Author: Fox Valley Magazine

The City of Aurora will celebrate Independence Day in style with a parade and massive fireworks show. ParadeThe City of Aurora’s Annual 4th of July Parade will step-off at 10:00am on Friday, July 4, in downtown Aurora!  The Reviewing Stand will be placed in front of the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, located at 20 East Downer Place, for best viewing. FireworksThe City of Aurora celebrates Independence Day by living up to its “City of Lights” name with a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of Thursday, July 3rd, in downtown Aurora. Best viewing is available at Aurora…

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/. CLEO Meet Cleo! Looking for the perfect family pup? Cleo is your girl! With her gentle, calm temperament and sweet, soulful eyes, Cleo is a kind five-month-old Bull Terrier mix who instantly melts hearts—and she’s ready to bring love and comfort to her forever home. Cleo is amazing with kiddos and…

Raise a glass and support your local downtown—Cocktails in the Park, Batavia MainStreet’s largest annual fundraiser, returns on Saturday, July 26 from 7:00–10:00 PM at scenic Appleton Park (behind City Hall, 100 N Island Ave.). Hosted by Batavia MainStreet, this signature summer event brings together great food, live music, craft cocktails, and community spirit—all under the stars and along the beautiful Fox River. Proceeds benefit the non-profit’s year-round programs that support downtown Batavia businesses, promote regional tourism, and operate beloved local initiatives like the Batavia Farmers’ Market, Artisan Collective, and Batavia Boardwalk Shops. “Cocktails in the Park is the perfect…

Elgin will celebrate the Fourth of July with a parade, concert and fireworks, all occurring on Friday, July 4th, 2025. Fourth of July Parade – 9:00am, stepping-off from the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Slade Avenue. The parade concludes at the intersection of Douglas and Highland, near City Hall. Pet Parade – Also at 9:00am, stepping off from the NENA Butterfly Garden near the intersection of Douglas Ave. and Ann Street. The pet parade will continue along the parade route and conclude at the intersection of Douglas and Highland, near City Hall. The Fourth of July Celebration will continue at…

Elgin’s Janus Theatre Company opens its 27th season with the The Ibsen Project: Hedda. Featuring Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen in a “Read Not Dead, Page To Stage, Scripts in Hand Production.” What is a “Read Not Dead, Page To Stage, Scripts in Hand Production?” It’s an idea loosely lifted from the Globe Theatre where actors get together for a (very) short time to read, rehearse and present a play in performance using scripts in hand. It’s exhilarating, energizing and can be totally spontaneous. In this classic story, Hedda returns from her honeymoon with new husband George Tesman. Struggling with…

It all began with a teenage Nick Smith, now co-owner of Old Republic Kitchen+Bar, sneaking a party in when his parents left town one summer. He called it “Smithstock,” and the idea stuck. In what he bills as the largest party of the summer, Smith will relive his youth this weekend at SMITHSTOCK ‘25 at Old Republic. Three Days. Five Bands. All for $10 – and you get a commemorative wristband! The musical lineup includes: Friday 6/27:8pm: Bostyxx (Boston | Journey | Styx Tribute) Saturday 6/28:5pm: Hi Infidelity9pm: Shady (Eminem Tribute) Sunday 6/29:2pm – Kashmir (Led Zeppelin Tribute)6pm – Hairbangers…

The Venue in Aurora will present Liquid Soul for a special outdoor concert on Saturday, June 28th. The event will be held outdoors only – rain or shine – it will not be brought indoors. GRAMMY-nominated acid jazz pioneers Liquid Soul are a fiery concoction of classy soloists, heavy rhythm merchants and hip-hop cognoscenti. They are a group that thrives on contact with their audience. One cannot help being moved by Liquid Soul‘s legendary live shows. The band’s in-the-tradition repertoire extends from classic compositions by Ornette Coleman and Miles Davis to heavy groove, breakbeats, freestyles and samples.They continue to bridge the musical gap between standard jazz improvisation, Funk and Hip Hop.…

The Paramount School of Arts will present The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical this Friday and Saturday at Paramount Theatre in Aurora. Take your seat for an epic adventure with Percy Jackson and the demigods of Camp Half-Blood as they battle monsters, dodge gods, and try to save the world in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Paramount School of the Arts’ third annual Paramount Performance Camp production. This fun and action-packed musical, performed on the historic Paramount stage by more than 50 talented students from the Paramount School of the Arts, brings the world of Greek mythology to life…

The Geneva Police Department has welcomed its newest member to the force: Tommy, a 20-month-old Golden Retriever who will serve as the centerpiece of the City’s new comfort dog program. Partnering with Healing Hearts, Geneva Police officially introduced and swore in Tommy during the June 23 Special Committee of the Whole meeting. Tommy’s primary mission will be to provide a calming presence and emotional support to those in need. His responsibilities will include: Police regularly respond to incidents and events that have a profound effect on residents and officers. A comfort dog can help open lines of communication and offer…

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/. MARVIN Meet Marvin! He will greet you like you are already his best friend, and his friendly nature and stunning eyes will win you over in no time. If you are looking for a house-trained dog who enjoys games of fetch, chilling in the yard, and cuddling on the couch, then Marv…