Free events in Kankakee, IL

Fridays @fter 5 brings a relaxed evening at The Grove in Bourbonnais with live music from The Jolly Ringwalds, a lineup of food trucks, and cold drinks in an inviting outdoor setting. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and enjoy a laid back summer night under the open sky. Food options include Avocado Theory, Bamboo Island, Bennett-Curtis Catering, INTBAG, and Kona Ice. Free to attend. Presented with support from Bank of Bourbonnais, Collective Balance Counseling, Court Street Ford, Glade Plumbing & Piping Co., Grief, John Paul's Paint & Decor, Milner Media Partners, and Pavlov Media.

Spend a rewarding morning building community while cleaning up local parks. This is a chance to make a real difference, meet neighbors, and enjoy the fresh air. All clean-up basics will be provided, including grabbers, bags, gloves, and water. Anyone who would like to help with light landscaping is welcome to bring personal yard tools.

Fierce Financial Planning Services Inc. and Still I Rise present the 9th Annual Back 2 School Supply Giveaway at The Depot, Hillside Stage in Kankakee. Attendees can pick up backpacks stocked with school supplies and uniforms, enjoy free food and beverages, and take part in a festive day with a live DJ, a bounce house, face painting, hair braiding, games like tug-of-war, and other youth activities. The celebration also includes food trucks, a cash giveaway, and a bike giveaway, plus performances by platinum recording artists iAmDLow and Tocarra. Admission is free, all ages are welcome, and giveaways are available while supplies last. Free hair braiding is offered with sign up.

Cool off at Splash Valley Aquatic Park during a series of community swimming days offering free admission for Kankakee residents. Enjoy time in the water with family and friends close to home. To participate, present identification that confirms City of Kankakee residency. Complimentary tickets are released starting the first day of each month for a one-week window and must be reserved in person at the park during open hours. Availability is limited and tickets are issued in the order requests are made.

Sandwiches with a Side of Jam brings a free, family-friendly lunchtime concert to Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square. Each month in the summer, Downtown Kankakee comes together for live performances by local and regional musicians and lunch from rotating downtown eateries and food trucks. Attendees can bring their own meal or grab something from the featured vendors, then relax in a comfortable spot and enjoy an easygoing midday break with friends, family, or coworkers. This installment showcases Three's a Crowd, with food available from Brother George's BBQ and Essential Smoothies.

The Grove will host an outdoor Dinner and Movie on the Green featuring Smurfs. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a free, family friendly film under the night sky. Food options will be available from Chick-fil-A, Drew's Dogs, Tacos El Guadalajara #1, and TCBY. Closed captioning will be provided during the movie. This event is supported by Aqua Illinois Inc., CertaPro Painters, Court Street Ford, Glade Plumbing & Piping Co., Midland States Bank, and Pavlov Media.