Enjoy wind and live music at Festival of the Vine Friday and Saturday in Geneva. | Brian Hill/Daily Herald
By Luke Zurawski |Daily Herald
Friday, Sept. 11
Sandwich Fair: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 12; and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at 15730 Pratt Road, Sandwich. Food, rides, livestock events, live entertainment and more. VFW 9/11 and POW Memorial Service is from 9-10:30 a.m. Friday. Truck pulls at 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and an antique auto show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and demolition derby at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Friday Night Concert with country rock singer/songwriter Brantley Gilbert at 8 p.m. with opening act Riplock ($45). On the Ag Land stage — Friday: WSPY Noon Show from noon to 1 p.m. and The Vodka Boys from 7-11 p.m.; Saturday: The Beaux from 1-4 p.m. and The Sociables from 7-11 p.m.; and Sunday: worship at 8:30 a.m. and Sami Krueger from 1-4 p.m. $10; $7 for kids 6-12; and free for kids 5 and younger. Multi-day pass: $10-$25. sandwichfair.com.
Festival of the Vine: Noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, on James Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, Geneva. Geneva restaurants create specialties under an outdoor tent at the “Flavor Fare,” partnered with wine and live music. Arts and crafts show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Third and Campbell streets. Merchant wine events, business booths, children’s activities and more. genevachamber.com/events/festival-of-the-vine.
The Glen Ellyn Park District and Charlie’s Corner Foundation invite the community to a Glow in the Park Lantern Walk Friday, Sept. 11, at Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn. | Glen Ellyn Park District
Glow in the Park Lantern Walk and 2K Glow Run/Walk: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. Benefits Charlie’s Corner Foundation. Music from Tres Moustache!, plus face painting and inflatables. At 7:20 p.m., attendees carry their glowing paper lanterns ($15, cash only) in a procession around the lake. Free. The 2K Glow Run/Walk will take place at Lake Ellyn Park starting at 7:45 p.m. Glow party with a DJ before and after the race. $30-$42. gepark.org.
Itasca’s Oktoberfest: 5-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and 3-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Washington Park, 350 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca. Live music, German food, contests and a kids’ corner. Free admission and parking. itasca.com
Alpine Thunder performs on the main stage at last year’s Platzkonzert Germanfest in Hoffman Estates. This year’s event takes place Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11-13. | Brian Hill/Daily Herald
Platzkonzert Germanfest: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Virginia Mary Hayter Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Authentic German music, food and beer. Beer Olympics Friday and Saturday; Drone Show at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Free. hoffmanestates.org
“The Lightning Thief”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 11-20, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Adapted from Rick Riordan’s first book in the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series and featuring an original rock score. Presented by Children’s Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company. ASL performance Sunday, Sept. 13. $16-$18. eccartscenter.org
Healing Field: Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11-13. Tribute of patriotism and remembrance, commemorating both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Sponsored by American Legion Post 57, the Healing Fields will be at four locations, each offering a display of American flags honoring the lives lost. Locations: Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 700 Oak Brook Road in Oak Brook, featuring 2,977 flags honoring those who died on 9/11, with a Remembrance Ceremony at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 with Bugles Across America and guest speakers; and a closing ceremony Sept. 13 featuring the reading of the names at 11 a.m., the arrival of the “Ride to Remember” motorcycle tribute and a large American flag displayed from an Oak Brook Fire Department ladder truck at 1:30 p.m., and remarks from 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Worker and Tunnel to Towers Ambassador Tim Mottl at 2 p.m. There will also be 403 flags honoring first responders of 9/11 at Panton Mill Park, 9 N. Water St. in South Elgin; Carpentersville Fire Station, 213 Spring St., Carpentersville; and Grafelman Park, Fourth and Main streets in West Dundee. Free. truepatriotscare.com/2026-healing-fields.
Saturday, Sept. 12
Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery items. eastdundee.net
La Fiesta de Elgin: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, in downtown Elgin and Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. Music, food, culture and community pride. The festivities kick off Saturday morning with a parade, followed by El Mercado from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Riverside Drive featuring local vendors, food and live entertainment. elginil.gov.
Vintage Computer Festival Midwest 21: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Collectors, hobbyists and those who enjoy tinkering with the computers of decades past. Free. vcfmw.org.
Art on the Fox: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, along Main Street, downtown Algonquin. 75 original artists, live music, Kid Zone for art projects, games, spin art, sand sculpture, live painting classes, food and drink. Free. artonthefox.com.
The DuPage Comic Con comes to the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton Saturday, Sept. 12. | Brian Hill/Daily Herald
DuPage Comic Con Fall Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 1, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. More than 150 comic book dealers; toy, collectible and trading card vendors; artists and guests. $10; free for kids younger than 12. mcconventions.com/dupage-comic-con.
Pet Event: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Bartlett Gazebo Park, 120 N. Eastern Ave., Bartlett. For pets and their humans. Features over 15 area rescue organizations, over 20 pet-related vendors and animal demos. Food and treats for purchase. Free. artsinbartlett.org/pet-event.
Printers Row Lit Fest: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, in Chicago’s Printers Row, on South Dearborn, from Ida B. Wells to Polk Street, Chicago. Booksellers and authors across six different indoor and outdoor stages. Free. printersrowlitfest.org.
Richardson Sunflower Fields: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays, plus 3-11 p.m. Fridays in September, and 3-9 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in October, Sept. 12 through Nov. 1, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $32/$26 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.
The Bubbler is Back: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Festival Field, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Glowby the Bubbler returns. Included in admission. chicagobotanic.org.
Illinois Brews: 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Bowes Creek Country Club, 1250 Bowes Creek Blvd., Elgin. 15th annual fundraiser featuring local craft beer, food and live music. Proceeds provide at-risk Elgin youth with access to recreational programs and services. VIP Sneak Peek admission at 3 p.m. Register: elginparksfoundation.org/ilbrewsatbowes.
Rock the Block: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, on Main Street in Lake Zurich. Annual block party with music, food and activities. Free. lakezurich.org.
Bourbon & Beer Fest: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at The Vine, 101 Center St., Grayslake. Live bands, food vendors, cigars, and over 20 breweries offering more than 40 beers and 100 types of whiskeys and more. VIP Entry at 6 p.m., general admission at 7 p.m. $60.29, $92.11 for VIP, $28.46 for designated drivers. beerfests.com
The French Connection — Food, Wine and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Concert paired with cuisine from chef Andrew Brennan of Viridian Personal Chef and Catering and a selection of French wines. Attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass. $81.88. Tickets: barringtonswhitehouse.com
Paula Poundstone: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Iconic comedian known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit. $$38.50-$75. Rauecenter.org.
Sunday, Sept. 13
Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds Buildings 1-3, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 300 tables of new and used model trains, accessories, parts and more for sale. $8 or free for kids 11 and younger. greenbergshows.com or dupagecountyfair.org.
Hoffman Estates Maker’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, in the parking lot of Vistex, off Barrington Road and Route 72. Features local vendors (home decor, jewelry, blankets, clothes and more). Rain or shine. facebook.com/thebloomingdalemakersmarket.
Scandinavian Day Festival: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin. Traditional food of five Nordic cultures, crafts, entertainment, vendor walkway, kids’ activities, free pony rides, and face painting. $15; free for kids 12 and younger. Free parking. scandinaviandayil.com.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, on the historic Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Hispanic Connections hosts the 10th annual event with live music, dance, and food and beverages for purchase. Free. woodstockilchamber.com.
Festival of Cultures: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Entertainment, activities and authentic ethnic cuisines. Free. palatineparks.org.
Summer Concerts at Phil’s Beach: 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Phil’s Beach, 328 N. Main St., Wauconda. Mid Atlantic will perform. Free. waucondaparks.com..
Monday, Sept. 14
Motor Monday Cruise Night: 5 p.m. to dusk Monday, Sept. 14, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Cars and trucks of various makes and models. In partnership with the Midwest Racing Preservation Association. Free. eastdundee.net.
Tuesday, Sept. 15
Wauconda Cruise Nights: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Route 176 and West Mill Street, Wauconda. Cars on display and family-friendly activities. Free. waucondacruisenight.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 16
Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms in Lincolnshire runs Wednesdays through Mondays, Sept. 16 through Oct. 31. | Gilbert R. Boucher II/Daily Herald
Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays, from Wednesday, Sept. 16, though Saturday, Oct. 31, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, pony and camel rides, Animal Land Zoo, corn maze, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com
Car Fun on 21: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, on Church and Cook streets, Libertyville. Classic car show featuring cars, trucks and motorcycles 25 years and older, music and food. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.
“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 17 through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return in this musical. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.
Thursday, Sept. 17
Musical Matinee featuring Andrew Blendermann: 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. All-request show. $8. cuttinghall.org.
Third Thursday Art Night Out — 40 years of Kaleidoscope: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Celebrate 40 years of local art at a special exhibition honoring Kaleidoscope school founder Jill Funk. Free. barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Burning Red will perform. Food and beverages for sale. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series
Ongoing
Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays; $24 in advance online and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.
Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 25 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See 35 life-sized dinosaurs and more. $20.95-$29.95 and free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events
“Jekyll & Hyde”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 8; plus 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 20 and 27 and Oct. 11; and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Wednesdays Oct. 14 through Nov. 4, at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this sweeping Gothic musical. Tickets start at $60.75. broadwayinchicago.com
“An Iliad’: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 20, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. Janus Theatre Company’s production of Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s modern retelling of Homer’s epic poem. $28. janusplays.com
“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.
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