Downtown Kankakee is the place to be this summer! From Friday Night Concerts and Cruis’n the Square to Farmers' Markets and the iconic Merchant Street MusicFest—there’s something fun for everyone! Live music, classic cars, local eats, and unforgettable vibes—right in the heart of Kankakee.

The Kankakee Farmers’ Market is BACK—bigger and better than ever! Join us every Saturday from May 3 to October 25

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

The Kankakee River Valley Regatta is Back Labor Day 2025! Get ready for a weekend of high-speed action on the Kankakee River! The Kankakee River Valley Boat Races bring thrilling powerboat racing, fun activities, and community excitement.

NOW HIRING – JOIN KANKAKEE PD! The City of Kankakee Police Department is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Police Officers!

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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

Downtown Kankakee Events

Join us for our June line up of events in Downtown Kankakee starting this weekend with our first Friday Night Concert Series!

Now available on LinkedIn!

Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and insight on our business attraction and development initiatives including available sites, incentive updates, and success stories.

If you are looking to have an available site featured on this LinkedIn, reach out to Devyn at dsforquer@citykankakee-il.gov

NOW HIRING – JOIN KANKAKEE PD!

The City of Kankakee Police Department is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Police Officers!

Serve your community
Make a difference
Build a meaningful career

Deadline to Apply: June 16, 2025

Apply Now!

Rockin' The River

Join the Kankakee Valley Park District for a delightful summer concert series at the Don Palzer Bandshell in Kankakee! Enjoy two free concerts that promise smiles for the whole family.

Kick off the fun on June 18 with Motown Nation, where the rhythm of classic hits will fill the air. Bring your appetite for a BBQ night filled with delicious food from local food trucks,

Upcoming Events

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June 2025

Jun 13th

Watercolor Bookmarks for Beginners

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Rubber Rose Books & Print, 111 E Court St, Kankakee, IL 60901

Join us for a relaxed, beginner-friendly watercolor class where we’ll turn upcycled book pages into pretty, handmade bookmarks.

Jun 14th

Kankakee Farmers’ Market

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

200 S Schuyler, Kankakee IL

The Kankakee Farmers’ Market is the only market in the area which takes place on Saturdays, making it one of the most popular weekend destinations for miles and

Jun 14th

Representative Jackie Haas Shred Event & Diaper Drive

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

187 S. Schuyler Ave, Kankakee IL (Back parking lot of the Clock Tower Building)

Representative Jackie Haas Shred Event & Diaper Drive

Jun 14th

Community Give-Away Event

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

220 N Crestlane Dr Kankakee IL 60901

Join us for a heartfelt community event focused on giving back and supporting our neighbors in need! This free give-away is open to individuals and families in

Jun 16th

NOW HIRING – JOIN KANKAKEE PD!

12:00 am - 12:00 am

The City of Kankakee Police Department is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Police Officers!

Jun 17th

Dino Dig

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Splash Valley Aquatic Park (1850 River Road in Kankakee)

Channel your inner Paleontologist and dig for dinosaur bones during our Dino Dig! Enjoy dino related crafts and a yummy dino nugget lunch after the big dig at

Jun 17th

Summer Solstice Sip, Shop and Stroll

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Harley Bradley House, located at 701 S. Harrison Avenue, Kankakee.

Wright In Kankakee is hosting its 4rd Annual Summer Solstice Sip, Shop and Stroll on Tuesday, June 17, 5-8 p.m.

Jun 18th

Taste of Soul: Juneteenth Edition

11:30 am - 2:00 pm

Kankakee Public Library – 201 E. Merchant St.

Join us Wednesday, June 18th from 11:30AM-2:00PM as we celebrate Juneteenth with music and food from Brother George’s BBQ!

Jun 18th

Rockin' the River Summer Concert Series

6:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Don Palzer Bandshell (893 W. Station St., Kankakee)

Join the Kankakee Valley Park District for a delightful summer concert series at the Don Palzer Bandshell in Kankakee! Enjoy two free concerts that promise

Jun 21st

Kankakee Day

12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kankakee, Illinois 60901

Celebrate Kankakee’s 172nd birthday on the anniversary of the 1853 vote that made Kankakee the County seat. Celebrants are encouraged to learn about Kankakee

Jun 21st

Kankakee Farmers’ Market

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

200 S Schuyler, Kankakee IL

The Kankakee Farmers’ Market is the only market in the area which takes place on Saturdays, making it one of the most popular weekend destinations for miles and

Jun 21st

Dolly & Me Tea Party

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

701 S. Harrison Avenue in Kankakee, IL 60901

Join us at the B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee for the Dolly & Me Tea Party on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 2 – 4 p.m.

Jun 22nd

Kayaking 101

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Splash Valley Aquatic Park (1850 River Road in Kankakee)

Looking to learn more about kayaking in a controlled environment? Splash Valley Aquatic Park is partnering with the team over at Potawatomi Paddlers Association

Jun 24th

Community Skills Day!

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

1113 E. Court St. Kankakee IL 60901

Join us for Community Skills Day, a free, family-friendly event focused on empowerment, education, and connection! Hosted by the Duane Dean Behavioral Health

Jun 24th

Until Justice Just Is: el Baile de los 41

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

The Grow Center 310 Main St NW Bourbonnais, IL 60914

The YWCA Kankakee, in partnership with Project SUN and The Grow Center, will host a screening of Summer of Soul.

Jun 25th

Party in the Parks

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

McBroom Park (807 W. Vanmeter St., Kankakee)

Come celebrate with the Kankakee Valley Park District at our Party in the Parks this summer! Bring your friends and neighbors for a fun-filled day in the park,

Jun 26th

Kankakee Farmers’ Market

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

200 S Schuyler, Kankakee IL

The Kankakee Farmers’ Market is the only market in the area which takes place on Saturdays, making it one of the most popular weekend destinations for miles and

Jun 27th

Blooms & Liberations

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

259 S Schuyler Avenue , Kankakee IL

Rise & Thrive Wellness Presents: Blooms & Librations