Traversing both east and west sides of the Illinois River from Ottawa, 150 miles south to Havana, the Illinois River Road has spurs to the communities of Princeton and Canton. The Illinois River Road corridor has over 100 natural and historic sites and numerous unique communities located throughout its 10-county region.
The Scenic Byway is conveniently located between Chicago and St. Louis, but just far enough to get away from it all. So get off the beaten path and see what the Illinois River Road has in store for you!
Calendar of Events
Our calendar of events is an up-to-the-minute guide on everything happening along the Illinois River Road. If you're looking to enjoy everything from seasonal festivals, to outdoor recreation specials, you'll find it listed here. Be sure and also check out the event calendar links under the Gateway and Portal Community pages. Help us continue to build our events calendar - Submit Your Event!
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Your search generated 40 event(s).
Downtown Porter Park, 101 N. Main Street, Lewistown , IL 61542 The Lewistown WILD Community Committee is hold their 2nd Annual Lewistown Farmers Market. The Market will be located in Downtown Porter Park, across from the Fulton County Court House. The market will begin this May, and will offer local growers, the opportunity to sell fruits, vegetables, fresh flowers, and other locally grown items. We would like to thank the Illinois Department of Agriculture for the free promotional materials as part of their Illinois Where Fresh Is branding campaign.... Event Type: Seasonal
Forest Park Nature Center, 5809 N. Forest Park Drive, Peoria, IL 61614 Sunday, 5/19. 1:30 pm. Explore the woods with a naturalist and experience the plants and animals of the Illinois River Bluffs. Discover spring wildflowers, insects and birds on these hikes. ... Event Type: Outdoor
Five days of fun, food and fellowship! Come just for fun, to compete or both! There truly IS something for everyone age 50 and better! For a complete schedule of events or for volunteer/sponsorship info, visit our website at www.hoiseniorgames.org, email jclark@peoriaparks.org or call Janelle at 309-681-2860! Hurry the registration deadline is May 17! ... Event Type: Arts
CEFCU Center Stage at the Landing, Peoria, IL The Illinois Valley Striders signal the beginning of summer with Peoria's ever-popular Louie Louie Festival! So put on your craziest outfit, grab your kazoo, and meet us at the RiverFront for a night of warm breezes, cold drink, and outstanding live music! ...Free. Event Type: Entertainment
Open Prairie UCC Church, 25 E. Marion St., Princeton, IL 61356 Join us at The Princeton Coffeehouse for a live performance by Newfoundland singer-songwriter Amelia Curran. Amelia has been nominated for numerous East Coast Music Awards. In 2010 she won a coveted Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year for her "Hunter, Hunter" release. Dave Hayden, writing in "The Coast", has called her the "heir apparent to Leonard Cohen's legacy -- graceful poetic lyricism balancing personal darkness with the joy of human existence". Doors open at 7:00 PM. All seats are general admission, available at the door....$12.00. Event Type: Arts
Camp Wokanda, 620 Boy Scout Road, Chillicothe, IL 61523 Come out to Camp Wokanda with the entire family! Meet us in the OA Lodge to gather ingredients for a campfire lunch and enjoy the day while we cook it for you! Experience the camp with guided nature hikes, open fishing, basic canoe skills instruction, and pond studies at the lakes edge. At your family's leisure you can swing up to the Lodge, grab a bite to eat and listen to live music. The scheduled programs will end at 2 pm, but this does not mean you have to leave! Camp Wokanda has camping available in rustic cabins or primitive tent sites. Sites fill up fast; if you would like to reserve a spot for your family please contact us!...$3/event ($25 max/family). Event Type: Family
Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 1140 N AVE, Princeton, IL 61356 A Gardening Together Workshop. Former WGN radio personality (of Kathy and Judy fame), avid gardener, and our friend, Kathy O'Malley, will share her thoughts about how to keep your love of gardening from getting out of control, and what to do about it if it's already happened. Kathy is always humorous and entertaining, so come and enjoy. We're all in this gardening thing together and learning from one another as we go. We are hosting a series of Saturday workshops that we call Gardening Together . We'll keep the workshops short and to the point, but you may want to bring along lawn chairs. Please dress for the weather....Free. Event Type: Educational
OPTIMIST MEMORIAL POOL, 506 N. JACKSON, HAVANA , IL 62644 FREE SWIM FOR EVERYONE ON MAY 25TH ...FREE. Event Type: Seasonal
Manito's Memorial Park, Manito, IL 61546 Enjoy a beautiful day in Manito at our 5th Annual Wine, Art, Balloon & Jazz Festival. Come for the beauty, the music, and the fun. Also, a chance to experience some new attractions and ideas!... Event Type: Arts
Sommer Park, 6329 Koerner Road, Edwards, IL 61528 5/26: Heirloom Gardening. 6/30: Phrenology, 7/28: Pioneer Free Time , 8/25: Period Food Preservation, 9/29: 1850s Fashion, 10/27: Autumn Play Party. Activities at the homestead, barn, blacksmith shop and schoolhouse may include: laundry, gardening, woodworking, blacksmithing, candle making, hands-on childrens activities. ...$2.25/Person 4 & Up. Event Type: Family
Proctor Recreation Center, 309 S. DuSable St., Peoria, IL 61605 Scavenger Hunt: Ages 14-18. On the last day of school children ages 14-18 will participate in the Scavenger Hunt while the children under the age of 14 will celebrate the start of summer in the POOL! In exchange for a day of fun, we're asking your pledge to show, promise, and prove you WILL NOT participate in violent activities or be involved in illegal activities and instead WILL park-ticipate in POSITIVE activities! Scavenger Hunt: Pre-register required on May 16th (Register your TEAM of 5) Prizes awarded to the winners. Every Team Wins! You just have to register and be there.... Event Type: Family
Luthy Botanical Garden, 2520 N. Prospect Road, Peoria, IL 61603 Friday 5/31, 10am - 5pm. Saturday 6/1, 10am - 5pm. Sunday 6/2, 12pm. Luthy Botanical Garden celebrates summer with our June plant sale. There will be bargains galore with items from all different seasons. Stock up on new annuals, perennials, veggies, and herbs for your garden (selection is limited). ... Event Type: Arts
Jordan Block, 111 Lincoln Place, Ottawa, IL 61350 Rock on the Block, All age's entertainment, free to the public, sponsored by Ottawa Downtown Merchants and Vagrant Life. Bands will be posted so like Rock on the Block face book page for updates!!! ...free. Event Type: Outdoor
CEFCU Center Stage at the Landing, Peoria, IL Gates open: 7:30pm. Admission $7. RiverFront. (309) 689-3019. www.facebook.com/riverfrontevents....$7. Event Type: Entertainment
Fox Valley Off Road, 1952 N. 35th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350 Hot new craze in the racing circuit. Imagine all the fun of the mud run combined with foam and water obstacle for an experience that is a lot like running through a giant car wash. Check website for cost of registration at www.5kfoamfest.com ...See Website for prices. Event Type: Outdoor
HAVANA NATURE CENTER, 406 S SCHRADER, HAVANA , IL 62644 ALL 5K RUNNERS RECEIVE A T-SHIRT. MEDALS AWARDED IN THE 5 K RACE AND 1K RACE FOR 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD. ALL TOTS RECEIVE A MEDAL....$25.00/Person. Event Type: Outdoor
Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 1140 N AVE, Princeton, IL 61356 This is a hands-on workshop for all ages in which you will learn how to create and care for your very own miniature fairy garden. Molly Hornbaker Blogg will provide information on how to get started and assist you along the way. You simply bring your creativity for this cute and fun workshop! Fee includes your container, soil, and plants. You pick out and purchase your choice of miniature accessories, at a special 20% discount for workshop participants. Reservations are required, so please call to reserve your spot. You can also just observe the workshop at no cost. ...$30. Event Type: Educational
Weber House and Garden, 1503 Baker Street, Streator, IL 61364 Opening of the newest garden; a potage filled with ornamental vegetables, roses and sweet peas.... Event Type: Seasonal
Wildlife Prairie State Park, Hanna City, IL Head out to Wildlife Prairie State Park and join run the 8K cross-country run on a trail that challenges competitive runners with dirt and grassy hills through the backwoods of the park! Or, bring the family to explore the wilderness on the Wild Mile Fun Run! All participants are welcome to walk or run both races and will receive a t-shirt, and if you register by May 20, you're guaranteed your size!... Event Type: Outdoor
Jones Park, Public Square, Canton, IL 61520 This inaugural fine arts festival will feature original art from the best of our Midwest artists. Come to view and to purchase excellent art pieces in a variety of categories: Painting / Drawing, Jewelry, Clay / Ceramic, Photography, Glass, Sculpture, Woven Textiles, and Wood....Free. Event Type: Arts
Illinois Rediscovery Brigade
Jun. 4, 2013 - Jun. 16, 2013Voyage starts at Marseilles, IL and ends at Wood River, IL History. Conservation. Ecology. Discovery. Education. This is an event for the rediscovering of the Illinois River and its population centers. Both of which have a rich, long history spanning four hundred years of progress along hte shores. Contact Howard Ludington at history1800man@yahoo.com for more information about participation.... Event Type: Outdoor
Area: PEORIA
Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 1140 N AVE, Princeton, IL 61356 This 3-day event offers many items with special pricing including a long list of hostas. There will also be refreshments, door prizes, and the gardens will be looking exceptionally beautiful! There will be two excellent, free workshops on Saturday presented by our former head gardener, Jane Morris. We will be firing up our grill to sell pork chops, brats and burgers for lunch on Friday and Saturday. We promise to post the list of special pricing on the website by June 6th....Free. Event Type: Outdoor
Jordan Block, 111 Lincoln Place, Ottawa, IL 61350 Wine - Food - Jazz! Celebrating Illinois's finest WINE paired with exceptional FOOD and the smooth sounds of JAZZ! Buy your tickets at www.ottawa2riverswinefest.com. Don't forget to check out the Antiques Market on Main St and the Garden and Botanical Arts vendors on Court Street. See our events calendar for music lineup! (For the safety of your pet and others, please leave your four - legged friends home for this event.)... Event Type: Festival
Lewistown Porter Park , 101 N. Main Street, Lewistown, IL 61542 Bring your lawn chairs, coolers, and picnic baskets and enjoy music from local artists! June 7th - Erin & Chadd June 21st - R & S Express July 5th - Nathan Taylor July 19th - The Good Ole Boys Aug. 2nd - Jack Simmons & Friends Aug. 19th - Driftwood Sept. 6th - Jessamyn & Friends Sept. 20th - Howard Smitty Smith ...Free. Event Type: Entertainment
Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 1140 N AVE, Princeton, IL 61356 Basic Garden Design with Jane Morris: A Gardening Together Workshop. The basics of good garden design are the same whether a person is planning and planting a small intimate area next to their patio, or a two acre property. Learn about form, line, texture, color, repetition, contrast, focal points and more to create an outdoor space you love. Learn how to use all types of plants: annuals, perennials, evergreens, shrubs and trees, and man-made items to bring these design basics to life. Free. Jane was previously our head gardener for 12 years and has done wonders for our gardens. She now has her own business, The Garden Governess, advising clients on pruning and other general gardening techniques and timing. Were all in this gardening thing together, and learning from one another as we go. Whats wonderful is that there is always more to learn. This afternoon workshop is a bonus event on our Open House weekend. You don't want to miss it!...Free. Event Type: Educational
Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 1140 N AVE, Princeton, IL 61356 Jane Morris, previously our head gardener for 12 years, says that early June is the ideal time to take out the pruners to pinch and cut back perennials to control height and shape and make for sturdier, more floriferous plants, thus preventing sprawling plants and the need to stake. This continues to be one of our most popular workshops for our customers, as well as our employees! Jane has her own business, The Garden Governess, advising clients on pruning and other general gardening techniques and timing. Were all in this gardening thing together and learning from one another as we go. We are hosting a series of Saturday workshops that we call Gardening Together . Well keep the workshops short and to the point, but you may want to bring along lawn chairs. Please dress for the weather. Also going on this weekend is our Open House and Hosta Walk. This 3-day event offers many items with special pricing including a long list of hostas. There will also be refreshments, door prizes, and the gardens will be looking exceptionally beautiful! We will be firing up our grill to sell pork chops, brats and burgers for lunch on Friday and Saturday. ...Free. Event Type: Educational
ICC Performing Arts Center, 1 College Dr., East Peoria, IL 61635 Saints & Sinners at the ICC Performing Arts Center, East Peoria on Sunday, June 9th. Respectful Catholic humor from the producer of "Late Night Catechism" - Vicki Quade. Proceeds benefit Immaculate Conception Building Project in Manito, IL. Tickets can be purchased by calling ICC Box Office at 309-694-5136 or online at www.artsaticc.com... Event Type: Arts
Willett's Winery & Cellar, 105 East Market Street, Manito, IL 61546 Take a drive for a Friday evening with a driving style of blues from the B Side Blues. This is a new band consisting of keyboardist Rusty Hall, bassist Dave Plunk, percussionist Tim Lee and guitarist/vocalist Joe Metzka. These guys have played with and for some of the biggest names in the blues world including BB King, Luther Allison, Lonnie Brooks and Johnny Lang just to name a few. The Ironstone Room is open from 5-8 PM for dinner, food is available outside from 6-9 PM and the B Side Blues take the stage from 7-10 PM. As this a blues group, the food service is going to feature a variety of BBQ items this evening. As usual there will be NO COVER for this event....No Cover. Event Type: Entertainment
Old Town District, Lasalle Street, Ottawa, IL 61350 Come to Ottawa and check out the antique and custom cars during the city's 15th Annual Cruise Night! Over 100 different models of cars will line the streets! It's every car buff's dream! LaSalle Street will be closed down for this event. Hosted by The LaSalle County Cruisers and the City of Ottawa ... Event Type: Outdoor
Reddick Mansion, 100 W. Lafayette Street, Ottawa, IL 61350 The Reddick Mansion is the starting point for this year's garden walk. While touring the lovely gardens of the Mansion, complete with costumed docents and a certified herb garden, stop and make a Victorian hat with your child. ...yes. Event Type: Outdoor
Willett's Winery & Cellar, 105 East Market Street, Manito, IL 61546 Stop in for the return of the dynamic Southside Cindy & The Sliptones to the Gardens stage. This group needs no introduction as they are well known and received for their get-up-and-dance style of blues, rock and original tunes. Dinner runs from 5-8 PM in The Ironstone Room, food service is available outside from 6-9 PM and Southside Cindy & The Sliptones hit the stage from 7-10 PM. Remember NO COVER!...No Cover. Event Type: Entertainment
TRIATHLON
Jul. 20, 2013 - Jul. 20, 2013, 7:00 AMOPTIMIST MEMORIAL POOL, 506 N. JACKSON, HAVANA , IL 62644 havanaparkdistrict@gmail.com... Event Type: Outdoor
Washington Square Park, LaSalle St. between Jackson and Lafayette, Ottawa, IL 61350 ART IN THE PARK is a Fine Art Show and Sale and will be held at historic Washington Square Park in Ottawa, Illinois. Fine artists and artisans from the Illinois Valley Area will exhibit 2D and 3D art - everything from glass to ceramics to paintings and jewelry. Historical Washington Square Park was the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas senatorial debate in August of 1858. Art in the Park takes place during the weekend of Riverfest, Ottawa's favorite summer festival, so visitors can also enjoy festival activities as well as downtown Ottawa's charming restaurants, shopping, and antiques district. The Ottawa Art League was established in 1967 by a group of artists from the Illinois Valley Area. It is a non-profit organization. The Ottawa Art League mission is to cultivate and promote a greater interest in art and to encourage the exchange of ideas, knowledge and experience among both professional and amateur artists. The OAL arranges local competitions and viewings for amateur and youth artists in the community and offers awards and prizes for the purpose of encouraging contributions to art. The OAL draws members from across LaSalle, Livingston, Putnam, Bureau, DeKalb, Lee, Grundy and Kendall counties....Free to the public. Event Type: Arts
Area: OTTAWA
YMCA Parking Lot, 201 E. Jackson Street, Ottawa, IL 61350 Come check out this spectacular car show! Open to all cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Vehicle registration takes place from 8:00am. Cash prizes awarded at 3:00pm. Music provided by 3-D Sound. Hosted by LaSalle County Cruisers during Riverfest. For more information call Mike at 815-433-4879 or visit www.lasallecountycruisers.com (All RiverFest events subject to change.)... Event Type: Seasonal
Downtown Mendota, 800 Washington St. , Mendota, IL 61342 The Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the gigantic undertaking of hosting over 60,000 visitors, who consume nearly 50 tons of sweet corn during the festival weekend. Don't miss the excitement for the festival offers a variety of entertainment events for the entire family. The events take place primarily in the downtown area, and with the exception of the beer garden, have no admission fees or parking fees. Free musical entertainment is in abundance. The Crafters Market Place and flea market features over 200 dealers in hand made crafts and unique merchandise. There is a Queen Pageant, beer garden with live bands, grand parade and a carnival with rides and games for both adults and children, plus much more. The midways are lined with food booths, featuring a multitude of ethnic, regional and festival foods, but the "BIG EVENT" is the serving of the free Del Monte sweet corn on Sunday afternoon. For over 65 years, it has been cooked to its golden goodness with the help of a vintage steam engine. If you would like to take some of the memories of Mendota's Sweet Corn Festival home with you, the Mendota Chamber will be selling fresh Del Monte sweet corn by the bag on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the festival. The good times are waiting, the welcome mat is out, come to Mendota for one of the Midwest's oldest and largest harvest festivals, the 66th annual Sweet Corn Festival. ...Free, except for beer garden. Event Type: Festival
Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 1140 N AVE, Princeton, IL 61356 No entry fee. Please be signed up by 1:00 so that we can get the brackets organized and start playing as soon thereafter as possible. Mostly we just want to have some fun and play some games, but the winning partners will each receive a $50.00 Hornbaker Gardens gift certificate. Here are some of the particulars: A team consists of two people. You can come as partners, or singles can draw for partners. Games will be to 11, and a match will consist of 2 out of three games. It will probably be a single elimination tournament. There will be a couple of sets of Bags boards, and perhaps some other lawn games. Come prepared for a fun afternoon. BYOB and lawn chairs....Free. Event Type: Entertainment
Reddick Mansion, 100 W. Lafayette Street, Ottawa, IL 61350 Join us for refreshments and music in the lovely gardens of the Reddick Mansion.... Event Type: Family
Weber House and Garden, 1503 Baker Street, Streator, IL 61364 A birthday salute to Preston Bradley. Hear fascinating stories about the man for whom the Chicago Cultural names its Main Hall; presented by his friend, Ted Weber.... Event Type: Educational
Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru Street, Princeton, IL 61356 The 158th annual Bureau County Fair will feature Justin Moore in concert on Fr, Aug 23, Truck & Tractor Pull on Aug 24, Demo Derby on Sunday at 3 p.m. plus lots of free musical entertainment, animal and livestock shows, fine arts and commercial exhibits, museum,great fair food and the huge carnival. See our facebook page or our web page for info. ...Varies. Event Type: Festival
Shore Acres Park, 100 Park Blvd., Chillicothe, IL 61523 A Native American Cultural event featuring people from different tribal backgrounds, sharing authentic culture. There will be storytelling, speakers, drum/dance demonstration, open dancing, a special concert by Native American singer/songwriter Jamie Russell, food, and much more. ...Free. Event Type: Educational
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