From hot rods to hot dogs, family fun and craft brews, the popular Cruise Nights on the River returns to downtown Yorkville on Friday evening. The events are held monthly.

Outdoor farmers markets offer plenty of opportunities to shop local and support regional growers and vendors in the Will County area.

Come enjoy the Summer Sounds of the Dixon Municipal Band concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday June 18, at the Page Park Band Shell in Dixon.

The Plainfield Village Board voted to allow open carry during the Plainfield Cruise Nights, which are held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday through Aug. 18.

When summer heats up out outside, pet owners need to remember to keep their dogs, cats and any other beloved pets cool.

Lockport kicked off its annual Old Canal Days festival on Friday, June 12, 2026 after storms on Thursday postponed opening day. The festival runs through Sunday.

Plano Library offers free programs for kids and adults through June

The Conservation Foundation’s McDonald Farm, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road in Naperville,is hosting Music on the Farm 4 to 6 p.m. , Sunday, June 14, 4 to 6 p.m. Live music, food trucks and free admission.

Youths ages 5–10 are invited to get creative and explore the natural world at the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Nature’s Paint Box workshop series happening this summer across Carroll, Lee and Whiteside counties.

State Rep. Bradley Fritts, R-Dixon, is kicking off his fourth annual Summer Tour this month. 

Sick the Magazine is coming through Rock Falls on Monday, June 15, and Rock Falls is having a mini-block party downtown to welcome them for a third year in a row.

Waste Management will be changing its pick up times in Will County communities due to temperatures reaching 90 and above this week.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is bringing back food trucks on Fridays and spalsh days.

The annual Star Wars Day in Joliet continues to draw people throughout the Chicago region.

Joliet police officers with the unit will "maintain a consistent presence downtown, including in and around City Square," according to city officials.

The Sterling Municipal Band's “Music Under the Stars” summer concert series will take place at Grandon Civic Center in Central Memorial Park in downtown Sterling.

The Village of Bourbonnais is hosting a series of free summer events from June through September, including art classes, live music, yoga, and family activities at local parks and gathering spaces.

Here’s when and where to catch cruise nights in the Joliet area

The Oswegoland Park District operates three aquatic facilities - the Civic Center in Oswego, Winrock Pool in Montgomery and the Splash Pad in Oswego.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced its program schedule for the week of June 1.

The 2026 Farmstand Trail features nine farm stands spanning Will, Kendall, Grundy and Livingston counties.

They can live in many different habitats, such as woodlands and meadows, but generally prefer taller vegetation like grasses. They are also found in both urban and suburban areas.

Timber Lake Playhouse opens its 65th main stage season with "Godspell," playing May 29 through June 7.

The state now offers a brewery, brew pub, distillery & winery directory on the ILCC website

Following these simple food safety practices, you can protect your family and friends from food borne illness and make the most of your summer cookouts.

Dive right into summer at these Joliet area community pools and splash pads.

Outdoor farmers market season offers plenty of opportunities to shop local and support regional growers and vendors

Students from kindergarten through fifth grade may participate by reading eight or more books before Aug. 14.

State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, is encouraging students across the 37th District to stay engaged this summer by participating in his annual Summer Reading Program.

Organizers promise 'a new experience' when Race Fan Rally returns to downtown Joliet in July along with NASCAR races at Chicagoland Speedway.

Before you get the bikes and scooters out for a ride around Plainfield, the village is reminding residents of local rules and regulations.

The warmer temperatures also bring the return of insect and disease pests. How can we keep one step ahead of these unwanted visitors?

Lone Star ticks have historically been found in the South and Eastern portion of the U.S., but have been rapidly migrating into the Midwest over the past few years, due to climate change and rising temperatures, health officials said

The Slammers will open their season Friday, May 8, against the Washington Wild Things, featuring the first giveaway of the year as part of opening night ceremonies.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County begins heron viewing hours at the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery every 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays through Aug. 9.

The new system offers park users a more user-friendly system for making reservations and securing permits, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said.

Kendall County offers excellent paved and limestone-screened trails ideal for biking.

An outdoor “social district” around Joliet's new City Square is still early in discussion, city officials said.

Downtown City Square will be the site of live music, story times for kids, community celebrations, Star Wars Day and the return of Race Fan Rally.

The flexible Healthy Endeavors for Kids curriculum, available in English and Spanish, requires no clinical background to deliver, making it accessible for teachers, youth leaders and community staff, Endeavor said.

This western-themed event will feature line dancing, interactive games, a silent and live auction and a BBQ dinner.

Instead of Venue 1012 hosting concerts all summer, plans are to hold one full-day event event at the amphitheater on Sept. 19. The free movie Movies Under The Stars series will be back.

Campers will learn techniques in painting, drawing, clay, and mixed media, and will keep any artwork they create.

Nearly the entire state is abnormally dry or in some form of drought as a result of a shortfall of precipitation last year, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor released Jan. 15.

New city events director discusses plans for 2026 after New Orleans North and Taste of Joliet have been canceled

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced its 2026 event calendar, featuring a year of art exhibits, festivals, live music, educational programs and outdoor experiences across Will County.

Permits are required for groups of 25 or more and encouraged for smaller groups that want to ensure the use of a specific shelter location.

The city is developing an expanding special events staff, but director was not consulted about future of Taste of Joliet.

The biggest summer event in Joliet has been called off for 2026. The Joliet Park District plans to replace it with a downsized event in 2027, and it may not be in the summer.

With spring here and temperatures slowly warming it is time to get out your bike and head out to these Will County trails.