Easter is Sunday, April 5.

St. Charles' annual St. Patrick's Day parade has seen all manner of weather over the years. This year's procession was marked by snow and cold temperatures - but still plenty of cheerfulness and green garb amid the snowflakes.

The all-new, visually stunning experience opens March 19, featuring larger-than-life glowing animals, cultural performances and conservation storytelling after dark.

Upcoming shows also include Uncle Kracker and tribute concerts to Elton John, Creed, Nickelback and progressive rock bands.

“Find Your Luck In Downtown Aurora,” which takes place on March 14 and 15, will feature 15 downtown businesses offering Irish cheer.

The Belfry House creates an intimate experience for couples and adult travelers, bringing together seasonal fine dining, live entertainment and personalized hospitality.

Chicago-based comedians will take the stage at the Copley Theatre in downtown Aurora on select Saturday nights through May 2 as part of the Copley Comedy Series.

The St. Charles St. Patrick's Parade steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14.

Upcoming events include Felix & Fingers on March 13, Murder Mystery Dinner on March 27 and the annual Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch March 28-29.

St. Patrick's Day is Tuesday, March 17 but there's plenty of Irish fun with parades and parties across northern Illinois this weekend.

Some of the hilarious comedians to appear include Sean Patton, Cactus Tate and Sam Tripoli.

Beyond the local favorites and hidden gems, a handful of suburban restaurants offer a touch of celebrity.

The St. Patrick’s Parade will begin at 2 p.m., stepping off at 6th Street onto Main Street to conclude at 4th Avenue. The parade will have bagpipers, local marching bands and more than 85 vibrant parade entries that celebrate the community.

Guests will visit 14 participating downtown Batavia businesses, each offering 1-ounce wine tastings with both red and white options at every stop.

The Beach Boys are known for hits like “Surfin’ USA,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “Kokomo.”

“Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue,” is set to open Friday, May 8, at EXP, the new immersive entertainment venue at The Pearl District.

Niche Restaurant, at 14 S. Third St., Geneva, is marking 20 years in business this year.

This unique ensemble brings together the expressive combination of flute, harp and viola, a trio admired for its distinctive timbre.

Illinois and Wisconsin boast a wealth of spa getaways, offering luxurious pampering and relaxation just a short trip away.

From the hearth-fired kitchen, Chef Chris Curren will serve elevated Irish-inspired comfort dishes.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, famous for its Chicago-style deep dish pizza, signed a lease to occupy a former restaurant in Fox Haven Square, the city of St. Charles' newest entertainment district. The pizzeria looks to continue the city's resurgence of its eastern corridor.

The exhibition will feature a diverse array of media, ranging from fluid watercolors, to oils, photography, sculptural installations and pottery.

McCarthy has been the conductor and artistic director of the Fox Valley Festival Chorus for over 25 years, among many other titles.

Tipton's artwork will be showcased through April at the St. Charles Public Library.

The Mediterranean-inspired eatery rooted in classic cooking, seasonal ingredients and shareable dining will hold a soft opening Friday with limited seating throughout the weekend.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra will perform Fauré Requiem, among other classical masterpieces, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at Hemmes Cultural Art Center in Elgin.

Hundreds of small, locally-owned boutiques and shops in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin will participate in this one-of-a-kind event March 6-7.

Guests will enjoy a full weekend itinerary, including a Friday night welcome reception with butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, intimate educational seminars, and a multi-course wine dinner paired with standout selections from the featured wineries.

The Vintage Shop Hop, featuring vintage, thrift and antique stores across northern Illinois and Wisconsin, is March 6 and 7.

Highlighting the best bars, breweries, coffee, treats and restaurants, the guide makes it easier than ever to eat local and explore the city’s vibrant dining scene.

Maple Fest returns this Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 at the Nature Center, 930 N. River Road in North Aurora, inviting guests to step into the centuries-old tradition of turning maple sap into maple syrup.

Here are the winners for the best coffee shops in the Best of the Fox, Best of the Illinois Valley, DeKalb County's Finest and Sauk Valley Favorites contest.

The Arcada Theatre will host a tribute concert to George Harrison Saturday, Feb. 28 and a tribute concert to Taylor Swift Sunday, March 1.

Five wines and three craft beers will be paired with cheese, appetizers and desserts from local merchants and bakers.

Courtney Reed is an acclaimed musical theatre performer and will be inducted into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame on Friday, March 27 at Eagle Brook Country Club in Geneva.

Escape these brutal winter temperatures with a day or weekend at these indoor waterparks in northern Illinois.

Dance and sing along to Taylor Swift's biggest hits at this tribute concert Sunday, March 1.

The Copley Comedy Series begins with headliner Tim Walkoe Saturday, Feb. 28.

If you're looking for a camping adventure this summer, check out Starved Rock Family Campground and other award-winning campgrounds across the country.

Check out these restaurants the next time you make plans for your weekend brunch.

“All in for Art” celebrates the work of Water Street Studios, a community art center that provides resident artist studios, a ceramics lab, School of Art, award winning galleries, community outreach and public art.

The harpsichord will be featured in the Baroque music performed at the Feb. 27 concert in Elgin.

The fine dining eatery is scheduled to open March 9 at 460 S Route 59.

The All Animal Expo is Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Kane County Fairgrounds.

The student choruses will come from Aurora, Carpentersville, Glen Ellyn, St. Charles and Sycamore high schools. Concerts will be held at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church.

National Margarita Day is Sunday, Feb. 22. Check out where you can find the best margarita in your area.

National Drink Wine Day is Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Years of collective work, vineyard refinement and expanded production capacity have elevated Stoller Family Estate's wines to their clearest expressions yet.

The concert will feature a video retrospective that includes songs covering five decades and the band's 14 studio records.

Axe throwing is a great way to have fun and blow off some steam. Here are are locations around northern Illinois.