2026 APBA Outboard Nationals, September 4–6, on the beautiful Kankakee River! Become a Sponsor

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.

5th Avenue Community Garden Join us in growing something meaningful! This youth-led initiative—powered by the Youth Empowerment Initiative in partnership with Justice Academy and local community organizations—is bringing people together to cultivate fresh food, leadership, and community pride

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 miles around.

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!

Enjoy Views Around Town and see what’s happening live across the City of Kankakee! Take a moment to relax, check the weather, or experience our community in real time with live camera views featuring local landmarks like the Train Depot Fountain and the Kankakee River Dam.

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.

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

Join us for the 2026 APBA Outboard Nationals, September 4–6, on the beautiful Kankakee River!

Want to be right in the middle of race weekend? Volunteer at the Kankakee River Valley Regatta!

The City of Kankakee Fire Department is looking for dedicated individuals ready to answer the call and serve our community. El Departamento de Bomberos de la Ciudad de Kankakee busca personas dedicadas listas para responder a la llamada y servir a nuestra comunidad.

Press Releases

City Directories

City Agendas

Forms

Careers

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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

NOW HIRING

The City of Kankakee Fire Department is accepting applications for the position of Fire Chief. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to guide our department and continue our commitment to protecting the residents and businesses of Kankakee.
Learn more about the position: https://citykankakee-il.gov/cokfirechief/

Apply Now

Kankakee Farmers’ Market

Saturdays from May 2 to October 31
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
200 S Schuyler Ave, Downtown Kankakee

Shop fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and so much more.

More Info

Stay Cool This Summer!

Stay safe and stay cool! Cooling centers are available throughout Kankakee County. Visit keepcool.illinois.gov for locations and updates.

Visit

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

Apply Now

Accepting Sponsors

The excitement of the American Power Boat Association Nationals returns to Kankakee this Labor Day Weekend — and your business can be part of the race!

Upcoming Events

View All Events Submit an Event We Livestream

August 2026

Aug 1st

NOW HIRING: Fire Chief – City of Kankakee Fire Department

12:00 am - 5:00 pm

Kankakee Illinois

NOW HIRING: Fire Chief – City of Kankakee Fire Department

Aug 1st

Camp where the action is!

12:00 am - 11:00 pm

River Road Park, Kankakee IL

Camp where the action is!

Aug 1st

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

Aug 1st

Back to School Health Fair

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

606 E Court St, Kankakee, IL

Hippocrates Medical Clinic hosts an annual Back‑to‑School Health Fair that brings together local nonprofits, community organizations, and businesses to support

Aug 1st

Back 2 School Community Resource Fair

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

City Life Center | 1820 E. Court St. Kankakee, IL

Back 2 School Community Resource Fair

Aug 5th

NOW HIRING: Firefighter/Paramedic

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Kankakee, Illinois

NOW HIRING: Firefighter/Paramedic

Aug 8th

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

Aug 11th

Community Swim Days

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Splash Valley Aquatic Park (1850 River Road, Kankakee)

Kankakee residents are invited to enjoy FREE admission to Splash Valley Aquatic Park on select days this summer. Bring the family, grab your swimsuits, and spend

Aug 12th

Music on the Deck Featuring Rick Lindy Duo

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Splash Valley Aquatic Park (1850 River Road, Kankakee)

Splash Valley Aquatic Park is the place to be for a summer night of live music, friends, and poolside fun. Come hang out, enjoy the music, and kick back at the

Aug 13th

Your Next Opportunity in partnership with Kankakee Workforce Services

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Kankakee County Museum, 801 S 8th Ave, Kankakee

Your Next Opportunity in partnership with Kankakee Workforce Services

Aug 15th

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

Aug 19th

Party in the Parks (Cobb Park)

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Cobb Park (Cobb Blvd. & S. Greenwood Ave., Kankakee)

Celebrate summer with KVPD at Party in the Parks! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a free, family-friendly event filled with games, activities,

Aug 19th

2nd Ward Meeting - Summer '26

5:30 pm - 6:45 pm

Kankakee Public Library 3rd Floor Conference Room

2nd Ward Meeting - Summer ‘26

Aug 22nd

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

Aug 28th

Lifelong Learning Fall Kickoff

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Kankakee Community College

Join us for the Lifelong Learning Kickoff, a special event designed for active adults ages 50 and better.

Aug 29th

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

Aug 31st

Become a Sponsor 2026 APBA Outboard Nationals

12:00 am - 11:00 pm

Kankakee River, Kankakee IL

Become a Sponsor 2026 APBA Outboard Nationals - September 4–6, on the beautiful Kankakee River!

Aug 31st

Sponsor a 2026 APBA Nationals Race Boat — Be Part of the Action!

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Kankakee River, Kankakee, IL

Sponsor a 2026 APBA Nationals Race Boat — Be Part of the Action!