Best events in
Kankakee

Looking for events or things to do in Kankakee, IL? The local scene revolves around community gatherings in Downtown Kankakee and annual festivals that celebrate the region's agricultural roots. From concerts at the historic Majestic theatre to live music at neighborhood bars, the area offers a variety of entertainment.

Evenings in Downtown Kankakee often start with dinner before a show at The Majestic or a concert at Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square.
Bourbonnais provides a more relaxed setting, with local hangouts like BrickStone Brewery and Flight 102 Wine & Whiskey Bar hosting trivia and live music.
Warmer months bring a full slate of outdoor events, including the weekly Kankakee Farmers' Market and the annual Merchant Street MusicFest.

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Popular in Kankakee

Halloween Sip & Paint

Sat, Oct 31 • 6:00 PM

460 N Schuyler Ave

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Rescheduled - Older Youth Permanency Training

Tue, Nov 3 • 9:00 AM

Kankakee Community College

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A Scream Queens Double Drag Feature with Taco Verde

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM + 1 more

Stefari West Ave

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10th Annual Great Mouse Race

Sat, Nov 7 • 6:00 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

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Caregiver & Teens Craft Club: Clear Glue Suncatchers

Mon, Nov 9 • 5:30 PM

Kankakee YMCA Child Care Center

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Q4 2026 Board Meeting

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:30 AM

Greater Kankakee Airport-IKK

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Howl at the Moon - Dueling Pianos at the Majestic

Sat, Nov 14 • 5:30 PM

150 North Schuyler Avenue, Kankakee, IL, USA

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ONE NIGHT ONE LEGEND MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CONCERT !!

Sat, Nov 28 • 8:00 PM

Majestic Theatre

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Halloween Sip & Paint

Sat, Oct 31 • 6:00 PM

460 N Schuyler Ave

Check ticket price on event

Rescheduled - Older Youth Permanency Training

Tue, Nov 3 • 9:00 AM

Kankakee Community College

Check ticket price on event

A Scream Queens Double Drag Feature with Taco Verde

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM + 1 more

Stefari West Ave

Check ticket price on event

10th Annual Great Mouse Race

Sat, Nov 7 • 6:00 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Caregiver & Teens Craft Club: Clear Glue Suncatchers

Mon, Nov 9 • 5:30 PM

Kankakee YMCA Child Care Center

Check ticket price on event

Q4 2026 Board Meeting

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:30 AM

Greater Kankakee Airport-IKK

Check ticket price on event

Howl at the Moon - Dueling Pianos at the Majestic

Sat, Nov 14 • 5:30 PM

150 North Schuyler Avenue, Kankakee, IL, USA

Check ticket price on event

ONE NIGHT ONE LEGEND MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CONCERT !!

Sat, Nov 28 • 8:00 PM

Majestic Theatre

Check ticket price on event

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L'ATLETICA DEL FUTURO

Tomorrow • 9:00 PM GMT+1

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tuesday • 11:30 AM EDT

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Better Landscapes: Essential Camera Skills in the Field with Adam Edwards

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:30 PM GMT+11

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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L'ATLETICA DEL FUTURO

Tomorrow • 9:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tuesday • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

Check ticket price on event

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Better Landscapes: Essential Camera Skills in the Field with Adam Edwards

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:30 PM GMT+11

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

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From nearby cities

Halloween Sip & Paint

Sat, Oct 31 • 6:00 PM

460 N Schuyler Ave

Check ticket price on event

Día De Los Muertos Pilates & Dance FT. Eskandalozza Banda Viento

Sun, Nov 1 • 9:30 AM

31421 S Ridgeland Ave

Check ticket price on event

10th Annual Great Mouse Race

Sat, Nov 7 • 6:00 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Candle Making Workshop

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:00 PM

The Lush Vine

Check ticket price on event

Howl at the Moon - Dueling Pianos at the Majestic

Sat, Nov 14 • 5:30 PM

150 North Schuyler Avenue, Kankakee, IL, USA

Check ticket price on event

Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Class

Wed, Nov 18 • 6:00 PM

The Lush Vine

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Petals & Pumpkins Workshop

Thu, Nov 19 • 6:30 PM

Johnson's Greenhouses

Check ticket price on event

ONE NIGHT ONE LEGEND MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CONCERT !!

Sat, Nov 28 • 8:00 PM

Majestic Theatre

Check ticket price on event

Halloween Sip & Paint

Sat, Oct 31 • 6:00 PM

460 N Schuyler Ave

Check ticket price on event

Día De Los Muertos Pilates & Dance FT. Eskandalozza Banda Viento

Sun, Nov 1 • 9:30 AM

31421 S Ridgeland Ave

Check ticket price on event

10th Annual Great Mouse Race

Sat, Nov 7 • 6:00 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Candle Making Workshop

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:00 PM

The Lush Vine

Check ticket price on event

Howl at the Moon - Dueling Pianos at the Majestic

Sat, Nov 14 • 5:30 PM

150 North Schuyler Avenue, Kankakee, IL, USA

Check ticket price on event

Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Class

Wed, Nov 18 • 6:00 PM

The Lush Vine

Check ticket price on event

Petals & Pumpkins Workshop

Thu, Nov 19 • 6:30 PM

Johnson's Greenhouses

Check ticket price on event

ONE NIGHT ONE LEGEND MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CONCERT !!

Sat, Nov 28 • 8:00 PM

Majestic Theatre

Check ticket price on event

Frequently asked questions about Kankakee

Where can I find live music events in Kankakee?

The Majestic in Downtown Kankakee hosts a variety of concerts and shows. For a more casual atmosphere, On the Rox K3 features live bands with river views, while The Venu' Lounge offers intimate jazz and R&B performances.

What are some popular annual festivals in the Kankakee area?

The region hosts several beloved annual festivals celebrating local culture. Highlights include the Merchant Street MusicFest downtown, the historic Momence Gladiolus Festival, and the seasonal Manteno Oktoberfest, each offering unique community experiences.

Are there free events in Downtown Kankakee?

Downtown Kankakee's Festival Square is a hub for free community events. During warmer months, the venue hosts the Friday Night Concert Series and the lunchtime Sandwiches with a Side of Jam series, both open to the public.

What's the nightlife like in Bourbonnais?

Bourbonnais offers a relaxed nightlife centered around craft drinks and socializing. Locals gather at BrickStone Brewery for craft beer or visit Flight 102 Wine & Whiskey Bar for its recurring trivia nights and upscale atmosphere.

Can you suggest some date night ideas in Kankakee?

A classic Kankakee date night often involves dinner downtown followed by a show. Consider seeing a concert at the historic Majestic or catching an intimate play at a Kankakee Valley Theatre Association venue for a memorable evening.

Where are the best spots for comedy shows?

The Majestic hosts touring comedians in its classic theatre setting. For more frequent comedy events, River Rock Pub & Beer Garden is known for its open mic and comedy nights, offering a more laid-back pub environment.

What kind of family-friendly events happen in the area?

The Kankakee area offers many family-friendly community events throughout the year. The weekly Kankakee Farmers' Market is a popular outing, while annual events like the Rhubarb Festival and Cruisn' The Square car show provide fun for all ages.

How can I experience Kankakee's local arts and culture scene?

The local arts scene is showcased at events like the annual Merchant Street MusicFest. For performing arts, the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association presents plays at the Lincoln Cultural Center and its own Black Box Theatre.