Kankakee sits along the banks of the Kankakee River, which flows through the City and provides recreational opportunities like fishing and boating. The surrounding area features a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with farmland and nature preserves nearby.

What do you want for the 2026 APBA Nationals this Labor Day weekend on the beautiful Kankakee River? Drop your ideas below and help shape the experience!

Submit Anonymous Tips for a Safer Kankakee! Your voice matters in keeping our community safe. Share information confidentially through our anonymous tip line. Together, we can make a difference.

The City of Kankakee is relaunching its Private Security Incentive Program (PSIP) with expanded benefits! Now, residents and businesses can receive up to $200 for security cameras and $200 for exterior lighting fixtures to help enhance safety and deter crime.

Attention Kankakee Restaurant Owners: Submit Your Menus!

Got an exciting event coming up? Whether it's a festival, concert, workshop, or anything in between, we want to help you spread the word! The City of Kankakee Event Submission Portal!

Short Term Rentals Kankakee IL, On December 4, 2023, the City of Kankakee updated the Zoning Ordinance to allow for Short-Term Rentals (often referred to as Airbnb or VBRO). El 4 de diciembre de 2023, la ciudad de Kankakee actualizó la Ordenanza de Zonas para permitir alquileres a corto plazo (a menudo referidos como Airbnb o VBRO). city of kankakee short term rentals

The City of Kankakee is thrilled to introduce a new communication tool for all residents. KanConnect allows citizens to easily inform city staff of non-emergency issues within the city limits. It also provides on-the-go access to the latest city news and information.

The City of Kankakee has developed an anonymous tip form in the interest of making a

Environmental Services Utility, Department of Public Works

Environmental Services Utility encourages you to learn about our city's water and storm water system. ESU brochures are available at the Kankakee Public Library and ECDA store at the Kankakee Farmers Market.

Have you had problems with your garbage collection recently? Our friends at the Public Works Department share these links to help us understand the trash service outline for the City of Kankakee. It's worth checking out!

Have you ever wondered what functions Code Enforcement performs in the City of Kankakee? Meet its director Tomora Nelson (pictured) who shows you an informational flyer through this link.

Planning and Zoning ensures that Kankakee’s development is efficient, sustainable, and beneficial to all residents. For more details or inquiries, click here to contact Planning & Zoning. Phone: 815-936-7320

Illinois Coalition for Community Services Cash Raffle. Support a great cause and get your tickets today!

Press Releases

City Directories

City Agendas

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Trash & Recycle

Kankakee News

Top news from around the city and information straight from the Mayor's Desk.

Mayor Chris Curtis

Welcome to the City of Kankakee!

As Mayor of the City of Kankakee, I am pleased to welcome you to our city on the rise. Thank you for visiting us and for taking the time to learn more about our community.

Meet the Mayor

Community Conversations

Community Conversations return next month! Join us at the Kankakee County Museum for a discussion on the connection between social media and mental health with our friends from Riverside Healthcare!

Save the date for Thursday, March 12 at 5:30pm. We hope to see you then!

Registration is not required, but encouraged.

Registration Encouraged

6th Ward Meeting

Join Ald. Mike Cobbs, Ald. Kelly Johnson, and Kankakee City Leadership for the 6th Ward Meeting!

Invited guests include Directors from Aqua Illinois.

Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and stay engaged in what’s happening in the 6th Ward.

View Event

Join Us!

The City of Kankakee is looking for residents who want to make a difference!

We currently have openings on the:
Kankakee Public Library Board
Planning Board

Serving on a board is a great way to get involved, share your voice, and help shape the future of our community.

Apply Now

Welcome Our New Officers!

At the January 20 City Council meeting, we proudly introduced our newest officers, Max Forquer and Tyler Parsons.

Please join us in welcoming them to the department and thanking them for their commitment to serving and protecting our community!

Kankakee United Community Meeting

Let’s work together to build a safer community. Your voice matters—join the conversation and be part of the change.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026
11:30 AM
Kankakee High School Dr. Walters Community Center, Kankakee, IL

Inside Kankakee

We're on a mission to spotlight the heartbeat of our community – the groups, resources, and events that make us thrive. Your input matters! Share your recommendations using the link below, and let's celebrate the best of us together.

Share Now

KanConnect App

The City of Kankakee is thrilled to introduce a new communication tool for all residents. KanConnect allows citizens to easily inform city staff of non-emergency issues within the city limits. It also provides on-the-go access to the latest city news and information.

View All Kankakee News

Upcoming Events

View All Events Submit an Event We Livestream

March 2026

Mar 6th

Peaceful Palettes: A Bob Ross Painting Night for Teens

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Kankakee Public Library (RBJ Teen Zone)

Peaceful Palettes: A Bob Ross Painting Night for Teens

Mar 6th

Easy Street Theater presents "Fairytales & Finales"

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

St. John Paul II Settles Center 956 S. 10th Avenue, Kankakee, IL 60901

Easy Street Theater presents “Fairytales & Finales”

Mar 7th

Easterseals Joliet Region Celebration of Giving — “Light Up Lives”!

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

https://citykankakee-il.gov/fundraiser.php

Easterseals Joliet Region Celebration of Giving — “Light Up Lives”!

Mar 7th

Still I Rise & CIRKA: Clothing and Accessory Giveaway

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

CIRKA: 183 N Schuyler Ave, Kankakee, IL 60901

Still I Rise & CIRKA: Clothing and Accessory Giveaway

Mar 7th

National Try Hockey for Free Day

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena (1601 River Road, Kankakee)

Give your child the opportunity to try one of the most exciting youth sports during National Try Hockey for Free Day at Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena.

Mar 7th

Easy Street Theater presents "Fairytales & Finales"

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

St. John Paul II Settles Center 956 S. 10th Avenue, Kankakee, IL 60901

Easy Street Theater presents “Fairytales & Finales”

Mar 8th

Easy Street Theater presents "Fairytales & Finales"

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

St. John Paul II Settles Center 956 S. 10th Avenue, Kankakee, IL 60901

Easy Street Theater presents “Fairytales & Finales”

Mar 9th

Board Games & Snacks

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Kankakee Public Library (Roland B. Johnson Teen Zone)

Teens, join us every Monday from 3–6 PM at the Roland B. Johnson Teen Zone for Board Games & Snacks!

Mar 11th

2nd Ward Know Your Ward

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Kankakee Public Library

2nd Ward Know Your Ward

Mar 12th

Period Party (For tweens & teens)

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Kankakee Public Library (RBJ Teen Zone)

Teens, join us March 12th at 5 PM for games, snacks, good vibes, and real life conversations about essential period facts with licensed clinicians from Riverside

Mar 14th

PI Party

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Kankakee Public Library (Roland B. Johnson Teen Zone)

Join us March 14 @ 11 AM for a slice of fun, games, and all things π! Don’t miss out—math has never been this tasty!

Mar 16th

Board Games & Snacks

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Kankakee Public Library (Roland B. Johnson Teen Zone)

Teens, join us every Monday from 3–6 PM at the Roland B. Johnson Teen Zone for Board Games & Snacks!

Mar 16th

Prairie State Legal Services - Plugging in with the People

3:30 pm - 6:20 pm

Kankakee Public Library 201 E. Merchant Street, Kankakee

Prairie State Legal Services - Plugging in with the People - Prairie State Legal Services - Plugging in with the People

Mar 21st

Meet the 7th Grade Author "London McNeely"

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Kankakee Public Library (Roland B. Johnson Teen Zone)

Come Meet the Author - 7th Grader London McNeely!

Mar 21st

Floral Tea Party at the B. Harley Bradley House

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Floral Tea Party at the B. Harley Bradley House

Wright In Kankakee is hosting a floral-themed tea party on Saturday, March 21, 2026, 2-4 p.m. This special spring event will be held in the beautiful living room

Mar 23rd

Board Games & Snacks

3:00 pm - 8:00 am

Kankakee Public Library (Roland B. Johnson Teen Zone)

Teens, join us every Monday from 3–6 PM at the Roland B. Johnson Teen Zone for Board Games & Snacks!

Mar 27th

Childcare Resource Fair

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

KCC North Extension Center - 450 N. Bradley Ave., Bradley, IL 60915

Kankakee Workforce Services will host a FREE Childcare Resource Fair.

Mar 27th

Egg Hunt After Dark

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Bills Spriggs Civic Auditorium (803 S. 8th Ave. in Kankakee)

Hop into spring with KVPD’s Egg Hunt After Dark, a glowing twist on a classic Easter favorite. Families will enjoy dinner, sweet treats, and a nighttime egg hunt