Author: Fox Valley Magazine

(Photo credits James Hoch Photography) West Suburban Irish will be putting on their sixth annual Naperville Irish Fest this weekend. On Friday and Saturday, September 18-19, there will be live music, Irish dancing, cultural exhibits, delicious food, family activities, and plenty of Irish fun during the family-friendly festival at Naperville Central Park, 104 East Benton in Naperville. Hours are 4pm to 10pm Friday and noon to 10pm Saturday. Fest goers are encouraged to buy tickets in advance. All ticket sales are online; no cash tickets will be available at the gate. To purchase your tickets, please visit https://www.eventsprout.com/event/2026-naperville-irish-fest. Parking is…

Story and photos by Kevin Ketchum The Ironworks Hotel Beloit stands as a premier luxury boutique destination in southern Wisconsin. Nestled along the scenic banks of the Rock River in a beautifully revitalized downtown district, this property masterfully pays homage to America’s industrial heritage. Its design echoes the historic mid-19th-century foundry that once drove the local economy, seamlessly blending hard-working history with modern, high-end hospitality. Upon crossing the threshold, guests are greeted with a striking combination of exposed brick, rich leather, and custom steel accents. This deliberate industrial aesthetic is thoughtfully paired with high-end, comfortable finishes. The guest accommodations are…

Wine selections available at local wine stores and wineries in the Fox Valley area. Dionysus Cabernet SauvignonCrafted with devotion, our Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon is a harmonious blend of medium tannins and rich, deep flavors. The journey of its creation begins with a cold soak, extracting the vibrant essence of cherry and plum, elegantly intertwined with sophisticated hints of dark chocolate. This meticulous process is followed by aging in French Oak barrels, which imparts a nuanced medium oak character, complementing the wine’s medium-full body, medium-high tannins, and medium acidity to perfection. Geneva Winery & Coffeehouse426 S. 3rd Street, Geneva, IL 601345…

The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) reported the first two human cases of West Nile virus in Kane County for the 2026 mosquito season. Both individuals are Aurora residents and developed the more serious, neuroinvasive form of West Nile virus requiring hospitalization. “These cases are a reminder that West Nile virus is present in our community and that mosquito bite prevention remains important throughout the remainder of the mosquito season,” said Michael Isaacson, KCHD Executive Director. “While most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, the virus can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults and people…

The 46th Annual Festival celebrating the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will held on Sunday, September 7 from 10:00am to 5:00pm at Vasa Park in South Elgin. Come enjoy entertainment by Libido Funk Circus, songs from Bert and Lindy, The Nordic Folk Dancers of Chicago, Leikarringen Heimhug Dancers, and story time by Elsa from Frozen. There will be morning church service at 10:30am, and free pony rides and activities for children, Scandinavian food and beverages and Scandinavian vendors and displays. Entrance is $15.00 per person; children 12 and under free. Vasa Park is located at 35 W…

The 13th annual Fiestas Patrias Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13 at the newly expanded RiverEdge Park in downtown Aurora. Bring your friends, blankets, bag chairs, and dancing boots, and get ready for two exciting  nights at the park in celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Not only does Fiestas Patrias bring live music, mariachi, local food vendors, and internationally acclaimed bands like Banda Carnaval and La Maquinaria Norteña, the two-day event raises thousands of dollars in scholarship funds annually for Hispanic, college-bound Aurora residents. Gates open Saturday, September 12 at 3:30pm. Opening acts include…

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at La Fiesta de Elgin on Saturday, Sepember 12, in downtown Elgin and at Festival Park. The festivities begin with a morning car caravan through downtown at 11am, followed by an evening celebration at Festival Park from 4:30-10pm. The free festival brings Mexican culture, music, food and family-friendly activities to Elgin, featuring a towering Angel of Independence, interactive art installations, piñata smash, authentic Mexican cuisine and more. Live entertainment includes Los K Bros, Sonora Tropicana, La Original Banda El Limón and Mariachi Sirenas, with DJ Eddy-P keeping the celebration going between performances. The evening will also…

Fresh Italian Flavors. Garden-Grown Ingredients. A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering. At Che Figata, dining is inspired by the simple pleasures of gathering and connecting with loved ones over exceptional food rooted in Italian tradition. The menu celebrates vibrant ingredients, handcrafted dishes, and a thoughtful approach to dining that invites guests to slow down and savor every moment around the table. Freshness is at the heart of the Che Figata experience; our on-site garden inspires the menu, with 90% of dishes featuring ingredients sourced directly from the garden. From fresh herbs and vegetables to thoughtfully prepared dishes, every plate reflects a…

Illinois Lottery players had a notable Labor Day weekend, with three Lucky Day Lotto® jackpot-winning tickets sold across the state, winning more than $850,000 in prizes. One of the winners purchased their lucky ticket at the Shell Gas Station located at 307 West Main Street in Saint Charles. The winning ticket matched all five numbers in drawings held on Friday, September 4. Illinois Lottery retailers that sell winning tickets receive a bonus equal to one percent of the prize amount. As a result, Shell in Saint Charles will receive a $5,500 bonus. So far this year, more than eight million winning Lucky…

Every fall, the fields at Abbey Farms turn into one of the Fox Valley’s best-loved family traditions. Pumpkin Daze opens Saturday, September 19 and runs through November 1, bringing more than twenty activities to the farm in Aurora, all included with a single admission. Wander the 8-acre corn maze, cut this year from the new Abbey Farms logo, so you can walk through our story from the inside. Take a hay ride, race down the slides, test your footing on the log balance beam course, and crawl through the tractor tire tunnel adventure. On Saturdays and Sundays, the petting zoo…