Annual Special Events

Elgin Public Museum hosts the following events annually. Some of these are drop-in events, but pre-registration may be required. Call for information or to register.

Check the Calendar of Events to view this year's dates for the following annual events.

Earth Day

Saturday, April 25
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.; $5

The Elgin Public Museum and Lords Park Zoo are hosting an Earth Day event for the entire family. Celebrate trees – not just any tree but our native oaks and hickory. Oaks are a valuable species in our northern hardwood forests that are quickly disappearing. They provide shelter and food for more species than imaginable. Lords Park is home to numerous majestic oaks and the animals that depend on them for survival. Participants will learn to identify trees in the park and calculate the approximate ages of the trees with the help of museum staff. Everyone will plant their own acorn to take home. Please dress for the weather. Register before April 18.

Bubblefest

Saturday, June 6
Noon – 2 p.m.

The Elgin Public Museum is hosting a Bubblefest on Saturday, June 6th, Noon - 2 p.m. Make a bubble blower, take home a bubble recipe, stand in a bubble, shake hands in a bubble and make your own bubble art. Museum staff will guide you in fun bubble activities. Learn how to make some of your own bubble for home fun too! This event will take place outdoors so please dress for the weather.

Summer Solstice Campout

Saturday, June 20 – Sunday, June 21

The Summer Solstice is a light time of year – the shortest nights in the northern hemisphere. Since ancient times, many cultures chose the Solstice as a time to celebrate the seasonal cycle of nature with fires, lights and gatherings. Join us around a glowing campfire to learn about the astronomical significance of the summer solstice, along with tales of long-ago cultures. Camp out with your family among the bison, deer, elk and the oaks in their nocturnal homes during the lightest period of the year!

Bison Feeding at the Lords Park Zoo

Saturday, July 18
7:00 – 8:30 a.m.; Fee: $2, $5 per family; members free

Program full.

Saturday, July 25
7:00 – 8:30 a.m.; Fee: $1 children, $2 adults, $5 per family, members free

Begin at the Elgin Public Museum for a talk and walk over to the Lords Park Zoo. Meet Zookeeper Dwight Armistead for a feeding of the bison, elk and deer. Learn all about these wild animals, including some of their habits. Please be at the museum by 7 a.m. Registration required and space is limited!