Illinois Bats: Facts and Myths
2025-10-17 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States
Join us at Argyle Lake as we learn about our only true flying mammal….BATS!!! Local educator and outdoor enthusiast, Mary McMahon will dispel many myths about bats during this informative and entertaining presentation about these mysterious mammals. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to nearby bats feeding on flying insects using an echolocation detection device.
Many informative handouts will be available. Meet at the park’s visitor center shelter for this program.
For more information, please call (309)776-3422 or email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov

Bluegrass at The Wine Sellers
2025-10-18 17:00 - 20:00 | The Wine Sellers
A great venue to come relax and listen to some Bluegrass music! Troublesome Ridge has been playing together since 2014 performing both traditional bluegrass and modern bluegrass music.

Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Western Illinois Leathernecks Football
2025-10-18 18:00 - 21:00 | WIU Hanson Field

Alpaca Beach Party
2025-10-19 13:00 - 17:00 | Little Creek Alpacas
Come out to Little Creek Alpacas Sunday, October 19th from 1pm-4pm for our 2025 Alpaca Beach Party Season Finale! It’s the last ALPACA BEACH BASH of 2025, so don’t miss out!
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, and more.
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 Angoras & Crafts will be offering needle felting (ages 8 & up), and you can make your own felted Christmas ornament for just $8! Carol Jean & Jera will be providing live music for our beach party tunes, and there will be several other artisans to shop with too – stay tuned for the full list of vendors!
DJ Megan will be providing our beach party tunes, and there will be several other artisans to shop with too!
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, as we do not have them 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.
FREE ADMISSION for all of our 2025 Alpaca Beach Parties! Donations are always appreciated, but never expected.
**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.
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).

Autumn Guided Tour
2025-10-20 10:30 - 11:30 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
This outdoor tour will explore the history , biodiversity, & some of our favorite autumnal sights! There will even be a taste of harvested honey from our community apiary on-site!

Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts
2025-10-24 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-21 16:00 - 17:00 | 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! Come out to Lakeview for this FREE nature-based learning program!

Stargazing at the Park
2025-10-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States
Join us for three evenings of stargazing with retired WIU astronomy instructor Tom Van Heuklon and hobby astronomist Larry Knicl. Depending on the date, we will have the opportunity to observe planets and the Moon and Mars (June), Mars, Pluto and the Moon (August), Saturn, Pluto and Neptune and possibly remnants of the Orionids meteor shower (October); and many deep sky objects including star clusters, nebulae, other galaxies; and the varying seasonal constellations. These programs will be held at the parking lot near the park’s Sunset shelter (1st left turn upon entering the park). For your comfort, bring a chair or blanket, insect repellent, and a flashlight. To make viewing safer, observing will be done using a telescope connected to a video screen, rather than a telescope eyepiece. In the event of inclement weather or poor visibility, these programs may be canceled, so call before heading out if the sky isn’t clear. For more information, please call (309)776-3422 or email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov

Moon Over Macomb
2025-10-25 | Courthouse square, IL, 61455, United States
More details to come!

Atkinson McCord Cemetery Tour
2025-10-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States
Join park staff for a historical walking tour of the Atkinson/McCord Cemetery located on the park’s property. Participants should be able to walk ½ mile on moderate terrain to access the cemetery. Meet at the park visitor center or at the trap range area. For more information, please call (309)776-3422 or email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov

Fall Western Illinois Fiber Festival
2025-10-25 10:00 - 16:00 | McDonough County 4-H Center
Come out to the fall Western Illinois Fiber Festival on Sat., Oct. 25th from 10am-4pm at the McDonough County 4-H Center in Macomb, IL. Get the chance to meet & shop with fiber farmers, dyers, and artisans, and learn to needle felt! Carding and spinning demonstrations will be going on throughout the day, bring your wheel and spin along if you’d like! Alpaca Pines LLC Farm & Fiber Mill will be accepting mill orders, for information and forms for fiber processing please visit their website: www.alpacapines.com
Farm to table meals from C&N Farms and Aly’s Bakehouse Kitchen, there will be tables to eat and/or craft at, or you can get your food to-go.Stay tuned for more details and the vendor list!

Post 6 BIG Band
2025-10-29 19:00 - 21:00 | American Legion Post 6, 221 E. Washington Street, Macomb, United States
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
POST 6 BIG BAND
American Legion 221 East Washington St., Macomb, IL
Bring your dancing shoes and/or just come to enjoy the tunes from the past with the Post 6 Big Band, directed by John Cooper.
We play from 7-9 p.m. the last Wednesday of every month August—April
Except November and a Special Christmas Edition presented on the 2nd Wednesday, December 10
Admission is free, but there will be a free-will donation to support the band.
Cold Drinks Available for Purchase

Intro To Pastel
2025-11-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Macomb Arts Center
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to explore a new medium, this Macomb Arts Center class will introduce you to the fundamentals of pastel painting while giving you the tools and confidence to create your own artwork.
Learn about the properties of soft pastels from Tracey Mara, including application techniques, blending methods, and layering for depth and texture.
Gain insight into how pastels can be used for everything from sketching to fully developed paintings.

Stitchin' Time
2025-11-01 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.

Day in Clay: Speckled Grater Dish
2025-11-01 12:00 - 16:00 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
Join us in the studio this month as we create a speckled grater dish that you can enjoy using year after year! *Day in Clay Workshops are open to all ages, all skill levels, and we request that young children be accompanied by an enrolled adult.

Conservation Book Club
2025-11-03 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wine Sellers
Join PLC’s Conservation Book Club as we read Winter World: the ingenuity of animal survival by Bernd Heinrich. Learn with us how animals adapt to survive the unique challenges of winter as we enter this season ourselves this fall!
The book club meets at The Wine Sellers in Macomb from 6-8pm on Monday nights.
​Please register at the link below for this three-part event. Can only attend one of the days? Then we’d still love to have you join us!
prairielandconservancy.org/events

Trivia Night
2025-11-04 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

Wednesdays Wine Run/Walk
2025-11-05 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wine Sellers
Wednesdays Wine Run/Walk
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 is a weekly event – weather permitting.
Let’s get outside and run!
www.facebook.com/thewinesellersmacomb

First Friday
2025-11-07 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 Lakeview! Explore nature-based learning stations, invitations for imaginative play, favorite seasonal books, and creative enrichment activities.

60th Annual Altrusa Holiday Bazaar
2025-11-08 09:00 - 15:00 | Macomb High School
Over 150 Unique Vendor Booths!
Join us for a day of shopping, creativity, and community fun!
Exciting Raffles
• Beautiful Raffle Baskets
• 50/50 Raffle – Don’t miss your chance to win!
FREE Entry!
Help us spread the joy of reading — Please bring a new or gently used children’s book to donate.

Woodland Wonders Nature Hike
2025-11-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States
Explore the wonders of nature and discuss how wildlife and plants prepare for the cold winter months to come on this morning hike on one of Argyle’s most popular trails. Hike will begin at 10 a.m. at the visitor center and conclude by noon. For more information, please call (309)776-3422 or email
Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov

Pumpkin Smash
2025-11-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Veteran’s Park, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
SAVE YOUR PUMPKINS AND RECYCLE THEM ON NOVEMBER 8th! Keep pumpkins out of our landfills and recycle them by SMASHING THEM in a fun way! All smashed pumpkins will be turned into compost for local farmers!

Bowl for Kids’ Sake
2025-11-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Digger’s College City Bowl
Wild, Wild West

Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2025 is ridin’ into town with a Wild West theme — and registration is NOW OPEN!
Round up your posse, lace up those bowling shoes, and join us for our longest running fundraiser to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of McDonough & Warren Counties. Every dollar raised helps us create and support life-changing matches for local kids.
Date: Saturday , November 8
Location: DIGGER’S COLLEGE CITY BOWL
Register your team today: https://p2p.onecause.com/bowlforkidssake25
Don’t miss out — spots fill up faster than a tumbleweed in the wind!
Thank you Macomb Elks Lodge #1009 for sponsoring Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2025

WIU vs Lindenwood - Serve and Protect & Military Appreciation
2025-11-08 13:00 - 21:00 | WIU Campus: Hanson Field
Western Illinois University Football vs Lindenwood – Serve and Protect & Military Appreciation TV: ESPN+ Radio: Q98.1 Streaming Audio: q981fm.com/

PAS Wine Tasting
2025-11-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Park Place
Save the Date! More information to follow.

WIU vs Southeast Missouri State - Faculty Staff Appreciation Game
2025-11-15 13:00 - 21:00 | WIU Campus: Hanson Field
Western Illinois University Football vs Southeast Missouri State – Faculty Staff Appreciation Game TV: ESPN+ Radio: Q98.1 Streaming Audio: q981fm.com/

Sally Weisenburg and Don Berbaum
2025-11-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Western Illinois Museum, 201 S. Lafayette St. , Macomb, IL
You just might want to mosey around to the south door on Saturday, November 15th, about 6:00 p.m. Give the door a tap, whisper the password, and slip inside where the Blind Swine Speakeasy at the Western Illinois Museum is serving up giggle water for those in the know. At 6:30 p.m., the notorious duo, Sally Weisenburg and Don Berbaum with drummer Mike Grimm, will have the joint jumpin’ with two swell sets of toe-tappin’ tunes.
Back in the Roaring Twenties, Americans were finding new ways to cut loose. Time-saving gadgets at home and a growing focus on health gave folks more room for leisure. The freedom “to go somewhere” was made possible by the automobile, opening the road for visiting pals, vacationing, or just stepping out for a joyride. With this new mobility came innovations that made travel just swell: drive-in restaurants, chain eateries, car radios, snappy sunglasses, and instant cameras that let people capture the fun. Of course, more jalopies meant more traffic, and that’s when inventions like traffic lights, car registration, and driver’s licenses kept the roads safe and people busted.
The Museum’s old garage is the tops for exploring how the automobile transformed our rural community, bringing fresh opportunities, new businesses, and plenty of visitors. And on this night, it’s also the cat’s meow for a little leisure of our own. Sally’s sultry vocals and smooth keyboard, paired with Don’s slick guitar and harmonica, along with Mike Grimm keeping the beat, will fill the space with soulful sounds, making this an evening you won’t want to miss.
Want in? Text Swine to 309-837-2613 for the ever-changing secret password (keeps the feds guessing). Slip the gatekeeper at the south door a fin ($5), and you’re in.
Sally Weisenburg and Don Berbaum have been partners in both life and music since the mid-1970s. Originally from the St. Louis area, Sally moved to Peoria, Illinois, in 1976 to join Don’s band. Today, the duo lives near Rushville, Illinois, and performs an eclectic mix of blues, soul, jazz, country, standards, rock, Latin, surf, and original music. Sally’s spectacular vocals take center stage, supported by Don’s expressive guitar and harmonica playing, along with Sally’s own skillful work on keyboard and keyboard bass. Together, they create a rich, soulful sound that captivates audiences.
Michael “Mike” Grimm is a soulful drummer and audio professional whose East Peoria–based pro sound company supports local and touring talent. He brings decades of experience to his dual roles as Front-of-House engineer for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Production Manager for the legendary comedian Gary Mule Deer, a collaboration spanning roughly twelve years. Mike’s truest calling is his deep, soulful groove whose rhythm, heart, and humor enrich every performance.
The Western Illinois Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. Located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of the Courthouse Square, the Museum offers exhibits, live music, and programs in a fully accessible historic building.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit wimuseum.org, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.
This program is supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council.

Wine & Wax!
2025-11-20 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!

Nature Makers: Pressed Flower Beeswax Candle
2025-11-22 12:00 - 13:30 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Join us this month as we upcycle a small glass jar into a fragrant beeswax candle! Nature Makers Workshops are open to ages 16+at all skill levels!

Annual Art & Gift Market
2025-11-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Macomb Arts Center
Join us at the Macomb Arts Center for some Unique Holiday Gift Shopping at our annual!
This festive holiday shopping event brings together talented local artists and makers offering one-of-a-kind, handmade goods — perfect for holiday gifting (or treating yourself!)
-Browse unique art, crafts, jewelry, home décor, and more.
-Enjoy the holiday spirit while supporting local creativity.
-Find gifts that are as special as those who you give them.
Bring your friends and family for a day of holiday cheer and shopping local!
