Event calendar

Festival of Arts Through Nature

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fee: Free!

Age: All ages.

Contact: 815-722-9879

Location: Plum Creek Nature Center

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An adult playing guitar on the grass while two children play instruments.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

Event details

Find your nature’s muse at this event full of hands-on activities that let you express yourself through music, movement and visual arts. Contribute to colorful community art installations, shop one-of-a-kind works from artists and enjoy tasty culinary treats along the way. Spark your imagination and experience the many ways nature can inspire art in many forms for all ages. 

Event schedule:

11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.: Free yoga sessions with Seeds of Serenity, LLC. Each class is suitable for all ages and levels and offers a beautiful way to nurture your body and soul as you explore your connections to nature through yoga. Expect a combination of gentle stretches, calming poses, and breath work designed to create space for inner calm. Leave feeling refreshed, balanced and at ease. The classes will take place outside in the grass. Please bring your own yoga mat or blanket.

Noon to 2 p.m.: Concert by The StingRays. The StingRays play the greatest music ever written and play it with the energy, passion and authenticity of the artists whose music they love. This interactive show will get the crowd dancing and singing to your favorite rock 'n' roll hits of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. 

Ongoing activities:

  • Free henna tattoos and face painting
  • "Winged Ambassadors" exhibition and meet and greet with artist Marcia Whitney-Schenck
  • Community art installations
  • Vendors row with local artisans
  • Make-and-take crafts
  • Legos, bubbles and chalk
  • Lunch off the grill served by the Crete Cadets
  • Refreshing beverages from Hello Boba

Event requirements

No registration required. 

Plum Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility. Outdoor activities may take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.