Author: Fox Valley Magazine

The biggest 4th of July Party is about to take place next weekend in Aurora. FIREWORKS Aurora celebrates Independence Day by living up to its “City of Lights” name with a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of Friday, July 3rd, in downtown Aurora. Best viewing is available at Riveredge Park and McCullough Park. Food Trucks will be located at Wilder Park and McCullough Park. Music will bring the crowd alive at both locations. PARADE The City of Aurora’s Annual 4th of July Parade will step-off at 10am on Saturday, July 4, in downtown Aurora. Route: The Parade will begin…

The 76th Annual Swedish Days festival is in full swing in downtown Geneva, and the fun is just getting started. Here’s a look at musical entertainment on Friday. Craft Beer Tent – James Street2:00 pm-4:00 pmMichael PatersonHaving distinguished himself as a popular crowd engaging acoustic artist. Billboard award winner MichaelPaterson brings his high energy, crowd engaging show to restarants and clubs throughout the Chicagoland area. Covering decades of pop, rock and country favorites from Bon Jovi to The Beatles and Chicago to Keith Urban. Michael will take you on a musical journey sure to have you singing along. Central Stage…

The Village of Montgomery will be hosting a a special Concert in the Park celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary of independence at Montgomery Park (310 North River Street) on Wednesday, June 24. The free event will feature the Wayne Messmer Quartet, performing from 6:30-8:30pm as part of the Village’s tribute to the America 250 celebration. Known throughout Chicagoland for his iconic national anthem performances, Wayne Messmer and his quartet will bring an evening of music celebrating the Great American Songbook, patriotic favorites, and other timeless standards. The Park will open at 5:30pm. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets,…

A must stop for a summer fun destination is Geneva’s 76th Annual Swedish Days Festival.  “The Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals” will run Wednesday through Sunday, June 24-28.  More than 200,000 visitors and residents stop by for a variety of activities – combining traditional events and exciting new attractions.  New this Year!Enjoying the bands on Central Stage will be more fun than ever with all-new themed nights! On Thursday at 7:00 p.m., wear your best 70s and 80s outfit to win a prize. Friday at 7:00 p.m., beach balls will be given away to throw around while the music makes everyone…

The death of a 44-year-old Campton Hills woman in early May has been deemed an accident by authorities. On the evening of May 8, 2026, Campton Hills police officers responded to a report of a disturbance on the 4N600 block of Brookside West Drive. Officers found Nena Peduzzi unresponsive on the driveway of her residence. EMS personnel pronounced Ms. Peduzzi deceased at the scene. A thorough investigation determined Ms. Peduzzi’s cause of death to have been an accidental vehicle-pedestrian collision. A review of all available evidence confirmed that the incident was an accident and not the result of negligence on…

Just about a mile walk from Hickory Knolls Discovery Center sits a small, but distinctive, natural space. It’s here where longtime naturalist Pam Otto likes to sit and take in the view. “It’s up on a hill, and when there’s foliage on the trees, you can’t see roads and the sound of traffic is absorbed,” said Otto, adding that the pristine scenic vista gives one the sensation of having traveled back in time. Recently named Pam’s Prairie in honor of Otto’s retirement from the St. Charles Park District, the space largely consists of dry native grasses. A sand prairie, it…

Must try appetizers, entrees, desserts or cocktails available at local Fox Valley restaurants. Pig Roast celebrating Father’s DaySunday June 21st – Two Brothers Roundhouse. Celebrate Dad and the arrival of Summer in the Two Brothers Roundhouse beer garden. Pig Roast with all the fixin’s with live music, Two Brothers Beer and Spirits. All ages welcome – no cover. Live music by Jake Mack and Tres Moustache. Two Brothers Roundhouse205 N. BroadwayAurora, IL 605051-630-264-2739 Kashmiri Dum Aloo — A Chef’s Masterpiece in Every BiteThis exquisite rendition of Kashmiri Dum Aloo begins with the finest potatoes, carefully cored and filled with the…

Photos and article by Kevin Ketchum Nestled in downtown Beloit, Wisconsin, Hotel Goodwin is a boutique property that blends historic character with modern luxury, creating a distinctive and memorable guest experience. Inspired by the 19th-century Goodwin House, the hotel features thoughtfully designed interiors that balance vintage charm with contemporary style. Accommodations at the hotel are intimate yet upscale, with just 34 uniquely styled rooms. Guests can expect premium bedding, custom furnishings, and curated artwork, along with distinctive touches such as in-room turntables and vinyl collections. Modern conveniences like Nespresso machines, minibars, wireless charging clocks, and 65-inch televisions enhance comfort, while…

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.” General Order Number 3, issued by…

Must try appetizers, entrees, desserts or cocktails available at local Fox Valley restaurants. Ember Roasted Beet SaladEqual parts smoky and vibrant, Chef Chris Curren and team’s Ember Roasted Beet Salad layers sweet, savory, and earthy flavors with ember roasted beets, wildfire blue cheese, candied walnuts, charred cipollini onions, drizzled with a warm bacon vinaigrette. The Graceful Ordinary3 E. Main StreetSt. Charles, IL 601741-331-235-5803 Bone Marrow Potato PureeComforting yet elevated, Chef José Sosa’s Bone Marrow Potato Puree layers rich bone marrow and fresh chives into a silky, refined side dish designed to complement any cut of steak. The Greggory100 West HigginsSouth…