Aurora
• Through October 20
Broadway Series: “Newsies”
Straight from the headlines of turn of the century New York comes the true story that had Broadway roaring before it even opened. Joseph Pulitzer is plotting a way to increase the revenue of his declining newspaper; while down in the streets, newsboys hawk papers on corners barely making enough to survive. When Pulitzer raises the price of the paper, delivery boy Jack Kelly organizes a strike to show Pulitzer and his gang of cronies they’re not going to be pushed into the gutter. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Boulevard.
For tickets and more information call 630.896.6666 or visit paramountaurora.com.
• Saturday, Sept. 14 • 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Aurora Lions 8th annual Night Golf Fundraiser
Aurora Evening Lions Club will hold its eighth annual night golf fundraiser and raffle at Phillips Park Golf Course, 1001 Hill Avenue. The schedule is: registration, 6:25 p.m.; contests, raffles and silent auction, 6:45 p.m.; shotgun start, 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Lions vision and hearing impaired charities. Registration is $55 for an individual and $220 for a foursome. Register at Eventbrite.com. Backward raffle tickets are $20. Deadline to order is 6 p.m. September 14. Registration includes nine holes of night golf with two glow in the dark golf balls and drink ticket. First prize is $500. A total of 20 prizes will be awarded.
For more information, call 630-689-6213 or send to lbreckmiller@gmail.com.
• September 14-15
Fiestas Patrias
The sound, culture, and taste of Mexico can be celebrated at Fiestas Patrias. From the delicious food to the variety of musical acts to the children’s play area, there’s something for everyone at this fun festival right on the Fox River. The experience will include the rich heritage of Mexico at Fiestas Patrias. 130 N. Lincoln Avenue.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/fiestaspatriasenaurora.
• Sunday, Sept. 15 • 2 p.m.
Fox Valley Jazz Big Band
Classics by Count Basie, Duke Ellington and other jazz stars will be performed by the Fox Valley Jazz Big Band at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway. Admission is $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Reserved table seating is $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
For more information about The Venue and to purchase tickets visit themusicvenue.org.
• Third Mondays through May 2020 • 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Basic Course in Bowen Family systems Theory
Wesley United Methodist Church pastor will teach Bowen family systems. It is a nine monthly sessions program, beginning September 16, on an alternative to conventional approaches to solving problems in families, organization, or society. Each session will focus on theoretical concepts and the ways they are learned through the study of one’s own family and through applications in various fields. 14 N. May Street.
For more information and to register call 630-896-1033 or send to revjohnbell@gmail.com.
• September 21 – October 27
Pumpkin Daze at Abbey Farms
Pumpkin Daze at Abbey Farms will have ol’ fashioned family fun. Packed with activities, the 40-acre pumpkin farm will have all the tools needed. There will be delicious cider donuts, a craft beer tent with Chicago sports on television, fire pits, a movie under the stars Saturday nights, and the Nagle Emporium farmstead store! Abbey Farms is home to one of Chicagoland’s largest corn mazes plus plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Abbey Farms, 850 Butterfield Road.
For more information call 630.966.7775 or visit abbeyfarms.org/pumpkin-season.
• September 24 – December 13
THREADS: A Line From There To Here
One hundred and fifty historic and contemporary Native American clothing items, shoes, jewelry, bags and hats. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free. The exhibit will open with a reception from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24. The Schingoethe Center of Aurora University, 1315 Prairie Street.
For more information call 630.844.7844, send to mbero@aurora.edu or visit aurora.edu.
• Friday, Sept. 27 • 11 a.m.
PreGreenfest
Fox Metro Water Reclamation District is proud to present the Greenfest Last Stop! There will be a brief presentation on the latest improvements followed by a tour of our new South Plant wastewater treatment facility. Fox Metro WRD’s wastewater plant serves approximately 300,000 residents of Aurora, Oswego, Montgomery, North Aurora, Sugar Grove, and portions of Batavia and Yorkville.
For more information and to RSVP send to info@foxmetro.org.
• Saturday, Sept. 28 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Aurora GreenFest
Everyone can celebrate the 10th birthday of the Aurora GreenFest at noon Saturday, Sept. 28 with a green cake! The 10th annual GreenFest will be at Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois, Aurora, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The GreenFest is free and accessible to all. There will be a Green Car Show, kids’ activities, nature exhibits, live music, and food trucks.
For more information visit auroragreenfest.com.
• Saturday, Sept. 28 • 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Oktoberfest at Marmion Academy
Oktoberfest at Marmion Academy, 1000 Butterfield Road, can be celebrated in a fun-filled evening with a delicious German dinner, all drinks (Oktoberfest style beers, wine, spiked seltzer, soda) and live music featuring the dueling pianos from Howl at the Moon. The festivities will take place outside on Marmion’s beautiful campus. The all-inclusive admission is $60/person (21 and older).
For more information and to purchase tickets visit marmion.org/fest.
• Sunday, Sept. 29 • noon – 3 p.m.
Harvest of the Acorn Moon Festival
The Kane County Forest Preserve District will celebrate the harvest season at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, 1680 Fifth Avenue. At the family-friendly festival, there will be pumpkin-painting, nature crafts, outdoor games, folk music, and harvest-theme refreshments. All ages are welcome. This event has free admission.
For more information visit kaneforest.com or call 630-444-3190.
Batavia
• Thursday, Sept. 26 • 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cocktails with Clemens & Mark Twain
The Batavia Historical Society and Batavia Library Foundation invite the community to be part of the 150th anniversary of Mark Twain’s visit to Batavia. This historical reenactment will feature Chicago’s internationally acclaimed Richard Henzel as Samuel L. Clemens, is an educational and entertaining event which celebrates our past. Before the show cocktails with Clemens, will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Batavia Depot Museum, 155 Houston Street., for $20. Show will begin at 7 p.m. at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1399 W Wilson Street, for $30.
For more information or tickets visit bataviafineartscentre.org or call 630-937-8930.
• September 27-29
Batavia Oktoberfest
Downtown Batavia will present a traditional Oktoberfest event with authentic German food, music, live entertainment, and of course, beer. Official Sam Adams stein-hoisting contests will be Friday night and Saturday night. Sunday will be a full of family fun, games and family entertainment. Location is North River Street between Wilson and Spring Streets.
For more information visit downtownbatavia.com/oktoberfest.
Big Rock
• September 13-15
125th annual Big Rock Plowing Match Festival
Attendees can take a step back in time and see a real-life plowing competition, enjoy a horse show, browse the arts and crafts and car shows, enjoy great food, participate in a live auction of prize-winning baked goods, and take the kids on a ride at the carnival. Plowman’s Park, 48W508 Hinckley Road.
For more information and schedules visit bigrockplowingmatch.com.
Elgin
• Saturday, Sept. 21 • Starts at 7 p.m.
11th Annual Elgin Short Film Festival
The 11th Annual Elgin Short Film Festival promises to be an entertaining evening of some of the very best in short films by some of the very best up-and-coming filmmakers. The films, no more than 20 minutes in length, are rated PG. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way.
• Monday, Sept. 23 • 7:30 p.m.
Beatles vs. Rolling Stones
The debate between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones has been going on ever since they first crossed paths on the charts 54 years ago. These two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage musical showdown by bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction Monday, Sept. 23 at the Hemmens Cultural Center,45 Symphony Way. Tickets are $35 to $75 and may be purchased by phone at 847.931.5900, at the Theatre Box Office or online at www.hemmens.org. The show is appropriate for all ages.
Geneva
• Saturday, Sept. 21 • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Autumn Fair
The Geneva Park District at Peck Farm Park will celebrate Autumn with pony rides, a petting zoo, hayrides, crafts, games, and a birds of prey presentation. Attendees can climb to the top of the silo and enjoy the view across the prairie, play at Hawks Hollow Nature Playground, visit the Butterfly House, and possibly win a variety of prizes in the basket raffle. Basket raffle proceeds will help as a benefit to the special projects of the Geneva Park District Foundation. Admission to Autumn Fair is free, however some activities require a small fee. Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road.
For more information visit genevaparks.org.
Glen Ellyn
• Sunday, Sept. 15 • 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Glow in the Park Lantern Walk
A lighted lantern walk around Lake Ellyn will take place as a benefit for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The Park District will be a partner with Charlie’s Corner Foundation to bring community family activities, food, music, and lantern-making. At approximately 7:15 p.m., the lantern parade will take place around Lake Ellyn. Participants will have opportunities to create paper lanterns for the walk at the event at a cost of $10..
For more information visit gepark.org/event/glow-in-the-park-lantern-walk.
Montgomery
• Saturday, Sept. 21 • 9 a.m.
Village Tree Planting Ceremony
The Village of Montgomery will have a tree-planting ceremony at Montgomery Police Station, 10 Civic Center Drive. The community is invited to celebrate the planting of a new tree, a bald cypress tree. The tree-planting ceremony will be conducted by the Village’s Beautification Committee.
For more information visit ci.montgomery.il.us.
Naperville
• September 21-22 • 3 p.m. – 9 a.m.
Family Campout
The entire family can have a fun night of camping at Knoch Knolls Park Picnic Grove, 336 Knoch Knolls Road. Saturday there will be games, a buffet-style supper, a twilight hike, and s’mores around the campfire. Sunday there will be a light breakfast. Attendees will need their own tent and sleeping bags. No pets are allowed. Each child and adult attending must register; price is per person. Registration deadline is September 17.
For more information visit napervilleparks.org.
Oswego
• Saturday, Sept. 21 • 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Brew at the Bridge – Oswego’s Craft Beer Festival
Oswego’s annual craft beer festival invites everyone 21 and over to downtown Oswego to taste samples of some of the greatest beer in the region. There will be live music, delicious food. Prairie Point Community Park, 4120 Plainfield Road.
For more information call 630.554.1010.
Plano
• Saturday, Sept. 28 • 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Farnsworth for the Birds: Fall Migration
Experienced Fox Valley birder and wildlife artist, Christopher Cudworth, will lead the event to help guests identify birds. Please bring binoculars. Waterproof footwear is recommended. Farnsworth House, 14520 River Road.
For more information call 630.552.0052.
Warrenville
• Thursdays in September • 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Rockin’ Science: Astronomy
Curious child, ages nine to 12, can enjoy the hands-on science opportunity designed to encourage a passion for astronomy. The class will meet four consecutive Thursdays through September 26. Cost is $20 and parking is free. Register at Cantigny.org or call 630.260.8162. Cantigny Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road.
• Tuesday, Sept. 17 • 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Al Capone and the Days of Prohibition
The year 2019 is the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 18th Amendment which prohibited alcohol throughout the United States. Warrenville Historical Society will have a lecture on the days of prohibition and mobsters who were famous for their evil acts during that time, including Al Capone, who had connections in Warrenville. 28W751 Stafford Place.
For more information call 630.393.1171, or visit warrenville.com.
• Wednesday, Sept. 25 • 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Make Your Own Camp Bracelets
Supplies will be provided and attendees can make woven bracelets to keep or share with friends. Registration required. For those aged 12–17. Warrenville Library, 28W751 Stafford Place.
For more information call 630.393.1171 or visit warrenville.com.
Wheaton
• Friday, Sept. 20 • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
At 11 a.m., Cantigny Post 556 of the American Legion will conduct a brief remembrance ceremony at the First Division Museum, and a missing-man table will be displayed in the museum lobby throughout the day. The table and items on it symbolize the sacrifices made by prisoners of war and those still missing in action. Free with $5 parking. Cantigny First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road.
For more information visit cantignypark.org.
• Friday, Sept. 20 • 5 p.m.
Battle of the Bands
At the first-time event, in partnership with Rock Academy music school in Downers Grove, 10 plus bands comprised of young musicians take turns on stage for about 15 minutes each. Free with $5 parking. Cantigny Bandshell, 1S151 Winfield Road.
For more information visit cantignypark.org.
Yorkville
• Saturday, Sept. 14 • 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ice Cream Social
There will be an old-fashion ice cream social with musical entertainment by Silverstrings at the Yorkville Public Library, 902 Game Farm Road. Silverstrings is an acoustic trio of musicians that play oldies, country, and bluegrass music. There will be face-painting, crafts, and activities for all ages.
Would you like your upcoming activity considered for inclusion? Send the event details, name, date, time, and a paragraph description plus the event contact number and/or Web site address to me at neighborhoodactivities@comcast.net. Please send minimum two weeks prior to the event date.