Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Long-time downtown St. Charles stalwart Town House Books and Cafe, located at 105 North 2nd Avenue, transformed into a movie set this week in St. Charles’ latest flirtation with Hollywood lights. The venerable book shop is being featured in Netflix’s upcoming romantic comedy, based on the New York Times bestselling novel “Better Than the Movies” by Lynn Painter. As a final title for the comedy has yet to be announced, filming took place under the production codename “Big Red.” The film is being directed by Julia Hart, and stars Beatrice Kitsos (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) as Liz and David…

REV Entertainment, the owners of the Kane County Cougars, announced this week that the Cougars will join the National Association of Professional Baseball (NAPB) beginning with the 2027 season. The NAPB, which will debut in 2027 as the new identity of the Frontier League, is an official MLB Partner League and the oldest active independent professional baseball league in North America. With clubs across the United States and Canada, the league will expand to 20 teams with the addition of Cleburne and Kane County. “We are proud to join the National Association of Professional Baseball and become part of an…

The Elgin Theatre Company will present the suburban premire of The Thanksgiving Play from Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 10 at the Elgin Art Showcase located at 220 DuPage Street in Elgin. This Broadway comedy by 2020 MacArthur Fellow Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota Nation) expertly balances societal critique, absurd comedy and wickedly funny satire. A painfully “woke” theater teacher on the brink of losing her job enlists her wannabe actor boyfriend, a hapless history teacher, and a ditsy professional actress to co-create a Thanksgiving play to put on at an elementary school. But trying to maintain political correctness while…

Get ready to raise a stein and celebrate! Bartlett Oktoberfest returns to Leiseberg Park, 325 East Devon Avenue, on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 for two days of live music, great food, cold drinks and family-friendly fun. This community favorite brings together local businesses, organizations, residents and visitors for a festive fall weekend. Admission is FREE! MORE Brewing Company returns as the Official Festival Sponsor, and the weekend will feature a great selection of craft, domestic and German beer along with food, entertainment, exhibitor booths and activities for all ages. Saturday brings even more family fun with “Kinderplatz”…

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 Billie Jo! Billie Jo is a fun-loving,10-month-old, playful girl who is always ready for her next adventure! Her favorite things include tennis balls, fetch, zoomies, and spending time with her people. If there’s a ball nearby, you can bet Billie Jo is ready to chase it! This smart girl is…

Is it shades of Harry and Meghan? St. Charles royalty Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy appear to be seeking a new realm as multiple media outlets report that their stately St. Charles home is up for sale. The couple purchased the property, which lists 10,000 square feet of living space and “resort-like” amenities” on its Redfin.com site, back in 2015 for $1.1 million. The home is currently listed for sale at $2.779 million. Wahlberg, originally from the Boston area, first came to fame as a founding member of boy-band New Kids On The Block (NKOTB), and has in recent years…

The Copley Theatre in Aurora will continue its new “Copley Comedy Series” on Saturday, September 26, with comedians Nick Gaza and Vikram Balaji. Show starts at 8pm. Nick Gaza is a funny, sick and often twisted individual. His act is a mixture of hilarious true stories and things one can only hope aren’t true. Gaza makes fun of everyone: the audience, himself, and anyone who gets in his sights. But if you are the kind of person who laughs at things you know you shouldn’t, then his comedy show is something you must see. If Gaza looks familiar it may…

The Tacos & Tequila Festival is officially returning to the Chicago area for its third consecutive year. Set for Saturday, September 26, it promises one massive, sun-soaked day of nostalgia, flavor, and the biggest names in 2000s hip-hop and R&B. Part of a nationwide tour touching down in cities across the U.S., Chicago has always been one of the festival’s most electric stops — and the 2026 edition is set to be the biggest yet. Nestled along the Fox River just 40 miles west of the city, Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva offers a rare open-air setting that feels miles…

The Bluff City Cemetery Walk will be held on Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27. The annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk in Elgin has been a tradition since 1987. It is organized by volunteers and staff of the Elgin History Museum. The event attracts hundreds of people to enjoy an outdoor theatrical performance and the beauty of the Bluff City Cemetery grounds. The event also seeks to educate people about Elgin’s unique history and the importance of preserving cemeteries. The Museum is celebrating the United States semiquincentennial with the inspiring theme of “Hometown Heroes.” All of the characters portrayed in this…

Celebrate the best in mobile cuising at the fall Food Truck Festival on Friday, September 25 in downtown Aurora. Whether you’re a foodie, a family, or a group of friends, these festivals are the perfect way to indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience. This free event, which takes place from 5pm to 9pm on Benton Street between River and Broadway, will feature a variety of food trucks featuring diverse cuisines. Music entertainment and family-friendly activities are also on the menu. Come hungry and leave happy! Admission is free, and all are welcome. Follow us for updates on participating food trucks and event…