Aurora
• Through March 29
The Secret of My Success
The Secret of My Success is a hilarious, heartfelt new musical based on Universal Pictures film. Brantley finds himself tangled up in a sidesplitting scheme in which he assumes the identity of a rising executive named Carlton Whitfield. Paramount Theatre, 23 East Galena Boulevard.
For more information call 630.896.6666 or visit paramountaurora.com.
• Friday, Feb. 28 • 1 p.m.
Healing to Healthy Sewing Meet-up
Healing to Healthy will have a volunteer sewing meet-up at the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, 1110 Jericho Road. Volunteers should bring their own sewing machine. All materials and instructions for making a mastectomy camisole will be provided. Please RSVP to amy@healingtohealthy.org or 331-230-8706.
For more information visit www.healingtohealthy.org.
• Friday, March 6 • 6 p.m.
Rosary’s Irish Pub Night
St. Patrick’s Day at Pub Night will feature the Irish music of Switchback at Rosary High School, 901 N. Edgelawn Drive. The evening will include entertainment, snacks and beverages. Beer and wine will be available. Entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased at www.rosaryhs.com/switchback.
For more information call Sister Geraldine Kemper, OP, at 630.896.0831 x 233.
• Saturday, March 7 • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
A-Z Craft Supplies Garage Sale
An “A-Z Craft Supplies Garage Sale” will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May Street. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free. Sellers may rent a display table and two chairs for $15.
For more information, send to Vicki Martin at vickimartin2@comcast.net.
Batavia
• Multiple Days
Water Street Studios classes
High-quality courses and workshops are led by experienced teaching artists. Become a pARTner and receive 15% off of your future registrations. Many classes from which to choose. Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water Street.
For more information call 630.761.9977, send to info@waterstreetstudios.org, or visit water-street-studios.coursestorm.com.
Elgin
• Wednesday, March 4 • 7:30 p.m.
In My Life – A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles
A live musical retelling of Beatles story through the eyes of manager Brian Epstein will be performed at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way. Tickets are $35-$75 and may be purchased by calling 847.931.5900, at the Theatre Box Office or online. The show is appropriate for all ages.
For more information and to purchase tickets online visit hemmens.org.
Montgomery
• First and third Thursdays • 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Rotary Club of Montgomery
The Rotary Club of Montgomery will meet on the first and third Thursday mornings. Meetings will be held at the Riverview Diner at the corner of River and Montgomery Roads. The group will meet 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday. These meetings are held at the Montgomery Village Hall, 200 North River Street, Montgomery.
For more information contact Theresa Sperling, membership chair at 630.430.2181, or theresa_sperling@yahoo.com.
Naperville
• Friday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Adult Hike with a Naturalist
A naturalist will lead a morning hike at Knoch Knolls Park and educate walkers about wildlife. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Program is free, but registration is required. Knoch Knolls Nature Center Lobby, 320 Knoch Knolls Road. For those 18 years old and up.
For more information call 630.848.5000, send to info@napervilleparks.org, or visit napervilleparks.org.
• Friday, March 13 • 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
5th Grade TNT
TNT (Totally Naperville Tweens) is a program that offers various activities for 5th Grade students. TNT is a fun, safe, supervised program filled with music, dancing, open gym time and snacks for sale. Pre-register for each date you would like to attend and pay $15 per event at the time of registration. Those who don’t pre-register are charged $20 per event at the door. Participants need to wear or bring gym shoes in order to use the gym. Do not bring food, drinks, electronics, cameras or other valuables. Madison Jr. High Multipurpose Room, 1000 River Oak Drive.
For more information call 630.848.5000, send to info@napervilleparks.org or visit napervilleparks.org.
• March 6-22
Steel Magnolias
Guilty pleasure movie, Steel Magnolias, is based on this play of a classic story of family, strength in women, and big southern hair, is the perfect way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Steel Magnolias. Within the walls of Truvy’s beauty shop, the lives of six strong women increasingly hinge on the existence of one another. Together, they absorb the passing seasons, just like the weathered wooden structure of the salon “home” that they share. Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth. Tickets $25-$30.
For more information visit brightsidetheatre.com.
• Saturday, March 14
St. Patrick’s Day 5K and parade
The St. Paddy’s Day 5K will a family-friendly event for racers, runners, and walkers. The 5K will be from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and start at Mill Street and Jackson Avenue. After the 5K, from 10 a.m. to noon, the St. Patrick’s Day parade will step off at Mill Street and Jefferson Avenue.
For more information visit www.naperville.il.us.
North Aurora
• Sunday, March 1 • 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fox Valley Writer’s Group Presents
Messenger Public Library’s Fox Valley Writers will present original stories, poems, and memoirs from their recent publications. Messenger Public Library of North Aurora, 113 Oak Street.
For more information visit messengerpl.org, or call 630.896.0240.
• Saturday, March 21 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Maple Fest at Red Oak
The sweet taste of Spring can be tapped at the annual Red Oak Maple Fest. Naturalists from Red Oak will lead visitors to various stations in the woods to view demonstrations of how maple sap is harvested and turned into delicious maple syrup. Each group will tap a maple tree, then be a witness to the process of how sap is boiled and converted into syrup. Group taste-tests will follow. Red Oak Nature Center, Route 25, one mile north of Route 56.
For more information call 630.897.1808 or visit foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.
Plainfield
• Sunday, March 15 • 1 p.m.
Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade
The Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade will step off at 1 p.m. from the Plainfield High School Central Campus, on W. Commercial Drive. Each year, more after-parade events and family-friendly activities are added to the lineup. The parade has become one of Plainfield’s most cherished yearly traditions.
For more information visit plainfieldirishparade.org.
St. Charles
• Friday, Feb. 28 • 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Josh Turner
With a rich, deep voice, and distinctive style, Turner has sold more than 12.5 Million units, is a disciple of traditional country music, and one of the youngest members of the esteemed Grand Ole Opry. From his 2003 platinum-selling debut, Long Black Train, to his most recent 2017 Billboard No. 1 release, Deep South, Turner has garnered multiple Grammy, CMA, and ACM nominations. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street.
For more information visit arcadalive.com/event/josh-turner.
• Saturday, Feb. 29 • noon – 5 p.m.; Sunday, March 1 • 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kane County Flea Market
Admission $5 each day, free parking, children under 12 free. Food served all day. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 South Randall Road.
For more information visit kanecountyfleamarket.com or call 630.377.2252.
• Saturday, Feb. 29 • 6 a.m.
Road trip to Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, Havana, Ill.
At the confluence of the Illinois and Spoon Rivers, Emiquon provides excellent habitat for waterfowl and other species. Snow Geese may be there in large numbers. Meet at 6 a.m. at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and the group will carpool from there. The drive is about three hours.
For more information contact: Jon Duerr at 630-584-5891.
• March 7-8 • noon – 3 p.m.
Maple Sugaring Days
Participants can discover the sweet secret of how to turn tree sap into syrup and enjoy samples in the Maple Café when the Forest Preserve District of Kane County presents Maple Sugaring Days. Forest Preserve Naturalists will show how to tap a maple tree, and show the opportunity to try drilling and setting a tap. Creek Bend Nature Center will be open where visitors can enjoy the interactive exhibits available, and make a craft to take home. No registration is required for this family-friendly program. LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean Street.
For more information call 630.444.3190, visit kaneforest.com, or on social by searching @forestpreserve.
• Monday, March 9 • 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
The Worm Moon Hike
The Worm Moon Hike will be at the LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean Street. These programs are for all-ages. The registration fee is $2 per person. Advance registration is required. Call 630-444-3190, or send to programs@kaneforest.com to register.
• Saturday, March 14 • 2 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Parade
The St. Patrick’s Parade will step off at 2 p.m. from Main Street/Route 64 and 6th Street. The route will continue east on Main Street and conclude at 4th Avenue. Features include Irish dancers, Celtic pipe bands, and dazzling floats.
For more information visit www.downtownstcharles.org/dscp_events/st-patricks-parade.
Sandwich
• March 20-22
IVT Presents ’Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs
‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ is a famous fairy tale play based on the story written by The Brothers Grimm and adapted by Jessie Braham White. It is not the Disney version, or a musical. Performances are Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. at the historic Sandwich Opera House, 140 E. Railroad Street.
For more information send to info@indianvalleytheatre.com or call 815-786-4878. Tickets available online at indianvalleytheatre.com.
Warrenville
• Friday, Feb. 28 • 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Fandomonium: Harry Potter
Potter fans can enjoy crafts and activities with other fans based on the popular books, games, and movies. Warrenville Library, 28W751 Stafford Place. For those aged eight to 12.
For more information call 630.393.1171 or visit warrenville.com.
Wheaton
• Sunday, March 1 • 4 p.m.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Living history actor and scholar Leslie Goddard, Ph. D., will explore the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, American first lady, statesman and humanitarian. Ideal for families and children aged 10 and up. Free program, but advance registration is required. Cantigny, McCormick House Freedom Hall, 1S151 South Winfield Road.
For reservations call 630.260.8162 or visit Cantigny.org. Parking is $5.
• Thursday, March 5 • 7 p.m.
The Hello Girls: America’s First Women Soldiers
The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park will present Elizabeth Cobbs, author of “The Hello Girls: America’s First Women Soldiers.” Her book tells the fascinating story of American women who served in World War I as telephone switchboard operators in France, deployed by the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1918. Program and parking are free. Cantigny, Visitors Center, 1S151 South Winfield Road.
For more information visit fdmuseum.org.
• Saturday, March 14 • Noon – 3 p.m.
Second Saturday Family Program: 19th Amendment
The museum will open its 2020 Second Saturday series for families with a celebration of the 19th Amendment, ratified 100 years ago and giving women the right to vote. Those attending can earn all about it and make a suffragette sash. No registration is necessary. Free program; parking $5. Cantigny, Visitors Center, 1S151 South Winfield Road, McCormick House Gold Theatre.
For more information call 630.260.8162 or visit Cantigny.org.
• Monday, March 16 • 6:30 p.m.
First for the Vote: How Chicago Women Won Suffrage for the Nation
Chicago women made Illinois the first state east of the Mississippi to grant limited voting rights to women in 1913. The women, including Ruth Hanna McCormick, greatly influenced the tactics and achievements of suffragists in other states and helped Illinois become the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment in 1920. This program tells their story with vintage photographs and quotes from the women themselves. Program and parking are free, but registration is required. Cantigny, Visitors Center, 1S151 South Winfield Road.
For more information call 630.260.8162 or visit Cantigny.org.
• Thursday, March 19 • 7 p.m.
Civic Awareness Series
Rebecca Sive, author of “Vote Her In: Your Guide to Electing Our First Woman President,” will speak. This event will continue a series sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Wheaton. Program and parking are free, but advance registration is required due to limited seating. Cantigny, Visitors Center, 1S151 South Winfield Road. Register at cantigny.org.
For more information call 630.260.8162 or visit Cantigny.org.
Yorkville
• Thursdays • 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Trivia and Food Truck
Interested persons can join Flight Tasting Room and Bottle Shoppe for a night of food trucks and trivia each Thursday. Food trucks roll up at 5 p.m.. Trivia will begin at 7 p.m.. Flight Tasting Room and Bottle Shoppe, 508 Center Parkway.
For more information call 630.686.2337.
• Sunday, March 1 • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The Polar Plunge
The Polar Plunge, presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run and GEICO, is a unique opportunity to support Special Olympics athletes by taking a leap into frigid waters of Loon Lake at Silver Springs State Park, 13608 Fox Road. Participants must raise $100 in donations in exchange for jumping into the ice-cold waters.
For additional information visit www.plungeillinois.com.
• Saturday, March 14
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
The annual Yorkville St. Patrick’s Day Festival all-day festival will start with a 5K run at 9 a.m., a parade to start at Riverfront Park, 131 E. Hydraulic Avenue at 11 a.m., kids activities and more than a dozen musical acts throughout the day at various downtown Yorkville establishments. 129 E. Hydraulic Street.
For more information call 630.385.2477.
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.