5 Things to do in Will County: A whole lot of walking, talking and singing

Open mics, outdoor markets, Elwood Days, nature walks, country music

1) Elwood Community Days will be held 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and 7:30 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Saturday. Features include a carnival, beer garden and live music. Friday features include a baby contest and a bags tournament. Saturday features include a youth fishing contest, parade and car show and tractor show. For more information, visit villageofelwood.com or call 815-423-5011.

5 Things To Do near me

2) A New Makers Market will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Bronkberry Farms, located at 18061 Bronk Road in Plainfield. Young artists will display and sell their work, which may include photography, canvas paintings, digital art and mixed media. Other features include a children’s creation station, farm animals, music and a food truck. For more information, email newmakersmarket@gmail.com or call 747-999-2410.

3) Acoustic musicians, comedians, spoken word artists, poets: Come out to The Strange & Unusual Open Mic at 7 p.m. Saturday at The Strange & Unusual Gallery, located at 34 Clinton St. in Joliet. Sign up available only before the event by emailing mel_bass@rocketmail.com with your name and type of performance.

Guests and performers should arrive at 7 p.m. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Free water available for all guests and performers. Otherwise, bring your own beverage. For more information, visit strangeandunusual.hopestreetwoodworks.com or The Strange & Unusual Gallery on Facebook.

4) The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Wellness Walkers will meet from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday at Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, Homer Glen. The all-age event is free. Messenger Woods Nature Preserve showcases a mature oak forest and the peaceful Spring Creek. Meet at Hawthorn Grove Shelter. Register at reconnectwithnature.org or call 708-946-2216.

5) Dwight Yoakam will perform at 8 p.m. Sunday at the Rialto Square Theatre, located at 102 N. Chicago St. in Joliet. Yoakam is a country singer-songwriter and musician as well as an actor, having appeared in more than 40 films.

Yoakum has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and he is a 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY Award winner. His self-curated SiriusXM channel, titled Dwight Yoakam and The Bakersfield Beat “Where Country Went Mod” launched in April of 2018. For tickets and more information, visit rialtosquare.com or call 815-726-6600.

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