Name: Avenue Q: The Broadway Musical
Start: 2026-10-02T19:00:00-05:00
Location: Joliet Drama Guild

Joliet Drama Guild

Experience the hilarious and award-winning Avenue Q: The Broadway Musical, directed by Justin McCarthy with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. Join a colorful cast of puppets in this clever production presented by the Joliet Drama Guild through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Get tickets by following this link : <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ave-q" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ave-q </a>show dates are Oct 2-4 and 9-11

Local Event: Avenue Q: The Broadway Musical

Will County

John Ferak

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Shorewood

Illinois

Avenue Q: The Broadway Musical

Experience the hilarious and award-winning Avenue Q: The Broadway Musical, directed by Justin McCarthy with music and lyrics by...

Forest Preserve District of Will County, Sugar Creek Administration Center

The Forest Preserve District of Will County's fall <a href="https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/be-a-trailblazer-campaign" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Be a Trailblazer</a> experience is underway!
The first mission drop landed on Wednesday, Sept. 23, and the second will come during the week of Nov. 1.
Each drop includes a combination of GPS-based missions in preserves, photo missions and trivia questions. Some photo missions must be completed at specific locations, while others can be done anywhere outdoors.
Missions will be sprinkled across more than a dozen locations.
The fall session of Be a Trailblazer runs through Saturday, Dec. 12. To join, download the free Goosechase app to your smartphone and search for 2026 Be a Trailblazer or enter the code JYBKK4.
Prize pool
Participants are randomly selected to receive prizes funded by <a href="https://www.willcountynature.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Nature Foundation of Will County</a> and donated by more than 30 local businesses. Nearly 200 prizes worth more than $15,000 will be awarded during the 2026 challenge.
Foundation-funded items include a Fitbit Charge 6, Yeti Roadie 48 cooler and Bonfire 19-inch Solo Stove. 
Donated items include bird-feeding prize packs from Wild Birds Unlimited in Joliet, gift cards from West52 BBQ in Shorewood, wine from Goat &amp; Vine Restaurant and Winery, and golf passes from Prairie Bluff Golf Club in Crest Hill and X-Golf in Shorewood.
For more information, visit <a href="https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ReconnectWithNature.org</a>.

Local Event: Explore Nature: Join the Be a Trailblazer Experience

Joliet

Explore Nature: Join the Be a Trailblazer...

The Forest Preserve District of Will County's fall Be a Trailblazer experience is underway!
The first mission drop landed on...

Explore Nature: Join the Be a Trailblazer Experience

Join us for the first Junk in the Trunk event at St. Francis Xavier on Saturday, October 3rd from 9am to 1pm! If you are interested in reserving a space, please contact Mark via email (mark@sfxjoliet.org). We can't wait to see you there!

Local Event: Junk in the Trunk

Junk in the Trunk

Join us for the first Junk in the Trunk event at St. Francis Xavier on Saturday, October 3rd from 9am to 1pm! If you are...

Timbers of Shorewood

The Timbers of Shorewood is hosting an educational program titled “Medicare Workshop: Important Changes for 2027” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the Timbers, 1100 N. River Road, Shorewood. Presented by Advocate Insurance Agency, the presentation will address how to review current coverage, evaluate provider networks and make informed choices to ensure health plans align with medical needs. The program is free and open to the public.
According to data from the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS), nearly 70 million Americans rely on Medicare for their healthcare coverage. However, a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) analysis of federal Medicare survey data found that nearly seven in 10 beneficiaries do not actively compare their coverage options during the annual open enrollment period, and historically only a small share of beneficiaries voluntarily switch plans each year.
“Medicare rules and plan options evolve every single year, making it easy for seniors to feel overwhelmed or inadvertently miss out on better coverage,” said Sheila Albor, director of marketing at The Timbers of Shorewood. “We wanted to get local experts in front of our residents and neighbors before open enrollment starts, so people have time to compare their options instead of just re-signing for whatever they had last year.”
Medicare's annual open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, giving seniors a limited window each year to review and change their coverage.
This presentation is part of the 2026 Timbers Educational Series, a multi-month initiative designed to bring expert guidance on senior health, safety and wellness directly to the local community. 
The schedule for the Timbers Educational Series includes:
<ul>
 <li>Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Medicare Workshop: Important Changes for 2027 </li>
 <li>Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Preparing for Respiratory Season </li>
 <li>Thursday, Nov. 5 – Veterans Benefit Seminar </li>
 <li>Tuesday, Nov. 17 – Getting Your Affairs in Order </li>
</ul>
The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community that provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents whose needs may change are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate and compassionate care. Furnished apartments are also available for short-term stays.
Again, all programs in the series are free and open to the public. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.timbersofshorewood.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.timbersofshorewood.com</a> or call 815-609-0669.

Local Event: Medicare Workshop: Important Changes for 2027 at the Timbers

Medicare Workshop: Important Changes for 2027...

The Timbers of Shorewood is hosting an educational program titled “Medicare Workshop: Important Changes for 2027” at 6 p.m....

Medicare Workshop: Important Changes for 2027 at the Timbers

Channahon Lanes and Mini Golf

<img alt="🎳" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t9c/1/16/1f3b3.png"> Introducing Our Fall Homeschool Bowling Series!&nbsp; We’re giving homeschool families more opportunities to bowl, connect and have fun together this fall!&nbsp; &nbsp;The series meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of October and November at 1 PM:&nbsp; &nbsp; October 7 &amp; 21&nbsp; and November 4 and 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each bowler receives 2 games of bowling and shoe rental at every session. Registration is for the complete four-session series.&nbsp;$40 per bowler<img alt="👨‍👩‍👧‍👦" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t9b/1/16/1f468_200d_1f469_200d_1f467_200d_1f466.png"> Open to homeschoolers and their families&nbsp;Gather your homeschool friends and reserve your spots today!<img alt="➡️" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t9e/1/16/27a1.png"> Sign up at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fchannahonlanes.com%2Fspecials%3Ffbclid%3DIwcGRvZgRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqS1ZMenRNalVVTVZvVjBVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEe4KbcrBno1HQ5Kkr4vUHhFz2pPIhxbLMKcBve0vwKV6Svg_biwABqmPrFKxQ_aem_kpvbhXSjuTugpttuO0bUOw&amp;h=AUBozHXR330Np5_dLkUk3dUmTMGdok_6HfmIJmMQ6xeRLAcupVGjwIC5qU8wQi2ylpa5dMTc4gCYHDlpSQpm-K7OFNz-B_2eYJ6UfYxbO4aR2TgNMydAx_BAvoK3IhkPxJojhTSvRdSyDYelRgf41cataHfcE_vQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AUAxVkZUA5gBR4MTPD2fuXC8Iywt9hrYvYs6EyQ0u3TVIAvxtjg5rjjsAsuge7j8MktGJg35uwBMdN2GawRHRMBxJowLZoCAO0zq5XDm0jgf_ud4Pa7CxKzh4-iTHLqR5O4l7xl7MLv8I8Fo-9wCxle81vkrXhTJyEMeCK_PdA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://channahonlanes.com/specials</a>

Local Event: Homeschool Bowling Special Fall Series at Channahon Lanes

Channahon-Minooka

Homeschool Bowling Special Fall Series at...

 Introducing Our Fall Homeschool Bowling Series!  We’re giving homeschool families more opportunities to bowl, connect and have...

Homeschool Bowling Special Fall Series at Channahon Lanes

The Village Christian Church Minooka

Many families are struggling to bring food to the table. The Village will host a Mobile Food Pantry at the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//The+Village+Christian+Church,+8965+Bell+Rd,+Minooka,+IL+60447/@41.4255956,-88.3217238,18807m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x880e8f6d36b1a27f:0x3047dc44d7a3f5e2!2m2!1d-88.2525743!2d41.4255533" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Minooka Campus</a>, 8965 South Bell Road, on Monday, October 12, 5 pm. The food will be provided by <a href="https://solvehungertoday.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Northern Illinois Food Bank</a>.
Families in the Channahon, Minooka, and surrounding communities will be able to get enough groceries (bread, dairy, meats, veggies) for about a week.
Distribution will be first come first served. There is no registration, proof of income or I.D. required.

Local Event: Mobile Food Pantry

Mobile Food Pantry

Many families are struggling to bring food to the table. The Village will host a Mobile Food Pantry at the Minooka Campus, 8965...

Channahon United Methodist Church

Looking for some unique holiday gifts and decor? Come visit our event with 35+ vendors on site! Click on the link to see the FB flier with all the information. &nbsp; &nbsp; $2 entry donation / Free Parking &nbsp; &nbsp; Door Prize Drawings &nbsp; &nbsp; Huge Bake Sale and Lunch Cafe We await your visit on Oct. 17.

Local Event: Craft & Vendor Fair -  SHOPPERS WANTED!

Craft & Vendor Fair -  SHOPPERS WANTED!

Looking for some unique holiday gifts and decor? Come visit our event with 35+ vendors on site! Click on the link to see the FB...

Joliet Junior College Event Center

<a href="https://www.MenWhoCook.info" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.MenWhoCook.info</a>
Join <a href="https://www.willcountysao.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow</a> and the <a href="https://www.willcountycac.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Will County Children’s Advocacy Center</a> for the 16th Annual <a href="https://www.MenWhoCook.info" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">MEN WHO COOK presented by CITGO</a><a href="https://null" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>&nbsp;on Saturday, October 17, from 6–9 PM at the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/DiC8FF8NQtP6YEeH8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Joliet Junior College Event Center</a>, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL. It’s one deliciously fun night where talented men from our community—amateur and professional cooks alike—serve up samples of their favorite APPETIZERS, ENTREES &amp; DESSERTS…and YOU get to decide which dishes deserve bragging rights!
TASTE. JUDGE. HAVE FUN! From savory to sweet, our cooks will pull out all the stops to win your vote. Bring your appetite and enjoy an evening packed with:
● Delicious Food ● Cash Bar by <a href="https://roccitybarandgrill.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Roc City Bar &amp; Grill</a> ● Kids’ Activities ● Raffles
Great food, great fun &amp; a great cause.&nbsp;And the best part? You get to be the judge!
HAVE FUN. MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Your ticket supports the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, providing HOPE, HEALING &amp; JUSTICE to children who have endured severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect, and exposure to violence.
100% of proceeds stay local, supporting the CAC’s evidence-based, trauma-focused forensic interview, family advocacy, and trauma therapy services for children and their families.
Founded in 1995 by Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow, the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center brings together law enforcement, prosecutors, DCFS, medical professionals, forensic interviewers, family advocates, and trauma therapists under one roof to help abused children begin their journey toward healing and justice.
GRAB YOUR FRIENDS &amp; FAMILY. COME HUNGRY! You won't leave that way!

Local Event: MEN WHO COOK for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center

MEN WHO COOK for the Will County Children's...

www.MenWhoCook.info
Join Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow and the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center for the 16th...

MEN WHO COOK for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center

Emily Rosca

Plainfield

Lauren Traut

Manhattan

Andrea Earnest

Homer Glen-Lockport

New Lenox

Romeoville

Kendall County

Oswego

Yorkville

Bolingbrook

Experience the hilarious and award-winning Avenue Q: The Broadway Musical, directed by Justin McCarthy with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. Join a colorful cast of puppets in this clever production presented by the Joliet Drama Guild through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Get tickets by following this link :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ave-q" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ave-q </a>show dates are Oct 2-4 and 9-11

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory provides compassion

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory provides compassionate funeral and cremation services to families throughout Will, Grundy, and Kendall Counties in Illinois. With a deep commitment to supporting the community, the funeral home serves as a trusted partner for those navigating the loss of a loved one across the region and beyond. As an approved airline transportation specialist, they also facilitate nationwide and global funeral services with professional care. Beyond traditional funeral arrangements, the firm specializes in comprehensive preplanning and aftercare support. They offer an extensive online grief resource library developed in partnership with Dr. Alan Wolfelt, providing families with practical tools for healing. Additionally, the team actively engages in community outreach by offering public speaking services and specialized programs designed to support individuals and groups through the grieving process. Families can expect a personalized approach that prioritizes emotional well-being and meaningful remembrance. By combining professional funeral direction with ongoing educational resources, Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory ensures that every family receives the guidance and understanding necessary during their most difficult times.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory provides compassionate funeral and cremation services to families throughout Will, Grundy, and Kendall...

Become a Volunteer Meal Driver: Just 2 Hours a Week

Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois

For thousands of older adults across Illinois, a knock at the door is more than just a food delivery—it is a vital lifeline. At Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois (MOWFNI), we are dedicated to helping our senior neighbors live independently, safely, and with dignity in the homes they love. We achieve this through nutritious food, wellness checks, and the power of human connection, but we cannot do it alone. The Power of Our Volunteers Our volunteers are the heartbeat of MOWFNI. If you have just two hours a week to spare, you can make a profound difference. Delivering meals fits seamlessly into a midday routine or lunch break. As a volunteer driver, you do far more than hand over a meal; you provide a friendly smile, a warm conversation, and a crucial safety check for a senior who might not see anyone else that day. We offer flexible scheduling that allows you to volunteer weekly, monthly, or as part of a team with coworkers or friends. Our Core Programs: Home-Delivered Meals: We provide hot, dietitian-approved meals delivered directly to the doorsteps of those who cannot cook or shop for themselves. Community Cafes: Beyond home delivery, our vibrant Community Cafes offer a welcoming space for active older adults to gather, enjoy a delicious lunch, socialize, and build meaningful friendships that combat senior isolation. Make a Local Impact Today When you support or volunteer with MOWFNI, you are directly investing in the health and happiness of older adults right here in our neighborhood. Whether you are looking to give back during retirement, connect with your community, or get your local business involved in a meaningful cause, there is a place for you in our volunteer family. Join us in delivering more than a meal. Visit mowfni.org/volunteer-sign-up to fill out a brief volunteer application, or call us today to learn how you can start changing lives—one hour, one smile, and one senior at a time.

For thousands of older adults across Illinois, a knock at the door is more than just a food delivery—it is a vital lifeline. At Meals on Wheels for...

Enrollment is open! Accepting children ages 6 weeks–12 years

Kiddie Kampus Learning Center, Inc.

We’re proud to be a family‑owned and operated, fully licensed daycare serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. At Kiddie Kampus, we’ve created a nurturing, safe, and engaging space where every child can learn and grow. We’d love to welcome your family into ours!

We’re proud to be a family‑owned and operated, fully licensed daycare serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. At Kiddie Kampus, we’ve created a...

Hope, healing & justice for abused children.

Will County Children's Advocacy Center

The Will County Children's Advocacy Center was founded in 1995 by State's Attorney James Glasgow to partner with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) comprised of law enforcement, DCFS investigators, medical personnel, prosecutors, and Will County CAC forensic interviewers, family advocates, and trauma therapists in response to reports of severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, commercial exploitation, neglect, and exposure to violence of children, in Will County, IL. Our Will County CAC intake/MDT coordinator, forensic interviewers, family advocates, and trauma therapists provide the following services: * Forensic Interviews: After a child is referred to the Will County CAC by law enforcement or the IL Dept. of Family Services (DCFS), our Intake Coordinator schedules a forensic interview for the child. One of our 4 forensic interviewers listens to the child’s story and asks non-leading, developmentally-appropriate questions as the child talks about the trauma he/she has experienced. Law enforcement, prosecution, DCFS, and mental health professionals observe the interview from a separate room. This reduces trauma for the child and provides a stronger foundation if the case goes to court. * Family Advocacy: Our family advocates are committed to helping each family navigate the complex systems that a family enters when a child makes an outcry of abuse. As each case goes through the investigation, prosecution and healing process, the team is there to help the family understand the process, learn about their rights and successfully access resources that will help their family during crisis. * Trauma-Focused Therapy: Our team of licensed clinical social workers provide short-term, trauma informed therapy to children who have received a forensic interview. Since child abuse affects the whole family, the services are available at no cost to both the child and their non-offending family members. Individual and group therapy is offered in English and Spanish.

Will

Crest Hill

The Will County Children's Advocacy Center was founded in 1995 by State's Attorney James Glasgow to partner with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs)...

The 100th Pizza Place to open in town...but also the best!

Not Another Pizza Joint

Whenever a new business is opening in town, the first thing people say is “I hope it’s not another pizza joint!” We sure do have enough of them here. But it’s time we had an authentic south side of Chicago pizza like you had when you were growing up...the thin and crispy crust, the browned cheese...brought home in a paper bag, not a cardboard box. A real mom and pop place, not another chain. We use all of the freshest ingredients, and make our dough and sauce from scratch daily. We are open inside the Hive Kitchen every Wednesday-Friday 12-9pm and Saturday, 4-9pm for carryout or delivery only. Check out our menu and place delivery orders at www.napj.pizza

Whenever a new business is opening in town, the first thing people say is “I hope it’s not another pizza joint!” We sure do have enough of them...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Shorewood, IL|Featured Event

Avenue Q: The Broadway Musical

Event Details

More Upcoming Events

Explore Nature: Join the Be a Trailblazer Experience

SEP

30

9:00 AM

Forest Preserve District of Will County, Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W Laraway Rd, Joliet, IL

Junk in the Trunk

OCT

3

9:00 AM

2500 Arbeiter Rd, Joliet, IL

Medicare Workshop: Important Changes for 2027 at the Timbers

OCT

6

6:00 PM

Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N River Rd, Shorewood, IL

Homeschool Bowling Special Fall Series at Channahon Lanes

OCT

7

1:00 PM

Channahon Lanes and Mini Golf, 25306 W Eames St, Channahon, IL

Mobile Food Pantry

OCT

12

5:00 PM

The Village Christian Church Minooka, 8965 Bell Rd, Minooka, IL

Craft & Vendor Fair - SHOPPERS WANTED!

OCT

17

9:00 AM

Channahon United Methodist Church, 24751 W Eames St, Channahon, IL

MEN WHO COOK for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center

OCT

17

6:00 PM

Joliet Junior College Event Center, 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL