Events in Bourbonnais, IL

A family-focused grief workshop offers a relaxed setting with pizza, a film, and guided conversation. Families can connect with others experiencing similar emotions to build a supportive community. After sharing dinner and watching the movie, participants will discuss themes related to grief and learn practical coping skills to help the whole family navigate their journey. All ages are welcome, and children must attend with a parent or guardian.

When the Illinois Central reached the new town of Kankakee in 1853, a six day wagon journey to Chicago became a three hour ride by rail, and those tracks soon carried a powerful current of movement. That same route later served as a key path of the Great Migration, transporting many Black Southerners toward northern futures. In a program that blends lecture, storytelling, and performance, Kyla Williams Tate explores how those migrations across Illinois continue to influence today’s patterns of digital access, trust, and opportunity. Through stories, data, poetry, and lived experience, she connects past journeys with present questions of belonging and connection. This program is free.

A free support group for people living with heart failure and those who support them, presented with Riverside Healthcare at the Riverside Cardiovascular Specialists offices. This session features an Ask the Expert conversation with Dr. Tarun Jain, MD, FACC, Heart Failure Program Director. Participants can bring their heart health questions, take part in open discussion about what matters most to them, and learn from others with similar experiences. Light refreshments will be available. Patients and caregivers are encouraged to attend, and walk-ins are welcome. To RSVP, call (844) 404-4787.

Fridays @fter 5 brings a casual night of live music, food trucks, and refreshing drinks to The Grove, an outdoor gathering space in Bourbonnais. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, relax beneath the open sky, and enjoy a free-admission evening with friends. Food will be available from Avocado Theory, Bennett-Curtis Catering, Candy & Cake, Cousins Maine Lobster, Freaky Fries, Kona Ice, and Serna's Grill. This event is made possible with support from Bank of Bourbonnais, Court Street Ford, Glade Plumbing and Heating, Grief, Iroquois Federal, John Paul's Paint & Decor, Milner Media Partners, Pavlov Media, and The Library Bar.

An open mic that blends artistic expression with something to savor, featuring performances across rap, singing, spoken word, comedy, motivational talks, and storytelling. Attendees can expect a stage for varied voices, where verses, melodies, punchlines, and uplifting messages share the spotlight. It is designed to satisfy both a hunger for language and a more literal appetite.

KVTA presents Dreamgirls at the Lincoln Cultural Center under the direction of Tyler McMahon, with Aubrey LaLuna as assistant director, Barbi Brewer-Watson as vocal director, and choreography by Danielle Shoven. This musical follows a Motown group’s ascent from humble beginnings to fame within the glittering and competitive world of show business. The score spans gospel, rhythm and blues, smooth pop, disco and more, while the story explores ambition, hope, and betrayal. Act One unfolds in the vibrant sixties, when rhythm and blues blended with other popular styles to shape a new American sound, with audiences embracing icons like Elvis and the Beatles alongside the surge of girl and boy groups such as The Supremes, The Marvelettes, The Temptations, and The Shirelles. Act Two steps into the dawn of disco, even if the word is never spoken, and reveals the business forces that fueled a cultural shift in American music. The production’s legacy includes six Tony Awards in 1982, including Best Book, with thirteen nominations that year including Best Musical, four Drama Desk Awards with ten nominations including Outstanding Musical, and a 1982 Theatre World Award for Jennifer Holliday. Every attendee must have a ticket and lap sitting is not allowed. Children under 3 are not permitted. All sales are final with no refunds or exchanges.

Set in the heart of downtown Kankakee, the Kankakee Farmers’ Market welcomes visitors in all weather with a lively mix of farm-fresh produce, artisan-made goods, and flavorful bites. Live music adds to the upbeat atmosphere, creating a friendly community hub where shoppers can explore local offerings and connect with neighbors.

A community park clean-up focused on caring for shared green spaces and connecting with neighbors. Volunteers will pick up trash and, if desired, help tidy up the landscaping. Grabbers, trash bags, gloves, and water are provided. Those who want to work on landscaping are welcome to bring their own yard tools. It is an opportunity to meet fellow community members, enjoy time outdoors, and make a positive impact.

Choose an 8 hour or 4 hour timed ultramarathon on a 1.65 mile loop at Limestone Park. The route is primarily crushed limestone with some asphalt and blends flat sections with rolling terrain. Expect one brief steep descent, one brief steep climb, a couple of additional small hills, and roughly 50 feet of elevation change. Participants aim to complete as many loops as possible within their chosen timeframe. After each lap, check in with the scorekeeper, then decide whether to pause or head right back out. Results are determined by total completed loops. If there is a tie, the runner who finished their final lap earlier places higher. Partial laps do not count, so choose carefully when to start a last circuit. A well stocked aid station is located at the start and finish of the loop, with restrooms available there, and space is provided for personal base camps. Bring any specific nutrition or drinks you prefer. Awards include overall honors in each race, age group recognition as participation allows, and a finisher award for everyone, with personalized items for those who pre register. Registration and packet pickup occur before each race, followed by a pre race briefing. Both race options conclude together, then the awards ceremony takes place. Net proceeds support the Kankakee Veterans Assistance Commission and Limestone Park. Online registration or a printable entry form is available.

Kankakee County Out of the Darkness Walk 2026 brings the community together at Kankakee Community College for a shared walk. Organizers express excitement for this year’s gathering and note that sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available.

This experience welcomes brides-to-be, bridesmaids, and anyone seeking a fun, elevated outing in an artfully styled bridal setting. Enjoy light bites and drinks while CEO Danika Burnette leads participants with clear, guided instruction.

Healthy soil forms the backbone of nutritious food, flourishing gardens, and strong communities. This hands-on garden to table learning session explores the bustling world beneath our feet, showing how worms, microbes, fungi, and beneficial insects work together to build fertile soil that supports vibrant plant growth. It welcomes gardeners, families, youth, educators, and anyone eager to grow food using natural methods.

A friendly maker meetup brings together creators of all ages and experience levels to explore interests, swap skills, and connect with a welcoming community. Snacks are provided, and there is something for everyone.

Misfit Toyz brings a night of rock favorites to Manteno American Legion 755, covering hits from Motley Crue, Poison, S.T.P., Ac/DC, Offspring, Twisted Sister, A.I. Chains, Aerosmith, R.H.C.P., White Zombie and Lit, with more in the mix. It is all hits from start to finish.

The fifth annual MJRA golf outing features a shotgun start and later a dinner with a raffle. Options include a complete golf package priced at $125 for an individual golfer or $500 for a four-person team, plus a dinner-only choice for $30. Registration is open.

Kimberly’s Artisan Market welcomes Champagne Experience featuring The Champagne Duo for a live performance. Known for keeping the energy high, this act brings an upbeat set that adds a fun spark to the market.

Expectant mothers can learn the essentials of breastfeeding with guidance from certified lactation consultants. The session covers how to get started, practical techniques for the early days, benefits and myths, common concerns, nutrition, and pumping basics. Participation around 32 weeks of pregnancy is recommended, though attendees are welcome at any stage. Fathers and other support people are welcome to take part. This class is free for mothers-to-be. It meets in the Johnson Lecture Hall on the basement level of Riverside Medical Center. Advance registration is requested. For details, call (815) 935-7511. If the session you want is full, the Family Birthing Center at (815) 937-7511 can place you on a waiting list. Class schedules and locations are subject to change.

Seeds of Strength is Session 4 of the 5th Avenue Garden Community Wellness Through Nature Series. Guided by the idea that planting a seed is the start of growth, the session emphasizes resilience, meaningful connections, and the strength that grows when people support one another. Participants cultivate hope, perseverance, and personal development through hands-on gardening, reflective moments, setting positive intentions, and activities that build community.

This traditional 25 meter rifle clinic centers on building strong fundamentals with guidance from experienced instructors. Participants work toward consistent, precise hits by practicing stable shooting positions, smart sling use, purposeful dry-fire routines, and quick, accurate sight adjustments, along with related techniques. Designed as a two-day program, it revives riflecraft once widely practiced in America and lays the foundation for accuracy out to 500 yards, a distance long known as the Rifleman’s Quarter Mile. Between training sessions, instructors share true stories from the opening day of the American Revolution, introducing the real people whose courage helped shape the nation and highlighting the connection between marksmanship and liberty. The clinic welcomes newcomers and seasoned competitors alike, offering hands-on instruction, focused practice, and a thoughtful blend of skill-building and history.

The third annual Making Strides Against Cancer 5K Run and 2 mile walk at Riverside Cancer Institute supports oncology patients at the institute. Participants can take on a timed 5K run or opt for a 2 mile walk, and a community vendor fair will be part of the festivities. Awards will recognize the top three men and top three women with the fastest times in the timed 5K.

At the Illinois State Rifle Association in Bonfield, competitors can take part in Series 2, Match 1 of the Indoor Shooting League, a GSSF Indoor League event centered on the GLOCK community. The match is open to first-time gun owners as well as seasoned professionals. To be eligible for prizes, participants must complete at least two of the three matches in this series coordinated by the host range. Registration is accepted only at the host location.

Jake Vaughn brings a high energy concert atmosphere to the Kimberly Artisan Market, turning a typical market day into a singalong, hand clapping, boot stomping experience. He has performed alongside Grammy winning artists, Hall of Fame inductees, and hometown favorites, and was recognized by the Rolling Stones in back to back years in the America’s Next Top Hitmaker competition, ranking within the top one percent of artists across the country. With vocals often likened to Luke Combs and a charged stage presence in the spirit of Garth Brooks, this is more of an immersive show than background music. The market setting pairs live music with local vendors and food as Grant Park becomes the backdrop for an afternoon of high spirits.

Enjoy an outdoor Vinyasa yoga session at The Grove presented with Soul Moon Studio, blending flowing movement and breathwork with the fun glow of light-up accessories. As daylight fades, participants move under open skies in an atmosphere that is both calming and energizing. Free glow sticks are provided. All experience levels are welcome, though attendees should be comfortable getting up and down from the ground. This program is for ages 15 and up; a parent or guardian must complete a waiver for anyone under 18, and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early and bring a yoga mat, water, and a towel.

Spend a morning caring for Bird's Park with a community clean-up. Volunteers will collect litter, get to know neighbors, and enjoy time outdoors. Trash grabbers, bags, gloves, and water will be available. Participants may bring yard tools to help with landscaping.

Prepare for your newborn with a supportive, hands-on class designed for anyone who will be caring for a baby. New parents, grandparents, siblings ages 13 and up, babysitters, and other caregivers are welcome. Experienced instructors guide participants through practical skills like gentle bathing, effective diaper changes, safe swaddling, safe sleep guidelines, infant car seat use and installation, bottle feeding and positioning, soothing strategies, recognizing baby cues, and creating a safe home environment. It is a good fit for first-time parents, expectant mothers at 32 weeks and beyond, families seeking a refresher, and anyone building a care team. Partners and support people are encouraged to learn together to build confidence and a team approach to newborn care. The format is interactive with plenty of practice opportunities, and starting around 32 weeks of pregnancy is recommended. The class is free for expectant parents. Registration is available online or by phone.

Downtown Kankakee comes alive with a showcase of vintage rides and standout custom builds set around the Square at Kankakee Farmers' Market. Guests can wander among gleaming chrome and throaty engines, connect with fellow car fans, and take in a welcoming community atmosphere. This installment features Todd Hazelrigg, with additional dates in the season highlighting Jerry Downs and Shelby Ryan. The gathering celebrates more than machines, focusing on camaraderie and a shared passion that brings enthusiasts, families, and friends together.

This childbirth preparation class helps expectant parents feel more at ease with labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. The experience begins with a guided visit to the labor and delivery suite, then continues in the Riverside Johnson Lecture Hall on the basement level. Participants meet in the waiting area by the hospital gift shop to start the tour. Topics include what to expect in the third trimester, how to tell the difference between true and false labor, the stages of labor, when it is time to go to the hospital, techniques for relaxation and comfort, ways to support a laboring parent, common medical interventions such as induction, epidurals, and cesarean birth, and care for both parent and baby after birth. It is recommended for the early third trimester and includes a look at Riverside’s Family Birthing Center. The class is free for all mothers-to-be. If you plan to bring a birth partner, include their name when registering. If the session you want is full, call the Family Birthing Center at (815) 935-7511 to be added to a waiting list. Class details are subject to change.

A welcoming cancer support group provides a space for connection, mutual encouragement, and practical coping approaches. Patients, caregivers, and community members meet with Riverside Cancer Institute social workers Kristie and Molly to talk through a range of topics related to cancer care. Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month.

Riverside Diabetes Wellness and Endocrinology Specialists present an informational session introducing Weigh to Healthy Living, a six month weight management program focused on helping participants build healthy routines and improve overall well-being. Weight change is monitored, yet progress is also viewed through broader health improvements. A collaborative team that includes American Board of Obesity Medicine certified physicians, registered dietitians, fitness professionals, and behavioral therapists supports each person’s goals. The session explains how the program fosters sustainable habits, addresses nutrition and eating patterns, explores perspectives on food and body image, and creates realistic, personalized strategies to tackle health concerns with the aim of enhancing quality of life. Success is defined by meaningful lifestyle changes, better well-being, and management of related conditions, not just numbers on a scale.

This free workshop includes a meal, followed by an on screen reading of the book Tear Soup, which explores often overlooked aspects of grief and offers tips for coping. Participants then make a craft that represents the book’s lesson, with optional discussion for those who wish to take part. It is open to individuals and families with children ages 5 and older. All workshop materials and light refreshments are provided. Registration is required so materials can be prepared.

The Who Dat Dere Band returns to Bradley-Bourbonnais Sportsmen’s Club, Inc. for a night of live music and dancing. The evening offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of Who Dat Dere spirit for friends and families.

This KVTA production of Arsenic and Old Lace takes place at the KVTA Studios Black Box Theatre. Directed by Paul Snyder with assistant director Beth Sutter, the story follows drama critic Mortimer Brewster, whose engagement plans unravel after he finds a body in his aunts’ window seat. He rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they discover it, only to learn they are responsible, having served poisoned wine to lonely boarders in what they consider an act of mercy. With one brother convinced he is Theodore Roosevelt and another changing his appearance to avoid the police, Mortimer must navigate a tangle of family chaos if he hopes to reach his wedding. Every attendee must have their own ticket and lap sitting is not permitted. Children under 3 will not be admitted. All sales are final with no refunds or exchanges.

An afternoon tea inspired by J.K. Rowling's wizarding world takes place inside the B. Harley Bradley House, an early Prairie-style home by Frank Lloyd Wright. Designed for adults, this relaxed, social gathering pairs whimsical touches with the elegance of a traditional tea. Tickets are $40 per person and can be reserved online or by contacting the office at 815-936-9630. It is held on the first floor and is accessible.

Illinois State Rifle Association hosts Series 2, Match 2 of its Indoor Shooting League, featuring an indoor GSSF competition for GLOCK enthusiasts. The match is open to all experience levels, from first-time owners to seasoned shooters. Registration is completed at the host range only. To be eligible for prizes, competitors must participate in at least two of the three matches in this series coordinated by the range.

Riverside Healthcare hosts a free support group for people living with heart failure at the Riverside Cardiovascular Specialists offices in Bourbonnais. The session centers on navigating the holiday season with lower stress and stronger heart health, led by Breanna Wennberg, MD. Participants can ask questions and learn from others with similar experiences in an open, supportive setting. Patients and caregivers are welcome, light refreshments are provided, and walk-ins are accepted. To RSVP or inquire, call (844) 404-4787.

Many find the holidays especially hard after the death of a loved one. This family-focused workshop at The UpliftedCare Community Grief Center provides a welcoming place to connect with others who are grieving and to explore practical ways to navigate the season. The session highlights coping tools, reimagining traditions, and establishing healthy boundaries. All workshop materials are included and light refreshments are provided. Registration is required.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid takes the stage at the Lincoln Cultural Center as a streamlined musical inspired by Jeff Kinney’s popular character. Greg Heffley is determined to climb the middle school social ladder, even if it risks his friendship with Rowley Jefferson, and the notorious Cheese Touch only adds to the chaos. The story blends humor with heart as Greg navigates tricky friendships and quirky neighbors like Fregley while chasing popularity. The creative team features Director Kayla James, Assistant Director Sharla Ronchetto, Vocal Director Jamie Howard Breeden, and Choreographer Jaylen Rick. Every attendee must have an individual ticket and lap sitting is not allowed. Children under 3 will not be admitted. All sales are final with no refunds or exchanges.

Illinois State Rifle Association presents Series 2, Match 3 of its Indoor Shooting League, a GSSF competition for the GLOCK community. Shooters of all experience levels are welcome, from first-time gun owners to seasoned professionals. Registration is available only at the host range. To qualify for prizes in this series, participants must compete in at least two of the three matches coordinated by the range. For venue information, call 815-635-3198.

Look forward to prizes offered each week, projects organized by the library, and a dinner coordinated by Locally Grown together with Friends of L & R Farms. The menu highlights produce from the end of the harvest, bringing a fresh, seasonal focus to the meal.