Fox Valley Review

St. Charles Jazz Weekend 2025

Hosted by the St. Charles Business Alliance, this event celebrates summer with various jazz music styles, and supports local businesses. Sept. 11th-14th.

45+ jazz performances at 20+ venues across downtown St. Charles. Presented by St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep.

Downtown Art Walk

Local artists showcase their work in historic downtown galleries and pop-ups. Aug 24.

Concert in the Park

Free live music at Lincoln Park every Thursday night. All ages welcome!

St. Charles Farmers Market

Fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts every Saturday downtown. 8 AM–12 PM.

Geneva Arts Fair (July 26–27)

Juried fine arts from around the country on Third Street, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Festival of the Vine

Geneva’s celebration of wine, food, and live entertainment. September weekends in downtown.

Fox Trot 5K

Join this scenic run along the Fox River, benefitting local charities and schools.

Holiday Walk

Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the tree, caroling, and merchant specials.

Live Music at Geneva Commons: Harold Dawson

Saturday, Aug 30, 2025 • 5:00–7:00 PM • Geneva Commons Center Stage

Holiday House Tour (Dec 5–6)

Tour 5 Geneva homes decked out for the holidays. Fri 10:00 AM–8:00 PM • Sat 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Batavia Block Party

Labor Day Weekend • Downtown Batavia – live music, local vendors, and family fun.

Houby Day Festival

Sept 21–22 • Celebrate Batavia’s Czech heritage with food, dancing, and history exhibits.

Classic Car Cruise Nights

Fridays through September • Vintage cars line the River Street plaza.

Batavia Holiday Market

Nov 30–Dec 1 • Handmade gifts, crafts, and holiday treats from local artisans.

North Aurora Days

Aug 9–11 • Music, food trucks, family activities & fireworks at Riverfront Park.

Night Hike at Red Oak

Sun, Aug 17 • 7:00 PM • Guided dusk hike (flashlights encouraged).

Movie on the Riverwalk

Sun, Aug 24 • 8:00 PM • Outdoor family movie night. Bring chairs & blankets.

Farmers Market Fridays

Friday mornings (summer) • Fresh produce, baked goods, and local makers downtown.

Paramount Theatre New Season

Broadway-caliber productions return. Season kickoff with red-carpet gala; shows begin in September.

Aurora Farmers Market

Illinois’ oldest farmers market. Fresh produce, local vendors & music every Saturday morning through October.

RiverEdge Park Summer Concert Series

Outdoor concerts along the Fox River. Food trucks & beer garden. Series runs through August.

Downtown Aurora ArtWalk

Monthly art walk with local artists, live murals, and pop-ups across downtown. Next date: Aug 16.

Montgomery Fest

Aug 9–11 • Live music, carnival rides, parade, food vendors & fireworks along the river.

Fox River Trail Day

Guided bike tours, kayak rentals, and nature walks celebrating the trail. Free gear check & local vendors onsite.

Montgomery Art Showcase

Local artists & student creators exhibit paintings, crafts, and sculpture at Village Hall. Live demos & kids' art zone.

Historic Montgomery Walk

Guided tour of Montgomery’s heritage—from early mills to preserved landmarks. Archival photos & refreshments.

PrairieFest

Oswego’s signature summer festival featuring concerts, a parade, craft booths, food trucks, and family rides at Prairie Point Park. August 15–18.

Brew at the Bridge

Craft beer lovers gather along the Fox River to sample regional brews, enjoy live music, and explore food tents and local artisan booths. September 21.

Oswego Country Market

A Sunday morning favorite, this outdoor market offers fresh produce, local meats, flowers, baked goods, and live acoustic sets. Weekly through October.

Fall Arts & Music Fest

Downtown Oswego transforms into a creative zone with visual artists, street performers, and pop-up concerts. Family activities and local food available.

Hometown Days Festival

This beloved end-of-summer celebration features a carnival, live bands, local food, a pet parade, and fireworks at Beecher Community Park. August 29–September 1.

Riverfront Concert Series

Enjoy free summer concerts at Riverfront Park every Friday evening. Bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and friends for music by the river.

Raging Waves Family Splash Day

Yorkville’s own Raging Waves—the largest waterpark in Illinois—hosts a back-to-school bash with DJ sets, giveaways, and discounted family passes. August 17.

Art in the Park

Celebrate local talent with plein air painting, craft vendors, live demos, and student exhibits. Held along the Fox River Trail near Town Square Park.

Naperville Last Fling

Naperville’s iconic Labor Day weekend celebration features national music acts, carnival rides, a family fun zone, and beer gardens along Jackson Avenue. August 30–September 2.

Downtown After Dark

Experience Naperville’s nightlife with DJ sets, wine walks, mixology classes, rooftop happy hours, and late-night bites across downtown venues. Fridays & Saturdays.

Riverwalk Fine Art Fair

Held along the scenic Riverwalk, this juried art show features hundreds of artists, live jazz, and culinary vendors. A must-see for collectors and creatives alike. September 14–15.

Naper Nights Summer Concerts

Held on the lawn of Naper Settlement, this summer series features tribute bands, food trucks, and local brews under the stars. Bring a blanket and enjoy the vibe!

Rail Days Festival

Hosted by the Fox River Trolley Museum, this festival features vintage trolley rides, kids’ activities, food vendors, and a celebration of railway history. August 24–25.

Panton Mill Concert Series

Enjoy free summer concerts at the newly renovated Panton Mill Park. Bring a chair and enjoy live music, food trucks, and riverfront views every Thursday evening.

South Elgin RiverFest

A lively celebration with local bands, family games, food trucks, and a riverside beer garden. Held annually along the Fox River Trail near the heart of town.

Fall Fair & Artisan Market

Celebrate the changing seasons with this curated artisan fair featuring handmade goods, seasonal food, pumpkin painting, and fall photo ops. October 5.

Elgin Art & Soul Festival

Celebrate local Black and Brown artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs with food, vendors, visual art, poetry, and soul music in downtown Elgin. August 24.

Elgin Symphony Season Opener

Join one of the Midwest’s finest orchestras at the Hemmens Cultural Center for the season debut performance. Guest soloists and post-concert reception included.

Food Truck Frenzy at Festival Park

Dozens of gourmet food trucks, live music, a beer tent, and kids’ zone make this a perfect summer night by the Fox River. August 30.

Día de los Muertos Elgin

A colorful and moving celebration of Mexican heritage, altars, face painting, Aztec dancers, food, and music — all along downtown Elgin’s cultural corridor.

Fourth Fridays Live

Monthly summer block parties in downtown Bartlett with live music, local vendors, food trucks, and extended hours at shops and restaurants. Next: August 23.

Heritage Days Festival

Celebrate Bartlett’s railroad roots with historic displays, train rides, crafts, and a classic car show at Bartlett Depot Museum and Town Center. September 7–8.

Nature at Night

Families gather at James "Pate" Philip State Park for an evening of stargazing, nature talks, glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunts, and telescope viewings. Free admission. September 20.

Bartlett Fall Bash

Kick off the harvest season with hayrides, pumpkin crafts, live music, beer tastings, and food tents at Bartlett Park District. October 5.

Carpentersville Fall Fest

Celebrate the season with hayrides, a petting zoo, local craft vendors, and live performances at Carpenter Park. Great for families and food lovers. September 14.

Fox River Trail Cleanup Day

Join volunteers in a community-wide effort to clean, beautify, and preserve the Fox River Trail. Supplies and snacks provided. All ages welcome.

Culture Night at Meadowdale Park

Experience a vibrant showcase of music, dance, and food from around the world, highlighting Carpentersville’s rich multicultural community. Free admission. August 31.

Raceway Woods 5K Trail Run

Run or walk through scenic forested trails and historic racetrack paths in this annual fitness event. Proceeds support park conservation. September 7.

Friday Night Car Show & Cruise

Classic cars line up in downtown East Dundee every Friday night through September. Live music, food tents, and family-friendly fun all evening long.

Depot Farmers Market

This weekly riverside market features local produce, artisan goods, and live entertainment at The Depot. Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM through October.

Fox Valley Brew Hop

Tour the village’s best local breweries and bars with this self-guided tasting adventure. Exclusive pours, live music, and commemorative glasses included. September 14.

Halloween at the Depot

Spooky season fun for all ages: trick-or-treating, hayrides, costume contests, and a haunted trail along the riverfront. October 26.

Gilberts Community Days

The village’s largest celebration includes carnival rides, live music, craft vendors, a petting zoo, and fireworks at Town Square Park. August 16–18.

Movie in the Park

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a family movie night under the stars at Memorial Park. Free popcorn and activities start at 7:30 PM. August 23.

Touch-A-Truck Event

Kids get up close to fire trucks, police vehicles, and heavy machinery during this hands-on event at Gilberts Elementary. Interactive and educational fun for families. September 7.

Harvest Fest

A fall-themed celebration with pumpkin decorating, local food trucks, autumn games, and music at Town Center Park. Great for all ages. October 12.

Cider Fest at Seyller Park

Celebrate fall with local cider tastings, hayrides, apple pie contests, live music, and food trucks at Seyller Park. Family-friendly fun with rustic charm. October 5.

Outdoor Movie Night

Enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars with family-friendly movies, popcorn, and picnic seating on the lawn at Hampshire Middle School. August 24.

Hampshire Corn Roast

This longstanding local tradition features sweet corn, grilled eats, live bands, and a community raffle. Held at the downtown pavilion. September 14.

Hampshire Farmers Market

Fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and handmade crafts are available weekly at this cozy market just off Route 72. Sundays through October.

Haunted Hollow Halloween Bash

Sleepy Hollow embraces its legendary name with this spooky, family-friendly event featuring hayrides, haunted trails, pumpkin decorating, and a costume parade. October 26.

Summer Concert on the Lawn

Residents gather at Sabatino Park for live music, food vendors, and neighborly fun under the stars. Bring your chairs and picnic blankets. August 17.

Village Garden Walk

Take a self-guided tour of the village’s most picturesque private gardens, hosted by local residents and the Sleepy Hollow Garden Club. July 27.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Kick off the winter season with caroling, hot cocoa, and a festive lighting of the village tree at Village Hall. A magical night for all ages. December 1.

Heritage Fest

One of the region’s most beloved events, Heritage Fest features a craft fair, live music, food vendors, a parade, and fireworks along the river. September 13–15.

Downtown Wine Walk

Stroll through historic Main Street with a souvenir glass and sample boutique wines at local shops and galleries. Limited tickets available. October 5.

Art in the Park

This juried art show in Grafelman Park features regional artists, live demonstrations, interactive booths, and a kids' creative corner. August 24–25.

Tree Lighting & Dickens in Dundee

Kick off the holiday season with Victorian carolers, horse-drawn wagons, a living nativity, and the ceremonial lighting of the village tree. December 6–7.

Founders’ Days Festival

This summer staple features live music, carnival rides, a parade, fireworks, and a family fun zone along the Fox River. July 25–28 at Towne Park.

Art on the Fox

Enjoy two days of fine art exhibitions, live demonstrations, and artisan shopping in downtown Algonquin. Local food vendors and acoustic performances on site. September 7–8.

Summer Concert Series

Bring your lawn chairs to Riverfront Park for free live concerts every Thursday evening. Features cover bands, local acts, and food trucks. June–August.

Holiday Rock & Tree Lighting

Celebrate the season with holiday music, crafts, cocoa, and the ceremonial lighting of the town tree in Old Town Algonquin. December 6.

Fall Festival at Lions Park

A seasonal favorite featuring pumpkin painting, craft booths, food trucks, live music, and hayrides. Great for families and fall photo ops. September 28.

Norge Ski Jump Tournament

Watch international competitors fly through the air at one of the oldest ski jump sites in the U.S. A thrilling winter tradition with food, fire pits, and fanfare. January 25–26.

Concerts in the Park

Relax at Lions Park with free Thursday night concerts featuring local bands and family-friendly entertainment. Bring chairs, blankets, and your dancing shoes.

Riverbank Cleanup & Eco Walk

Join neighbors for a day of service and sustainability along the Fox River. Includes educational booths, litter pickup, and nature walk led by local guides. April 19.

Main Street Fest

Cary’s biggest street party returns with food trucks, a craft beer garden, live music, vendor booths, and family fun downtown. September 14–15.

Holiday Walk & Tree Lighting

Celebrate the season with carolers, hot cocoa, photos with Santa, and the lighting of the village tree at Cary Metra Station. December 1.

Summer Concert Series

Free Thursday night concerts at Lions Park feature regional bands, food trucks, and lawn games. Bring chairs and coolers! Runs June through August.

Color Run & Family Fun Day

A vibrant 5K color run followed by games, bounce houses, face painting, and food vendors at Cary Grove Park. All ages welcome. May 18.

Annual Boat Parade & Dock Party

Decorated boats light up the river for this festive summer tradition. Ends with a community dock party featuring live music and dancing. August 17.

Movie Under the Stars

Enjoy a family film night at Fox Trail Park with popcorn, glow sticks, and cozy blankets under the open sky. August 30.

Fall Festival at the Marina

Celebrate autumn with hayrides, pumpkin painting, craft beer, and riverside games. Hosted at the village marina. October 5.

Fox River Paddle & Brunch

Join neighbors for a relaxed group paddle followed by brunch at a local dockside restaurant. BYO kayak or canoe. September 15.

Riverbank Cleanup Day

Join local volunteers to help preserve the beauty of the Fox River shoreline with light maintenance, trash pickup, and nature walks. Gloves and supplies provided. May 4.

Community Bonfire & Potluck

Neighbors gather for an evening of food, storytelling, marshmallow roasting, and music under the stars. Bring a dish or drink to share. July 20.

Fox River Paddle Meet

Casual group paddle along the scenic stretch near Burtons Bridge. All skill levels welcome. BYO kayak or canoe. September 8.

Holiday Lights Walkabout

Celebrate the season with a self-guided stroll through Burtons Bridge to view resident-decorated homes, luminarias, and river reflections. December 14.

Island Lake Summer Fest

The village's biggest celebration features a carnival, fireworks, live bands, and water sports on the lake. Fun for all ages. July 26–28.

Youth Fishing Derby

Kids ages 4–14 can compete in a catch-and-release derby with prizes, refreshments, and conservation education. Poles and bait available. August 10.

Movie Night on the Lawn

Bring your blankets and snacks for a free family movie night at Veterans Park. Outdoor screen and pre-show games start at sunset. September 6.

Holiday Lights Parade

Celebrate the holidays with a festive parade of illuminated floats, followed by hot chocolate, Santa visits, and tree lighting at Village Hall. December 7.

Moraine Hills Nature Day

Celebrate Earth Month with guided hikes, kids' ecology stations, birdwatching walks, and trail cleanups in Moraine Hills State Park. April 20.

Stargazing Night at the Park

Join local astronomers and families for a telescope-guided tour of the night sky. Includes hot cocoa, constellation guides, and kid-friendly astronomy games. June 15.

Family Fest at Village Hall

Enjoy lawn games, bounce houses, local food vendors, and a community talent show during this summer tradition. All ages welcome. July 13.

Winter Bonfire & Caroling

Ring in the season with a festive bonfire, cocoa, caroling, and ornament making by the fire. Hosted at the village commons. December 14.

Fiesta Days Festival

McHenry’s signature summer celebration includes a parade, art fair, beer garden, carnival rides, live concerts, and community-wide fun. July 12–21.

Riverwalk Wine & Shuffle

Sample wine from local vendors while strolling the McHenry Riverwalk boardwalk with music, games, and a light evening vibe. August 24.

Fall Festival & Parade

A hometown tradition complete with marching bands, floats, candy tosses, and fall-themed fun across the downtown route. October 13.

Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting

Downtown McHenry transforms into a winter wonderland with decorated shops, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, and the lighting of the town tree. December 6.

Saufen und Sagen Festival

This beloved Oktoberfest-style celebration features traditional German food, live polka, beer tents, and a community parade through the village. September 6–8.

Outdoor Family Movie Night

Enjoy a classic film under the stars at the Civic Center green. Includes popcorn, lawn games, and a bounce house for kids. August 16.

Annual Chili Cook-Off

Sample homemade chili from local competitors, vote for your favorite, and enjoy beer tastings and fall-themed games. October 20.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Ring in the holiday season with carolers, hot cider, holiday crafts, and the lighting of the village tree at the Johnsburg Civic Center. December 1.

Freedom Fest & Fireworks

Celebrate Independence Day with live bands, family activities, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks show over Nippersink Lake. July 6.

Pirate Day on the Lake

Set sail with costume contests, treasure hunts, and boat parades in this family-friendly themed day on the water. August 17.

Winter Festival & Ice Fishing Derby

Experience cold-weather fun with ice carving, snowshoe races, chili tastings, and the annual ice fishing derby at Lakefront Park. February 1.

Classic Car Cruise Nights

Stroll downtown every Tuesday in summer to enjoy vintage cars, local eats, and live rock 'n' roll in the heart of Fox Lake. Weekly from June–August.

Moonlight & Mies (Evening Tour)

Experience the Farnsworth House at dusk with a guided tour along the river and through the illuminated glass icon. August 21, 7:30 PM.

Taste of St. Mary Summer Festival

Live music, car show, food tents, and family fun on the parish grounds—classic Plano summer vibes. August 9, 12–8 PM.

Moonlight & Mies (Evening Tour)

A special twilight return to the riverfront modern masterpiece—limited tickets. September 17, 6:30 PM.

Farnsworth Fall Festival

Live music, local food & drink, family activities, and peak color on historic grounds. October 12, 12–5 PM.

Last Chance Saloon Annual Car Show

Drag your camera to Church Street for polished hot rods, vintage trucks, and community camaraderie. July 13, 9 AM–3 PM.

18th-Annual Testicle Festival

Only in Millington: an unapologetically local festival at the Saloon with “unique” fare and neighborly laughs. June 2025 (date TBD).

The Greatest Festival: Vintage Carnival

Bright lights and old-school charm return—rides, euchre tourney, and midway thrills. August 6–9.

Historic Cemetery Tour at Newark Cemetery

Walk the hillside resting place of Revolutionary War veterans, 19th-century settlers, and Millington’s earliest families. October 12 (tentative).

First Friday Bluegrass Jam

Tap your toes on Main Street with live bluegrass, light refreshments, and a cozy community vibe. Every first Friday, 5–9 PM. August 1, September 5, October 3.

Take-and-Bake Pizza Day

Order ahead and pick up homemade pizzas to bake at home—cheese, pepperoni, sausage or combo. August 16, 10 AM–12 PM.

Sheridan Historical Society Meeting

Delve into local history with a public meeting & special program at the Heritage Center. Second Monday of the month, 6 PM (programs at 7 PM). September 8, October 13.

CleanSmoke Live at The Sheridan Elevator

Catch the classic rock sounds of CleanSmoke in a rustic loft setting. Saturday, August 2, 7–10 PM.

Third Friday Arts & Culture

Stroll downtown Ottawa for pop-up galleries, local performances, food vendors, and community energy. Held third Fridays May–September. Next: August 15.

Farmers & Makers Market + Kid’s Business Fair

Fresh produce, handmade goods, and a charm-packed kids' business fair in Washington Park. Saturdays through August. Next market: August 9.

Starved Rock Guided Kayak Tour

Paddle the Fox River with a guide and soak in scenic views and history. Weekly all August—next tour: August 9.

Ottawa Autumn ColorFest

Celebrate fall downtown with art, live music, food vendors, and leaf-peeking walks along the riverfront. Late September (date TBD).