OCTOBER
The fun continues at “Haunted Hollows Fest” in Peotone every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through November 2nd at the Will County Fairgrounds. It’s fun for all ages with live entertainment, kids games and activities, a children’s maze, photo-ops, food and more. Once the sun sets, test your courage with a trip through the haunted barn. Admission into the family portion of the fest can be paid at the gate, but tickets for the haunted barn must be purchased online at hauntedhollowsfest.com
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Calvary Lutheran Church and Preschool in Watseka will be hosting their annual “Calvary-Style Cod Fish Dinner” on Friday, October 24th from 4 to 6pm at 120 East Hickory Street. All donations will be used to benefit their preschool. The dinner includes 2 filets, potato salad, baked beans and cookies. They are offering drive-up service only for this event.
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Join the Kankakee Valley Park District and embrace the magic of autumn during “The Great Campfire Gathering”, Friday October 24th from 6 to 9pm at the KVPD Campground on River Road in Kankakee. Roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire while enjoying live music, delicious food, family activities, face-painting, games and more. You can decorate a scarecrow, meet the Toy Story characters, or take a scenic hayride along the Kankakee River. Pre-registration tickets and further information can be found at kvpd.com
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The Salvation Army of Kankakee will host a “Harvest Festival” on Friday, October 24th with fun for the whole family. This will take place from 4 to 6pm at 148 North Harrison Avenue in Kankakee, admission is free and all are welcome to attend. You’ll find fall-themed decor, games, and activities, treats and snacks, prizes and giveaways, as well as free costumes for kids while supplies last.
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A benefit for the Liberty Lodge will take place Saturday, October 25th from 4 to 7pm at the Bradley American Legion on West Broadway with live music, food trucks and raffle prizes. Funds raised will go toward the construction of a gazebo at their local Residential Hall for Veterans.
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A Trunk-or-Treat for the little ones will take place Saturday, October 25th from 1 to 3pm in the parking lot behind the school at Maternity BVM Catholic Church at 324 East Marsile Street in Bourbonnais.
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The Village of Bourbonnais will host their “Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade” at The Grove on Saturday, October 25th at 10am. Dress your furry friend in costume and join the parade or attend as a spectator. Registration details can be found on the villageofbourbonnais Facebook page.
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The Manteno American Legion will host a Spooky Craft Sale in their outdoor Hangar from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, October 25th. This will be taking place during the town’s Main Street Trick or Treat event. All of the items for sale were handmade by veterans at the Manteno Veterans Home and the money raised from the sale will go to their woodshop.
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The annual “Bordertown Hauntings” event will take place in Momence on Saturday, October 25th from noon to 4pm. They’ll have a harvest festival, police department costume contest, downtown trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, a pet costume contest, FFA lunch, hayrides, petting zoo and so much more. Visit the “Momence Chamber of Commerce” Facebook page for additional information.
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You can safely dispose of unwanted or expired medication at the “Take Back Day” drop-off event happening on Saturday, October 25th from 10am to 2pm in the east parking area at Northfield Square Mall. The Bradley Lions will also be there collecting unwanted used eyeglasses until noon. Visit deatakeback.com for more information.
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Local nonprofit veterans organization “Project Headspace and Timing” will host its “Haunted Woods” attraction in Bonfield this month on the evenings of Friday October 24th and Saturday October 25th. Parking will be available at 148 Stanford Drive. Your entry fee is just a free-will cash donation. Ages 16 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. There will be a non-scary time for kids from 6 to 7pm on Friday night, and from 7 to 8pm on Saturday. The haunted trail will open at 7pm on Friday, 8pm on Saturday, and the line closes at 10 o’clock both nights.
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The Limestone Township Fire Protection District will hold its first annual pork burger drive-thru lunch event on Saturday, October 25th from 11am to 2pm at 4948 West Route 17 in Kankakee. The meal includes a pork burger with chips, a cookie and a drink. All donations accepted.
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The Village of Manteno, its Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club are teaming up to present another “Main Street Trick or Treat” event on Saturday, October 25th. Kids can kick off their spooky adventure with seasonal activities at the Square on Second, and then head down Main Street for festive games and trick-or-treating at participating businesses and organizations from 11am to 2pm. Costumes are encouraged.
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A Trunk-or-Treat for the little ones will take place Saturday, October 25th from 1 to 3pm in the parking lot behind the school at Maternity BVM Catholic Church at 324 East Marsile Street in Bourbonnais.
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Ink’d Expression Arts will host its second annual “Ink’d Arts Fest” on Saturday and Sunday, October 25th and 26th inside the Majestic Theater building on South Schuyler Avenue in downtown Kankakee. This local underground art and tattoo festival will feature live tattooing by top-tier artists, tattoo contests, live music, local vendors and more. It’s open from 10am to 10pm on Saturday, and on Sunday from 10am to 7pm. Admission is $15 at the door, or just $5 for police, fire and U.S. Military personnel.
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The Manteno Sportsmen’s Club Women’s Auxiliary will host their 6th annual Trunk-or-Treat throughout the campgrounds from noon until 3pm on Sunday, October 26th. This is open to the public with treats, drinks, hayrides, photo ops, and a grand prize for best decorated vehicle.
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Dr. David Conrad and Mrs. Lori Buckman will be conducting a free Fall Concert on Sunday October 26th with the River Valley Wind and String Ensembles and all are invited. This will begin at 3pm in the Larsen Fine Arts Building at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.
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The 2025 Momence Harvest Festival will take place October 24th through the 26th on East Washington Street, starting by the footbridge and heading towards Railroad Avenue. Three days of fall fun from 10am to 3pm with vendors, food trucks and live entertainment, along with free activities for the kids including pony rides and a reptile show, a petting zoo, face-painting, a bounce house, trick-or-treating and more. Visit the “Momence Harvest Festival” page on Facebook for more information.
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The Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley will present a free “Estate Planning 101” seminar on Wednesday, October 29th at 5pm in the Kankakee Public Library. Speakers will include Executive Director Nicole Smolkovich, along with attorneys Neeley Regas and Deanna Carlson Webb. RSVP by October 27th at CFKRV.org
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Heritage Woods of Manteno is an assisted lifestyle community for older adults. They’ll be hosting a trunk-or-treat for the little ones on Thursday, October 30th (weather permitting) from 5 t o 7pm. Join them for candy, spooky tunes and fun games at 355 Diversatech Drive in Manteno.
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The Chebanse Haunted House is open rain or shine every Friday and Saturday throughout the month of October from 7 to 10 pm at the Civic Center on West First South Street. They have indoor waiting and concessions available. Kids 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $10 cash per person and there will be an ATM on site
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The Kankakee Kiwanis Club’s annual peanut and gummy bear sale is going on now through October 31st. All funds raised benefit youth in our area. A case of peanuts or gummy bears is $55 and will be delivered in time for your Halloween trick-or-treaters. You can also donate a case to American troops overseas. Visit kkiwanis.org to participate.
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Menards home improvement store on Christine Drive in Bradley is serving as a drop site for a local food pantry this month. Boxes of cereal, cans of soup and other non-perishable food items are available in the grocery department at Menards for immediate donation. A large collection box for donations will be located near the exit doors through October 31st.
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The Salvation Army of Kankakee needs volunteer bell-ringers for their 2025 Red Kettle Campaign and sign-ups are happening now through December 22nd. You can make a difference for local families in need by donating just a couple hours of your free time this holiday season. You’re able to pick the day, time slot and the store where you’d like to ring by visiting registertoring.com today.
NOVEMBER
The ninth annual “Great Mouse Race” will take place on Saturday, November 1st inside the Civic Auditorium on South 8th Avenue in Kankakee. This is an evening of live mouse racing and games, themed snacks and exciting raffle prizes with its proceeds going to support the River Valley Special Recreation Association and programs for people with special needs. Doors to the venue open at 6pm, one hour before the first race. Tickets are $25 and include two drinks, door prize entry and snacks. They can be purchased through Eventbrite or at the River Valley Special Rec. office at 1335 East Broadway Street in Bradley.
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Kentland Trinity United Methodist Church in Kentland, Indiana invites you to their annual “Big Turkey Dinner” on Sunday, November 2nd from 3 to 6pm. Each meal will include roast turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry salad, a dinner roll and dessert. You can pay at the door. It’s $12 per adult, or $6 per child ages 10 and under.
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The Sons and Daughters of Italy in America division of Kankakee County’s Americo Vespucci Lodge will host a charity Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, November 2nd from noon until 5pm at Tucci’s Italian on Route 50 in Bourbonnais. The proceeds go toward KCC scholarships and local charity organizations. The cost will be $25 per adult with discounted admission for children. You can purchase tickets at the door.
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The Lake Village Presbyterian Church will host their annual Fall Fish Fry and Chicken Dinner on Friday, November 7th from 4 to 7pm inside the Lake Township Community Hall at 9728 North 300 West in Lake Village, Indiana. The meal will include fish and chicken tenders, fries, coleslaw, apple sauce, green beans, potatoes, beverages and dessert. The dinner will be prepared by the Knights of Columbus of Lowell and available for both dine-in or carry-out. Kids 5 and under eat for free.
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The First United Methodist Church of Momence on West Fourth Street will host a Christmas Craft and Vendor Fair on Saturday, November 8th from 8:30am to 2pm. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase.
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You’re invited to the Parish Hall at Asbury United Methodist Church on South Harrison Avenue in downtown Kankakee for the “Empty Bowls: Kankakee County” event from 5 to 7:30pm on Thursday, November 13th. This is a community fundraiser organized by Hedgeapple Arts to unite artists, businesses, and volunteers to fight local hunger by serving a simple meal of soup and bread, and selling handmade ceramic bowls which symbolize their mission. The proceeds will benefit the Merchant Street Food Pantry, which serves over 210 families each week.
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A Veterans Day fundraiser will be held on Saturday, November 15th from noon until 5pm at “Mac & Frankie’s” on West Broadway Street in Bradley. Just $5 gets you all-you-can-eat Chicago-style hot dogs and homemade side dishes. It’s free for all veterans. There will also be live music, split-the-pot and raffle baskets. The money raised will benefit disabled American veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project.
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The Reddick Community Fire Protection District will host a Craft and Vendor Show in the fire station at 210 East Main Street on Saturday, November 15th and Sunday, November 16th from 8am to 2pm both days. Proceeds will go toward the Reddick Firefighter’s Association Equipment Fund. They will also hold a Pancake Breakfast that Sunday morning (11/16) from 7am until noon in the Community Room. If you are a crafter or vendor interested in renting a 10×10 space, you can send an email to ryankourtni@gmail.com for a vendor application.
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Faith Baptist Church on Armour Road in Bourbonnais will host “Trinkets and Treasures”, a craft and home goods sale in their gymnasium on Friday, November 21st from 9am to 5pm. Attendees will find handmade crafts and holiday gifts, a rummage sale, kids craft corner, concessions and more. Admission is free.
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The Newton County 4-H Council and Building Committee will host a Christmas Craft Show with holiday gifts, decor and more on Saturday, November 22nd from 9am to 2pm in the 4-H building at the Newton County Fairgrounds in Kentland, Indiana. Food will also be available.
FEBRUARY
The Zonta Club of Kankakee will host their annual “Party Gras” event on Saturday, February 7th at the Knights of Columbus in Kankakee. This evening will feature a dinner buffet and a cash bar, raffles, an auction, and live music from the South Side Social Club. Doors open at 5 o’clock and dinner begins at 6pm. It’s $50 per person with funds going toward local, national and international service projects that support women and girls. Find ticket info on their Facebook page or under “Events” at zontakankakee.com
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