maple fest

Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S River St, Batavia, IL

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DATES: March 19, 2022 from 9am - Noon | March 20, 2022 from 12pm - 2pm

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DETAILS: ​Join our annual tradition of turning Maple sap into Maple Syrup! After a short indoor presentation, head out onto the trails to learn some of the history behind how this delicious product was made throughout the years before ending with a scrumptious tasting! Additional refreshments will be available for purchase. Everyone 3 years and up must have a ticket for entry to their timed presentation.

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COST: $3

earth hour luminaria hike

Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S River St, Batavia, IL

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DATES: March 26, 2022 | 7:30pm

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DETAILS: ​Join the World as we partake in one big, iconic action - turning off the lights! Show love for the Earth by powering down the lights and electronics and enjoying time outdoors or with others in a way that doesn't use energy. Our trail will be lighted with solar-powered lanterns for this unique time of exploring the outdoors at night! Campfire and marshmallows included! All children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

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COST: $10

april fool's treasure hunt

Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S River St, Batavia, IL

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DATES: April 1 - 3, 2022. | 10am - 2pm

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DETAILS: ​The April fool has been out in our woods playing tricks! He left a set of clues behind that may lead to a hidden treasure! Solve his riddles and follow the directions to find the location of his secret loot.

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COST: $12

batavia preservation week

Various Locations throughout Batavia, including Batavia Depot Museum

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DATES: April 11 - 16, 2022

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DETAILS: ​Celebrate and explore the sights and spaces that make Batavia unique! Throughout the week, stay tuned to the social media channels for Batavia Depot Museum and our Preservation Week partners: the Batavia Historical Society, the Batavia Public Library, Batavia MainStreet, and the Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley. You'll find hidden histories, local trivia, and pop-up experiences all week. 

• Cheers Through the Years Friday, April 15, 7:00-9:00 pm $10 Grab your friends for a history-flavored night of 21+ fun in downtown Batavia. Check in at the Batavia Depot Museum between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm to pick up your wristband and map. Then head out to meet the barkeeps who tend some of Batavia's best old properties still in use and sample some specials designed just for the occasion. Yum!

• (sub)urban Adventure Tour Saturday, April 16, 9:00 am-5:00 pm $20 for all-day trolley pass Calling all (sub)urban explorers! Have you ever been curious about the unseen and behind-the-scenes areas of Batavia's century-old buildings? Get a taste of urban exploring during a day of investigating places usually not seen by the public. Navigate between locations on the trolley, or pick up a map at Batavia Depot Museum and find your own way at your own speed. All participants will follow the Urban Explorer code of ethics and take nothing but pictures, leaving nothing but footprints.

• Hands-On Your History: Artifact Petting Zoo Saturday, April 16, 12:00-4:00 pm Batavia Depot Museum Donations accepted Have you ever felt frustrated by the hands-free, "don't touch" requirements in history museums? For one day only, you don't need to worry! These artifacts are OK to play with. Learn why some things at the Depot Museum are touchable and some things aren't, and how to take care of your own special treasures properly.

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COST: FREE!

st. patrick's day parade + celebration

1st St. Plaza and Downtown St. Charles, IL

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DATES: March 12, 2022 | 10:30am - 3pm

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DETAILS: ​Join us at this year's Opening Ceremony at 10:30am to kick off the St. Patrick's Parade with an Irish Dance Performance and entertainment on the 1st Street Plaza. Roaming bagpipers will follow after the Ceremony.Other events during the St. Patrick’s Celebration will be a Treasure Hunt, where families can find Leprechauns in downtown St. Charles Businesses and be entered to win a “Pot of Gold” containing a selection of prizes from around St. Charles. Thousands of people line Main Street to listen to award-winning local marching bands, watch the elaborate and colorful floats, hear the melodic strains of the Celtic pipe bands, and everything St. Charles has to offer. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. at Main and 6th Street and continues down Main Street to conclude at 4th Avenue.

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COST: FREE!

pot of gold stroll

Mount Saint Mary Park, Geneva Road, St. Charles, IL

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DATES: March 12, 2022 | 10am - 11am

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DETAILS: ​A family adventure that’s a wee bit of fun with a lot ‘o’ luck when you search for leprechauns, shamrocks, rainbows and more hiding in the park! Take a walk/run on the 1/2-mile winding path in Mt. St. Mary Park to discover these St. Patrick’s Day gems. At the end of each lap, dig deep into the pot of gold for a special prize. All participants will be entered into an additional drawing for a chance to win River View Miniature Golf passes. Remember to wear green to bring you good luck! Strollers and pets on a leash are welcome, too.

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COST: FREE! But please register

st. paddy's day express

Mount Saint Mary Park, Geneva Road, St. Charles, IL

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DATES: March 12, 2022 | 1pm - 5pm

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DETAILS: ​All aboard! Celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a trackless train ride through the park. Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while admiring the sculpture collection. Meet train captains and take your picture with the locomotive. This event is sponsored by the St. Charles Youth Commission and is a fundraiser for the STC Underground Teen Center. All ages welcome.

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COST: $22 for family of 4, plus optional $7 donation to STC Underground

native plant sale

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Dr, St. Charles, IL 60175

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DATES: TBA

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DETAILS: Are you ready to start planning your spring lawn and garden projects? Consider adding native plants to your landscape and bring nature to your own backyard. Native plants offer many benefits! Plants will be available for purchase onsite and while supplies last. Naturalists will be on hand to provide assistance on plant species and their growing conditions.

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COST: FREE!

st. charles fine arts show

Riverside Ave. & Main Street, St. Charles, IL​

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DATE: May 28 - 29, 2022 | 10am - 6pm Saturday, 10am - 5pm Sunday

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DETAILS:  The St. Charles Fine Art Show showcases the original, juried work of fine artists in mediums including Clay/Ceramics, Digital Art, Drawing/Illustration, Fiber (Non Wearable), Jewelry, Photography, Glass, Mixed Media, Oil Painting, Watercolor Painting, Acryllic Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Wood. All are exhibited and available for sale during this outdoor and free event.

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COST: FREE!

earth + sky extravaganza

Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St, St. Charles, IL

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DATE: April 22, 2022 | 7pm

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DETAILS:  Celebrate the earth and the skies above! It's both International Dark Sky Week AND Earth Day, and we've got stellar activities for all ages! With the user-friendly Globe at Night app, we'll record data about the brightness of the night sky. Find a star whose light left it the day you were born. Go on a night-sky scavenger hunt. Learn how to tell time with the Big Dipper. Create a nature-made bird feeder to take home and make moon craters. Enter our Draw-an-Alien contest. With earthly and other-worldly activities, there will be a galaxy of fun for everyone! Please register

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COST: FREE!

spring stargazing

Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Rd, St. Charles, IL

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DATE: April 22, 2022 | 7pm

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DETAILS:  Spend a cool spring evening under the stars while sipping on fresh sangria by a blazing bonfire. Observe the constellations and keep an eye out for the Lyrids Meteor Shower. Enjoy a tour of the farmyard and meet the new animal residents. Tarot card readings available. Dress for the weather. Ages 21+ only.

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COST: $25 R / $38 NR

swing into summer barn dance

Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Rd, St. Charles, IL​

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DATE: May 21, 2022 | 6 - 10pm

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DETAILS:  Experience a traditional 1930s barn dance, complete with swinging music and dance lessons. Not a dancer? You’re still invited to stroll through a barnyard lit by twinkling lights, appreciate the aroma of fresh cut flowers, greet the new farm animal babies, take a wagon ride around the property and participate in the pie baking or costume contests. Visit primrosefarm.org for more information and contest rules. Refreshments available for purchase.

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COST: $17 Advance Purchase, $20 General Admission at the door, 2 and under FREE

Fox River Frenzy

Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave, St. Charles, IL

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DATE: May 7, 2022 | 11am - 2pm

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DETAILS: Spring across an inflatable obstacle course by diving through logs, navigating a tunnel and scrambling up a wall to race down the big slide. The course will be closed from 12-1pm for Dash4Cash. Take aim! Test your axe throwing techniques with this target challenge game. Compliments of The Forge. For ages 10+ only. Complete a park adventure puzzle for a chance to win a door prize. Watch or partake in the St. Charles Canoe Club’s “Current Buster” Boat Race. More details:stcharlescanoeclub.com It’s opening day of River View Miniature Golf Course. Enjoy discounts on minigolf & refreshments! Visit with local adventure vendors. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Activities available on a first come first serve basis.

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COST: FREE!

earth day at peck farm

Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Rd, Geneva, IL

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DATE: April 23, 2022 | 11am - 2pm

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DETAILS: Save the date! More information to be released. Expect activities for kids of all ages!

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COST: FREE, registration required.

SCREEN FREE WEEK

Various Locations in Geneva

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DATES: May 2 - 8, 2022

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DETAILS: Challenge yourself and your family to UNPLUG! Then, have a blast exploring other activities! Register by clicking the "EXPLOR EMORE" button below for Family Night, Scavenger Hunts in the Park, and Family Mini Golf Night

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COST: FREE

Butterfly release party

Peck Farm Park | 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva

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DATES: May 20, 2022. | 3pm - 6pm

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DETAILS: It’s butterfly time again at Peck Farm Park – and you can help! The first butterflies arrive in May and they need your help to start the season in their new home. Participants will be able to release a butterfly in the butterfly house, make a butterfly craft, and take a self-guided butterfly hike. Space is limited so sign up early to reserve your place at the party.

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COST: $10 per resident, $15 per non-resident

welcome spring hike

41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn, IL

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DATES: March 20, 2022 | 10am

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DETAILS: The spring equinox brings with it the promise of more sunlight, warmer temperatures and a sense of renewal. During this program, we'll discuss the reasons behind the seasonal change, share stories about spring cultural traditions and explore wildlife habits during an invigorating and informative naturalist-led hike. Registration required.

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COST: FREE!

outdoor market

Prestige Creative Markets, 475 W Army Trail Rd., Bartlett, IL

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DATES: April 9, May 14, June 11 - 9am - 4pm | April 10, May 15, June 14 - 9am - 3pm

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DETAILS: Shop handmade jewelry, boutique clothing, furniture, antiques, unique gifts, local food products, and MORE from over 90 on-site small shops and market guests.

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COST: FREE!

maple sugaring

Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago, IL

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DATES: Saturdays and Sundays in March: 1pm - 4pm

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DETAILS: Enjoy a day in nature with the family! Discover how sap becomes syrup as you try tapping with tools from the 1890s, check the collection buckets, and watch sap thicken over the fire. All ages; under 18 with an adult. Free. No registration. Questions? Call 630-876-5900.

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COST: FREE!

Festival of Color

Eola Community Center, 555 S Eola Rd, Aurora, IL

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DATES: April 2, 2022 | 10am - 11:30am

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DETAILS: Join in celebrating the passing of seasons! As we welcome the arrival of spring with dance, music, crafts, and COLOR! Fun for all ages.

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COST: $20

aurora food truck festival

Eola Community Center, 555 S Eola Rd, Aurora, IL

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DATES: May 6, 2022 | 5pm - 9pm

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DETAILS: Aurora Downtown’s Food Truck Festival will return to Benton Street from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 6. Food trucks will line the street during First Fridays! More information to be released.

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COST: FREE to attend!

taste of spring

Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward Street, Sycamore, IL

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DATES: April 13, 2022 | 4pm - 8pm

DETAILS: Enjoy an evening of wine and food pairings in Downtown Sycamore. We look forward to hosting you during this very special evening! There’s nothing like great food, fine wine and lots of friends to kick off your Spring!

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COST: $20 - $25

Sweets n' treats fair

Cantigny Park, 1 S 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL

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DATES: April 30, 2022 | 10am - 4pm

DETAILS: Cantigny Park will never be sweeter as we host this first-ever fair focused solely on the sweet tooth! Independent vendors and locally-owned businesses will be onsite offering a wide range of candy, pastries, and other goodies. Stop by to treat yourself or pick up an early gift for Mother’s Day! Entry is free with paid parking.

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COST: Free with paid parking ($5)

naperville food truck festival

Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St, Naperville, IL

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DATES: May 7, 2022 | 11am - 7pm

DETAILS: Calling all Foodies! We're returning to the Naper Settlement - the heart of downtown Naperville, to bring you the 3rd Annual Naperville Food Truck Festival. Featuring 25+ of the area's best food trucks, live DJ entertainment, face painter, beer garden, bubble artist and a vendor village featuring local businesses. This years #NFTF Spring event falls on Cinco de Mayo weekend! So to celebrate - we will be featuring a #Mexcian beer garden and we'll be bringing back our popular Food Truck Taco Showdown. Several trucks will be featuring tacos on their menu - who will have the best one - you decide! Just eat, and vote on our online FB page poll to help us pick a winner. This is a family friendly event with food & entertainment for kids plus everyone can enjoy the expansive historical grounds.

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COST: $10 to enter early at 11am, $5 1pm on, Kids 10 & under are FREE

montgomery street eats festivsl

Montgomery Park | 301 N. River Street, Montgomery, IL

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DATES: June 4, 2022 | 11am - 7pm

DETAILS: Hey Foodies! We're returning to Montgomery Park in downtown Montgomery, IL to bring you the 2nd Annual Montgomery Street Eats Festival. Featuring 10+ of the regions best food trucks, live DJ Entertainment, a beer garden and a Vendor Village (featuring local businesses) - it's a fun day for the whole family. Please reserve a free ticket for safety and planning purposes.

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COST: FREE to attend!

tulip fest

Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove, IL

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DATES: Mid April - Mid May - weather dependent

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DETAILS: Join us for the Richardson Tulip Festival in Spring Grove. 300,000 bulbs - 30 different varieties, 30,000 are in colorful blocks with a central design for pictures, 70,000 are mixed colors in a pick-your-own area, beautiful, private lakefront location, food trucks, beer and wine, and free use of picnic tables near the lakefront, free games to play – giant checkers, jenga, cornhole, live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons! See website for updates.

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COST: AGES 4+: $12 Monday through Friday + 1 Free Tulip/ person | $15 Saturday and Sunday + 1 Free Tulip/ person | Ages 3 and under are free