Macomb.com

Nature Makers: Spring Sky Watercolor
2024-04-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Join us this month as we paint a miniature spring sky on watercolor paper! We’ll walk through 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 spring! 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 required
Deadline to register: April 25
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!

Western Illinois University Campus Tour
2024-04-27 16:00 - 17:00 | Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle , Macomb, IL, United States
All youth from 9th – 12th grades are welcome to join us on a FREE campus tour of Western Illinois University on Friday, April 27, 2024. This is an overnight tour.

Home School
2024-04-30 13:00 - 14:30 | Create Art Studio for Kids, 133 S Randolph St, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Students will explore all aspects of art while creating projects in areas that interest them. They can paint, draw , explore 3D projects or basic printmaking skills.

Rocky's Great Leatherneck Block Party
2024-05-01 11:30 - 13:30 | Western Illinois University Union
Are you ready to celebrate another great semester? Western Illinois University will host the third annual Rocky’s Great Leatherneck Block Party from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 behind the University Union. This event is open free for all WIU students. This event will have free food and drinks along with a ton of activities like a dunk tank with campus “celebrities!” Additionally, treats like the Kona Ice Shack, games, giveaways and music will be available to all attendees. This effort is to provide an opportunity for all to gather and celebrate a great end of the semester. “Rocky’s Great Leatherneck Campus Block Party has steadily grown to one of the largest capstone events for the campus community,” WIU University Union Director Ashley Katz said. “Our goal is to bring as many campus entities as possible together to facilitate this large event. Students, staff and faculty all look forward to this annual event and I have no doubt this year will not disappoint. Mark your calendars for May 1st!” For more information on the event, contact Katz at ae-katz@wiu.edu.

Tiny Dances
2024-05-01 19:00 | WIU Department of Theatre & Dance
Solo dances choreographed to fit a 5’ x 5’ space. Presented by the WIU Theatre & Dance Composition Class. Entry by donation; pay what you can.

WestFest 2024
2024-05-01 19:00 - 22:00 | Western Illinois University Grand Ballroom
The University Union Board and the Bureau of Cultural Affairs at Western Illinois University will host WestFest 2024 Wednesday, May 1 in the University Union Grand Ballroom. Doors open at 6 p.m. and entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. This year’s entertainment will include headliner Corey Kent and special guest Alana Springsteen. Kent started his music career early, taking the stage at age 11 as the lead singer for a touring Western Swing band. Kent hit early milestones opening for Roy Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys. In 2020, Kent released his “From the West” LP, which garnered 3.5+ million aggregate streams and set the stage for his next chapter. His song “Gold” and fan favorite “Ain’t My Day has nearly 15 million streams combined. In December of 2021, Corey released his sophomore album, ’21, to an overwhelmingly positive reception and landed on multiple playlists across streaming platforms with his single “There’s Always Next Year.” Both were released via Combustion Music. On March 4, 2022, Corey released his smash hit single “Wild As Her” and signed his deal with Sony Music Nashville and their RCA Nashville Imprint. Now, touring on the road with over 100 shows a year, he has made his way into the country music scene. Springsteen is a 21-year-old emerging artist focused on storytelling. After learning to play guitar at seven, the Virginia Beach native began penning her songs at nine and soon started trekking to Nashville to co-write with industry heavyweights. In the tradition of powerhouse female Country stars, she grew up, she wrote the EP History of Breaking Up (part one) and now part two dropping soon. The song has surpassed 51 million streams and more than 5,000 playlists. She is touring heavily with performances at Faster Horses, TidalWave, CMA Fest and many more. The cost for attendance, a student is $10 and general admission is $20. Concert sponsors include the University Union Board and the Bureau of Cultural Affairs. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wiuwestfest.com. For WIU WestFest on social media at wiu_uub and bca_wiu on Instagram.

Rivers Ashton solo BFA exhibition "To Be Changed"
2024-05-02 16:30 - 18:00 | WIU Art Gallery, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
WIU senior art major Rivers Ashton will have her solo BFA exhibition, “To Be Changed”, on display May 2 through May 10 at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery.
A reception for the artist will be held Thursday, May 2 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. The artist will speak about her work at 5:00.
image: Summer Self, 2023, acrylic, pastel, charcoal , 22 x 15 in.
Parking will be allowed around the gallery starting at 4:00.
For more information about the Gallery, visit wiu.edu/artgallery.

Bubbling Garden Fountain
2024-05-02 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-05-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
The growing season has arrived and warmer days are fast approaching! Join us in the studio as we create a garden fountain equipped with a solar pump that provides water for wildlife and adds calming sounds to your favorite green space. Within this three week hand building course, we will employ slab building and additive sculptural elements to create a beautiful fountain! We hope you’ll join us in this relaxing course geared towards students of all skill levels!
Join us and learn to create in a fun and supportive environment! Course fee includes solar pump, clay, glazes, use of tools and brushes, bisque and glaze kiln firings, and weekly open studio hours.
Course Fee: $58.00 for Macomb Park District Residents, $75.00 for Non-Residents
Registration is required
Deadline to register: April 24
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!

“First Fridays” at Lakeview Nature Center
2024-05-03 09:00 - 14:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
We’re so excited to announce a new opportunity for curious naturalists of all ages this autumn at Lakeview Nature Area and Center! ⁣
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Each first Friday of the month the Nature Center will be open from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm! During these open hours we welcome you to explore our nature-based learning stations, invitations for imaginative play, favorite seasonal books, and creative enrichment activities. Outside the Nature Center, we invite you to enjoy a meditative walk on the trails, quiet moments in the Lakeview Labyrinth, our featured StoryWalk® along the Little Bluestem Trail, an apiary visit, new facts about the prairie and its inhabitants from our educational panels, a rest on the Nature Center porch or around the fire pit, and the beautiful sights of the prairie’s seasonal colors! ⁣
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We can’t wait to see you in the prairie and the Nature Center!

Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts
2024-05-03 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!
Pre-registration is required to participate.
3 ways to Register :
💻Follow the Link tinyurl.com/mpdregister
📞Call 309-833-4562
📋or stop by the park office to register in person!
***Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts will be held outdoors when possible and participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.

Day in Clay: Strawberry Cupcake Plate
2024-05-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
Join us in the studio this month as we create a sweet strawberry plate that’s perfect for your next summer inspired berry cupcake! In this workshop, we’ll use slabs and stamping to create your new favorite dessert plate that you can enjoy year after year! Please make sure to wear clothes that can get dirty. Workshop fee includes clay, glaze, use of tools and brushes, bisque and glaze kiln firing. Join us for the day as we get our hands in clay!
*Day in Clay Workshops are open to all ages, all skill levels, and we request that young children be accompanied by an adult who is also enrolled.
Fee: $10.00 per person for Macomb Park District Residents or $12.00 per person for Non-Residents
Registration is required
Deadline to register: May 2
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!

Emily Sharon solo exhibition "Older But Not Yet Wiser"
2024-05-07 16:30 - 18:00 | WIU Art Gallery, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
WIU senior art major Emily Sharon will have a solo exhibition, “Older But Not Yet Wiser”, on display April 30 through May 10 at the ANNEX Gallery in the Heating Plant Annex.
A reception for the artist will be held Tuesday, May 7 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. The artist will speak about her work at 5:00.
Parking will be allowed near the gallery starting at 4:00
image: Pity Party, 2023, screen print, 22 x 18 in.

Annual Big Brother, Big Sisters Plant Sale
2024-05-08 14:00 - 19:00, 2024-05-09 08:00 - 19:00, 2024-05-10 08:00 - 19:00, 2024-05-11 08:00 - 18:00 | Fortress Bank, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
The annual Big Brother, Big Sisters Plant Sale is open for preorders and we have all your garden needs! All proceeds support one on one youth mentoring in McDonough and Warren Counties. Pre-order is open now through April 22. You can order your flowers online or download the form from the website and have them delivered right to your door! https://plantsale.org/ Retail Opens: Wednesday, May 8th 2pm-7pm Thursday, May 9 8am-7pm Friday, May 10th 8am-7pm Saturday, May 11th 8am-6pm (or while supplies last)

World's Largest Monopoly Game - Macomb-Opoly Unveiling
2024-05-09 11:30 - 17:00 | Macomb Downtown Square, 1 Courthouse Square, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
You’re welcome to join us for a very unique ceremony to honor one of Unforgettable Forgottonia’s most illustrious daughters – Lizzie Magie inventor of the game Monopoly! Witness the transformation of Macomb’s historic Downtown Square into the World’s Largest Monopoly Game! This one-of-a-kind permanent attraction will feature not only giant game pieces but an immersive state of the art app which allows visitors and gamers to play the world’s most popular board game around the entire 4,000 feet length of the Macomb Square Save the date of Thursday, May 9, 2024! For more info contact Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia at info@visitforgottonia or 309-833-1315 and www. Isitforgottonia.com

WIU Graduate Commencement Ceremony
2024-05-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Western Hall

Sista & The Misters
2024-05-10 19:00 | Macomb Elks Lodge, 401 Deer Rd, Macomb, IL
WE’RE COMING BACK FOR ANOTHER ROUND. THE ELKS IN MACOMB IS ALWAYS A GOOD TIME. WE CAN’T WAIT!

WIU Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies
2024-05-11 | Western Hall

Spring Market On The Square 2024
2024-05-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Macomb Downtown Square, 1 Courthouse Square, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States

Nature Makers: Blossom Bath Salts
2024-05-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Join us this month as we transform dried blossoms into fragrant bath salts to welcome the blooming season! We’ll walk through a series of simple steps as we combine lavender buds, calendula blossoms, rose petals, and salts into a jar. When complete, these salts will help you sit back, soak, and relax!
*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 required
Deadline to register: May 9
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!

Clay Lab for Kids and Teens (ages 7-14)
2024-05-18 12:00 - 13:30 | 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.
Pre-registration is required to participate.
3 ways to Register :
💻Follow the Link tinyurl.com/mpdregister
📞Call 309-833-4562
📋or stop by the park office to register in person!

Alpaca Beach Party - 2024 Season Grand Opening
2024-05-26 13:00 - 17:00 | Little Creek Alpacas
Come out to Little Creek Alpacas Sunday, May 26th from 1pm-5pm for our 2024 Alpaca Beach Party Season Grand Opening!
30+ alpacas roaming in a free range setting with a 2 acre pond and small white sand beach. Phoenix Food Shack will be here with all their tasty menu items, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options, so come hungry! Lake Hill Winery will be joining us with all your favorite local wines to taste, sip, and enjoy. Hickry Ridge Homestead and A Tangled Mess Angoras & Crafts will have their angora rabbits, and will also be doing spinning demonstrations, so you can see how our alpaca fiber is spun into yarn! Quesal Puppet Troupe will be performing a special puppet show around 1:30pm. Carol Jean & Jera will be playing live music from 2:30pm-5pm. Regal Face Painting will be joining us with her artistic skills (please note, face painting is cash only). Stay tuned for the full vendor list and other activities!
Cups of grain to hand feed the alpacas with will be available for $5/cup. We’ll also have tables set up with our alpaca products for sale. 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. Due to last year’s drought, there is no swimming in the pond until further notice, but you can still get your feet wet and get water for your sand castles.
No pets, no smoking, and no chasing the alpacas. Please be kind and respectful to others. Two handicap accessible port-a-potties will be available. Hand wipes & disinfectant wipes are available, there is no hand sink.
**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 2024 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 Tree
Sunny 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).

Prairieland Barbershop Chorus' 55th Anniversary Show feat. Center Ring
2024-06-01 16:00 - 18:00 | Macomb High School
Join the Prairieland Barbershop Chorus as they celebrate their 55th anniversary with a stroll down memory lane. From Oklahoma to River City, Iowa and everything over the rainbow, we’ll climb every mountain and enjoy an afternoon of a capella music from some of our favorite movies, musicals and more! The concert will also feature the Illinois District 2019 Quartet Champs, Center Ring Quartet. Ticket information: Adults – $10 Children 12 & under – $5 Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door.

“First Fridays”
2024-06-07 09:00 - 14:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States

YFC Golf Outing
2024-06-07 11:30 - 14:30 | WIU – Harry Mussato Golf Course
Join the Fun! ⛳ Spend a beautiful day on the links and help Western Illinois teens! · Play as an Individual / $90 Or, bring a Foursome / $360 · Includes Lunch, Snacks, Drinks, Green Fees, Cart Rentals, & Prizes! Player pack includes a Sleeve of Golf Balls! · Register now: https://www.yfcwi.org/golf-2024 Entries due May 24. · Schedule: 10:30 am – Registration & Lunch 10:30 am – Driving Range is Free to Players 12:00 pm – Shotgun Start · A Big Thank You to our Title Sponsors! Collection Professionals, Inc. (www.collprofinc.com) & Professional Eyecare Center (www.professionaleyecare.us

Odd Fellows
2024-06-07 17:30 | The Wine Sellers
Odd Fellows perform at The Wine Sellers

St. Jude Pickleball
2024-06-08 09:00 - 17:00 | YMCA of McDonough County, 400 East Calhoun Street, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Join us for a fun day of pickleball all while supporting St. Jude kiddos! For more details of the event, click on the cover photo above. Sign up by clicking this link: https://form.jotform.com/240929397811163
