The 2026 season kicks off May 16 with the opening of the amusement park. Santa Springs Water Park opens Saturday, May 23.

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to participate in the Swedish Days Parade which will step off at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 28 from the corner of Center Street and Anderson Boulevard.

The Comedy Vault in Batavia will host Motherhood Unfiltered on Sunday, May 10.

More than 100 local, national and international artists will be display work at the two day event.

Check out these farmers markets opening for the 2026 season in northern Illinois.

Enjoy the outdoors and immerse yourself in nature this spring at these four destinations.

Spring is here, and that means it's the perfect season to get out and explore new destinations.

Savor a variety of flavors this spring and summer at these vibrant food truck festivals in northern Illinois.

Treat mom to a concert or mini-golf this Mother's Day on Sunday, May 10.

Spring is here, and that means the return of some of the area's most popular beer and wine festivals of the year.

Bambū offers Vietnamese dessert drinks, smoothies, Boba teas, Yonami and coffees drinks.

Leaning into lighter, seafood-driven fare, new additions to the menu include an asparagus and prosciutto salad, with burrata and truffle honey mustard, and grilled prawn toast on brioche.

Five shows have been added to the Comedy at Copley series, which runs through Nov. 7, 2026.

The Tequila Dinner is Thursday, May 7, and the Spring Wine Tasting event is Saturday, May 9.

Find the perfect champagne or sparkling wine for Mother's Day.

Prime Cut focuses on making unforgettable fare from scratch, featured on both regular and sushi menus.

Geneva Art Explosion is Saturday, May 2, and That Arena Rock Show will perform at the Arcada Theatre on Friday, May 1.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10.

Visitors can explore a thoughtfully curated mix of vendors offering high-quality, handcrafted and specialty products — all while supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The 2026 Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 2. Celebrate at these events in Kane, Will, Cook and McHenry counties.

'General Hospital' stars Chris L. McKenna and Rory Gibson will appear at The Comedy Vault on May 30.

These flower-filled events in the Midwest go beyond the blooms, offering everything from artisan markets and live music to garden tours and family-friendly activities.

Check out various running events, local group bike rides on the Fox River Trail this season.

This free, family-friendly event brings costumed characters to downtown Aurora.

“Re-Imagined: The Art of Sustainability” highlights the intersection of creativity and environmental stewardship.

Chef Paul Virant brings his specialty, the Vistro Burger, to The Graceful Ordinary, St. Charles’ riverside dining destination.

A spring market featuring local artisans will return to downtown Elgin in May for the second year.

Starting June 20, a full slate of special events, features and throwbacks are planned to honor the park’s heritage and 50th anniversary.

The Orion Ensemble will perform at 3 p.m. May 3 at New England Congregational Church in Aurora.

Singer John Waite, known for the smash hit "Missing You," will perform at the Arcada Theatre in dowtown St. Charles April 23.

Across the suburbs and throughout the region, you’ll find fascinating spots dedicated to art, history, science and unique local stories.

From animal encounters to Glow Wild nights and dino-sized adventures, Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers new experiences and seasonal favorites for guests of all ages.

For 14 years in Batavia and 50 years in West Chicago, Pal Joey’s Restaurant has been a “fabric of the community.” But the final Batavia location will close in a matter of days.

Free, family-friendly fun will also include youth cultural performances, live music and DJ services from A Positive Image, tacos from Taqueria Aurora and door prizes.

Third Eye Blind will perform Aug. 23, while Six One Five Collective takes the stage July 25.

One million blooms are expected this year at Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park, which is celebrating 25 years this spring.

The Water Street Studios Community Gallery offers recurring opportunities for area artists to display and sell artwork in a professional setting.

The 2026 summer series events include live music, theater, visual arts and more.

Celebrate Earth Day at Geneva's Peck Farm Park on Saturday, April 18.

BG Hospitality Group’s new restaurant elevates the local dining experience in Fox Haven Square, located at Main Street and Kirk Road.

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.

Northern Illinois is home to some notably beautiful botanical gardens and arboretums waiting to be explored.

Other performers this summer include The Beach Boys, Gov't Mule, Poi Dog Pondering, Lauren Alaina and tributes to Bee Gees, Led Zeppelin and many more.

John Waite will perform on April 23.

25 businesses will participate in the 2026 St. Charles Spring Shop Crawl.

The 50th anniversary season includes works by Mendelssohn, John Williams, Beethoven and more.

Fox Valley's Preservation Partners guided restoration of Nelle Fabyan dress, touted as the only one by French designer Georges Doeuillet to be displayed in public anywhere in the world.

The Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles is marking its 100th anniversary. A large parade is being organized by theater operator Ron Onesti to honor its century of impact on the community.

Spring and the return of baseball bring hot dogs back to the forefront. So here are 10 places to get a legit, Chicago-style hot dog in the suburbs.

The Geneva French Market opens for the 2026 season on Sunday, April 12.