As the year winds down, it can be reinvigorating to start planning the year ahead. A new year full of hope with new possibilities and lots of fun. Along with a blank calendar and longer days to fill up.
In 2026, I hope you’ll join me at some of these art events happening around the Fox Valley.
Water Street Studios will host All in for Art, their second annual casino-themed fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. The exhilarating evening is the community art center’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and attendees get play money to spend on professionally run casino games. It’s a night of fun and a great excuse to get dressed up after a long winter’s nap. Tickets cost $100. The fun starts at 7 p.m. at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St. in downtown Batavia. To purchase tickets or learn about sponsorships, visit waterstreetstudios.org.
Thursday, March 19, 2026, Suicide Prevention Services will host Spring into Art, an artsy new fundraiser to support their mission to open minds, save lives, and restore hope. The inaugural event will invite attendees to “spring up” and take turns at selecting original artwork to take home. Tickets start at $80. Check in begins at 5:30 p.m. at Society 57, 100 S. River St., Aurora. To donate artwork, purchase tickets, or sponsor the event, visit spsamerica.org.
Geneva will welcome artists to showcase their work throughout downtown businesses at the inaugural Art Explosion Saturday, May 2. Merchants will transform into pop-up galleries featuring more than 40 talented local artists who will showcase paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more. The free event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. To apply to be a showcasing artist, contact genevachamber.com.
The first weekend in June will bring the sixth annual Northern Illinois Pottery Tour to the region. Visit communities in the area June 6 and 7 and stop at participating homes for a tour of handmade ceramics on sale to the public. The free event provides a map of locations to visit. For more information, visit northernilpotterytour.com.
Celebrating its 24th year of all-original art by more than 140 national artists, Geneva Arts Fair will be back on Third Street in downtown Geneva July 25 and 26. The bustling arts fair was recently recognized among the Top 20 fine art fairs in the nation. It’s free and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Visit genevachamber.com.
Enjoying its Sweet 16th Saturday, Aug. 29, Alley Art Festival is known as a day filled with local art and community. There’s nothing quite like the end-of-summer event that brings together art, music, food, and fun. It’s free to attend and runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora. For more information or to apply starting February 1, visit alleyartaurora.com.
Throughout the year, I’ll continue to attend First Fridays in downtown Aurora and Second Fridays in downtown Batavia. I’ll also keep an eye out for art events happening at Fine Line Creative Arts Center, Norris Cultural Center, and The ARC Gallery in St. Charles; Schingoethe Center of Aurora University; Arrowhead Gallery in Dickson Center at Waubonsee Community College’s Sugar Grove campus; and Side Street Studios in Elgin.
It’ll be a fun year ahead with art and community added in for good measure.
Marissa Amoni is the owner of Marissa Bright, a public relations and event management company specializing in shining the light on nonprofits and small businesses. She coordinates Alley Art Festival and Geneva Arts Fair. Follow her on Instagram @marissashinesbright. Visit a full calendar of art events on alleyartaurora.com/artscene.