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.

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

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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

Feel the Roar on the River!

Thank you to all the racers, crews, volunteers and fans who are making this an incredible Labor Day Weekend in Kankakee!

More Details

ECDA's Neighborhood Cookout

SAVE THE DATE for the ECDA's Neighborhood Cookout at Beckman Park on Saturday, September 12th! Join us for an afternoon filled with fun, food, and fellowship with activities, music from the Champagne Experience, resources from community agencies, and a reptile show from Spizzirri Reptile Rescue and Rehabilitation!

Welcome to the Kankakee business community!

Six new businesses are joining the Kankakee business community!

In the month of August, 6 new business licenses were issued in the City of Kankakee.

Every new business represents an entrepreneur taking a chance, creating something new, and investing in our community. From new ideas to new storefronts and services to expansions or ownership changes, these businesses add to the variety, energy, and opportunity in Kankakee.

We're excited to welcome these businesses and look forward to watching them grow!

Start Your Business

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

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September 2026

Sep 9th

3rd Ward Community Meeting

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

St Mark United Methodist Church, 1200 W Calista, Kankakee

Aldermen Larry Osenga and Dale Tolly invite 3rd Ward Residents to attend the ward meeting. They will field any questions and concerns from residents.

Sep 10th

B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Book)

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Kankakee Public Library (RBJ Teen Zone)

Join us every Thursday in September, beginning September 3rd at 4:30 PM, for our BYOB Club!

Sep 10th

Community Conversation: CDBG Program

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Kankakee Public Library 201 E. Merchant St., Kankakee

The City of Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA) invites residents to a Community Conversation about the Community Development Block Grant

Sep 10th

Conversación comunitaria: Programa CDBG

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Biblioteca pública de Kankakee 201 E. Merchant St., Kankakee

La Agencia de Desarrollo Económico y Comunitario de la Ciudad de Kankakee (ECDA) invita a los residentes a una Conversación Comunitaria sobre el Programa de

Sep 10th

Kankakee Public Library Garden Ribbon Cutting Event

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Kankakee Public Library

Join us for the grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration of the Kankakee Public Library Garden! This special evening will bring the community together to

Sep 10th

Ceremonia de inauguración y corte de cinta del jardín de la Biblioteca Pública de Kankakee

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Kankakee Public Library

¡Acompáñenos en la gran inauguración y ceremonia de corte de cinta del jardín de la Biblioteca Pública de Kankakee! Esta tarde especial reunirá a la comunidad

Sep 12th

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

Sep 14th

Teen Beginner Circuit Workshop

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Kankakee Public Library (RBJ Teen Zone)

Join us for our Teen Beginner Cricut Workshop! Learn the basics of using a Cricut machine and create fun, hands-on projects along the way.

Sep 15th

“Wright at Twilight”

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

701 S. Harrison Avenue on the River

Come to “Wright at Twilight,” at the B. Harley Bradley House, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5-8 p.m. This community event includes live music performances on

Sep 16th