Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for September, 2025

Chicago speed cameras hit 3-year ticket high in July

Posted in Illinois Policy Institute, Overhead, Politics, Traffic, Unions on September 30, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Monthly Chicago speed camera violations climbed to their highest level in more than three years during July 2025 following Mayor Brandon Johnson’s introduction of 22 new cameras. More cameras in new locations gave Johnson more cash. | AP Photo/Stacy Thacker,File

By Patrick Andriesen and Jon Josko | Illinois Policy Institute

Chicago’s speed cameras issued more violations to drivers during the month of July 2025 than any month during the past three years, sending an average 8,457 tickets to motorists each day.

Analysis shows Chicago’s speed cameras issued 2,210,254 violations to drivers between August 2024 and July 2025, including more than 250,000 tickets during July. That’s more tickets than any month since May 2022.

Overall, tickets took a 1% drop from the previous 12 months through July. The rapid spike in new tickets started in June, when Mayor Brandon Johnson added 22 speed cameras. Some communities received far more tickets than others.

Neighborhoods on the city’s North Side have the most cameras at 50 and see the bulk of tickets, totaling 634,608 in the 12-month period. The Southwest Side saw the largest spike in speed camera tickets per camera, jumping 42%.

Drivers on the Southeast Side continued to get the most tickets from each of the 11 cameras. They averaged 19,521 tickets per camera through July, more than triple the tickets per camera issued in the Central District, which includes the Loop, and has nine cameras.

Read more here.

Read Full Post »

Special Zoning Board of Appeals meeting tonight

Posted in Aunt Blabby, ePacket agendas, Lighting Ordinance, Privacy, Public Hearing, Special Use Permits, Village Code, Zoning Board on September 30, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Village Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a special meeting this evening at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC MEETING

  • [Vote] Amendment to Existing Special Use Permit to Allow for the Construction of a Multi-Purpose Interior Prayer and Assembly Space – Filed by Al-Azhar Islamic Foundation – 160 Hawthorne Road

A copy of the agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.

Read Full Post »

Double diploma: Students will be able to get Harper College degree while in high school

Posted in 220, Barrington High School, Daily Herald, Education, Harper College, Property Taxes, School Districts on September 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Harper College in Palatine is teaming with three Northwest suburban school districts to launch a program next year that will allow students to earn an associated degree while still in high school. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

By Christopher Placek | Daily Herald

When they walk across the stage at graduation, some members of the Class of 2028 at three Northwest suburban school districts will receive not only their high school diplomas, but associate degrees too.

Harper College and the three districts — Northwest Suburban High School District 214, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and Barrington Area Unit District 220 — are launching the College Now dual degree program, which will have motivated high schoolers taking college-level coursework on the Palatine community college’s campus starting in the fall of 2026.

“Harper College is proud to stand with our high school partners in creating meaningful opportunities for students to accelerate their higher education journeys,” said Harper President Avis Proctor. “College Now underscores our shared vision of affordability, access and excellence in education.”

Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 Superintendent Judith Campbell, from left, Northwest Suburban High School District 214 Superintendent Scott Rowe, Barrington Area Unit District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman, and Harper College President Avis Proctor have inked a partnership that will allow select high school students to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and associate degree. | Courtesy of Harper College

Starting this week, the three high school districts will host information sessions for students and families to learn more, with initial applications from interested sophomores due Oct. 15. Should they meet the program’s qualifications for grades and attendance, they’ll be notified of acceptance within the week.

Initial classes would begin in the fall of 2026, with high school juniors spending mornings at Harper taking college courses such as Biology, Introduction to Psychology and Ethics, then returning to their high schools in the afternoon to take additional college-level classes like Composition and Algebra.

By senior year, students would take most all classes at Harper, but still be able to participate in extracurricular activities at their high schools.

Should they earn a C grade or better in all courses, students will receive an associate of arts degree from Harper.

Read more here.

Read Full Post »

Village Board of Trustees meet tonight

Posted in Appointments, Aunt Blabby, BCFPD, Big Red, Board of Health, Building Department, Clown Car, Dumb and Dumber, ePacket Agendas, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Finance Committee, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Jewel-Osco, Minutes, OMA, OP/Ed, Pension Funding, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Resident Spotlights, Roads & Bridges Committee, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Clerk, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village President, Village Treasurer, Yabba Dabba Doo, Zoning Board on September 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

A copy of their agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.

Related: “Barrington Board votes unanimously to approve the Claremont residential subdivision proposal” 

Editorial note: Darby Hills, “…formally submitted her letter of resignation from her position as Trustee for the Village of Barrington Hills, effective September 1, 2025.” Unfortunately, we cannot cite anything of any significance she contributed in her 3.5 years seated on the Board of Trustees and that is a pity.

Read Full Post »

Libertyville board votes to ban use of electric bicycles, scooters in all parks and in downtown

Posted in Public Safety, Topics Of Interest on September 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Police are educating the community about the use of electric bicycles and electric scooters after the village board banned the usage of the vehicles within parks and in the downtown area in Libertyville. | Provided Photos

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

The village board has passed an ordinance banning the use of all electric bicycles and electric scooters within the downtown area and in parks in Libertyville.

The Libertyville Village Board recently approved adopting Ordinance No. 25-O-48, which prohibits the use of electric bicycles and electric scooters in certain areas of the village.

The ordinance says that no one may operate low-speed electric bicycles or scooters, as defined by the Illinois Vehicle Code, within any village park or the C-1 Zoning District, also known as the downtown area.

The ordinance exempts village employees performing official duties and electric personal assistive mobility devices, such as those used for accessibility.

The Libertyville Police Department said Saturday they have fielded many questions and complaints regarding electric bicycles as they become increasingly popular, especially among youth.

Low-speed electric bicycles are defined as having fully operable pedals, an electric motor under 750 watts and a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, or up to 28 for Class 3 bikes.

In areas of the town where the electric bicycles are not banned, riders are permitted on roads where non-motorized bicycles are permitted, in bike lanes and on trails where bicycles are allowed.

Read more here.

Related: “Editorial: Teens on e-bikes are having accidents in the suburbs. We need real rules.”

Read Full Post »

Barrington Area Conservation Trust Oak-Toberfest is Saturday

Posted in BACT, Entertainment, Fundraisers, Organizations, Resident Spotlights on September 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“Neighbors & Friends –

We hope you can join BACT on Saturday, October 4th, 4:00 – 8:00, for the 2025 OAK🍁TOBERFEST! This amazing afternoon will be spent enjoying live music, Biergarten with craft beer tasting, fresh German pretzels & Bavarian inspired fare among BACT’s beautiful Oak Savanah at BACT’s Far Field Nature Preserve.

This is BACT’s largest outreach, raising funds to preserve and safeguard natural habitats in our own community. BACT works in partnership with private landowners, schools, and volunteers to safeguard native habitats, clean water, and preserve the scenic views of the Barrington area. Oak🍁Toberfest allows all of us the opportunity to enjoy one of BACT’s preserves, while enjoying the warmth of community, the delights of good food & beer, and the joyous sounds of Pat McKillen and Wrought Iron Soul.

We appreciate your forwarding this invitation to any who might be interested! Follow this link for more information and to get your tickets https://givebutter.com/qICQLl.”

Read Full Post »

Saint Anne Catholic School Earns National Blue Ribbon School Recognition

Posted in Education, Saint Anne Parish School on September 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥!

In early August, the U.S. Department of Education informed our Administration that Saint Anne had earned the prestigious academic honor of an 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥. Although it was subsequently announced that the Blue Ribbon program was discontinued, Saint Anne and the Archdiocese of Chicago proudly celebrate this recognition!

This is a testament to the academic excellence and commitment of our students, teachers, administration, and families!

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫, 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟔 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟔.”

Source

Read Full Post »

District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated)

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Conflict of interest, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Illinois Federation of Teachers, New Normal?, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Transparency, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on September 26, 2025| Leave a Comment »

In response to a recent Observer article, “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” we received the following from a reader regarding Superintendent Winkelman’s and the D220 Board’s response to his concerns over the D220 Educator’s social media post:

(Click on image to enlarge)

In fact, there are D220 policies that require its educators to:

“adhere to the high standards for Professional and Appropriate Conduct… at all times, regardless of the ever-changing Social Media and Personal Technology platforms available. This includes employees posting images or private information about themselves or others in a manner readily accessible to students and other employees that is inappropriate…” 5:125.

We think that’s a reasonable policy. D220 policies further hold that:

“The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct… that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include… threatening or causing physical harm…” 5:120.

What’s more intimidating to a parent or student that identifies as a Trump supporter to learn that one of the District’s educators is comfortable enough to publicly post her vitriol of the U.S. President, threatening the wish of physical harm to him? Seems to us that the Board policies referenced by Winkelman clearly allow for this D220 educator to be reprimanded, suspended or even terminated.

Why aren’t we, the taxpayers, parents and students of D220 entitled to know the outcome of the Board’s discussions on this matter, assuming there were any?

Related: “District 220’s Lack of Transparency”

Read Full Post »

“Party for the Preserves” at Crabtree Nature Center Saturday

Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, Entertainment, FPDCC on September 26, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“Get ready to PARTY! This Saturday, Sept 27th is Party for the Preserves. Crabtree has a slough of activities planned from 10:30-2:30. Join a guided prairie walk at 10:30 to see the tall grasses and fall flowers on the Phantom Prairie trail (2 miles). Enjoy family friendly activities, games, and crafts from 11 am – 2 pm.

At 1 pm, learn all about the owls and hawk living at Crabtree during our Meet our Ambassador Animals talk. Then help the preserves growth and thrive by collecting native seeds at 1:30 pm.”

3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills. 847-381-6592

Source

Read Full Post »

Things to do Sept. 26 to Oct. 2: Long Grove Apple Fest, Huntley Fall Fest, Oktoberfests and more

Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers, Topics Of Interest on September 25, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Apple doughnuts and apple treats will be plentiful Friday through Sunday, Sept. 26-28, during Long Grove’s Apple Fest. | Daily Herald file photo, 2017

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Sept. 26

Long Grove Apple Fest: Noon to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Apple delicacies, from apple wine to apple tempura. Plus, live music, family activities, a carnival and more. Music lineup: Friday: Rok Brigade (Def Leppard Tribute) from 6:30-8:20 p.m. and Hi Infidelity from 9-11 p.m.; Saturday: Rearview (Pearl Jam Tribute) from 5-6:30 p.m., Whatever, Nevermind (Nirvana Tribute) from 7-8:20 p.m. and 7th heaven from 9-11 p.m.; and Sunday: American English from 4-6 p.m. $7 per day, $15 for a three-day pass, and free for kids 12 and younger free. longgrove.org/festival/apple-fest.

Oktoberfest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, and 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Scarecrow display, touch-a-truck, inflatables, food, drinks and more. Beer Stein Holding Contest at 7 p.m. Saturday. Music lineup: Friday: Polkaholics at 5 p.m. and George Michael Reborn starring Robert Bartko at 8 p.m.; and Saturday: Ed Wagner’s Brass Band at 2 p.m., Jagged Little Pill, Alanis tribute, at 5 p.m. and Jump, The Van Halen Experience at 8 p.m. Free. eastdundee.net.

Elgin Fringe Festival: Through Sunday, Sept. 28, at various locations in downtown Elgin. 12th annual celebration of bold artistic experimentation showcasing artists’ work across a spectrum of forms and genres. Tickets range from free to $12. Festival entry button ($4) required for each performance, including free shows. Festival pass: $95. elginfringefestival.com.

Great American Coin and Collectibles Show: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Dealers, grading services and well-known names from across the numismatic world. $10. gacc.show.

Joffrey Ballet presents “Carmen”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. With choreography by Liam Scarlett. Tickets start at $46. joffrey.org

Bartlett Oktoberfest: 4-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, and 1-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Leiseberg Park, 325 E. Devon Ave., Bartlett. Live music, kids’ activities, exhibitor booths, beer, food for purchase and more. Family activities from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. Free. bartlettoktoberfest.com.

Huntley Fall Fest: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47, Huntley. Live entertainment, beer garden, food vendors, carnival midway, model-train display, scarecrow building/contest and fall activities. All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 7-11 a.m. Saturday ($10, free for kids 12 and younger with a paid adult); car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; craft/business show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; and a tractor show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Music lineup: Friday: Yankee Cowboy at 6:15 p.m. and 7th heaven at 9 p.m.; Saturday: Polly Says at 1:45 p.m., Two Beer Tommy at 3:45 p.m., Beyond the Blonde at 6:15 p.m., and LP Vinyl at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Knievel Daredevil Band at noon, Hillbilly Rockstarz at 2:15 p.m. and Disco Circus at 5 p.m. Fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Free. huntleyfallfest.com

A girl poses atop a giant carved pumpkin at Jack O’Lantern World in Lake Zurich. | Courtesy of All Community EventsJack O’Lantern World: Time slots start around 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, and are available Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1 at Paulus Park, 215 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. See and explore thousands of pumpkins arranged in displays and more, plus a pumpkin patch, 30-foot inflatables, food trucks, a beer garden, mini golf and more. Tickets range from $17.99-$27.99. Thejackolanternworld.com.

Artrageous: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Music, dance and live painting. $40; $20 for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org

Under the Stars: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. Take a paddle wheel riverboat cruise along the Fox river. Bring wine or beer. 21 and older. $24. Register in advance at stcriverboats.com.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Tailgate Swap: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Fox Valley Aero Club field, 3831 Karl Madsen Drive, St. Charles. Radio-controlled planes and accessories. Vendor fee is $10 per car. foxvalleyaero.com/events.

Des Plaines River Trail Bike Ride: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 27, at Campground Woods Forest Preserve at the junction of Algonquin and Campground roads, Des Plaines. Riders of all ages and experience levels can join the 8-mile ride that loops back to the starting point. Afterward, there’s a celebration and an option to take a short hike in the woods. Hosted by Bike and Walk Des Plaines. Free. bike-walk-dp.org

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, from Saturday, Sept. 27, through Nov. 2, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3 and animal shows at 1:30 p.m. $6; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Body Mind Spirit Celebration: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Live learning sessions and entertainment, vendors, readings and more. $15 for both days. bmse.net

The Johnny Appleseed Festival comes to downtown Crystal Lake Saturday, Sept. 27. | Courtesy of downtown Crystal Lake

Johnny Appleseed Festival: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in downtown Crystal Lake. Wagon rides, a pumpkin train, kids’ games, inflatables, inflatable axe-throwing and hoops for teens, a craft fair, pumpkin bowling, storytelling, live music, dancing, food trucks, apple cider doughnuts, a scarecrow on stilts and Johnny Appleseed. At Brink Street Market: Northwest Hwy Band from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Lee’s Martial Arts from 10-10:30 a.m.; Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance from 11-11:30 a.m.; and Engage Dance Academy from noon to 12:30 p.m. At other locations: Corner Boys Band from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Park’s gazebo; chalk artists at Brink and Williams, toward Main, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Birthday Cake Contest from noon to 2 p.m. in the Raue Center lobby; and The Great Ball Race at 3 p.m. at Brink and Williams, toward Main (ball sales end at 2 p.m.). Activity tickets: $1, wristband: $10. downtowncl.org/johnny-festival.

Pet Adoption Event: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. See hundreds of adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds from animal shelters from the Chicago area and neighboring states. Free entry. chicagolandhumane.org

Rosetoberfest: 5K run/walk at 10 a.m. and Oktoberfest festival from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Music by Paloma, traditional German dance performances by the Society of Danube Swabians Youth Group and the Chicago Donauschwaben Adult Dance Groups, stein-holding and arm-wrestling and food for purchase. Free. $32 for the 5K. rosemont.com/thepark.

Get an up-close look at a variety of automobiles during the Pedal For Paws car show Saturday, Sept. 27, during Huntley Fall Fest in Deicke Park. | John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

Huntley Fall Fest Pedal For Paws car show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47, Huntley. 16th annual fundraiser open to all vehicles 1989 or older, and 1990 and newer modern American muscle cars. Car clubs welcome. Car registration from 9-11 a.m. for $20 per vehicle. There will be 40 custom trophies; awards at 2 p.m. Food for sale from Boy Scout Troop 153. Benefits Animal Services & Assistance Program Inc. in Marengo. Free. huntleyfallfest.com.

Bull Valley Oktoberfest & Classic Car Show: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Stickney House Mansion, 1904 Cherry Valley Road, Bull Valley. Music from Forever Young from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and DJ Dave and kids’ activities. Craft beer from Kishwaukee Brewing and food from The Grilled Cheese Experiment and Sandie’s Dogs. $5; free for kids 12 and younger. (815) 459-4833 or thevillageofbullvalley.com.

Rakow Renaissance Family Faire: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Gail Borden Public Library Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin. Costume contest, entertainment, games, crafts and take a photo with royalty. Free. gailborden.info.

The 38th annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk in Elgin will feature actors portraying Elgin notables sharing their life stories Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27-28. | John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

38th annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk: 3 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Bluff City Cemetery, off Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin. The 70-minute tour showcases the grave sites of former residents portrayed by actors in period costumes. To honor the centennial celebration of U.S. Route 20, this year’s characters have a connection with roads, trails and local transportation developments. $20-$25. Register: elginhistory.org.

Yappy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Bridges Beer Garden, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Therapy dogs, mini horses, raffles and more. Benefits Soul Harbour. Free. heparks.org/event/yappy-hour

Knight of Champions Band Competition: 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Prospect High School, 801 W. Kensington Road, Mount Prospect. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. More than a dozen high school marching bands from across the Chicago area will compete, and there will be an exhibition performance by the Prospect Marching Knights at 8:30 p.m. $15. gofan.co/event/3936564?schoolId=IL15628_1.

Fan Halen: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Van Halen tribute. Tickets start at $63. rauecenter.org

Sunday, Sept. 28

Buffalo Grove Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in Mike Rylko Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Meat, cheese, bakery, coffee, knife sharpening and more from 42 vendors, with weekly entertainment, a kids’ craft tent, and Business of the Week vendors and nonprofits. vbg.org/165/Farmers-Market.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Fall Caboose Days: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, off Route 31, South Elgin. Ride with the conductor in the Big Red Caboose or with the engineer in the locomotive. $5-$8. foxtrolley.org/special-events.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra Trio: 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in the Gail Borden Public Library Meadows Community Rooms, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. ESO Concertmaster Isabella Lippi will be joined by two ESO colleagues on piano and cello in this chamber music performance to kick off the library’s 20th season of Sunday Afternoon Concerts. Free. Register: gailborden.info

Festival de Cultura, Comida y Vida takes place Sunday, Sept. 28, at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake. Courtesy of Justine Neslund

Festival de Cultura, Comida y Vida: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Nippersink Forest Preserve, 900 W. Belvidere Road, Round Lake. Family-friendly festival honoring Hispanic heritage with music and dance performances, cultural showcases, local food vendors, community partners sharing information on resources and support and more. Free. LCFPD.org.

Railroad Street Block Party: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Duke’s Alehouse parking lot, 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake. Local bands, food, family activities and games for kids. Free. facebook.com/dukesalehouse.

Elmhurst Symphony’s “An Opera Afternoon”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. Season opener with vocalist Jim Cornelison and music by Wagner, Puccini, Rossini, Lehar, Bernstein and Bizet. Pre-concert talk at 1:45 p.m. $35-$45; $32-$42 for seniors; $12 for students with ID. elmhurstsymphony.org

Tuesday, Sept. 30

Trailer Fest: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Cinergy Cinemas, 401 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Get first looks at the October through January slate of movies along with fast-paced trivia with prizes. $3, includes a small popcorn and a raffle ticket, with an optional sampler tasting for $8.99. cinergy.com.

Hix Bros Ukelele Band Fall Concert: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, in the Gail Borden Public Library Meadows Community Rooms, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Free. Register: gailborden.info

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Cosley Zoo’s Pumpkin Fest features a variety of fall activities Oct. 1-31. | Courtesy of Cosley Zoo

Pumpkin Fest: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Oct. 1-31 at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. See the zoo’s animals and thousands of pumpkins lining the zoo’s lawn. Kids’ rides for a fee. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, cider, cornstalks, straw bales and fall merchandise for purchase. Proceeds benefit Cosley Zoo. Admission: Free for Wheaton Park District residents and Cosley Zoo Members; nonresidents: $12 for 12-59, $10 for 60 and older, and free for kids 11 and younger. cosleyzoo.org.

Stargazing Parties: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Peck Farm Park Orientation Barn, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Fox Valley Astronomical Society hosts a short discussion, then heads outside to discover the stars, sky and planets through their giant telescope. If there’s heavy cloud cover, stargazing will be canceled, but the lecture will be held. Dress for the weather. No registration required. Free. genevaparks.org.

Thursday, Oct. 2

Metal Threat Fest 2025: Noon to 11:45 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 2-5, at 850 N. State St., Elgin. An underground death and black metal festival for 21 and older. $108.45 for a one-day pass, $320.62 for a three-day pass, and $426.70 for four days. metalthreatfest.com.

Vernon Hills Scarecrow Fest: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at Century Park Pavilion, 1400 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills. Build and decorate a scarecrow; bring clothes and accessories to use as decorations. Snack is included. $18 per group. Register at vhparkdistrict.org/event/scarecrow-fest.

Sensory Cocktail Experience: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, in Cantigny’s Upper Display Garden, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Led by Cantigny’s mixologist and executive chef, experiment with fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs and innovative flavor profiles to create signature drinks. The theme will be Scotch & Smoke. $100. Register: cantigny.org.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 30 at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on the weekends. $19 weekdays; $23 in advance online and $26 at the door on weekends; free for kids 2 and younger. Extra fees for animal rides ($8) and gem mining ($10-$25). goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

McHenry Stade’s Farm Market: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 at 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Free. stadesfarmandmarket.com.

Alex Ross — Heroes & Villains: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays, through Feb. 16, 2026, at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. A larger-than-life presentation of the work of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes. Museum admission $3-$10, exhibit tickets $5-$10, free for kids 3 and younger. LCFPD.org/planyourvisit.

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays, though Sunday, Oct. 26, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, shows, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: 5-11 p.m. Fridays starting Sept. 26; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays in October; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1; plus 6-11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 2, at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Tickets start at $45. sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Volo Paranormal Tours: Noon, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 2, at the Volo Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo. Tour brings to life stories of paranormal encounters at the Volo museum. $3 with museum admission. Reservations recommended. volofun.com.

Richardson Adventure Farm: 3-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28; open various hours through Oct. 26 at Richardson Adventure Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $24, $20 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $30/$24 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 5 at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton. Wheaton Drama production. $25. wheatondrama.org

Find more here.

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »