Author: Fox Valley Magazine

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) and The Hemmens Cultural Center will jointly celebrate the Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, at a concert and community celebration on Thursday, October 30, at the Hemmens Cultural Center.  Pre-concert activities, including free facepainting and crafts, lobby entertainment, and food-for-purchase begin at 5:30pm. A Pre-Concert Talk about the history of Día de los Muertos will be held at 6:30pm. The concert, featuring the ESO and vocalist José Carlos Díaz performing special arrangements of popular boleros including “Sabor a mi” and “La Llorona” and a performance by the BFH dance ensemble, begins at 7:30pm. The performance…

The Dark History of the 5 Points BarnStanding for over a century, the old barn that is now 5 Points has been a staple landmark in of the area’s history. Its weathered boards hide secrets that have long been whispered by locals over many generations. While much of its past remains shrouded in mystery, fragments of its story have emerged over the years, painting a picture that’s as fascinating as it is chilling. The Early YearsBuilt in the late 1800s, the barn was originally part of a prosperous farm owned by the Hawthorne family. The Hawthornes were known for their…

The St. Charles Park District Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour returns in October. This fun competition is for St. Charles residents, each vying to be the best decorated home around. “We have been putting this event on for more than 20 years and we have a lot of families who participate year after year,” said Abigail Fleming, recreation supervisor with the park district. “You get to see the creativity shine through the displays that families in the competition put together.” Homes are best viewed from dusk to 10 p.m. Friday, October 17 through Friday, October 31. Judging will take place…

1980’s metal band Quiet Riot will be appearing at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles Saturday evening, October 18, at 8pm. Quiet Riot is a rock & roll phenomenon. Famously described as the first heavy metal band to top the pop chart at #1 on Billboard magazine, the Los Angeles quartet became an overnight sensation thanks to their monster 1983 smash album “Metal Health”. Quite Riot first signed a record deal with Pasha records in the dawn of the 80’s at a time when radio was dominated by the “new wave” sound. Their hard driving pop metal sound was deemed…

Must try appetizers, entrees, desserts or cocktails available at local Fox Valley restaurants. White Chocolate MochaArista Coffee & Café is going pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This silky white chocolate and espresso will be crowned with a swirl of cream and pink ribbon sprinkles. Served hot or cold, a portion of proceeds will support local cancer charity, Bringing Joy. Arista Coffee & Café2155 CityGate Ln.Naperville, IL 605631-630-579-7830 Maytag Blue CheeseSnacks aren’t an afterthought at The Graceful Ordinary. Chef Chris Curren begins the meal with whipped Maytag Blue Cheese nestled in a poached pear and finished with pistachio granola. The…

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/. Jolene Looking for a lovable goofball with a nose for adventure and a heart full of love? Meet 6- month-old Jolene, our sweet and spirited pup who’s always on the hunt—for snacks and snuggles! Jolene is highly food motivated, which makes her an absolute star when it comes to training. Whether…

When it comes to haunted Halloween destinations, the Nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida, is tough to beat. With centuries of history, narrow bricked streets, ancient cemeteries with graves dating back hundreds of years, a brooding Spanish fortress, and endless stories of roaming spirits, it’s the place to be for all things other-worldly. Here are some of the most popular Haunted Tours Available These nightly tours delve into the spookier side of history, telling the stories of the past. Weekends in October are for the ghouls and ghosts! Frightening and Fun Festivities Trick or Treat While Traveling Located midway between Daytona Beach…

Featured selections of Craft Beers created by local Fox Valley area brewing companies. Spooky BootsHazy IPA with Phantasm – 7.7% ABV. Returning with new innovative hop products, Spooky Boots is a bewitching blend of Citra, Mosaic, Erebus, and Nelson Sauvin SubZero Hop Kief, expertly crafted to deliver an unforgettable hoppy experience. It also holds a spectral secret, a dash of Phantasm powder sourced from the Marlborough region of New Zealand. The Phantasm powder, derived from the hallowed Sauvignon Blanc grape skins of Marlborough, possesses an otherworldly richness in Thiol precursors. When added to the fermenting beer, it conjures an enchanting…

Work up your nerves and step in to the #1 Scariest Haunted House in Illinois, The Massacre Haunted House. Newly renovated every year and ready to deliver the scares, The Massacre offers over 30,000+ sq. ft. of sheer nightmares for your enjoyment, featuring 3 haunted attractions under 1 roof. First you will enter The Massacre Haunted House featuring over 40 rooms of various themes to make anyone cringe. This is followed by the most intense clown themed attraction “Freak Show”. And if that was not enough, prepare yourself to take the elevator downstairs into the basement and complete your experience…

Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival is home to Chicagoland’s best haunted experiences. The Haunted Barn and Wicked Hallows Haunted Hayride Run September 26th through October 26th. The Haunted Barn, Curse of the Scarecrow!The Haunted Barn is a creepy maze with twists and turns and creepy characters (live actors) around every corner. The scene is set in an old abandoned barn themed “The Curse of The Scarecrow”; he’s on the loose inside the barn and out for revenge. The Scarecrow is joined by many of his sinister cohorts and they just can’t wait to meet you. The Haunted Barn is great…