Community Calendar

The state’s largest Illinois wine festival returns to North Utica in 2025. The festival began in 2003, and each year our following has gotten bigger and bigger.

You’ll enjoy some amazing music on stage, while literally wine-ing through the event. Shop with local businesses and Canal Market vendors, enjoy food at local restaurants and event food trucks… there’s so much to do you’ll want to make a weekend out of it. You’ll find hiking trails and state parks all around. North Utica will be beautiful at this time of year and is a very walkable town, with easy parking access just about everywhere you look.

Open Table United Church of Christ and Trinity Lutheran Church team up to bring singer-songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine to Ottawa for an evening of heartwarming original music in a pop/folk vein.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a person of progressive faith, Valentine addresses big questions, challenges easy answers, and inspires audience to open-hearted, hope-inspired living.

Refreshments follow. This is a free event.

The Forest City Rainbow Chorus is proud to announce its 2025 fall concert, “Songs of Peace and Protest,” taking place on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church

This soul-stirring performance invites audiences on a powerful musical journey, embracing themes of justice, hope, and resilience. With the guiding message “Let’s move the world toward a brighter, better tomorrow,” the concert will feature a compelling blend of anthems, ballads, and songs that have echoed through generations of activism and change.

As Rockford’s vibrant and inclusive LGBTQIA+ community choir, the Forest City Rainbow Chorus is a celebration of diversity in all its forms. With members of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, the Chorus creates music that uplifts and unites—serving as a beacon of love, acceptance, and pride through song.
“Songs of Peace and Protest” promises an evening of heartfelt harmonies, thought-provoking lyrics, and the transformative power of community.

Commemorate loved ones at this at this special event, in partnership with Gail Borden Public Library and the City of Elgin. Vocalist José Carlos Díaz returns, and Elgin’s own BFH once again joins the ESO in this unique collaboration. This program is made possible by support from the Florence B & Cornelia A Palmer Foundation and Siegle Foundation.

NIU Annuitants Association trip to Branson to see 6 shows, Nov 10-14. Motorcoach departs from NIU on Monday, November 10.

NIU Annuitants Association trip to Branson to see 6 shows, Nov 10-14. Motorcoach departs from NIU on Monday, November 10.

NIU Annuitants Association trip to Branson to see 6 shows, Nov 10-14. Motorcoach departs from NIU on Monday, November 10.

NIU Annuitants Association trip to Branson to see 6 shows, Nov 10-14. Motorcoach departs from NIU on Monday, November 10.

NIU Annuitants Association trip to Branson to see 6 shows, Nov 10-14. Motorcoach departs from NIU on Monday, November 10.