Forest Preserve District Of Will County Shares 2026 Event Calendar

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Forest Preserve District's 2026 calendar of events has been announced, and it's full of art exhibits, hikes, story times, Bingo, fishing derbies and more.

The Forest Preserve shared a look at all that's planned for 2026 below:

Winter: Wildlife, art, and stories take center stage

Start the year by celebrating art, wildlife, and culture in the cozy warmth of the District’s visitor centers.

• Charley Harper: The Geometric Genius: Jan. 2-March 29, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, in Bolingbrook. View a collection of prints from the renowned modernist wildlife artist Charley Harper, whose whimsical geometric style continues to inspire new generations.
• Federal Duck Stamp Art Display: Jan. 7-Feb. 22, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township. See the original artworks behind the iconic Duck Stamps that support wildlife conservation.
• Eagle Watch: Jan. 10, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon. Celebrate bald eagles with guided hikes, live bird presentations, crafts and family activities.
• I Am Not a Costume! Story Exhibit: Jan. 14-April 12, Isle a la Cache Museum, in Romeoville. Explore a powerful story by Indigenous author Maria DesJarlait that encourages understanding and respect for Native American culture.

Spring: Mammals, mutualism and Earth Day fun

As nature awakens, spring in the preserves offers art, animals and hands-on experiences, the preserve said.

• Mammal Madness: March 7, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Meet live animals from Big Run Wolf Ranch and enjoy mammal-themed family activities and crafts.
• Big Helpers: Mutualism Magnified: April 15-July 19, Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Artist Elizabeth Schnura’s oil paintings celebrate the interconnected relationships between plants and animals in Will County’s preserves.
• Earth Day Festival: April 25, Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Enjoy live music, eco-friendly vendors, crafts, and campfire cooking while learning ways to care for the planet.

Summer: Pollinators, performances, and art in motion

Long days bring live music, creative exhibitions, and outdoor adventures for all ages.

• Winged Ambassadors: June 3-Sept. 6, Plum Creek Nature Center. Discover playful interpretations of state birds by Chicago artist Marcia Whitney-Schenck.
• Fun & Food Trucks: June 12, Whalon Lake, Naperville; Aug. 7, Forsythe Woods, Florence Township. Savor summer evenings filled with food trucks, entertainment, and family fun in the preserves.
• Pollinator Party: June 13, Isle a la Cache Museum. Celebrate Pollinator Week with live bats, crafts, games and tips for creating pollinator-friendly gardens.
• Our Storytellers – Pokagon Potawatomi Black Ash Baskets: July 1-Aug. 30, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville. Learn about the artistry, culture and resilience behind this traditional Potawatomi craft.
• Surf-N-Turf Concert: July 17, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township. Enjoy live music by the water — from the lawn or a kayak! Take in the sunset views to make it a night to remember. This event will also be part of the summer Fun & Food Trucks lineup.
• Forest Preserve District Artists Showcase: Aug. 1-28, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Discover the artistic side of Forest Preserve staff in this creative, wide-ranging exhibit.
• Hummingbirds in Motion – The Art of Zarinelli: Aug. 1-Oct. 31, Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Experience vibrant paintings by local artist Jeff C. Zarinelli, celebrating the beauty and energy of hummingbirds.
• National Night Out: Aug. 4, Monee Reservoir. Join one of Chicagoland’s largest National Night Out gatherings with police demonstrations, family fun, and giveaways.

Fall: Art, agriculture, and autumn adventures

Cooler weather brings color, creativity and seasonal celebrations across the preserves, according to a news release.

• Woods Walk: Sept. 1-Nov. 30, select Forest Preserve trails. Hike 10 scenic trails across Will County and earn a commemorative medallion.
• Fall on the Farm: Sept. 19, Riverview Farmstead Preserve, Naperville. Enjoy an old-fashioned day on the farm with animals, music, crafts and historical tours.
• The Stick by Clay Rice: Sept. 23-Dec. 13, Isle a la Cache Museum. A traveling exhibition inspired by the artist’s children’s book, following a boy’s adventure sparked by a simple stick.
• Festival of Arts Through Nature: Sept. 26, Plum Creek Nature Center. Celebrate creativity and connection with nature through music, visual arts, dance and more.
• Pumpkin Jam: Oct. 3, Hickory Creek Preserve, Mokena. A fall festival favorite featuring live music, food vendors and plenty of family-friendly activities.
• Day & Night – An Exploration of the Forest: Nov. 1-Dec. 31, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Discover the dynamic world of the forest from sunrise to moonlight through interactive displays and soundscapes.
• Pumpkin Smash: Nov. 14, select Forest Preserve visitor centers. Give your jack-o’-lantern new life. Smash and compost pumpkins in this eco-friendly event that’s fun for the whole family.

Mini events and annual favorites

In addition to the larger events and exhibits, the Forest Preserve's Visitor Services Department will host more than 400 public programs and mini-events throughout the year, including:

• Wedding Open House: Feb. 7, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
• Maple Syrup Magic: March 14, Plum Creek Nature Center
• Trout Season Celebrations: April 11 and Oct. 17, Hidden Lakes Trout Farm
• Fishing Derbies: adults, May 16; kids, June 27; all ages, Sept. 19
• BYOB Bingo Nights: June through December, select preserves
• Summer Stunner Fun Run: June 26, Hadley Valley
• Field Day Unplugged: July 11, Hammel Woods – Crumby Recreation Area Access
• December Dash: Dec. 1-31, select trails
• Winter Wonderland at the Oaks: Dec. 5, Hidden Oaks Nature Center