
is located at 204 N. Ottawa St.,
with free parking at Ottawa
and Webster.
An Afternoon with Mother Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse
Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
1:30 PM
This afternoon will be devoted
to Wild Babies. Activities and
crafts will be available for youngsters.
708/839-6897.
May 18
Music at the Mansion: TBA
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh, LaSalle
5:45 PM- 6:30 PM
Admission is free; donations
are gratefully accepted. Please
call for more information.
815/224-6543.
May 18 – 19
Planet Pluto Expo
Streator.
Pluto will be the theme
of P2E featuring seminars, interactive
displays, and informative
workshops. Featured speaker
will be Dr. Alan Stern, Planetary
Scientist, Author and principal
investigator of NASA’s Pluto-
Kuiper Belt Mission an Executive
Director of the Southwest
Research Institute’s Space Science
& Engineering Division.
815/672-2055.
May 19
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Boating Safety Class
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
950 N. 27th Road, Ottawa
8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
This minimum eight-hour
course includes instruction in
equipment requirements, navigation
rules, legal requirements,
accident situations and how to
handle them, the weather, trailering,
visual distress signals, personal
watercraft and specialty
topics, and the final exam. Free.
815/667-4054.
Watch and Wager –The Preakness
Bookie Magee’s Hideaway & OTB
2450 W. Jefferson St., Joliet
Cheer on the winner of the
Kentucky Derby. The 2nd leg of
the Triple Crown. Pre-bet Fri.,
May 18. 815/744-6500.
Gardeners Flea Market
Bird Haven Greenhouse
225 N. Gougar Rd., Joliet
9:00 - 2:00 PM
Looking for that unique item for
your garden, special plants, or do
you just love flea markets? Rain
or shine! Food will be available.
815/741-PARK.
Early Morning Bird Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse
Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
7:00 AM
Rise and shine with a refreshing
walk to look for spring birds.
Novices to more advanced bird
watchers are welcome.
708/839-6897.
Astronomy Program
Little Red Schoolhouse
Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
8:30 PM
The Chicago Astronomical
Society invites all astronomy
enthusiasts to come out and view
the night sky. Telescopes will be
set up for viewing or bring your
own. This program is outdoors
and may be cancelled due to
inclement weather. Please call
after 3:00 PM to confirm. Rain
date: May 26 708/839-6897.
May 19 & 20
3rd Annual Honor the Eagle Pow Wow
Located by the Starved Rock
State Park Boat Ramp area
Rt 78 & Rt 171, Utica
Saturday 11:00-9:00 PM and
Sunday Noon –5:00 PM
Native American dancing, drumming,
cultural demonstrations,
special presentations, storytelling,
children’s games & crafts, raffles
and Tipis. Admission $6 Adults
$4 Seniors/Children, Advance
Sales and Groups of 10 or more
call 800/868-7625 ext 386.
Co-Sponsored with Midwest
Soaring Foundation.
May 20
Dinner Theatre at the Lodge
Starved Rock Lodge
Rt. 78 & Rt. 171, Utica
6:00 – 10:00 PM
Starved Rock Lodge will swing
to the sounds of Sinatra with “Fly Me To The Moon- The
Ultimate Sinatra Celebration
Show.” The show features over
2-dozen classics made famous by
Frank Sinatra. This four person
revue, will feature such songs as
“Come Fly With Me,” “My
Funny Valentine,” My Way,”“New York, New York,” and
many more. The show also features
commentary on Sinatra’s
career, his views, and insights to
his personal life. Presented as a
dinner theatre, guests will dine
in the Lodge’s dining room, then
move to the intimate LaSalle
room for the show.
$30.00 per person.
800/868-7625 ext. 386.
Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon
Oak Springs Road, Libertyville
The second oldest continual
canoe race in the United States.
First time participants, repeat
paddlers, and serious competitors
can all enjoy the excitement,
challenge, and camaraderie that
this historic event provides.
Family day with exhibits, picnicking,
and lots of fun for
everyone. Experience a sneak
preview of “A River Through
History” Festival by visiting their
small campsite. 847/604-2445 or
www.canoemarathon.com
Jungle Jack Hanna
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
2:00 PM
Jack’s live show features many of
his favorite animal friends, as
well as fascinating and humorous
stories and footage from his
adventures around the world.
Everyone from the youngest
child to the oldest adult is entertained
and inspired. Tickets $46
- $32, Children
12 & under - $36 - $22.
Blessing of the Bikes
Starved Rock State Park
Rt 78 & Rt 171, Utica
12:00 PM & 1:30 PM
Stop by Starved Rock Lodge’s
East parking lot and have your
motorcycle blessed by local
clergy in one of two ceremonies.
The blessings remind us that
life is a journey and we need
to ask for God’s protection.
A great kick-off for biking
season! Open to the public.
800/868-7625 ext. 386.
Ottawa Firefighters Memorial
Ottawa Main Fire Station
301 W. Lafayette St.
10:00 AM
Ceremony honors fallen firefighters
and an open house at
station following.
814/434-3785.
May 20 – 26
Blithe Spirit
Engle Lane Theater
RR 2. Streator
The action of the play centers on
socialite, Charles Condomine,
being haunted by the ghost of
his first wife Elvira following a
séance, and Elvira's continued
(and increasingly desperate)
efforts to disrupt Charles'
current marriage. 815/672-3584
or www.englelane.org.
May 22
Grundy County Historical Society's Annual Banquet/Meeting
First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall
118 W. Jackson, Morris
6:00 PM - Social Time
6:30 PM - Catered Dinner
7:00 PM - Business Meeting
7:30 PM - Featured Program:
Storyteller Bill Myers will tell the
story “Return of the Native”.
Invitations and fees per
person are sent out in advance
to all members, and guests
are welcome.
May 25 & 26
Mendota’s Annual Spring
Sidewalk Sale Days
May 26
Movies at the Mansion:
Little Women (1933)
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh, LaSalle
7:00 PM
Get cozy with your popcorn and
enjoy an evening of commercialfree
classic films while sharing
those treasured movie moments
with new friends. Popcorn is
provided and beverages can be
purchased. Admission is free;
donations are gratefully accepted.
815/224-6543.
Chicago Portage Walk and Work Day
Chicago Portage National
Historic Site
49th and Harlem Ave.
9:00 – 12:00 PM
Start out Memorial Day weekend
with a walk through this historic
site. We’ll search for spring wildflowers
and birds before we begin
work on restoring the natural
landscape. Groups are welcome!
708/839-6897.
May 26- 28
Water Safety Weekend
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
950 N. 27th Road, Ottawa
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Start your summer activities and
celebrate National Safe Boating
Week by visiting the Illinois
Waterway Visitor Center for a
holiday weekend of WATER
SAFETY FUN for children and
adults. Join us, and learn how to
be safe when you are swimming,
boating, fishing, water skiing,
canoeing or any other type of
water activity. And to help you
learn about “water safety fun” be
sure to pick up some free color
books, posters, and stickers.
We’ll have videos to view and life
jackets to try on. Free.
815/667-4054.
May 27
Birds of Prey
Little Red Schoolhouse
Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
1:30 PM
Many of these winged beauties
live right here in Cook County.
Experience these birds first hand
by examining preserved skulls,
feathers and wings.
708/839-6897.
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