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7 things to know about Illinois data centers

Posted in AI, Ethics, Hoffman Estates, Illinois Policy Institute, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Disconnection, Land Use, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Transparency on March 2, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The state’s data center boom is reshaping energy, water use and taxes. Here’s what residents should know about the costs, jobs and incentives involved.

By Brennan Park | Illinois Policy Institute

Data centers are expanding across Illinois amid the tech industry’s rising demand for cloud computing. Supporters say the facilities bring investment and jobs, while critics worry about rising energy costs, environmental effects and tax incentives.

Illinois lawmakers are considering passing more stringent regulations on the growth and operation of data centers, with bills recently introduced in the House and Senate. These bills would require “hyperscale” data centers to expand renewable energy and “strengthen equity, transparency, and labor standards in clean energy initiatives,” among other new rules.

Here’s what every Illinoisan should know about the data center boom and tradeoffs the state makes to be a part of it.

1: Illinois is already a major data center hub, with the growth accelerating

Illinois boasts the fourth-highest number of data centers in the country, at 244 sites. That’s because the state provides much of what data center developers need: energy, environment and space.

These facilities need large amounts of reliable, clean electricity. They also require a cool, stable climate and ready access to water to prevent overheating. Illinois’ weather, rivers and proximity to Lake Michigan provide those conditions.

Flat land and industrial sites also make it easier and cheaper to build large-scale facilities. Illinois has a lot of both.

Most of the current development is concentrated in Chicago and its suburbs, with new projects from companies such as STACK Infrastructure, Prime Data Centers and Prologis.

Aurora is home to Prologis Project Steel, with 24 completed data center buildings, and Project Cardinal, with 14. Southern and central Illinois are also proving attractive. CyrusOne is slated to host a 600-megawatt data center campus in Springfield, one of the largest proposed in the state.

Article continues here.

Related: “110 Acre AI data center campus pitched to Village Board”

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110 Acre AI data center campus pitched to Village Board

Posted in Audio Recordings, Aunt Blabby, BACOG, FPDCC, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Disconnection, Land Use, Plan Commission, Plum Farm development, Taxes, Village Board, Village Code, Village Government, Village President, Well Water Quality, Zoning Board on December 22, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Courtesy Brennan Investment Group website

Our Board of Trustees had an unannounced guest speak last Monday evening at their regular monthly meeting. The unofficial transcript of what was discussed goes something like this:

Cecola: So, we have, um, somebody be the name, a guest in the audience out there, who somebody approached the Village regarding, um, data center, and we invited him to come and speak for about five (5) minutes, so (unintelligible) here. Um, there’s nothing to be voted on, there’s nothing to (unintelligible) the Trustees know the Village know (unintelligible with multiple people speaking).

Speaker: This doesn’t amplify, (unintelligible). To start I just wanted to thank everybody for your time (unintelligible interruption), oh sure, Jack Brennan, with Brennan Investment Group, and I just wanted to start by thanking you because I know I was squeezed in last minute here, so I’ll keep it very brief. 

Uh Brennan, we’re owner and operator of commercial properties throughout the US. We’re headquartered in Rosemont, but we have about nineteen offices across the US, and um, the purpose of tonight’s very brief presentation is, just was hoping to get some feedback on a proposed development in Barrington Hills.

We have a hundred and ten (110) acres site under contract roughly at the corner of Penny Road and 68, uh, in Barrington Hills that’s adjacent to, you know, the Palumbo tucking depot and all of that, and, um, our company over the last five years has done a lot on the, uh, Artificial Intelligence data center side. We’ve developed a number of campuses for Microsoft and a hand full of kind of third-party data center end users, and are working on one in Rolling Meadows right now.

Uh, I was introduced to this site through a friend of mine and, long story short, just given it’s proximity to the high voltage lines owned by ComEd, it makes itself a perfect powered land, so I, and um, you know our proposal for this, for this property here would, um, you know, would nbe to develop a data center campus.

The benefits, um, of this proposed development is first very low impact. Typically, these are fully enclosed with abundant privacy landscaping and walls and all the features so that it’s not a nuisance from a viewing standpoint. They also to emit very little noise. There’s virtually any (no) employees. There’s no burden on any roads.

Um, and then from an economic incentive standpoint, um, typically a project of this size would cost about two billion to develop, so from a real estate property tax you’d be looking at between twenty and forty million annually in real estate tax.  And then on top of that there’s a utility tax for the, uh, for the electric which goes to the municipality, and a project of this size would generate over ten million annually, in, um, utility tax, so anywhere from thirty to fifty million in revenue for a project such as this.

So, you know, first off I know this is out of character, uh, just for Barrington Hills in terms of the history, but you know I did think it in was kind of compelling we’re working on a number of these throughout the US, and, um, just kind of wanted to open up for feedback, because if it’s a quick no, I understand. Um, but at the same time, you know, I do think that it, um, it could be a great outcome, so, and, and, very feasible. We have end users that would move in quickly here, so just kind of wanted to open it up to any specific questions or any feedback you may have.

The discussion which ensued lasted twenty minutes. The presentation and discussion begins at the 29:10 of the meeting recordings found here. First, last and most frequent comments were made by Trustee Laura “AB” Ekstrom (She should seriously consider allowing that perpetual sunburn on her tongue heal one of these days).

The proposal may be brought before the Village Plan Commission in 2026, and there are some considerations residents should be made aware of.

The 110-acre property appears to border Barrington Hills and East Dundee. It is unclear if our Village still has a current Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with East Dundee. Given the magnitude of this development, we doubt if anything like this would have been foreseen or would stand up in court if Brennan wished to de-annex.

Our Village has boasted lower taxes and levies for over a decade, however that has likely come to an end. The Village Treasurer suggested that for a number of reasons, the Village reserves will require some attention. Any potential litigation would likely be costly and maybe even cost prohibitive.

If you are surprised by this news, we were too. Hopefully in the new year our Village Board will take a more proactive role in keeping residents informed if this proposal moves forward.

Related: “Hoffman Estates could see third data center campus with sale of Plum Farms property”

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AI fuels higher ComEd bills

Posted in ComEd Four, Economy, Hoffman Estates, Plum Farm development, Politics, Sears, Topics Of Interest on July 24, 2025| 1 Comment »

ComEd customers are already reeling from a big jump in monthly electric bill prices. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file

Reporting by Brett Chase | Chicago Sun*Times

Buckle up: The multistate electric grid operator PJM Interconnection confirmed Tuesday that power demand continues to be high and that the price of electricity is likely going up next year.

Hot, hot, hot: Electric rates went up June 1. Most customers didn’t see the increases on their bills until this month. A ComEd customer who normally pays about $100 a month on average will see a spike of almost 11% on upcoming power bills.

AI caramba: Power demand across the country has skyrocketed, spurred by artificial intelligence operations and big data centers. Meanwhile, new sources of renewable energy including wind and solar have been slow to get connected to an electric grid that spans from Northern Illinois to the East Coast.

Read more here.

Related: “Hoffman Estates could see third data center campus with sale of Plum Farms property,” “How data centers became the newest growth industry in the suburbs,” ”Done deal: Texas data center firm closes on deal for Sears campus in Hoffman Estates”

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Redevelopment begins on west side of former AT&T headquarters in Hoffman Estates

Posted in 220, Daily Herald, Hoffman Estates, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes on June 25, 2025| Leave a Comment »

A groundbreaking ceremony took place Monday for the west side of Bell Works Chicagoland in Hoffman Estates. The project is a redevelopment of the former AT&T headquarters. | Courtesy of Bell Works

By Eric Peterson | Daily Herald

With the promise of doubling the opportunities it’s created so far, Bell Works Chicagoland has begun redeveloping the west side of the former AT&T headquarters in Hoffman Estates to complete its “metroburb” project.

The new phase was launched Monday just as the east side of the building approaches 95% of its leasing capacity.

The west side will include 430,000 square feet of traditional office space, about 35,000 square feet of furnished “Ready-to-Wear” suites, and 70,000 square feet of retail space expected to available for occupancy during the autumn of 2026.

A crucial component of the work will be removing an overpass in the middle of the building to create more natural light and improve the campus’ connectivity.

A rendering of the redevelopment of the west side of Bell Works Chicagoland in Hoffman Estates, outside of the former AT&T headquarters from which the “metroburb” has been forged. | Courtesy of Inspired by Somerset Development | npz studio+ | Wight & Co.

Other plans for the west side include a turf element on its East Square, a rooftop bar, a café with open seating and a central entrance lobby.

“This west side groundbreaking is a defining moment not just for Bell Works Chicagoland, but in proving how the metroburb model can reshape the suburban landscape,” Ralph Zucker, CEO and founder of Inspired by Somerset Development, said in a statement. “As the flight to quality accelerates, employees are gravitating towards walkable, amenity-rich destinations that allow them to seamlessly integrate both their work and personal lives.”

The project will feature architecture by Wight & Company and interiors by npz studio+ to mirror the east side’s aesthetic while also introducing new features.

Representatives of the village of Hoffman Estates and developers gathered Monday for the groundbreaking of the west side of Bell Works Chicagoland. The project is a redevelopment of the former AT&T headquarters.
| Courtesy of Bell Works

Read more here.

Related: “Construction begins on 164 high-end townhouses at Bell Works in (CUSD 220) Hoffman Estates,” “Krishnamoorthi secures $500,000 in grants for roads near Hoffman Estates’ Bell Works development,”  “Bell Works Chicagoland in Hoffman Estates ready to add homes,”  “164 high-end townhouses coming to Bell Works in Hoffman Estates,” “Remaking white elephant suburban headquarters: Is a ‘metroburb’ headed to Hoffman Estates?” “Developer filing plan for townhouses, apartments at Bell Works in Hoffman Estates”

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Editorial: Suburban speed cameras? Don’t replicate Chicago’s mistakes.

Posted in Chicago Tribune, Hoffman Estates, OP/Ed, Taxes on April 8, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

Want speed cameras proliferating on your suburban roads?

Chicago-style speed cameras could be coming to a suburb near you thanks to a bill that’s still alive ahead of the April 11 third-reading deadline in Springfield. Today, cameras are allowed only in municipalities with populations over 1 million — which, in Illinois, means Chicago. If this new bill advances, it would authorize home-rule municipalities with populations over 35,000 in counties with more than 3 million people to install speed cameras.

Translation: Speed cameras could be coming to suburban Cook County, the only place in the state with municipalities that fit these requirements.

Red-light cameras are already a reality of life in some parts of the suburbs. From south suburban Homewood to northwest suburban Rolling Meadows, more towns are raising money from these cameras, plaguing drivers just trying to get to work, run errands or shuttle kids to activities.

Des Plaines operates red-light cameras at the busy intersection of Golf and Rand roads that issued 7,885 tickets last year, totaling $320,000.

Other suburbs leverage red-light cameras, too, including Hoffman Estates, also in the northwest suburbs.

Read more here.

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Construction begins on 164 high-end townhouses at Bell Works in (CUSD 220) Hoffman Estates

Posted in 220, Daily Herald, Hoffman Estates, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on March 26, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Eric Peterson | Daily Herald

Officials recently broke ground on a project involving 164 townhouse units on the northeast side of Bell Works in Hoffman Estates, which will be known as The Towns at Bell Works Chicagoland.

The partnership among New Jersey-based Inspired by Somerset Development, home builder PulteGroup and the village of Hoffman Estates expects to see completion of the project during the third quarter of 2026.

The townhouses add the long-awaited residential component that fulfills the vision of the redeveloped former AT&T headquarters as a “metroburb” where people work, live, shop and enjoy entertainment.

Officials from Inspired by Somerset Development, PulteGroup and the village of Hoffman Estates take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for The Towns at Bell Works Chicagoland. | Courtesy of Inspired by Somerset Development

“Our vision for the metroburb model has always been to create more than just a vibrant hub for work, dining and retail. It’s about fostering a dynamic, all-encompassing community,” Inspired by Somerset founder and CEO Ralph Zucker said in a statement.“Implementing a townhome component was a natural next step in evolving that vision, providing a unique residential offering that perfectly complements our growing ecosystem at Bell Works Chicagoland.”

The townhouses have been designed with three-bedroom layouts with an option for a fourth, three floors of living space and two-car garages. They are expected to be priced in the mid-$400,000s, representatives told village officials last year.

Read more here.

Related: “Krishnamoorthi secures $500,000 in grants for roads near Hoffman Estates’ Bell Works development,”  “Bell Works Chicagoland in Hoffman Estates ready to add homes,”  “164 high-end townhouses coming to Bell Works in Hoffman Estates,” “Remaking white elephant suburban headquarters: Is a ‘metroburb’ headed to Hoffman Estates?” “Developer filing plan for townhouses, apartments at Bell Works in Hoffman Estates”

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District 220 Board of Education meets this evening

Posted in 220, Agendas, Aunt Blabby, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, His Master's Voice, Hoffman Estates, Immigration, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Look For The Union Label, Open Meetings Act, Organizations, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on March 4, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The District 220 Board of Education meets this evening at 6:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:

  • FOIA Reports
  • Revised Personnel Report
  • Consideration to Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Honorable Dismissal Due to Reduction in Force of Partial-Year Full-Time Educational Support Staff
  • Consideration to Approve BEA Memorandum of Understanding
  • First Reading of Board Policy

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live-streamed on the district YouTube channel.

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Hoffman Estates could see third data center campus with sale of Plum Farms property

Posted in 220, Audubon Society, BACOG, Cook, County, Daily Herald, FPDCC, Hoffman Estates, Illinois Tollway, Land Use, Plum Farm development, Politics, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Sears, South Barrington, Taxes, Traffic on February 22, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The new owner of the 185-acre property at the northwest corner of routes 59 and 72, just west of the Arboretum of South Barrington, wants to build a third data center campus in Hoffman Estates. | Courtesy Plum Farms

By Eric Peterson | Daily Herald

The recent sale of the 185-acre Plum Farms property at the northwest corner of Route 59 and Higgins Road could lead to a third data center campus in Hoffman Estates, Mayor Bill McLeod announced in his State of the Village address Wednesday.

The undeveloped site lies directly west of The Arboretum of South Barrington shopping center. Until recently, plans centered around residential development.

In his annual update before the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce at the Now Arena, McLeod said no formal plans have been submitted, but the village expressed its openness to the possibility of another data center campus.

Read more here.

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Things to do Feb. 14-20: Chicago Auto Show, Valentine’s Day events and more

Posted in Entertainment, Hoffman Estates, Topics Of Interest on February 14, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Feb. 14

Chicago Auto Show: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Sunday, Feb. 16, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago. See domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and experimental and concept cars, as well as automotive accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, project cars, antique and collector vehicles, and interactive exhibits. $17, $12 for ages 4-12 and 62 and older, and free for kids younger than 4. chicagoautoshow.com.

The Annual RV Camping & Van Show: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. See new 2025 models, campground-related booth displays and more. $14 for adults, $4 for kids for one day; $19/$7 multiday pass. chicagorvshow.com.

See bugs aplenty as Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO” takes over the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates this weekend. | Courtesy of Marie-Andrée Lemire

Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO”: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15; and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at the Now Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Cirque du Soleil performs a high-energy acrobatic look into a day in the life of insects. $55-$159. nowarena.com/events/cirque-du-soleil-ovo.

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”: 7 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 14 and 21, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March 2 at the Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Based on the award-winning children’s book by Mo Willems about a pigeon who wants to drive a bus. $45-$75. bignoise.org/pigeon.

Valentine’s Weekend shows: 7 and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15, at Broken Oar, 614 Rawson Bridge Road, Port Barrington. Performances by Van Wailin at 7 p.m. and My Metal Heart at 9 p.m. Friday and Petty Union at 7 p.m. and Heart 2 Heartbreaker at 9 p.m. Saturday in the heated barn. No cover. brokenoar.com/bands.

“Glengarry Glen Ross”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 14 through March 9, at The Barrington Theater, 540 W. Northwest Hwy., Barrington. Immersive production of David Mamet’s play about the ruthless world of real estate sales presented by Parker Players Theater Co. $30-$35.88. parkerplayerstheater.org.

Dionne Warwick: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at The Event Center at Rivers Casino Des Plaines, 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines. The legendary Grammy-winning artist will perform. Tickets start at $50. riverscasino.com.

Lucy’s Comedy: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Stand-up with headliner Maggie Hughes DePalo, and featuring Catherine Strauss and Tricia Babischkin. Hosted by Ted Willson. $25. Rauecenter.org.

Saturday, Feb. 15

Dinosaur Adventure: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Feb. 16-17, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Life-size, realistic dinosaurs that move and roar, kids’ activities and more. $27-$49 at clickntix.com.

Heartfelt Harmonies with Radius: 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. A five-piece powerhouse vocal band and winners of the 2023 National Harmony Sweepstakes. $30-$35, $20 students. metropolisarts.com.

Love and Laugh Comedy Show: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Comedy featuring My Cousin Tiera & Just Nesh, with live music. $30-$75. universe.com.

Greenroom Improv: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Clean improv comedy. $13-$20. Rauecenter.org.

Sunday, Feb. 16

Ordinary Elephant | Photo by Rodney Bursiel

Ordinary Elephant: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. The folk duo of Crystal and Pete Damore will perform. $35, free for students younger than 18 with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Those Were the Days Radio Players Live Variety Show: 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at the McHenry Public Library, 809 Front St., McHenry. Radio shows from the golden age of radio will be re-created using scripts and sound effects. Free. Register at mchenrylibrary.org.

Maureen Christine Trio: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at McHenry County College Luecht Auditorium, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake. Award-winning vocalist Maureen Christine and woodwind artist Michael Bazan will perform music From the 1980s and more. Free. mchenry.edu.

40th Annual Organ Fest: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Organists Michael Gagne, Marianne Kim, Christopher Urban and Gary Wendt perform an organ concert on the 52-rank Schantz Pipe Organ, the largest in the Northwest suburbs. Free. Make reservations at eventbrite.com.

Lake County Symphony Orchestra “Timeless Classics”: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Lake County Symphony Orchestra joins with the choral department at NIU and Cor Cantiamo, under the direction of Eric Johnson, for a concert featuring Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. $10-$30. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.

The Lake County Folk Club will host a performance by singer-songwriter Megon McDonough Sunday, Feb. 16, at the Grayslake Village Hall. | Courtesy of Megon McDonough

Megon McDonough: 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at the Grayslake Village Hall, 10 Seymour Ave., Grayslake. The Lake County Folk Club hosts the singer-songwriter. $15-$20. thelakecountyfolkclub.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 18

African Folktales: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines. Bright Star Theatre presents stories that celebrate the folk tale traditions of Africa. For kids in fifth grade and younger. Free. dppl.org.

Thursday, Feb. 20

58th annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival: Events start at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20; 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21; 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22; and 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, in the Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Includes a High School Invitational at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, performances by the WDR Big Band at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:15 p.m. Sunday, university performances at 11:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday and more. $12-$54, weekend pass $120. elmhurst.edu.

Thursday Night Laughs: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy with Alex Hudec, Ray Wisbrock, Paul Farahvar, headliner Erica Nicole Clark and host John McCombs. $20. prairiecenter.org.

“Disney’s Mary Poppins — A Staged Concert”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 20-21 and 28 and March 1 and 6-8, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. A musical adventure based on the Disney movie. $24-$45. metropolisarts.com.

Find much more here.

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Things to do Jan. 31 to Feb. 6: Groundhog Day events, Morton Arboretum Chocolate Weekend, Disney On Ice and more

Posted in Entertainment, Hoffman Estates on January 31, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The main event Sunday.

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Jan. 31

“Shrek The Musical”: 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, and 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Christian Youth Theater Chicago production of the musical based on the animated film. $19, $21 at the door; prices may vary. cytchicago.org.

Groundhog Day Movie Memorabilia Open House: 2-4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., Woodstock. The library archives will be open so visitors can view photographs and scripts from the filming of the movie “Groundhog Day” in 1992. Experts will be on hand to answer questions. Free. woodstockgroundhog.org.

Groundhog Day Dinner & Dance: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at the Woodstock Moose Lodge 1329, 406 Clay St., Woodstock. Dinner, dancing, raffles and silent auctions where several scenes from the movie “Groundhog Day” were filmed. $30. woodstockgroundhog.org.

“Groundhog Day the Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, and 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Theatre 121’s production of the musical based on the film “Groundhog Day.” $15-$33. theatre121.org.

Saturday, Feb. 1

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle will host Chocolate Weekend Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2. | Courtesy of The Morton Arboretum

Chocolate Weekend: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Celebrate the cacao tree while sampling and shopping for treats from chocolate vendors, with free presentations by chocolatiers and cacao experts. Register in advance. Free with Arboretum admission of $17.95 adults, $11.95 seniors 65 and older and kids 4-17, and free for kids 3 and younger. mortonarb.org.

Groundhog Tales with Jim May: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Home State Bank, 124 S. Johnson, Woodstock. Emmy-winning storyteller Jim May shares family-friendly tales celebrating groundhogs. Free. woodstockgroundhog.org.

The Travel & Adventure Show returns Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. | Courtesy of Chicago Travel & Adventure Show

Travel & Adventure Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Discover thousands of vacation options, meet experts, learn travel tips, and meet travel celebrities, including Peter Greenberg, Andrew McCarthy and Pauline Frommer and more. $18 for one day, $26 for both days, free for kids 16 and younger. travelshows.com.

“Groundhog Day” Walking Tour of Film Sites: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Join “Groundhog Day” location manager Bob Hudgins as he leads a walking tour of the main movie locations near the Woodstock Square. Free. woodstockgroundhog.org.

Polarpalooza Winter Festival: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb. Winter hayrides, craft activities, hot chocolate, roasting s’mores and, weather permitting, sled dog demonstrations and sledding. Free. dekalbparkdistrict.com/calendar/events/polarpalooza-winter-festival-2025.

Stephen Tobolowsky Meet & Greet: Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Read Between The Lynes, 111 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Meet actor Stephen Tobolowsky, who will also sign copies of his books, “My Adventures With God” and “The Dangerous Animals Club.” Free. readbetweenthelynes.com.

Groundhog Day Pub Crawl: Check in from 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Courthouse Center, 101 N. Johnson, Woodstock. The first 250 ticket holders will receive a groundhog souvenir and two drink tickets. $25. woodstockgroundhog.org.

“Don’t Stop Me Now: A Celebration of Rock Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. A celebration of the music from rock musicals including “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Jersey Boys,” “Rock of Ages,” “Movin’ Out,” “Hair,” “Rent” and more. $40-$45. metropolisarts.com.

Professional Championship Bull Riders World Tour Finale: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Now Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. See rising stars and established veteran riders compete. $22-$64. nowarena.com.

Sunday, Feb. 2

Groundhog Day Prognostication: 7 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at Woodstock Square, Dean and Van Buren streets, Woodstock. Stephen Tobolowski will be on hand along with The Musikmeisters Polka Band, Woodstock Willie and the groundhog that will make the prediction. Free. woodstockgroundhog.org.

Groundhog Day Wood Carving: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at Woodstock Square, Dean and Van Buren streets, Woodstock. Watch Casey Piwonski carve groundhogs out of wood on the Woodstock Square. Free. woodstockgroundhog.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 4

Knot Themed Pop-Up Art Exhibits: Noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 4-5, at Lots-a-knots Italian Bakery and Cafe, 105 N. Main St., Wauconda. Popup curated art exhibits. Free. lotsaknotsitalianbakery.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 5

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”: Times vary Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 5 through March 30, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. The beloved musical about Joseph, his father Jacob, 11 brothers and the coat of many colors. Tickets start at $68. marriotttheatre.com.

Thursday, Feb. 6

Invoke | Courtesy Marshall Tidrick

“Songs & Stories”: An Evening with Invoke: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. The genre-defying string quartet known for its blend of storytelling and music invites the audience to craft collective narratives then transforms those stories into original, improvised compositions. $50, free for students younger than 18 with a paid adult ticket. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Disney On Ice presents “Let’s Dance!”: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7; 11 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8; and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Featuring songs and stories from Disney’s animated favorites on ice. $18.75-$140. rosemont.com/allstate.

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