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

Pilcher Park Nature Center

An internationally renowned gull expert , Amar Ayyash, will take us through an entertaining and intriguing exploration of the natural history of gulls, including their thorny taxonomy and identification.

Local Event: Man and Gull A Complex Relationship

Man and Gull A Complex Relationship

An internationally renowned gull expert , Amar Ayyash, will take us through an entertaining and intriguing exploration of the...

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...

Settlers' Park

Join us for an unforgettable festival experience right here in Plainfield!

MUSIC . FOOD . DRINKS . ARTHead on over to <a href="https://www.thegreatgettogether.com/?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeH5-EuOkurzCbl7eH_pgaDu-oLo85-8ZhROYve5MGogfJCdiu-vn8ptVjml8_aem_-PKqOidDepSVyhntHb6q0w" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.thegreatgettogether.com</a> to check it out!Saturday October 3, 2026 from 12-10pm Settlers' Park, Plainfield IL<ul><li>6 Bands</li><li>Beer &amp;&nbsp;Wine</li><li>Delicious Food</li><li>Arts Vendors and Immersive Experiences</li></ul>The Great Get Together Music &amp; Arts Festival exists to unite the Plainfield community through the transformative power of music and the arts. Our mission is to celebrate local creativity, foster cultural connection, and create an inclusive space where artists, performers, and neighbors come together on common ground.$10 TICKETS: <a href="https://thegreatgettogether.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">thegreatgettogether.com/</a>

Local Event: The Great Get Together Music & Arts Festival

Plainfield

The Great Get Together Music & Arts Festival

Join us for an unforgettable festival experience right here in Plainfield!

MUSIC . FOOD . DRINKS . ARTHead on over to...

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

Noodles and Company

Support Bonnie McBeth Learning Center!
Join us on Tuesday, October 13th from 4–8 PM as the Bonnie McBeth Learning Center PTO partners with Noodles &amp; Company in Plainfield to raise money for our school! We’re inviting the entire community to come out and support us.&nbsp;
&nbsp;20% of your purchase will be donated back to the school when you mention the fundraiser while ordering in person. Additionally, you can order online or through the mobile app using the coupon code "GIVING20" at checkout.
Bring the family, grab some dinner, and help support Bonnie McBeth Learning Center! We hope to see you there!&nbsp;
This event is being hosted at both the Plainfield and Shorewood locations simultaneously.

Local Event: No Cook Night at Noodles & Company Shorewood benefiting Bonnie McBeth Learning Center

No Cook Night at Noodles & Company Shorewood...

Support Bonnie McBeth Learning Center!
Join us on Tuesday, October 13th from 4–8 PM as the Bonnie McBeth Learning Center PTO...

No Cook Night at Noodles & Company Shorewood benefiting Bonnie McBeth Learning Center

Renaissance Center

🌙 What to Expect at The Witching Hour Masquerade 🌙
Step into an immersive evening where mystery meets magic. Guests are encouraged to arrive in masquerade attire and embrace the energy of transformation, intuition, and connection.
✨ Here’s what you can look forward to:
🖤 Curated Mystical Vendors &amp; Readers Explore a hand-selected collection of tarot readers, psychics, healers, artisans, crystal vendors, and metaphysical creators.
🌙 Intuitive Experiences Receive personal readings, discover spiritual tools, and connect with practitioners offering insight, guidance, and healing.
✨ Immersive Atmosphere A beautifully styled, moody, and enchanting environment designed to feel like stepping into another realm.
🎭 Masquerade Energy Masks are encouraged—allowing guests to move freely, connect deeply, and experience the magic of anonymity and intuition.
🕯️ Community &amp; Connection Meet like-minded souls, explore new perspectives, and enjoy a night centered around curiosity, wonder, and transformation.
💫 A One-of-a-Kind Experience This is not a typical market or fair—it’s an intentional, curated evening designed to feel unforgettable.

Local Event: Witching Hour Masquerade Ball

Witching Hour Masquerade Ball

🌙 What to Expect at The Witching Hour Masquerade 🌙
Step into an immersive evening where mystery meets magic. Guests are...

Channahon-Minooka

Emily Rosca

Andrea Earnest

Homer Glen-Lockport

Romeoville

Lauren Traut

New Lenox

Bolingbrook

Manhattan

Kendall County

Oswego

Yorkville

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...

New Leadership at Visiting Angels Plainfield

Visiting Angels Plainfield

A Life-Saving Legacy: Justin Settle Takes Ownership of Visiting Angels Plainfield For Immediate Release Plainfield, IL — Justin Settle, through Settle Healthcare LLC, is proud to announce the official acquisition of Visiting Angels Plainfield, effective February 13, 2026. While the transition marks a change in leadership, it is rooted in a recent event that defines the agency’s core mission: the relentless protection of the seniors they serve. Shortly before the closing, a situation unfolded that highlighted why this agency is a pillar of the community. Pat Verlee, the former owner, observed a client’s condition and strongly urged the daughter-in-law to take the mother-in-law to the Emergency Room. Despite the family’s hesitation, Pat’s insistence prevailed. At the hospital, doctors discovered two aneurysms. Because of that clinical intuition and persistent care, a life was saved. "This acquisition feels like it was meant to be," said Justin Settle, the new owner of Visiting Angels Plainfield. "The story of Pat saving that client’s life is the real heart of this organization. It extends far beyond financials or tax returns; it’s about the profound impact we have on families when they are most vulnerable. I am honored to carry that torch forward." Justin Settle brings extensive experience from the biopharmaceutical sector to the role, where he has spent years managing specialty accounts and focusing on patient outcomes. Under his leadership, the agency will continue to provide top-tier non-medical home care, including companion care and specialized support, while maintaining the "eagle-eyed" vigilance that saved a life this year. About Visiting Angels Plainfield: Located at 24014 W Renwick Rd, Ste 100, Visiting Angels Plainfield provides essential living assistance services to seniors in Plainfield, Joliet, and surrounding areas. The agency is dedicated to helping seniors maintain their independence and dignity in the comfort of their own homes.

A Life-Saving Legacy: Justin Settle Takes Ownership of Visiting Angels Plainfield For Immediate Release Plainfield, IL — Justin Settle, through...

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)...

Voted Best Senior Care Community in Will County for 4 Years!

For the fourth consecutive year, the Timbers of Shorewood has been voted "Best Senior Care Community in Will County" by readers of the Herald-News. In addition, The community has been recognized with the “Best Independent Living Award” and the “Best Assisted Living Award” in U.S. News &amp; World Report’s 2026 Best Senior Living ratings. The Timbers of Shorewood is an award-winning rental retirement community which provides senior independent living 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. Senior Living Designed for seniors who want to live independently in an active community with freedom, choices and security. Leave the burdens of household maintenance behind and enjoy a fulfilling life. Assisted Living Assisted Living is for seniors whose needs have changed. Residents enjoy living in a safe and secure community with supportive care specifically designed to meet their personal needs. Short-Term Stay A Short-Term Stay or Respite is a great way to sample life in our community. Stay in a fully furnished apartment and enjoy retirement living anywhere from a weekend to a month, or longer. Senior Living Awards - Best Independent Living Award – U.S. News &amp; World Report (2026 - 2025) - Best Assisted Living Award – U.S. News &amp; World Report (2026) - Best Senior Care Facility in Will County – Herald-News’ Readers’ Choice (Four-Years Running 2025 - 2022) - Best of Senior Living – National Senior Living Placement Service (2025) - Best of Senior Living – National Senior Living Placement Service (All Star) (2024) - Most Friendly in Senior Living – National Senior Living Placement Service (2023) - Best of Senior Living – National Senior Living Placement Service (2023)

For the fourth consecutive year, the Timbers of Shorewood has been voted "Best Senior Care Community in Will County" by readers of the Herald-News....

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Shorewood|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

Man and Gull A Complex Relationship

OCT

1

9:00 AM

Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Dr, Joliet, IL

Junk in the Trunk

OCT

3

9:00 AM

2500 Arbeiter Rd, Joliet, IL

The Great Get Together Music & Arts Festival

OCT

3

12:00 PM

Settlers' Park, 24401 Lockport St, Plainfield, IL

Medicare Workshop: Important Changes for 2027 at the Timbers

OCT

6

6:00 PM

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

No Cook Night at Noodles & Company Shorewood benefiting Bonnie McBeth Learning Center

OCT

13

4:00 PM

Noodles and Company, 920 Brook Forest Ave, Shorewood, IL

Witching Hour Masquerade Ball

OCT

16

6:00 PM

Renaissance Center, 214 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL

Explore Nature: Join the Be a Trailblazer Experience

Avenue Q: The Broadway Musical

The Great Get Together Music & Arts Festival

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Visiting Angels Plainfield

Will County Children's Advocacy Center

Timbers of Shorewood