Must-Attend Events

Photo courtesy of St. Charles Business Alliance

JANUARY

Geneva
Geneva Restaurant Week
Highlighting culinary excellence by offering an entire week of delicious discounted dining at some of Geneva’s finest restaurants, no coupon needed!
For more info: genevachamber.com
 

FEBRUARY

St. Charles
St. Charles Restaurant Week
Over 20 different St. Charles restaurants participate with promotions and specials, offering an experience for all pallets.
For more info: stcalliance.org
 

MARCH

Kane County Flea Market
Kane County Fair Grounds 
First Saturday and Sunday of every month, March through December
Enjoy the fun of hunting and searching through 600+ dealers with refurbished furniture and vinyl records to sports collectibles and handmade trinkets, you'll find it all.  
For more info: kanecountyfleamarket.com

St. Patrick's Day Parade 
St. Charles
Everyone is Irish on this day as the locals celebrate with the annual parade. Enjoy bagpipers, local specials and meet new friends in the streets of downtown St. Charles. 
For more info: stcalliance.org

Restaurant Madness Week 
Batavia
Partake in the many local restaurants involved who offer discounts for your dining pleasure. Presented by the City of Batavia, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, and Batavia MainStreet. 
For more info: cityofbatavia.net
 

APRIL

Kane County Farm Bureau
Touch A Tractor 
This event includes a wide array of activities for all ages, including pedal tractor rides, shelling corn, face painting and book readings throughout the weekend. Families can explore farm machines of the past and present.
For more info: www.kanecfb.com


MAY

Sculptures in the Park
Mount St. Mary Park, St. Charles 
As spring emerges, the landscape of Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles presents a magnificent backdrop to this free exhibit of striking and engaging sculpture exhibition.  
A joint project of the St. Charles Park Foundation and the St. Charles Park District.
For more info: www.stcparks.org

Fine Art Show  
St. Charles
The St. Charles Fine Art Show showcases the original, juried work of over 80 fine artists in all different mediums. All are exhibited and available for sale during this outdoor and free event.
Located at Riverside Avenue and Main Street (Rt 64) in downtown St. Charles.
For more info: stcalliance.org


SUMMER LONG CONCERT SERIES

St. Charles LIVE!: Free outdoor live music every Wednesday and Friday all summer long.
For more info: stcalliance.org

St. Charles Concert in the Park Series: Every Thursday at 7 p.m. in Lincoln Park is the place to hear local bands all summer long.  
For more info: www.stcparks.org/summer-concerts


JUNE

Swedish Days 
Geneva
Kick off your summer with this annual festival featuring shopping, music, a craft beer tent, carnival rides, children's activities, food, and more.
For more info: genevachamber.com
 

JULY

Geneva Arts Fair 
Geneva
Historic downtown Geneva serves as a picturesque backdrop for the outdoor fine arts show on Third Street.
For more info: genevachamber.com

Fourth of July Celebration
St. Charles – Pottawatomie Park
Celebrate our country's independence with an extraordinary fireworks display hosted by the St. Charles Park District, in partnership with the City of St. Charles. When the sun goes down, the night sky lights up with an ooh- and aah-worthy festival of colors, lights and sounds.
For more info: stcparks.org

Cocktails in the Park
Batavia – Appleton Park
This event is dedicated to showcasing Batavia restaurants and a unique opportunity to discover the downtown area. Guests will enjoy live music, delicious appetizers from downtown restaurants and, of course, cocktails! Cheers!
For more info: downtownbatavia.com


AUGUST

Concours d’Elegance vintage car show 
Geneva
Classic-car enthusiasts gathered together again this year in Geneva, Illinois and viewed a beautiful collection of antique, classic and modern automobiles. Participants from all over the country displayed their prized automobiles on Third Street, and some were awarded one of the coveted "Benz" trophies.
For more info: genevaconcours.net

Windmill City Festival 
Batavia
Whether you attend with your family or with friends, you're in for a fun-filled weekend. Find a little bit of everything, including a fire-hose competition, craft and vintage market, water activities for kids, sidewalk chalk contest, live music shows and so much more!
For more info: windmillcityfest.org 


SEPTEMBER

Block Party and Taste of Batavia 
Batavia
If summer has to end, this is the way to send it off! This event features a family zone, pie bake-off, a classic car show, live music, and $3 restaurant tastings from your favorite Batavia restaurants!
For more info: downtownbatavia.com

Festival of the Vine
Geneva
This autumn harvest festival began as a celebration of anything grown on a vine but now revolves around food and wine. Enjoy wine tastings and the "Flavor Fare" in which restaurants participate in presenting a selection of specialties to taste. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and much more. 
For more info: genevachamber.com

Jazz Weekend – St. Charles
A four-day event that coordinates and promotes live jazz music in different St. Charles establishments featuring numerous jazz groups. Patrons can enjoy jazz music from lunch through the evening, with the opportunity to visit multiple venues.
For more info: stcalliance.org


OCTOBER

Scarecrow Fest 
St. Charles
Handmade scarecrows are showcased around town for visitors to view and vote for their favorites. There are many activities for the family throughout the weekend, including a Family Zone with live entertainment and a festive photo-op area. Also not to be missed is the Autumn on the Fox Craft Show in Pottawatomie Park. 
For more info: stcalliance.org
 
Gallery of Ghoulish Homes
St. Charles
Pack up the family for spooky fun! Drive by and admire the ghoulish yard displays of St. Charles’ finest home haunters. View displays from either your vehicle or the sidewalk. 
Homes are best viewed from dusk until 10pm beginning October 15 through Halloween night. 
For more info: www.stcparks.org
 

NOVEMBER

HOLIDAY HOMECOMING WEEKEND
St. Charles – Beginning Friday after Thanksgiving
For more info on all weekend events: stcalliance.org

Friday
Lighting of the Lights Ceremony 
Feel the holiday come to life as the lights are turned on in downtown St. Charles. 

Holiday Tree Trail
Take a stroll down the First Street Water Front Walkway to see the decorated trees of over 50 local organizations and businesses. The decorated trees will be up all season, so you can stop by anytime to see them! 

Saturday 
Santa's House
Visit Santa every Saturday and Sunday in the East First St. Plaza in the afternoon. Drop off your letters to the North Pole and take pictures! Be sure to tag @stcalliance in your pictures!

Electric Christmas Parade
Get your chairs and blankets ready to line Main Street for this family fun event to put you in the holiday spirit!
 
Small Business Saturday
All of our communities – first Saturday after Thanksgiving
Shop small and support local! Take this opportunity to patronize local establishments by keeping your dollars in your community. Find many of our small businesses listed in this BeLocal guide!


DECEMBER

Holiday House Tour
Geneva
Enjoy five lovely, exquisite Geneva homes adorned in holiday splendor by local decorators. These homes are open to visitors for self-guided tours. 
Tickets must be purchased. Online ticket orders begin in October.
For more info: genevachamber.com

Christmas Walk 
Geneva
This annual walk begins Christmas in Geneva with the arrival of carolers, Santa Lucia and Santa Claus. The courthouse lawn illuminates with lights, the Great Tree and HOPE for the season. The town looks like a storybook as twinkling lights and fresh greenery line the streets.  
For more info: genevachamber.com

Winterfest Art Market 
Batavia
Join in the ultimate winter celebration and shopping experience in downtown Batavia and visit of local artisans for a multi-weekend outdoor fine art and craft sale.
For more info: downtownbatavia.com