Tickets are on sale now for a special night out that will feature live music, nature-themed activities, food and presale access to a variety of native plants.

The Summer Blooms Gathering hosted by The Nature Foundation of Will County will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at Isle a la Cache preserve, 501 E. Romeo Road/135th St., Romeoville. Proceeds from the event benefit the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

“Spend a Friday night with us and help support Forest Preserve programs and activities that protect nature, inspire discovery and bring people and nature together,” said Tara Neff, the Foundation’s executive director. "This is a wonderful way to spend a date night, family night or friends night out while investing in nature." 

Tickets are $40 per person or two for $70 and can be purchased online. Each ticket includes food, drinks and presale access to plants that will be available at the Summer Blooms Popup Native Plant Sale set for Aug. 3 and Aug. 4 at the same location. Native plants are beneficial to pollinators and other creatures, easier to take care for homeowners and they enhance the overall ecosystem.

Music at the Summer Blooms Gathering will be provided by JukeBox Heroes, and food will be from Grumpy Gaucho. Limited seating is available; lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. The event will be held rain or shine.

"Sit back, relax and enjoy the live music or get moving with our interactive scavenger hunt,” Neff said. “Test your luck with our wine pull or split-the-pot raffle, knowing your support helps nature win.”

The Nature Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Forest Preserve by funding initiatives like the Take It Outside Challenge, Willy’s Wilderness website, fishing derbies, bicycle repair stations, special exhibits and more.