The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced its 2026 calendar of events, featuring a year of art exhibits, festivals, live music, educational programs and outdoor experiences across Will County.

Here are the events and their dates and locations. Details will be published on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org around two months before each event.

Winter
Charley Harper – The Geometric Genius: Jan. 2-March 29, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Bolingbrook. Modern wildlife art by the celebrated illustrator.
Federal Duck Stamp Art Display: Jan. 7-Feb. 22, Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township. Exhibition of the 2025 top-placing original artworks from the Federal Duck Stamp contest.
Eagle Watch: Jan. 10, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon. Hikes, live birds and family activities.
I Am Not a Costume! Story Exhibit: Jan. 14-April 12, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. An exhibit inspired by the book by Maria DesJarlait.

Spring
Mammal Madness: March 7, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Live animals and hands-on activities.
Big Helpers: Mutualism Magnified: April 15-July 19, Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Paintings exploring plant and animal relationships.
Earth Day Festival: April 25, Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Music, eco-vendors, crafts and campfire cooking.

Summer
Winged Ambassadors: June 3-Sept. 6, Plum Creek Nature Center. Artistic interpretations of state birds.
Fun & Food Trucks: June 12, Whalon Lake, Naperville; Aug. 7, Forsythe Woods, Florence Township. Food, entertainment and family fun.
Pollinator Party: June 13, Isle a la Cache Museum. Pollinator Week celebration with live bats and activities.
Our Storytellers – Pokagon Potawatomi Black Ash Baskets: July 1-Aug. 30, Isle a la Cache Museum. Traditional basketry and cultural storytelling.
Surf-N-Turf Concert: July 17, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township. Live music enjoyed on land or water and the Fun & Food Trucks program for July.
Forest Preserve District Artists Showcase: Aug. 1-28, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Artwork by Forest Preserve staff.
Hummingbirds in Motion – The Art of Zarinelli: Aug. 1-Oct. 31, Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Colorful hummingbird paintings.
National Night Out: Aug. 4, Monee Reservoir. Police demonstrations, family activities and giveaways.

Fall
Woods Walk: Sept. 1-Nov. 30, select Forest Preserve trails. Complete 10 hikes to earn a medallion.
Fall on the Farm: Sept. 19, Riverview Farmstead Preserve, Naperville. A traditional farm day with animals, activities and music.
The Stick by Clay Rice: Sept. 23-Dec. 13, Isle a la Cache Museum. A traveling exhibit inspired by the children’s book.
Festival of Arts Through Nature: Sept. 26, Plum Creek Nature Center. Music, art, dance and nature-inspired creativity.
Pumpkin Jam: Oct. 3, Hickory Creek Preserve, Mokena. Live music, food vendors and family fun.
Day & Night – An Exploration of the Forest: Nov. 1-Dec. 31, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Interactive exhibits highlighting an oak in daytime and nighttime.
Pumpkin Smash: Nov. 14, select Forest Preserve visitor centers. A festive, eco-friendly pumpkin composting event.

Also scheduled are mini events including Maple Syrup Magic in March, Trout Season Celebrations in April and October, a Summer Stunner Fun Run in June, Trick or Treat in the Woods in October and a BYOB Ugly Sweater Bingo Brunch in December.

To stay up to date on Forest Preserve happenings, subscribe to the District’s digital newsletters at reconnectwithnature.org/subscribe-newsletters-compass-get-going-flock-feather-willy-wild-files.