Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Featured selections of Craft Beers created by local Fox Valley area brewing companies. Atom SmasherNamed with our atom-colliding scientific neighbor in mind, Atom Smasher is a bold, full-bodied lager inspired by traditional Märzen-style beers. It pours a golden amber and opens with aromas of bready malt, cherry, biscuit and a touch of sweetness and booze. On the palate, layers of toasty malt, caramel and toffee are balanced by earthy hops, creating a rich, smooth and satisfying beer with plenty of character. At 7% ABV, Atom Smasher is built to pack a little extra punch while staying true to its malt-forward…

A celebration of the 100th anniversary of the legendary Arcada Theatre was held Sunday in downtown St. Charles with free ice cream, entertainment and a dazzling parade. As ever, our intrepid publisher Kevin Ketchum was on hand to chronicle the entire spectacle. (And no, the rumors that owner Ron Onesti was present at the grand opening are not true….) (Photo credits: Kevin Ketchum)

The 33nd Annual Yorkville Hometown Days Festival is a family-oriented event that provides entertainment the entire family can enjoy. Taking place from Wednesday to Sunday, September 3-6, the festival, which takes place at Beecher Park, is excited to bring back past favorites including the Ultimate Air Dogs Competition, Baby Contest, Bags Tournament, T-Fiber Pride and Joy Car Show, and an exciting lineup of Musical Entertainment. Music If you’re a music lover, then you won’t want to miss out on this incredible event. From rock, punk, and 90s pop, to K-Pop favorites and big band, there’s something for everyone. Our lineup of talented…

The Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling 2026 will take place over Labor Day Weekend from Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7, 2026, in Downtown Naperville. The free-admission end-of-summer festival features carnival rides, a Labor Day parade, and live entertainment. Event Schedule & Location 2026 Musical Lineup (Main Stage) Carnival Ride Specials Unlimited ride wristbands are available during specific blocks at the following rates: For more specific event details, ticket bundles, or to register for events, go to www.lastfling.org

Special shows, a grand parade and free ice cream highlight the 100th Birthday Celebration of The Arcada Theatre in downtown Chicago on Sunday, September 6. Priscilla Presley Meet & GreetAt 1pm Priscilla Presley will be on the theatre stage for some “behind the scenes” stories told by Priscilla followed by a Q&A session moderated by business owner and theatre operator, Ron Onesti. There will be an opportunity for photos with Priscilla after the Q&A session. Free Ice Cream Cones!In celebration of the Arcada’s 100th Birthday – and 125 years of Colonial Ice Cream – free ice cream will be available…

America’s 250th birthday celebration is getting an encore due to the cancellation of festivities on July 4. The St. Charles Park District is planning an even larger fireworks finale, featuring an electrifying finish and dazzling cascade of color. Fireworks, Music and Food Langum ParkAt 1pm on September 3, a big red balloon will be displayed above Langum Park in St. Charles. If you can see this balloon, you will have a great view of the fireworks at dark, when the fireworks show begins. The schedule of activities at Langum Park includes: St. Mary’s ParkThe schedule of activities at St. Mary’s…

Note: This is the latest in a weekly series from Anderson Humane spotlighting wonderful animals currently looking for a “forever home.” We encourage you to support Anderson Humane and it’s tireless efforts to care for our animal friends and place them in loving homes. For more information please visit https://ahconnects.org/. Meet Very Cherry, this sweet Shepherd mix! If you’re looking for a dog who will make you feel loved from the moment you meet, Very Cherry is ready to steal your heart! She is an outgoing, confident pup who loves being close to her people. One of her favorite ways to…

Love on the Lawn Music Festival will return to Elgin for its fifth annual event. Founded by Impossible Dreamz Music Group (IDMG) in collaboration with the City of Elgin, Downtown Neighborhood Association, and Explore Elgin, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. On Saturday, September 5th, from 2 pm to 10 pm, at Elgin’s Festival Park, Love on the Lawn Music Festival aims to unite the community through the power of music, fun, and love. With last year’s attendance exceeding 5000 community members, this year’s event is anticipated to attract an even larger crowd. Love…

There’s nothing quite like a summer evening in the corn maze. “Taste the Maze” is back on Saturday, August 29. Grab a glass and wind your way through Abbey Farms’ famous 8-acre corn maze, stopping to sample pours from 11 local breweries and meaderies hidden along the way. Add live music, local food, and that golden-hour glow over the fields, and you’ve got one of the best nights of the season. This one’s for the grown-ups: 21 and over, valid ID required. Ticket are $65 ($45 for designated driver) and are available here. Abbey Farms is located at 2855 Hart…

Photo credits: Marissa Amoni, Gary Bahnik, Vizo Arts, and Joe Weber Mark your calendars for Alley Art Festival on Saturday, August 29 in downtown Aurora. Immerse yourself in a day filled with art and community as nearly 100 artists showcase their work along Water Street Mall and Downer Place. This event is free. Alley Art Festival is celebrating its final year hosting the outdoor event on the last Saturday of August. Visit alleyartaurora.com for artist and music lineup, food trucks, and more.