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

10th Annual Great Mouse Race

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

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Q4 2026 Board Meeting

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:30 AM

Greater Kankakee Airport-IKK

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Caregiver Connections: Yarn Pumpkins

Fri, Nov 13 • 8:30 AM

Rise & Thrive Wellness

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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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Dixon's Violin live in Kankakee/Kankakee Civic Auditorium

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:50 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

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ONE NIGHT ONE LEGEND MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CONCERT !!

Sat, Nov 28 • 8:00 PM

Majestic Theatre

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A Very Strongman Christmas 5

Sun, Dec 6 • 12:00 PM

Majestic Weddings & Events Kankakee

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Lionel Richie & Whitney Houston Tribute

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM

Majestic Weddings & Events Kankakee

Check ticket price on event

10th Annual Great Mouse Race

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Q4 2026 Board Meeting

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:30 AM

Greater Kankakee Airport-IKK

Check ticket price on event

Caregiver Connections: Yarn Pumpkins

Fri, Nov 13 • 8:30 AM

Rise & Thrive Wellness

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

Dixon's Violin live in Kankakee/Kankakee Civic Auditorium

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:50 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

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

A Very Strongman Christmas 5

Sun, Dec 6 • 12:00 PM

Majestic Weddings & Events Kankakee

Check ticket price on event

Lionel Richie & Whitney Houston Tribute

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM

Majestic Weddings & Events Kankakee

Check ticket price on event

Online Events

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The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM GMT

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This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT

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The Claude Code Security Summit

Wednesday • 9:00 AM EST

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 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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The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM GMT

Check ticket price on event

This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

The Claude Code Security Summit

Wednesday • 9:00 AM EST

Check ticket price on event

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

Check ticket price on event

How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 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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From nearby cities

10th Annual Great Mouse Race

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Candle Making Workshop

Wednesday • 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

Dixon's Violin live in Kankakee/Kankakee Civic Auditorium

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:50 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

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

Comedy Show at Geneice’s

Sat, Nov 28 • 7:00 PM

Geniece’s Blue Building

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Candle Making Workshop at The Manteno Sportsmen's Club

Wed, Dec 2 • 6:30 PM

851 N Main St

Check ticket price on event

10th Annual Great Mouse Race

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Candle Making Workshop

Wednesday • 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

Dixon's Violin live in Kankakee/Kankakee Civic Auditorium

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:50 PM

Kankakee Civic Auditorium

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

Comedy Show at Geneice’s

Sat, Nov 28 • 7:00 PM

Geniece’s Blue Building

Check ticket price on event

Candle Making Workshop at The Manteno Sportsmen's Club

Wed, Dec 2 • 6:30 PM

851 N Main St

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.