Thursday-Saturday, June 2-4--Illinois Statewide Preservation Conference, Joliet

Hosted each year by Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois, and co-sponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Illinois Association of Historic Preservation Commissions, this annual preservation conference attracts preservation professionals, advocates and interested citizens from across the state.  The three-day series of workshops, seminars, tours and special events focus on historic preservation issues, challenges and successes facing communities across the state. For further information contact Eiliesh Tuffy, 312-922-1742, tuffye@lpci.org or visit the conference website.

 

Friday-Sunday, June 3-5--Harley Owners Group Annual State Rally, Ottawa

Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts will converge on Ottawa for the rally.  Vendors will be located at or near the Riverfest area, and activities for the HOG members will take place throughout the area.  Though the rally is open to HOG members only, vendors are open to the public.   For further information, contact the Ottawa Visitors Center, 815.434.2737.

 

Saturday-Wednesday, June 4-8--International Heritage Development Conference, Nashville, Tennessee

Explore how heritage development equals economic development.  Conference participants will create an interactive forum on best practices, public-private partnerships, and new heritage tools. The conference program will demonstrate how citizens partner with public officials, developers, and institutions to create sustainable economic futures that are grounded in the stories, experiences, and values that jointly shape our most distinctive regions and places.  For further information call 615.494.8916 or visit the conference website.

 

June 8-19--Maud Powell Music Festival, Downtown Peru

Celebrate the birthday of famous American violinist Maud Powell, a native of Peru, with 10 days of musical performances by local and guest artists.  For further information call, 815.224.2318 or visit www.powellfest.com.

 

Thursday-Sunday, June 9-12--Taste of the Illinois Valley, Peru

The 23rd Annual Taste takes place in Centennial Park and features great food, free entertainment and a large carnival.  For further information call 815.223.7904, or visit the festival website.

 

Friday & Saturday, June 10-11--June Fest, Joliet

Head to Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park for a two-days of rock bands and an art show.  5 to 11 pm Friday, 11am to 11 pm Saturday.  For further information call 815.724.3760.

 

Saturday & Sunday, June 11-12--Island Rendezvous, Romeoville

Join in a realistic look at 18th Century life, as the history of the French and Native American fur trade comes alive at Isle a la Cache museum. Visit costumed interpreters in their camps and witness first hand the challenges of daily life in the American wilderness. Activities will include opening ceremonies, black powder musket shoot, canoe races, fashion shows, vendors, and much more!  10 am to 5 pm both days.  For further information call 815.727.8700.

 

Saturday & Sunday, June 11-12--Montreal Canoe Weekend, Starved Rock State Park, Utica

Paddle a reproduction of the 34-foot "Montreal Canoe" the French Voyageurs used in exploring North America.  Rides will leave from Point Shelter at the east end of the park just off Route 71 from 11 am to 3 pm.  For further information call 815.667.4906.

 

Saturday & Sunday, June 11-12--Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival, Morris

The 18th annual installment of this festival features over 20 performers.  All seating is on the ground so please prepare accordingly.  There is camping in the park, but reservations fill quickly.  Admission is free, but a donation is $12 per person or $25 per family is requested.  For further information visit the festival website.

 

Saturday & Sunday, June 11-12--Secret Gardens of Utica Garden Walk, Utica

The Utica Garden Club invites you to visit the best kept secrets in Utica.   Over 20 beautiful gardens will be open and on display 9am to 5 pm Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm Sunday.  Tickets for a self-guided walk are $5 and trolley-guided tours are $13.  For further information contact Starved Rock Lodge, 800.868.7625 or www.starvedrocklodge.com.

 

Saturday-Wednesday, June 11-15--Heritage Tractor Adventure, Streator to Channahon

Join WGN’s Max Armstrong for the fourth annual Antique Tractor Parade along the I&M Canal. The festivities begin in Streator and carry on to the Dollinger Family Farm near Channahon.  For further information call 815.727.2323 or visit www.heritagetractoradventure.com.

 

Sunday, June 12--"Second Sundays" Lecture Series, LaSalle

In June the "Second Sundays" series features a program on Peru native, and famous musician Maud Powell in conjunction with the Maud Powell Festival.  The lecture runs later that usual, 5 to 6:30 pm, at the Hegeler Carus Mansion.  Admission is free and includes refreshments and a brief mansion tour after a one-hour talk. For further information call 815.224.5892.

 

Sunday, June 12--"Super Sunday Program", Joliet Area Historical Museum

Learn more about some famous former Joliet residents including Katherine Dunham, John Houbolt, George Mikan, and Lois Delander.  Explore their talents with fun crafts and games.  The program is included with the cost of admission to the museum (see website for details).  For further information call 815.723.5201, ext. 235, or visit the Museum’s website.

 

Friday-Sunday, June 17-19--Old Canal Days, Lockport
Lockport's annual summer festival includes bands, food and crafts as well as a Parade (Friday) and 5K race (Saturday).  For further information call 815.838.4744.

 

Sunday, June19--"Super Sunday Program", Joliet Area Historical Museum

Bring dad to the Museum on Father’s Day and make him a special gift.  The program is included with the cost of admission to the museum (see website for details).  For further information call 815.723.5201, ext. 235, or visit the Museum’s website.

 

Wednesday-Sunday, June 22-26, Carbon Hill Homecoming

This annual celebration of Carbon Hill heritage features live music, weekend outdoor crafts and flea market, a baseball tournament and carnival.  The Carbon Hill School Museum will be open during the festival with a full program of speakers and displays.  For further information contact Michele Micetich, 815.634.4213.

 

Sunday, June 26--Joliet Iron Works Tour, Joliet

Joliet, aka the City of Stone and Steel, got its nickname from the raw materials surrounding it.  You can walk in the workers footsteps at this archeological site with interpretive installations from Canal Corridor Association.  The tour, 9 to 11 am, will reveal the workers' challenging lives as well as the mills' technology between 1870 and 1940, the prime time for Joliet's iron making industry.  For further information call 815.727.8700.

 

Monday, July 4--4th of July Metric Bike Ride, Joliet

Join the Joliet Bicycle Club for this annual holiday ride.  With marked routes for 30, 45 and 62 mile rides there is something for everyone.  For further information visit www.jolietbicycleclub.org.

 

Friday-Sunday, July 8-10--Starved Rock Days, Utica

The summer festival season continues!  Come join the fun including a carnival, crafters, beer garden, music DJ, live bands and dancing.  Presented by the Utica Special Events Committee.

 

Saturday, July 9--Heritage Fest, Lemont

Head to downtown Lemont for a street festival in a historic canal town.  Enjoy Food, music, entertainment, children’s activities and family fun.  For further information call 630.257.1550.

 

Saturday, July 9--Green Technology Tour, Sugar Creek Administration Center, Joliet

Through the use of select materials and the latest design and technology, Will County Forest Preserve's new Sugar Creek Administration Center serves as a model of environmentally-friendly architecture.  On the tour you'll view innovative technologies used in the building, understand why "green" is better for humans and the rest of the world, and take home practical tips on how to be more environmentally-friendly in your house.  10 am to noon.  For further information call 815.727.8700.

 

Thursday-Saturday, July 21-23--Waterway Daze, Joliet

Celebrate the I&M Canal in Joliet at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park with music, food, fireworks and a lighted boat parade.  For further information call 815.724.3760.

 

Saturday, August 6--Concert on the Canal, Lemont

Enjoy live music from the band 215 West on the banks of the I&M Canal in downtown Lemont.  7 to 10 pm.  For further information call 630.243.2700.

 

Saturday, August 6--"Kidzfest", Joliet

Enjoy fun activities designed for the whole family.  Participate in art, storytelling, history, safety and outdoor events.  Noon to 7 pm.  For further information call 815.774.6066 .

 

Friday & Saturday, August 11-12--Sidewalk Sale, Lemont

Enjoy a weekend of sales at a variety of shops and boutiques in downtown Lemont.  10 am to 5 pm both days.  For further information call 630.243.2700.

 

Sunday, August 21--Living History Demonstrations, Romeoville
Visitors can experience the lives and times of the fur trappers and voyageurs at Isle a la Cache Museum from noon to 2 pm.  Reenactors will be dressed in period clothing, using tools and implements from the eighteenth century, and demonstrating various skills, such as the use of flint and steel for fire making, leather and bead work, weaving, and other aspects of frontier life.   For further information call 815.727.8700.

 

Don't see your event listed here?  Please send an email to enews@canalcor.org with your event listing.  Listings must include the date, time and location of the event and a phone number or email address for further information.