Events in Kankakee, IL

Enjoy Monical’s while giving back to the library. Dine at the Manteno or Bourbonnais locations and present the flyer so that 20 percent of your purchase supports the library.

Expectant parents can gain practical guidance in this prenatal breastfeeding class led by certified lactation consultants. The session covers how to get started, the benefits of breastfeeding, common myths and concerns, nutrition for nursing, and information on breast pumps. It is recommended around 32 weeks of pregnancy, though participants are welcome at any time. Fathers and other support people are encouraged to attend. This class is free for mothers-to-be and takes place in the Johnson Lecture Hall, basement level of Riverside Medical Center. For more information, call (815) 935-7511. Registration is requested, and if the date you want is full, call the Family Birthing Center at (815) 937-7511 to be placed on a waiting list. Classes and locations are subject to change.

Seeds of Strength, Session 4 of the 5th Avenue Garden Community Wellness Through Nature Series, centers on resilience, community connection, and the strength that grows when people support one another. Drawing on the idea that each planted seed represents a step toward growth, the session combines gardening activities with reflection, positive intention setting, and community-building experiences. Participants explore ways to cultivate hope, perseverance, and personal growth.

Glow sticks light up the dance floor while DJ ANON spins kid favorites such as KPop, Demon Hunters, TSwift, Kids Bop, and more. Attendees can dance, sing, and celebrate together in a lively setting. This event is open to all ages.

Dance along to The Boy Band Night as a live band powers through favorites from Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, New Kids on the Block, Jonas Brothers, One Direction, and more. The set features stacked harmonies, signature choreography, and a playlist made for singalongs. Staged on the Main Street Stage at Oktoberfest, it delivers a nostalgic night of pop hits and plenty of chances to move.

The third annual Making Strides Against Cancer 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk brings the community together in support of Riverside Cancer Institute’s oncology patients. Participants can take part in a timed 5K run or a 2-mile walk, and a community vendor fair takes place during the event. Packet pickup is available before the race. Awards are presented to the top three male and top three female finishers with the fastest times in the timed 5K. The event is held at Riverside Cancer Institute.

Replay is back at The Hanger at the Manteno American Legion for a return engagement.

The ongoing monthly blues jam at Back Forty Saloon brings together Andy Duncanson and Susan Williams.

Glowga at The Grove is an outdoor Vinyasa yoga session presented by the Village of Bourbonnais with Soul Moon Studio. Expect a flowing practice that links movement and breath while light-up accessories add a playful glow as evening sets in, creating a setting that is both energizing and calming. Complimentary glow sticks are included. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome, but participants should be comfortable getting up and down from the ground. The session is open to ages 15 and older. A parent or guardian must complete a waiver for anyone under 18, and those younger than 16 must attend with an adult. Plan to arrive a little early and bring a yoga mat, water, and a towel.

Substance use and mental health challenges touch many lives across the community. With needs growing nationwide, this fundraiser focuses on practical solutions close to home. Funds raised will strengthen local treatment courts, connecting people with accountability and care. Support from this event advances recovery, lowers repeat offenses, and contributes to a safer, more resilient community.

A community clean-up at Bird's Park brings neighbors together to care for the park and enjoy time outdoors. Volunteers will pick up litter and connect with others who want to make a positive impact. Trash grabbers, bags, gloves, and water will be available. Anyone interested in light landscaping can bring their own yard tools to help tidy garden areas.

Get ready for your baby’s arrival with a welcoming Baby Care Basics class at Riverside Healthcare. Open to new parents, grandparents, siblings ages 13 and up, babysitters, and other caregivers, this session helps you and your support team feel prepared for life with a newborn. Experienced instructors guide a supportive, hands-on learning experience that focuses on practical skills and confidence building. Learn safe and gentle ways to bathe your baby, practice proper diaper changes, and explore swaddling methods that promote comfort and sleep. Review safe sleep guidelines, car seat safety and correct installation, and bottle feeding techniques and positioning. Discover soothing strategies, how to read common baby cues, and simple steps to create a safe home environment for an infant. This class is ideal for first-time parents, expectant mothers at 32 weeks and beyond, anyone seeking a refresher, grandparents and family members, and all who will help care for a newborn. Partners and support people are encouraged to participate together. The program is interactive with plenty of practice opportunities, and it is offered at no cost for expectant parents. Beginning around 32 weeks of pregnancy is recommended.

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.

Prepare for childbirth with a class that builds confidence for the journey from late pregnancy through recovery. Topics include third trimester changes, how to tell real labor from false alarms, the phases of labor, when it is time to go to the hospital, relaxation and comfort strategies, ways a support person can help, and common medical options such as induction, epidural anesthesia, and cesarean birth. Postpartum care for both mother and baby is also covered. It is ideal to attend during the early part of the third trimester, and the experience includes a guided look at Riverside’s Family Birthing Center. The session begins with a tour; meet in the waiting area by the hospital gift shop. After the tour, the class continues in Johnson Lecture Hall on the basement level. Participants may bring a birth partner and should include their name when registering. There is no cost for mothers-to-be. If a session is full, contact the Family Birthing Center to be placed on a waitlist. 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.

Champagne Cabaret brings an evening of sparkle, songs, and a touch of main character energy to The Lush Vine Wine Bar. Presented in collaboration with Champagne Experience, this monthly gathering features open mic performances and guitar-a-oke, alongside champagne specials and bubbly cocktails. The setting is intimate and cabaret-style, with music, laughter, and a few surprises. Attendees can step up to the mic, play along, or relax with a glass in a space that encourages dressing up for a chic and lively night out.

Settle in on the lawn at The Grove for an outdoor screening of Wicked for Good paired with an easygoing dinner vibe. Attendees can bring blankets and lawn chairs to get comfortable under the night sky. The movie is free and suitable for all ages, and closed captioning is provided. Food trucks will be on site with options from Andy’s Hot Dogs, Candy & Cake, and MiaBella’s Wood Fired Pizza. This presentation is supported by CertaPro Painters, Court Street Ford, Glade Plumbing and Heating, Pavlov Media, and St. Mary’s Hospital.

An informational session hosted by Riverside Diabetes Wellness and Endocrinology Specialists introduces Weigh to Healthy Living, a six month weight management program centered on sustainable habit change and overall wellness. The session explains how physicians certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine, together with registered dietitians, fitness specialists, and behavioral therapists, work as a team to tailor support to each person’s goals. Progress is considered in more ways than weight alone, with emphasis on daily eating habits, perspectives on food and body, practical and personalized nutrition strategies, and improvements in quality of life. The program focuses on building healthy lifestyle changes that enhance overall health and assist with managing related conditions.

Hosted at the Bradley Jumpstart office, this public storytime features discovering new stories, creating a craft, and shared playtime. Actividad en la oficina de Bradley Jumpstart, dirigida a todo público, con lectura de cuentos, una manualidad y momentos de juego en conjunto.

Enjoy a shared meal, then watch an on-screen reading of Tear Soup, a story that explores often overlooked aspects of grief and offers ways to cope with difficult emotions. After the reading, make a craft inspired by the book’s lesson and take part in a conversation if you would like. This free workshop welcomes individuals and families with children ages 5 and up. All materials and light refreshments are provided. Registration is required so supplies can be prepared.

The Who Dat Dere Band returns to Bradley-Bourbonnais Sportsmen’s Club, Inc. for an evening of live music, dancing, and upbeat vibes. A fun night for families and friends with lively tunes and plenty of Who Dat Dere spirit.

Take a guided tour of Riverside Medical Center’s Family Birthing Center and learn about the family-focused maternity care offered there. The visit provides an overview of the spaces and services, reflecting a thoughtfully designed approach to supporting families throughout the birth experience. Personal tours can be arranged at any time by contacting the Family Birthing Center at (815) 935-7511.

KVTA presents the dark comedy classic Arsenic and Old Lace at the KVTA Studios Black Box Theatre, directed by Paul Snyder with Beth Sutter as assistant director. Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement celebration unravels when he uncovers a body hidden in a window seat and learns that his affectionate aunts have been quietly dispatching lonely boarders with tainted wine, convinced they are acting out of kindness. As Mortimer scrambles to manage the fallout, he faces one brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and another who has altered his appearance to evade the authorities, all while wavering about marriage. Every attendee must have their own ticket and lap sitting is not allowed. Children under 3 will not be admitted. All sales are final with no refunds or exchanges.

Fans of the wizarding world can savor a themed afternoon tea inside the B. Harley Bradley House, an early and celebrated Prairie-style home by Frank Lloyd Wright. The experience blends touches from J. K. Rowling’s series with the elegance of a traditional tea service. It is designed for adults and offers a refined, social setting for grown-up fans. The gathering is held on the first floor of the house and is handicap accessible. Tickets are $40 per person and can be reserved online or by contacting the office at 815-936-9630.

The monthly blues jam returns to Back Forty Saloon, featuring Andy Duncanson and Susan Williams.

Back Forty Saloon hosts a Halloween bash with Cherry Bomb, inviting everyone to get creative with costumes. Cherry Bomb sets the tone with a bold look, and the crowd is encouraged to step up their own style. The spirit of the night is to show Manteno how Halloween is done.

At The Lush Vine Wine Bar, Champagne Cabaret blends bubbly-focused specials with live, interactive entertainment in an intimate cabaret setting. This collaboration between The Lush Vine and Champagne Experience features open mic performances and playful Guitar-a-oke, along with champagne specials and sparkling cocktails. Attendees can take the mic, strum along, or simply sip and enjoy the music, laughter, and a few surprises. It is a chance to dress a little extra and spend an evening that feels effortlessly chic and full of fun.

Riverside Healthcare offers a free support group for people living with heart failure and their caregivers. The focus is Surviving through the Holidays, Stress Reduction and Heart Health, with Breanna Wennberg, MD. The format is an open discussion about what matters most to participants, with an opportunity to ask heart health questions and hear from others who understand similar experiences. Light refreshments are provided. Patients and caregivers are encouraged to attend, and walk-ins are welcome. For RSVPs or questions, call (844) 404-4787.

Not Yet returns to one of its favorite spots, Back Forty Saloon, bringing good music, cold drinks, and great company.

Start your seasonal shopping and browse for holiday gifts. Check items off your list and enjoy a simple way to get ready for the holidays.

Navigating the holidays after a loss can be difficult. This family workshop offers a supportive setting to connect with others who are grieving and to consider practical ways to approach the season. Discussion will include coping tools, how to adjust traditions, and how to set healthy boundaries. All workshop materials are provided, and light refreshments are available. Registration is required.

KVTA’s stage adaptation of Diary of a Wimpy Kid brings Greg Heffley’s world to life in a one hour, music-filled production at the Lincoln Cultural Center. Determined to rise on the middle school popularity chart, Greg weighs his choices as friendships and reputation collide, with best friend Rowley Jefferson, neighbor Fregley, and the notorious Cheese Touch all in the mix. Jeff Kinney’s well-known character anchors a story that blends big laughs with genuine heart, capturing the awkward wins and losses of growing up. The production is directed by Kayla James, with Sharla Ronchetto as assistant director, Jamie Howard Breeden as vocal director, and choreography by Jaylen Rick. Every attendee must have their own ticket and lap sitting is not allowed. Children under 3 will not be admitted. All sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges.

Back Forty Saloon presents the monthly blues jam featuring Andy Duncanson and Susan Williams. The series continues with live blues at this ongoing jam.

Hosted by the Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society, this handmade market brings together a variety of artists, makers, bakers, and more. Browse for gifts and home decorations, enjoy coffee with brunch or lunch, and stock up on specialty baked treats to take home. A one dollar donation at the door helps cover event costs.

Four festive feats of strength take the spotlight at Majestic Weddings & Events, featuring Reindeer Gainz Viking Press, Sleigh Squat, Santa’s Sack Chimney Chuck, and Ho Ho Hold On. The competition even uses a real sleigh, and photos and videos from past Christmas contests can be found on social media, where updates will also be posted. This contest is sanctioned by United States Strongman and serves as a qualifier for 2027 Nationals. A 2026 USS membership is required to compete, and athlete registration with full details is available on Iron Podium. Spectator admission is $15 for ages 13 and up, with a limited number of $25 VIP spots on the second and third level balconies. Tables and chairs will be set up for a good view and room for food and drinks, and the balcony levels also include tables, chairs, and a small area with couches. Spectator tickets will be available online at Eventbrite. A live stream with commentary by Laarni Mulvey of Athlete Ready Sideline Sports will be free to watch on YouTube via the One Way Strength Channel. The Majestic bar will be open with a variety of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, and food details will be announced closer to the event. Large free public parking lots are located behind and beside the building with plenty of spaces. Festive attire is encouraged with a playful nod to the idea that a Christmas look adds a little extra power to every lift.