First Fridays
2026-07-03 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
During these open house hours we welcome you to explore our Center! Explore nature-based learning stations, invitations for imaginative play, favorite seasonal books, and creative enrichment activities.

Exploration Pontoon Cruises
2026-07-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States
Lake Exploration Pontoon Programs
MOST Fridays – 10:00-11:00 a.m.
(Begins 7/3/26 thru 11/6/26)
No Program: 7/10,7/17,7/31,8/14,10/9
Come enjoy beautiful Lake Argyle while taking a relaxing morning pontoon boat ride on the lake as we watch for wildlife. Life jackets, binoculars and field guides will be available, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 6 participants. Please email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov or call (309)776-3422 for more information or to register.

Flags of Love - Independence Day
2026-07-04 07:00 - 17:00 | Chandler Park, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
The Flags of Love are displayed in Chandler Park on

Memorial Day 7 am-5 pm
Flag Day 7 am-5 pm
Independence Day 7 am-5 pm
Labor Day 7 am-5 pm
Patriots Day 7 am-5 pm
Veteran’s Day 7 am-4 pm

The community is invited to help raise flags, lower them, or visit the park while they are up.

Conservation Tours 2026 - Fowler Farm Wagon Tour
2026-07-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Fowler Farms
Conservation Tours 2026 – Fowler Farms Wagon Tour
Brent Fowler, a farmer and native plant enthusiast, enjoys creating wildlife habitat on unprofitable acres with a focus on bobwhite quail. He has planted around 135 acres of prairie/pollinator habitat through CRP and CSP programs and manages over 30 miles of field edge where he propagates native plants and battles invasive species.
This has led to a major increase in bobwhite numbers! Come see how to make this happen on your property or just enjoy some beautiful scenery on a Wagon Ride!
*There are restrooms available at this conservation tour.
Conservation Tours 2026 brought to you by University of Illinois Extension and Prairie Land Conservancy

Independence Day Celebration
2026-07-04 19:00 - 21:30 | WIU Vince Grady Field, Macomb
Save the Date!Get ready to celebrate 250 years of American Independence!
Join us this July 4th for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration!
Fireworks show
Food & drinks
Music & entertainment
Festivities & giveaways
Bring your friends, family, and patriotic spirit — you won’t want to miss it!
July 4, 2026 WIU Q Lot and Vince Grady Field
Gates open at 7:00pm with fireworks starting around 9:00pm
Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

Crafternoon
2026-07-05 13:00 - 16:00 | The Arthouse Folk School, 133 S Randolph St, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Join us for a casual afternoon of crafting in community!
Crafternoon presentedby The Arthouse Folk School is a monthly opportunity for makers of all ages and skill levels to create in the company of others.
Bring a craft project from home, or start something new using supplies from our community craft box.
Please bring only craft projects that are non-toxic and friend-friendly.
Suggested crafts include:
* drawing (pastels, pencil, charcoal)
* writing (letter-writing, fiction, nonfiction, calligraphy)
* needlework (crochet, knitting, embroidery)
* fiber arts (basketry, weaving, spinning, sewing, quilting, felting)
* papercraft (collage, decoupage, papercutting, origami)
* painting (watercolor, acrylics, gouache (Please no oil paints or chemical solvents!)Coffee and tea will be available.
$0-10 Sliding Scale

Downtown Summer Concert Series - SummerStage
2026-07-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Chandler Park, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
The Downtown Summer Concert Series is back for another season of afternoon entertainment in Chandler Park beginning Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The season will start with a performance by Bill Maakastad starting at 12:00 p.m. in the Chandler Park Gazebo. Guests are encouraged to bring their lunch, along with a lawn chair or blanket to sit and enjoy the concert.
Performances for the 2026 season include: June 3 – Bill Maakastad, June 10 – Prairieland Barbershop Chorus, June 17 – The Bayou Prowlers, July 1 – King Neptune Band, July 8 – SummerStage, July 15 -Rooftop Swing Band, July 22 – Nauvoo Pageant Bagpipe Band, and July 29 – Troublesome Ridge Bluegrass Band. All performances will begin at 12:00 p.m. and conclude at 1:00 PM.
In the event of inclement weather, the Western Illinois Museum will serve as the alternate concert location, located at 201 S. Lafayette Street. Any change in venue will be announced the morning of the event through local media and community channels.
“We are excited to keep the music going all summer long, rain or shine, thanks to our partnership with the Western Illinois Museum” sharesMarketingandDowntownDevelopment Director, Savannah Ballard.
For more information call 309-575-3015

Park N' Cruise
2026-07-10 17:00 - 20:00 | Chandler Park, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
The Office of Marketing and Downtown Development is excited to announce the upcoming dates for the 23rd Annual Park N’ Cruise. This season will feature classic cars, live music, and great food while celebrating local and national pride during America 250 and the McDonough County Bicentennial.
Kicking off on Friday, May 1, 2026, Park N’ Cruise will surround Chandler Park to offer a lively gathering place filled with unique rides and hometown pride. The season opener will feature entertainment by M&S Light and Sound from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., setting the tone for a summer-long community celebration. This season’s dates and entertainment are as follows:
• Friday, May 1 at Chandler Park – M&S Light and Sound
• Friday, June 5 at Chandler Park – The On Stage Band
• Friday, July 10 at Chandler Park – The King Graffiti Band
• Saturday, August 1 on Downtown Square – American Pie
• Friday, September 11 at Chandler Park – Eternity Road
Park N’ Cruise remains a free event, open to all ages, making it a perfect outing for families, car enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy a summer evening downtown. Guests can also enjoy food from the Knights of Columbus while taking in the sights and sounds of Historic Downtown Macomb. This year’s celebration will incorporate patriotic elements throughout the season, recognizing the spirit of America 250 and honoring the local traditions that bring our community together.

Thank you to our sponsors!
Pumo Insurance Agency
IMEG Corp.
United Community Bank
101 Corvette
Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria
Car Care Center
Dan & Marla Deener
Farm King
Macomb Glass
First Bankers Trust
Brad & Debbie Hunt
Meredith Garage
Rick & Vicky Williams
Woodrum Ford Toyota
Swede Autobody
Moore Tires
Jeremy Benson, McDonough County Clerk & Recorder
Macomb Audiology & Hearing Aid Center
Clock Tower Community Bank
JR Sound – Justin & Amy Royer
Metalcrafters
MidAmerica National Bank
MTC Communications
NAPA Auto Parts
West State Title Company
Chuck & Kim Laird
Livingstone Family
McDonough District Hospital
Marty Belz

For more information, contact the Office of Marketing and Downtown Development at (309) 575-3015 or visit bit.ly/PNC26 .

Cars & Coffee
2026-07-11 08:00 - 11:30 | Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle , Macomb, IL, United States
First ever Cars & Coffee event hosted at Western Illinois University!
All cars, trucks, and motorcycles are welcome!
We hope to see yall there!

Conservation Tours 2026 - Trevor Toland Cattle Farm Wagon Tour
2026-07-11 08:30 - 11:00 | River Oak Ranch
Conservation Tours 2026 – Trevor Toland Cattle Farm Wagon Tour

Conservation of Working Lands with Regenerative Grazing
Join Trevor Toland at River Oak Ranch for a tour and close-up look at a conservation-focused cattle regenerative grazing operation. You will see an advanced grazing system recognized as one of the premier operations in the state. Trevor has shared his expertise as a mentor, consultant, and speaker at schools and conferences. Don’t miss this opportunity to see conservation practices at work and intensely managed cattle grazing.
Conservation Tours 2026 brought to you by University of Illinois Extension and Prairie Land Conservancy

Nature Makers: Botanical Cyanotype Tote
2026-07-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Little Felted Summer Landscape

CIGAR SHACK Mobile Lounge
2026-07-11 17:00 - 20:00 | Macomb Country Club
@ Macomb Country Club Member/Guest Golf Outing

Big Member/Guest Golf Outing at Macomb Country Club on Saturday July 11th.
We will be there with The CIGAR SHACK Mobile Lounge from 5pm to 8pm for all of your premium cigar needs to help celebrate the day!

Nature's Fireworks
2026-07-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Join us at Lakeview Nature Area & Center for Nature’s Fireworks!
A free festival to celebrate the beauty of summer and the joy of firefly season!
We will fill the evening with engaging learning stations, an illuminated trail, lantern walks, a relaxing campfire, outdoor games, fun firefly facts, the nation’s largest seven circuit prairie labyrinth and tons of family fun!!

July 11th – 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Lakeview Nature Area & Center 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb

Illinois State Genealogical Society Conference/Workshop
2026-07-13 08:30 - 16:30 | Western Illinois Museum, 201 S. Lafayette St. , Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia
Illinois State Genealogical Society Conference/Workshop in Macomb
Western Illinois Museum, 201 S Lafayette St, Macomb, IL 61455, USA
Monday, July 13, 2026
08:30 AM – 04:30 PM
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Activities
Road Trip
Featuring Four Presentations
At Your Doorstep!
Western Illinois Regional Genealogy Conference & Workshop
June 13th, 2026
Western Illinois Museum, Macomb, Illinois
Hosted by the McDonough County Genealogical Society
Featuring Four Presentations:
“Records and Research at the WIU IRAD” with Michael Hall
“Early Settlers in Western Illinois” with Suzanne Hoffman
“The Rise and Fall of Camp Ellis in Fulton County” with Julie Terstriep
“Lizzie Magie: Macomb, Illinois’ First Lady of Games and her Scandalous Humor with Allen Nemec
PLUS: The McDonough County Genealogy Society will share information about their society and Research Center!
Additional research and tour opportunities for in-person attendees on Friday!
Only $20 for members, $25 for non-members!
See additional information below or go to at www.ilgensoc.org for more details and
registration.

Downtown Summer Concert Series - Rooftop Swing Band
2026-07-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Chandler Park, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States

History Belongs to All of Us Series: A Conversation on Community Memory
2026-07-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Western Illinois Museum, 201 S. Lafayette St. , Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia

History Belongs to All of Us Series: A Conversation on Community Memory

Western Illinois Museum 201 S Lafayette St, Macomb, IL 61455
Thursday, July 16, 2026

05:30 PM – 07:30 PM

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Focused on memory, history, and the values we pass on to future generations.

The Western Illinois Museum invites the community to the final program in the History Belongs to All of Us series on Thursday, July 16, for a concluding community conversation focused on memory, history, and the values we pass on to future generations.
This final gathering encourages participants to reflect on how we express our understanding of history and how personal and community memories shape what endures over time. Guests are invited to bring a personal memorial item and share stories as part of a facilitated conversation about how history lives in everyday objects, experiences, and traditions.
Programs in the History Belongs to All of Us series are held at the Western Illinois Museum on Thursdays, beginning with Larry A’s Pizza from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by conversation and dessert at 6:30 p.m.
A suggested $5 donation will be accepted at the door.Created and supported by Illinois Humanities, History Belongs to All of Us is a statewide initiative designed to bring communities together to reflect on local and national history during the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street in Macomb. For more information, visit wimuseum.org, follow @wimuseum on social media, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.

Wine & Wax!
2026-07-16 17:30 - 20:00 | The Wine Sellers
Sippin’ Wine and spinning’ Vinyl

Every third Thursday means it’s Wine & Wax time at The Wine Sellers!
So grab your favorite vinyl and join us beginning at 5:30.
For the Record, we hope to see you there!

Downtown Summer Concert Series - Nauvoo Pageant Bagpipe Band
2026-07-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Chandler Park, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States

Get Hooked: Sunflower Scrunchie
2026-07-22 16:30 - 17:00 | Macomb Park District
Get hooked on a new hobby this summer and learn crochet basics to make a handmade sunflower scrunchie to stay refreshed in the summer heat! Snacks and drinks are welcome in this relaxed beginner-friendly crochet workshop!

Hold Fast - withonevoice Fourth Season Concert Performance
2026-07-23 19:30 - 21:00 | COFAC Recital Hall
A professional vocal ensemble performing diverse music.

Come join withonevoice, a professional vocal ensemble of sixteen artists based in Illinois, for our fourth season concert “Hold Fast.” withonevoice will be in residency at WIU for a week culminating in a concert on July 23 at 7:30PM in COFAC Recital Hall. The concert will feature world premieres by three commissioned composers along with diverse music from classical choral to pop. There will be something for everyone. You can also catch us in St. Charles, IL on July 25! Reserve your tickets!
Learn more at wovoice.org

Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts
2026-07-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
The seasonal rhythm of the natural world is full of wonder and can be a constant companion that offers new surprises every day! Join us at Lakeview Nature Area and Center this month for a nature-themed story, a creative activity, and noticing nature.

Macomb Municipal Band
2026-07-24 19:00 | Macomb City Hall Lawn
The Macomb Municipal Band returns this spring to the City Hall lawn located at 232 East Jackson Street. Under the direction of Dr. Mike Fansler and Dr. Bruce Briney, the band will place special emphasis on the McDonough County Bicentennial celebration and the recognition of 250 years of American independence.
City Hall performances on the lawn include the season opener, directed by Dr. Briney, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. On Friday, July 24, the band will perform a tribute to the McDonough County Bicentennial at 7:00 p.m. under the direction of Dr. Fansler. The band will return on Saturday, August 22, at 7:00 p.m. under the direction of Dr. Fansler. The season will conclude with a final performance directed by Dr. Briney on Thursday, September 24, at 6:00 p.m. The community is encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating during the performances.
The band will also make community appearances during Heritage Days on Thursday, June 25, at 5:45 p.m. to perform “America’s Roots Run Deep,” directed by Dr. Fansler, and at the City of Macomb’s Independence Day Celebration on July 4 at 8:00 p.m. on Vince Grady Field, also under Fansler’s direction.

Hogwash Slip & Slide Bash!
2026-07-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Glenwood Park, 1400 N Randolph St, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Hogwash Slip & Slide Bash!
Cool down with TWO 75′ slip & slides at the Hogwash Slip & Slide and join us for FREE family fun, FREE drinks provided by Refreshment Services-Pepsi of Macomb, and FREE giveaways!
The Slip & Slide is suitable for ages 3+
Date: Saturday, July 25th
Time: 1:00PM-3:00PM
Location: Glenwood Park Shelter
1406 N Randolph St, Macomb IL 61455

Alpaca Beach Party!
2026-07-26 13:00 - 17:00 | Little Creek Alpacas
Christmas In July!

Welcome to Little Creek Alpaca Farm’s Alpaca Beach Party!
Interact with Alpacas at Little Creek Alpaca Farm
Alpacas roaming freely about, white sand beach filled with toys for the kids, food truck, craft area, fiber demonstrations, shopping with local artisans, and more!
Experience the joy of animals, nature, art, local food, and the feel of white sand between your toes in this family friendly environment.
Please no smoking, no pets, no chasing the alpacas
Handicap accessible port-a potty
Coolers & snacks are allowed
FREE ADMISSION!
2105 N. 50th Rd. Plymouth, IL 62367

Downtown Summer Concert Series: Troublesome Ridge Bluegrass
2026-07-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Chandler Park, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
