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Wheel Throwing: Bowls & Cups Edition
2025-06-05 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
Curious about throwing on the wheel and looking for a fun introduction to clay? This four week mini-course will focus on the basic skills needed to create simple and sweet bowls and cups! Our focus during this program will center around the process of throwing, shaping, and trimming pots on a pottery wheel, while also exploring basic surface decoration and glazing techniques. Satisfy your curiosity and join for this relaxing course geared towards all skill levels!
Join us and learn to create in a fun and supportive environment! All courses are for ages 15+. Course fee includes clay, glazes, use of tools and brushes, bisque and glaze kiln firings, and weekly open studio hours.
Day: ThursdayDates: June 5, 12, 26, & July 10Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pmDeadline to register: June 11Course Fee: $64.00 for Macomb Park District Residents, $85.00 for Non-ResidentsRegister at tinyurl.com/mpdregister or call 309-833-4562

Alpaca Beach Party - Celebrate Summer!
2025-06-01 13:00 - 17:00 | Little Creek Alpacas
Come out to Little Creek Alpacas on Sunday, June 1st from 1pm-5pm to celebrate the start of summer break with an Alpaca Beach Party!30 alpacas roaming in a free range setting, a 2 acre pond you can fish in, and a small white sand beach filled with toys for the kids, and more! Trail’s End Concessions will be here with their tasty tenderloins, loaded fries, wraps, pulled pork, fruit smoothies, blended coffee drinks, etc.. Lake Hill Winery will be joining us with all your favorite local wines to taste, sip, and enjoy. Hickry Ridge Homestead will have Fluff the Angora rabbit, and will also be doing spinning demonstrations, so you can see how our alpaca fiber is spun into yarn! A Tangled Mess Angora & Crafts will be offering needle felting (ages 8 & up), for just $8 you can make your own felted animal shape hanger with fiber, beads, etc.! DJ Megan will be providing our beach party tunes, and there will be several other artisans to shop with too – stay tuned for the full list of vendors!
Cups of grain to hand feed the alpacas with will be available for $5/cup, and we’ll have all of our alpaca products for sale in the red shelter. Fishing is allowed, our pond is stocked with mostly bass, but there are a few catfish in there somewhere. Bring your own fishing pole, we don’t have any available. The beach has lots of toys for the kids to play with, this is a family friendly environment. There is no swimming in the pond because I can’t afford a lifeguard, but you can still get your feet wet and get water for your sand castles. We do recommend dressing the kids in swim attire, and/or bringing extra clothes and a towel, so they can get wet and have fun in the sand. We’ve added an additional play area away from the pond, near the food and vendor area.
No pets, no smoking, and no chasing the alpacas. Please be kind and respectful to others. Hand wipes & disinfectant wipes are available, there is no hand sink. We have a sprinkler for rinsing off. There is a port-a-potty but it is not handicap accessible.**Please note, this is not a petting zoo. Alpacas are similar to a timid cat, they like to get to know you on their own terms. If you insist on trying to pet them before you’ve earned their trust, they will walk or run away from you – the more you insist, the more they will retreat. Be patient, and let them come up to you on their own for the best experience. Hand feeding grain always helps with the introduction, and will entice them to come up to you.
Free admission for all of our 2025 Alpaca Beach Parties! Donations are always appreciated, but never expected.“Granma said, when you come on something good, first thing to do is share it with whoever you can find; that way the good spreads out where no telling it will go. Which is right.”– Forrest Carter from the Education of Little TreeSunny Beach is dedicated to my best friend, Sunny, who spent her life celebrating kindness and advocating for children, social justice, and world peace. Her last letter to me arrived the day she passed away, and inside it was the quote above from Forrest Carter. The Alpaca Beach Parties came about all because of my beautiful friend, it’s my way of honoring her and my attempt to bring as much joy to the world as she did.
Little Creek Alpacas is within 20-35 minutes of 3 different campgrounds! A great way to take an affordable mini vacation that the kids will love! Spring Lake in Macomb, IL also has cabins for rent if you’re not a tent camper and don’t have an RV. Spring Lake is approx. 35 minutes from our farm. Argyle Lake State Park is approx. 20-30 minutes from our farm. Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area is approx. 20 minutes from our farm.Not a camper? No problem, Plymouth Rock Roost Bed & Breakfast is just 5 minutes from our farm, or you can find a few different hotels in Macomb, IL (just 30 minutes from our farm).

St. Paul Rummage Sale
2025-05-31 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-30 09:00 - 17:00 | St. Paul School Gym, 322 W. Washington, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Friday – May 30 9am-5pm
Saturday – may 31 – 8am-11am
Located at St. Paul School Gym – 309 W Jackson, Macomb

Friends of Argyle Lake State Park - Spring Exotic Plant Removal
2025-05-24 13:30 - 15:30 | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States
Come and spend a few hours outdoors helping the Friends of Argyle and park staff remove nonnative plants from the woods at Argyle. Litter collecting is an option for younger volunteers. Tools and gloves will be provided or bring your own. Meet at the park visitor center for supplies. For more information or to register as a volunteer for this event, call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.

WIU Alumni & Friends Pre-Performance Social and Wind Ensemble Performance at Carnegie Hall
2025-05-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and 7th Ave, New York City, New York
Social: Redeye Grill890 7th Ave.New York, NY
Performance: Carnegie Hall57th St. and, 7th Ave.New York, NY
Join your WIU Alumni Association for an Alumni & Friends pre-performance social in New York City before watching your very own WIU Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Mike Fansler, perform in world-renowned Carnegie Hall!

Social: 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Redeye Grill, 890 7th Ave. New York, NYPerformance: 8:00 p.m. – Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and 7th Ave. New York, NY
Feel free to bring a friend, spouse, or significant other! Everyone is welcome!
Social, appetizers, cash bar & performance ticket: $60/personSocial, appetizers & cash bar ONLY – $20/person

Welcoming House Number Sign
2025-05-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
Celebrate your home and welcome some unique artistry to your door and front porch with the addition of a custom ceramics house number sign!
Within this three week hand building course, we will employ slab building, additive sculptural elements, and creative glazing to create a beautiful house number sign you’ll enjoy all year long! We hope you’ll join us in this relaxing course geared towards students of all skill levels! We can’t wait to create with you!
Day: ThursdayDates: May 1, 8, 22Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pmDeadline to register: March 26thCourse Fee: $58.00 for Macomb Park District Residents, $75.00 for Non-Residents
Register at tinyurl.com/mpdregister/ or call 309-833-4562.

Clay Lab for Kids and Teens
2025-05-17 12:00 - 14:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
Our monthly lab is the perfect opportunity for young artists who want to explore the world of ceramics! This program offers makers the chance to create monthly projects or to simply follow their own creative inspiration through clay. Across the sessions, we’ll explore a range of hand building techniques, exciting surface design processes, wheel throwing opportunities, and hands-on glazing to create amazing projects.
Our focus throughout the winter/spring labs will emphasize personal creativity, collaborating with nature, working in a series, and an introduction to alternative surface techniques. Come join us and make lasting memories and enjoy hands-on experiences in clay!

Session fee includes clay, glazes, use of tools and brushes, bisque and glaze kiln firings. Students are encouraged to return to the studio to glaze their work. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. Please register no later than the day before each session. See you in the studio!
Fee per session: $28.00 for Macomb Park District Residents, $37.00 for Non-Residents
Register at tinyurl.com/mpdregister/ or call 309-833-4562.

Day in Clay: Little Snail Planter
2025-05-10 12:00 - 14:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
This month we’ll create a little snail planter that’s perfect for planting a few seeds or for holding a tiny collection of objects! In this workshop, we’ll pinch and sculpt the clay to create an adorable new little buddy you can enjoy indoors or out!
Workshop is open to all ages and all skill levels. We request that young children be accompanied by an adult who is also enrolled. Please make sure to wear clothes that can get dirty. Workshop fee includes clay, glaze, use of tools, and a bisque and glaze kiln firing.
Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. To register, please visit tinyurl.com/mpdregister/ or call our office at 309-833-4562 no later than the Thursday before each workshop. See you in the studio!

Workshop Cost: $12.00 per person for Macomb Park District Residents or $14.00 per person for Non-Residents

Macomb Spring Market On The Square
2025-05-10 10:00 - 15:00 | Macomb Downtown Square, 1 Courthouse Square, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
This unique shopping experience will take place on the inside of the square in Downtown Macomb, Illinois, where the inside of the square will be blocked off for vendors and shoppers!Here, you will be able to shop some of the best hand picked vendors from around the area! You’ll find handmade goods, amazing vintage finds, and the trendiest boutiques around!Downtown Macomb ILSaturday – May 10th10am – 3pm

WIU Spring Commencement Cermonies
2025-05-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Western Hall
Combined Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies
Time: 9:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Western Hall, Macomb
Description: The combined Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies in Macomb on May 10 are as follows:
9:00 a.m.
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Business and Technology
General Studies Degree Program
1:30 p.m.
College of Education and Human Services
College of Fine Arts and Communication
School of Law Enforcement & Justice Administration
Western Illinois University provides live streaming video of the commencement ceremonies held at the Macomb campus. The live feed will be available approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each ceremony on WIU’s YouTube channel.

Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts
2025-05-09 15:30 - 16:30 | 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 moments for young explorers and curious naturalists! We hope to see you in the prairie for this FREE program!

Maximum of 18 participants

*Pre-registration is required. Please register (your child/children only) by May 7th to participate.
To register call: 309-833-4562, stop by the park office to register in person, or CLICK HERE!

Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts will be held outdoors when possible and participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.

Welcoming House Number Sign
2025-05-08 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-05-01 17:30 - 19:30 | Macomb Park District Clay Studio

Adult Coloring Club
2025-05-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Macomb Public Library, 235 S Lafayette St , Macomb
Adult Coloring Club meets the 2nd Thursday of each month from 2-4 pm. Drop in or stay the entire two hours. Come and see what this program is all about! Please call (309) 833-2714 for more information.

Wednesday Wine Run/Walk
2025-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wine Sellers
Meet at The Wine Sellers at 6:00 pm and go for a group run. You can run any distance at any pace – walkers are welcome too. End your run/walk at TWS and enjoy a beverage with your running friends.
This will be a weekly event – weather permitting.
Let’s get outside and run!

Trivia Night
2025-05-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Sports Corner @ 124
Sports Corner Presents? TRIVIA NIGHT
Looking for some mid-week excitement? We got you covered EVERY Tuesday from 6:30-8:30

Legends & Lattes Book Club: May - AHSOKA by E.K. Johnston
2025-05-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Sullivan Taylor Coffee House, 119 S. Randolph St., Macomb
May The 4th be with you. Legends & Lattes is a book club run by Macomb resident Jaime Webb and hosted at Sullivan Taylor Coffeehouse once a month on Sunday afternoons. The book club focuses on three genres: fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopia. All are welcome to join in respectful book discussion.

Alpaca Beach Party - Grand Opening - Season 2025
2025-05-04 13:00 - 17:00 | Little Creek Alpacas
Join us May 4th from 1pm-5pm for our Alpaca Beach Party 2025 Season Grand Opening at Little Creek Alpacas! 30 alpacas roaming in a free range setting, a 2 acre pond you can fish in, and there’s a small white sand beach filled with toys for the kids. Trail’s End Concessions will be here with their tasty tenderloins, loaded fries, wraps, pulled pork, fruit smoothies, blended coffee drinks, etc.. Lake Hill Winery will be joining us with all your favorite local wines to taste, sip, and enjoy. Hickory Ridge Homestead will have Fluff the Angora rabbit, and will also be doing spinning demonstrations, so you can see how our alpaca fiber is spun into yarn! A Tangled Mess Angora & Crafts will be offering needle felting, for just $10 you can make your own felted animal hanger with fiber, beads, etc.! DJ Megan will be providing our beach party tunes, and Quesal Puppet Troupe will be performing a special puppet show around 2pm. Cups of grain to hand feed the alpacas with will be available for $5/cup, and we’ll have all of our alpaca products for sale in the red shelter. There will be several other artisans to shop with too – stay tuned for the full list of vendors! Fishing is allowed, our pond is stocked with mostly bass, but there are a few catfish in there somewhere. Bring your own fishing pole, we don’t have any available. The beach has toys for kids to play with, this is a family friendly environment. There is no swimming in the pond because I can’t afford a lifeguard, but you can still get your feet wet and get water for your sand castles. We do recommend dressing the kids in swim attire, and/or bringing extra clothes and a towel, so they can get wet and have fun in the sand. No pets, no smoking, and no chasing the alpacas. Please be kind and respectful to others. Hand wipes & disinfectant wipes are available, there is no hand sink. There is a port-a-potty but it is not handicap accessible. Free admission for all of our 2025 Alpaca Beach Parties! Donations are always appreciated, but never expected. Little Creek Alpacas is within 20-35 minutes of 3 different campgrounds! A great way to take an affordable mini vacation that the kids will love! Spring Lake in Macomb, IL also has cabins for rent if you’re not a tent camper and don’t have an RV. Spring Lake is approx. 35 minutes from our farm. Argyle Lake State Park is approx. 20-30 minutes from our farm. Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area is approx. 20 minutes from our farm. Not a camper? No problem, Plymouth Rock Roost Bed & Breakfast is just 5 minutes from our farm, or you can find a few different hotels in Macomb, IL (just 30 minutes from our farm). **Please note, this is not a petting zoo. Alpacas are similar to a timid cat, they like to get to know you on their own terms. If you insist on trying to pet them before you’ve earned their trust, they will walk or run away from you – the more you insist, the more they will retreat. Be patient, and let them come up to you on their own for the best experience. Hand feeding grain always helps with the introduction, and will entice them to come up to you.

Nature Makers: Lilac Watercolor Painting
2025-05-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Let’s paint a lovely branch of lilacs on watercolor paper! We’ll follow a series of simple steps and basic watercolor painting techniques as we capture a range of luminous colors. When complete, this project will be a beautiful homage to the true arrival of spring!

*Nature Makers Workshops are open to ages 16+ as well as all skill levels. All materials are included in the workshop fee.

Maximum of 10 participants
$12.00 per person for Macomb Park District Residents or $14.00 per person for Non-Residents

Registration is required
Please register by May 1st

3 ways to Register :

Follow the Link: tinyurl.com/mpdregister
Call 309-833-4562
or stop by the Macomb Park District office to register in person!

Stitchin' Time
2025-05-03 10:30 - 12:00 | Macomb Public Library, 235 S Lafayette St , Macomb
Macomb Public Library presents Stichin’ Time. Meets the first Saturday of each month from 10:30AM-Noon. Beginners through experts; limited supplies available or bring your own.

Spring Wildflower Hike
2025-05-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States
Enjoy the first blooms of spring and the peace and serenity of nature on these morning nature hikes in the woods of Argyle Lake State Park. These 1.5 mile hikes will begin at the park visitor center. For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.

First Friday
2025-05-02 09:00 - 14:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
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.

Erica Banks
2025-04-30 18:00 - 22:00 | WIU Union
🎶 Don’t Miss Erica Banks Live in Macomb on Wednesday, April 30, 2025! 🎶
Are you ready to experience Erica Banks like never before? With chart-topping hits like Buss It, Big Risk and Extra and 179.8K+ devoted fans, Erica Banks is taking over University Union Grand Ballroom this Wednesday, April 30, 2025, and trust us, you don’t want to miss this.

With multiple shows lined up, this one ensures to be the ultimate musical experience, where the energy of Erica Banks will make you dance, sing, and maybe even cry (in a good way).
Event Details:
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Venue: University Union Grand Ballroom

Expect an unforgettable performance featuring all your favorite songs and some surprises you’ve never heard before. So, If you’re discovering Erica Banks for the first time, this show will blow your mind.
Why This Show is Unmissable
With over 798.8K+ fans streaming their music monthly and viral singles in every playlist, Erica Banks is at the peak of their career. If you’re a long-time fan or just love the buzz, this show will be one for the books.

P.S. – You don’t want to be that person who hears about it later! We will not let you miss this in any way!😉
Artist’s Power Move
Erica Banks has been setting the stage on fire with performances that leave fans begging for more. With an incredible setlist and live versions of your favorite songs, you’ll leave with stories to tell (and maybe a few epic selfies). Follow Erica Banks on AllEvents to get hyped for the event!
🎟️ Book Your Tickets Now! 🎟️
This is your chance to witness Erica Banks live and in their element. Grab your tickets now for Erica Banks in Macomb at University Union Grand Ballroom and be part of a night that everyone will be talking about. Don’t wait—tickets are selling fast.

Carolyn Foster “Resist: Protest in Print”
2025-04-29 16:30 - 18:00 | WIU Art Gallery, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Carolyn Foster “Resist: Protest in Print”
On View: April 28 – May 9, 2025
Reception: Tuesday, April 29, 4:30-6:00
University Art Gallery
Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois

WIU senior art major Carolyn Foster will have her solo BFA exhibition, “Resist: Protest in Print”, on display April 28 through May 9 at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery.
A reception for the artist will be held Tuesday, April 29 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. The artist will speak about her work at 5:00.
image: Drill, Baby, Drill! (detail), 2025, serigraph , 19 x 28 in.
Parking will be allowed around the gallery starting at 4:00.

Smokey Joes and the 3 Dollar Pistols
2025-04-26 20:00 - 23:30 | Ice House Macomb
Smokey and the boys take the honkytonk train to Illinois!! Come hear decades of country hits performed by one of the best independent country bands in the nation!

Nature Makers: Felted Soap Bar
2025-04-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Join us this month as we embrace the muddy spring season by creating a felted bar of soap! We’ll walk through a series of simple steps as we wrap and wet felt colorful wool roving over a bar of soap. When complete, this project will be the perfect companion as you garden or play in nature! We can’t wait to create with you!
*Nature Makers Workshops are open to ages 16 and up as well as all skill levels. All materials are included in the workshop fee.
Fee: $12.00 per person for Macomb Park District Residents or $14.00 per person for Non-Residents
Registration is requiredDeadline to register: April 24th
3 ways to Register :Follow the Link: tinyurl.com/mpdregisterCall 309-833-4562or stop by the Macomb Park District office to register in person!

Noticing Nature
2025-04-25 15:30 - 16:30 | 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 moments for young explorers and curious naturalists! We hope to see you in the prairie!
Fee: Free

Maximum of 18 participants

*Pre-registration is required. Please register (your child/children only) by April 23rd to participate.
To register call: 309-833-4562, stop by the park office to register in person, or visit tinyurl.com/mpdregister/!

Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts will be held outdoors when possible and participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.

Spring Volunteer Opportunity
2025-04-25 10:30 - 13:30 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Help us make the Lakeview Nature Area even lovelier this spring! Join on April 25 from 10:30 am-1:30 pm for a volunteer opportunity!
We’ll focus on removing invasive plants in the landscaping surrounding the Nature Center and in the Nature Area, placing mulch, and removing unwanted trash. We hope you’ll join us for this outdoor opportunity where you can make a difference, get some volunteer hours, and connect with nature!
Fee: Free!
*Pre-registration is encouraged by April 24th to participate.
Notes: Please bring any gardening tools you like and gloves to protect your hands
Basic supplies will be provided.
Water and restrooms will be provided.
For Ages 14+ / Ages 13 & under with adult supervision
must be able to do light to heavy manual labor

Day in Clay: Bunny Snack Plate
2025-04-19 12:00 - 14:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
This month we’ll create a bunny snack plate that’s perfect for holding your favorite spring treats! In this workshop, we’ll combine slab rolling and a bit of underglaze to create a very happy and useful plate!
Workshop is open to all ages and all skill levels. We request that young children be accompanied by an adult who is also enrolled. Please make sure to wear clothes that can get dirty. Workshop fee includes clay, glaze, use of tools, and a bisque and glaze kiln firing.
Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. To register, please visit tinyurl.com/mpdregister/ or call our office at 309-833-4562 no later than the Thursday before each workshop. See you in the studio!

Workshop Cost: $12.00 per person for Macomb Park District Residents or $14.00 per person for Non-Residents
