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Archive for the ‘Entertainment’ Category

Art in Nature Festival at Crabtree Nature Center next Sunday

Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, Education, Entertainment, FPDCC on August 23, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Join us at Crabtree Nature Center for our largest annual Art in Nature Festival on August 30th from 11am to 3pm!

  • African Drumming Workshop at 11:30am
  • Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance will be performing at 1pm.
  • Create your own masterpiece using clay, watercolors, collage and more!

Learn about resources from our partners the Barrington Area Library , Trickster Cultural Center, University of Illinois-Extension Master Naturalists and Gardeners, and many others.

Art and honey for sale. Julio’s Tacos and Kona Ice will be available for purchase. This event is FREE!

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Geneva’s annual Concours d’Elegance returns Aug. 23 with 200 vintage cars

Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers, Press Release on August 20, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By City of Geneva

Travel down historic Geneva’s Third Street lined with vintage, specialty, and exotic automobiles during the annual Concours d’Elegance from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, in downtown Geneva. Participants from all over the country will gather, with some being awarded the coveted Benz Trophy.

The event will offer the chance to see more than 200 award-winning and rare cars. This year’s feature vehicles include the Phaeton body style, Whizzer motorbikes, and Audi marques.

Several dining establishments will be offering al fresco options along the shaded streets.

The beneficiary of this year’s event is Northwestern Medicine LivingWell Cancer Resources. Learn more at the Geneva Concours d’Elegance website, genevaconcours.net.

Article continues here.

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Amazon set to expand drone delivery of lightweight packages to 500 US cities

Posted in Associated Press, Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on August 20, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By  JOSH FUNK | Associated Press

Millions more people may be able to get smaller, lightweight Amazon packages delivered by drones by the end of the year under a plan the company announced Wednesday to expand the airborne shipping to suburban areas in nearly 500 U.S. cities.

Customers could receive the drone deliveries in as fast as 30 minutes, Amazon said in a news release. The drones can carry packages up to 5 pounds.

The plan will intensify the battle between Amazon and Walmart to provide consumers with the fastest delivery times. Both giants rely on a mix of drones and drivers to deliver everything consumers have ordered.

The goal is not necessarily about cutting costs by replacing drivers and trucks — and drones that can only carry one package at a time would have a hard time doing that. But instead, these companies are using drones as one tool to help keep customers happy with quicker deliveries, banking on a faster delivery system attracting more shoppers.

Amazon’s plan would expand its drone delivery operation more than sixfold nationwide into hundreds of new communities, including the Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland and Boise metro areas. The drones will primarily fly in the suburbs well away from skyscrapers and major airports that could cause problems. Each drone site serves multiple cities in a metro area, and Amazon would not say exactly how many new sites it is planning to begin flying from.

Report continues here.

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Palatine Street Fest Food Truck Series Today

Posted in Entertainment on August 16, 2026| Leave a Comment »

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

36 W Wilson Street (next to Tap House)

Live Music:

  • Kevin Spica| 11:00 AM
  • Sofa Kings | 2:00 PM
  • Who Knew Entertainment | 5:00 PM

Food trucks, Adult beverages, Family-friendly fun

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Things to do Aug. 14-20: Little Bear Ribfest, Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days and more

Posted in Education, Entertainment on August 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Aug. 14

69th annual Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Aug. 14-16, at the Taylor Marshall Farm, 27707 Lukens Road, off Plank Road, Sycamore. Hosted by the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club. All of the engines whistle at noon. Parade at 1:30 p.m. daily. See steam engines, gas engines, antique car display, World War II display, lawn and garden tractor display, windmills, and demos on threshing/baling, corn shelling and flour mills. Also, fresh produce, flea market, FFA zoo, live music and Fay’s BBQ. $10, free for kids younger than 12. sycamoresteamshow.com.

48th Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition: Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Sponsored by the Midwest Bonsai Society, one of the largest regional shows in the nation featuring over 80 world-class trees from across the Midwest and beyond. Thirty vendors selling trees, tools, pots, stands, scrolls, soil/fertilizers, etc. Workshops, demonstrations, bonsai tour, tree raffle and society gear available. Included in general admission. midwestbonsai.org.

Cary Children’s Entertainment: Noon Friday, Aug. 14, at Lions Park Rotary Bandshell, 1200 Silver Lake Road, Cary. Wendy and DB will perform. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free. carypark.com

The International Gem & Jewelry Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg. Vendors of gems, jewelry, jewelry making equipment, precious metals, imports and more. Children under 9 not permitted. $6 online, $8 at the door. intergem.com

Lake Zurich Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Henry J. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Fresh produce, baked goods, sauces, spices, honey, cheese, eggs, meats and more. With live music, pop-up events, kids’ activities and more. Free. lakezurich.org/366/Farmers-Market.

Kurt Russell is one of the scheduled celebrity guests at Fan Expo Chicago, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 14-16, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. (Scott A Garfitt/AP)

Fan Expo Chicago: 4-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Comic and pop culture convention featuring celebrity guests, cosplay, comics, gaming, anime, events, vendors and more. Scheduled guests include Kurt Russell, Mel Gibson, Jared Padalecki, Elijah Wood, Karl Urban, Mr. T, John Carpenter, Miranda Otto and more. Tickets start at $41 per day, $89 for three days. fanexpohq.com/fanexpochicago

West Dundee French Market: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at The Pump House, 98 Oregon Ave., West Dundee. Fresh produce, honey, greens, soaps, breads, cheeses, flowers, artwork, wearables and more. wdundee.org.

The Little Bear Ribfest in Vernon Hills offers ribs and live music Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14-15, in the Century Park Arboretum. (John Starks/Daily Herald)

Little Bear Ribfest: 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14-15, in the Century Park Arboretum, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Local rib vendors, beer, wine and bourbon-tasting. Music lineup: Friday: Kickin’ It with Carol Line Dancing at 5 p.m., McKenzie O’Brien Band at 7 p.m. and Vegas McGraw at 9 p.m.; Saturday: A Patch of Blues at 5 p.m.; Stefan Hillesheim at 7 p.m.; and The Grady Experience at 9 p.m. $6, free for kids 5 and younger; $75 VIP experience includes all-you-can-eat rib buffet from 6-9 p.m. Saturday (must be purchased in advance). vhparkdistrict.org/little-bear-ribfest.

FRIDAYS ROCK! & Roll in Meadows: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, in Kimball Hill Park, 3286 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Performances include No Limit Sound at 6 p.m. and Motown Nation at 8 p.m. Free. cityrm.org

Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 14-16, on State Street in downtown Hampshire. (Paul Valade/Daily Herald)

Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days: 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 14; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 15; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, on State Street in downtown Hampshire. Nightly entertainment, carnival, beer garden, food vendors, craft show and more. Touch-A-Truck from 1-3 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, parade at noon along State Street, free corn roast starting at 1 p.m. and ice cream-eating contest at 3 p.m. Kids’ activities throughout the weekend. Music lineup: Friday: Hillbilly Rockstarz at 6:30 p.m. and Semple at 9:30 p.m.; Saturday: Trending Time at 1:30 p.m., Back Country Roads at 5:30 p.m. and Modern Day Romeos after the 9:15 p.m. fireworks; and Sunday: Whiskey Romance Band at 1:30 p.m. Free. hcccd.com.

Carpentersville Movies in the Park: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. A rotating lineup of local food vendors and a movie starting at dusk. Free popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy from the Carpentersville Clergy Commission. Free. cville.org. cville.org/calendar.aspx.

Saturday, Aug. 15

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. Free. eastdundee.net

Shakespeare on the Grass: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the downtown gazebo, 201-261 S. Walnut St., Itasca. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions in partnership with the village of Itasca presents Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Food trucks on site. Free with registration: overshadowed.org.

Printer’s Row Art Fest: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16, at Necessary & Sufficient Coffee — Printers Row, 728 S. Dearborn St., Chicago. 95 juried artists from across the country. Free. amdurproductions.com/printers-row-art-fest-new.

Wine and Art Walk: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16, along Meadow Lake Trail at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Juried art show features photography, woodturning, jewelry, painting, ceramics, fused glass, fiber arts, and more artworks created by about 70 artists in the Midwest and beyond. Included with Arboretum general admission. mortonarb.org.

BACC Family Fest: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, in Citizens Park, 511 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington. Kids’ activities, giveaways, magic show, music, food, entertainment and more. Free. barringtonchamber.com.

“I Saw It at Lords Park Zoo — Animals From the Zoo’s Early Years”: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Lords Park Zoo, 325 Hiawatha Drive, Elgin. Lords Park Zoo, opened in 1895, was once home to bears, snakes and even a lion. Visit the modern Tefft Farm Zoo and make crafts to remember past zoo residents. Elgin Area Historical Society program for kids 3-8. elginil.gov

Morton Arboretum walking play: 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16, starting at Thornhill Shelter at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a 1.5-mile walk, with no intermission. Suitable for all ages, with some crass humor and romantic situations. $27 for 18 and older, $17 for kids 2-17. mortonarb.org

Celebrate the career of Olivia Newton-John with “Always Olivia” with Annie Aiello Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake. (Raue Center For The Arts)

Always Olivia: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Olivia Newton-John tribute starring Annie Aiello featuring opening act Jack Aiello. $31.50-$65. rauecenter.org

Summer Breeze Concert Series: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. 16 Candles will perform. Free. parkfun.com.

Sunday, Aug. 16

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Honey Fest: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. Honey tastings, historic demonstrations, interactive displays and bee-inspired crafts. Honey-themed treats, beeswax crafts and beverages for purchase. Free. parkfun.com.

Monarch Fair: 12:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Main Beach Pavilion, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Learn about monarchs, with butterfly and pollinator plants information, a monarch art show, science and art activities, and information from 16 exhibitors and more. A Community Band Showcase at 1 p.m. Free. hackmatacknwr.org

Elgin’s Shakespeare in the Park: 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Lords Park picnic shelter, 100 Oakwood Blvd., and 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Wing Park band shell, 1010 Wing St., Elgin. Goodly Creatures Theatre’s annual production features the comedy “As You Like It.” Bring chairs, blankets and snacks. Rain dates: 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Wing Park. Free. goodlycreatures.com.

Monday, Aug. 17

Plein Air St. Charles: Monday to Sunday, Aug. 17-23. St. Charles Arts Council’s weeklong event welcomes 55 artists from across the U.S. who will set up outside, all around town, to paint picturesque scenes of St. Charles. There also will be activities for the public to participate in, including a plein air demonstration, a “Quick Paint” competition, Mindful Creativity for area children, and a Writers Event. Free. stcharlesil.gov.

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Wauconda Cruise Nights: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Route 176 and West Mill Street, Wauconda. Cars on display and family-friendly activities. Free. waucondacruisenight.com.

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Arbor Evenings: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Live music on Frost Hill. Opens at 5:15 p.m. The Throwbacks will perform. Cocktails, wine, beer, water and other beverages, along with food truck options, will be available for purchase. $15 for 13 and older; $5 for kids 4-12, and free for kids 3 and younger. Tickets: mortonarb.org.

Car Fun on 21: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, on Church and Cook streets, Libertyville. Classic car show featuring cars, trucks and motorcycles 25 years and older, music and food. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Bensenville Music in the Park: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Village Hall Lawn, 12 S. Center St., Bensenville. The Boy Band Night will perform. Classic car cruise night begins at 6 p.m. weekly at Green and Center streets. Free. bensenville.il.us.

Thursday, Aug. 20

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at the BMO Lot, 210 W. Station St., Barrington. Local vendors, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out

Geneva Classic Car Show: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, around the historic Kane County Courthouse, off Fourth and James streets, Geneva. Music, food, and vote for your favorite make and model. To display your vehicle, arrive after 4:30 p.m. and find a spot in the lot behind the courthouse. Free. genevachamber.com/events/classic-car-show.

Thursday Nights Live: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Free concerts in the plaza with food and beverage options from local restaurants. Funk Tonic will perform. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. The Disco Circus will perform. Free. vah.com/explore/sounds_of_summer_concerts.php.

Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, Heartache Tonight will perform. Food and beverages for sale. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series

Ongoing

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

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day through Sept. 7 at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wisconsin. 16th-century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, characters and more. $48, $45 for 62 and older and military with ID, $23 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/bristol.

Find much more here.

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Barrington Family Fest aims to bring community together

Posted in Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Education, Entertainment on August 10, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce

The public is invited to enjoy a day of outdoor fun, giveaways, music, and more at the Barrington Area Family Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Citizens Park, 511 N. Lake Zurich Road in Barrington. Admission and parking are free. The community event is hosted by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Family Fest brings the community together in a fun and meaningful way,” said BACC president and CEO Suzanne Corr. “It’s the perfect way for residents to explore the variety of resources, businesses and organizations that make Barrington a great place to live.”

More than 50 vendor booths will showcase local businesses and community organizations, offering attendees the chance to explore products, services and resources. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase, and attendees can enjoy kids’ activities, giveaways, music, and interactive experiences for all ages.

The event will feature a full lineup of activities, including SOUL Harbour Ranch Mini Horses from noon to 1 p.m., face painting from noon to 3:30 p.m., and a Skyward Fencing demonstration from 12:30-1 p.m. There will be a performance by the Barrington Children’s Choir from 1-1:30 p.m., followed by visits with SOUL Harbour Ranch therapy dogs from 1-2 p.m.

Entertainment continues with the Magic of Mike DiDomenico from 2-2:30 p.m., and the always popular pet parade and prizes from 2:30-3 p.m. There will be live DJ music throughout the event, keeping the energy high and the celebration going all afternoon.

For information, visit BarringtonChamber.com.

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National Night Out in Barrington tonight

Posted in Entertainment, Politics, Public Safety, Unions on August 6, 2026| Leave a Comment »

“Bring the whole family for an unforgettable evening at Barrington’s National Night Out Thursday, Aug. 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.! This free community celebration is packed with exciting activities, interactive demonstrations, raffles and giveaways, delicious food and opportunities to connect with Barrington’s finest, the officers who serve our community every day.

This year’s event is bigger than ever, made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment allows us to provide this evening free for residents. Please visit their booths during the event, thank them for their support and help us show our appreciation!

Event Sponsors:

From kids’ activities and interactive displays to RC car racing, bounce houses, safety demonstrations and delicious food, our sponsors have provided something for everyone. Whether you are meeting first responders, grabbing free roasted corn, taking a photo with Oliver, or simply enjoying a summer evening with neighbors, National Night Out is a celebration you will not want to miss.

Thank you to every sponsor, volunteer and community partner who helps make National Night Out one of Barrington’s favorite summer traditions. We cannot wait to see you there for an evening of fun, food, friendship and community spirit!

Parking Information:

Please plan ahead. Due to the event’s footprint, some roads and parking areas in downtown Barrington will be closed, including Cook and Station streets and the BMO parking lot. Free parking is available in the Barrington Metra Station lots after 5 p.m., along with on-street parking near the event. For additional parking options, visit the Village’s online parking map.”

Source: Village of Barrington

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Kiosk on Fox River in East Dundee rents kayaks by the hour, day or week

Posted in Chicago Tribune, County, Entertainment, Kane on August 4, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Tim Waldron finishes work on a final piece of the Bartels Park renovation in East Dundee —a self-service, app-automated kiosk for renting kayaks on the Fox River. Waldron is an operations manager for Rent.Fun, a Michigan-based business that runs similar setups across the U.S. | Mike Danahey/The Courier-News

By Mike Danahey | For the Elgin Courier-News

The final piece of the East Dundee renovation of Bartels Park on the Fox River — a self-service, app-automated kiosk for renting kayaks — is ready for use.

“We hope this increases intergenerational outdoor rec opportunities and brings fun to the community,” said Tim Waldron, an operations manager for Rent.Fun who installed the camera-monitored, solar-powered kiosk that holds six single-rider kayaks and two tandem models.

Kayak rentals cost $25 for two hours and $40 for four hours. People who become Rent.Fun members for $99 a year can rent kayaks at any location for $50 a day and $60 a week and can receive a discount for guest passes and other services, according to the company’s website.

The kayak rental kiosk from Rent.Fun is up and running on the Fox River at Bartels Park in East Dundee. Construction on the camera-monitored, solar-powered kiosk that holds six single-rider kayaks and two tandem models finished this week. | Mike Danahey/The Courier-News

“It’s like owning a kayak, but without needing a place of your own to keep it,” Waldron said.

East Dundee signed a $35,000 contract with the Michigan-based company for the amenity and will receive 30% of the kiosk’s annual rental revenue.

The kiosk stands in a shaded area adjacent to a handicapped-accessible, motorless watercraft launch that opened in September 2025. It is one of five launches Kane County funded with $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Earlier this year, East Dundee completed a redesign of the section of Water Street along Bartels Park, making it one-way heading north and installing nine parking spaces. The village also has moved street parking to the south side of Barrington Avenue near the park and banned parking on the north side.

Rent.Fun operations manager Tim Waldron shows one of the single-rider kayaks available to rent from a kiosk he built near Bartels Park on the Fox River in East Dundee. | Mike Danahey/The Courier-News

The new kayak kiosk is open from dawn to dusk. Before using it, a renter must be 18 or older, download the company’s app at www.rent.fun and complete online paperwork, which includes a payment method and a liability waiver.

Article continues here.

Related: “Explore the Fox River by kayak”

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Things to do July 31 to Aug. 6: Lake and McHenry County fairs, National Night Out and more

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment, Politics, Topics Of Interest on July 31, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, July 31

Lake County Fair: Noon to 11 p.m. Friday, July 31; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Rides, food, live music, motocross, monster trucks, demolition derby, bull riding and more. $15; $5 for kids 6-12, 65 and older, and military, veterans and dependents with ID, for one day; $55/$20 for a season pass; free for kids 5 and younger and active military in uniform. lcfair.com/2026.

Lake Zurich Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, July 31, at Henry J. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Fresh produce, baked goods, sauces, spices, honey, cheese, eggs, meats and more. With live music, pop-up events, kids’ activities and more. Free. lakezurich.org/366/Farmers-Market.

West Dundee French Market: 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 31, at The Pump House, 98 Oregon Ave., West Dundee. A mixed market offering fresh produce, honey, greens, soaps, breads, cheeses, flowers, artwork, wearables and more. wdundee.org.

Saturday, Aug. 1

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. Free. eastdundee.net

Celebrations Around the World Flower Show: Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at American Legion Post 911, 515 S. Main St., Wauconda. Floral designs and horticultural exhibits. Free. grayslakegardenclub.org.

Uncaged in the Zoo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Lords Park Zoo, off Grand Boulevard, Elgin. See live animals up close with Chi-town Exotics. Free. elginil.gov.

Shakespeare in the Square: 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, on the historic Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren, Woodstock. Woodstock Shakespeare Players perform “Bit O’ The Bard: Fair and Foul.” Free. woodstockil.gov

Yappy Hour at Bridges Beer Garden: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Bridges Beer Garden, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Meet dogs available for adoption from local shelters. Free. heparks.org

Taste of Roselle offers food from local vendors Friday though Sunday, July 31 through Aug. 2. (Sofía Oyarzún/Daily Herald)

Corn Fest and Craft Fair: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Community Church of Rolling Meadows, 2720 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Fresh local sweet corn, grilled sandwiches, watermelon and soft drinks. Craft fair, face painting, balloon artist and Kona Ice. Adults $15; seniors $13; kids 4-10 $5; and free for kids 3 and younger. ccrm.church.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, and 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks display set to music. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, Aug. 2

Buffalo Grove Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Mike Rylko Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Fresh local food, food-related services, local organizations and businesses. Free. vbg.org/FarmersMarket.

Antique Tool Show & Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Garfield Farm Museum, 2N930 Garfield Road, Campton Hills. Joint show by Early American Industries Association and the Mid-West Tools Collectors Association. Over 30 different collectors will have their tools on display and for sale. $8 and $3 for kids 12 and younger. garfieldfarm.org.

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

Schaumburg’s Shakespeare in the Park: 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Meineke Park, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Goodly Creatures Theatre’s annual production features the comedy “As You Like It.” Bring chairs, blankets and snacks. Rain date: 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9. Free. goodlycreatures.com.

Tuesday, Aug. 4

McHenry County Fair: Noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 5-6; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-8; and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock. Nearly 100 acres of animals, food, music and entertainment. Single day $10/$5; $30 season pass. mchenrycountyfair.com/tickets.

Sounds of Summer Family Series: Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Little Miss Ann will perform. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer

Wauconda National Night Out: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, on Main Street, between Bangs Street and Route 176, Wauconda. The village of Wauconda Police Department and other community organizations host a family night out featuring emergency and utility vehicles, games, food, raffles, prizes, music and more. Free. wauconda-il.gov.

Crystal Lake Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Wild Daisy will perform, with line dance lessons at 6 p.m. before the concert. Food truck. Free. crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

Wednesday, Aug. 5

Riding Club members take note!

Wickstrom Lincoln Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Hillbilly Rockstarz will perform. Free. shopthearb.com.

Thursday, Aug. 6

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at the BMO Lot, 210 W. Station St., Barrington. Local vendors, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out

Long Grove Music in the Park: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, in Covered Bridge Park, 145 Old McHenry Road, Historic Downtown Long Grove. Saturday June Band will perform. Free. longgrove.org.

Algonquin Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Towne Park’s Jerry Kautz Pavilion, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Jesse’s Girl will perform. Food trucks at 6 p.m. Algonquin.org/summerconcerts.

Elgin’s Concerts in the Park: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Wing Park bandshell, 1010 Wing St., Elgin. Sgt. Sauerkraut’s Polka Band will perform. Food trucks. Free. elginil.gov or facebook.com/cityofelgin.

Find much more here.

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Bell House Books Celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting ceremony in Barrington

Posted in Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Education, Entertainment on July 18, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Submitted by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Bell House Books with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held recently in celebration of the bookstore’s opening. Located at 200 Applebee St., Suite 117, in the Barrington Ice House Mall, the new independent bookstore brings a thoughtfully curated and community-centered literary experience to the area.

Bell House Books is a woman-owned, independent bookstore dedicated to bringing the joy of reading to the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. The store offers books for readers of all ages and creates a welcoming environment for both lifelong book lovers and those just beginning their reading journey.

The grand opening marks an exciting addition to Barrington’s downtown, with Bell House Books designed to serve as more than a retail space. The bookstore aims to foster connection and creativity by providing a place where the community can gather, explore new stories and share a love of literature.

In addition to its curated selection, Bell House Books plans to host community-focused events and experiences, encouraging engagement through storytelling, conversation and discovery. The store’s mission emphasizes the power of books to bring people together and build meaningful connections.

Montana Bellagamba, a mother of two, recently returned to her hometown of Barrington with her husband, Thomas. She believes that community helps shape who we are, and opening Bell House Books is incredibly meaningful to them. What began as a pop-up bookshop has grown into a permanent space where readers can gather, explore and connect.

“We started Bell House Books because we knew that there was a need in this community,” Montana said. “We were both raised here and really wanted to make a special space for this community that really helped shape us.”

For more information about Bell House Books, including store hours and upcoming events, visit their website at bellhousebooks.com or stop by the store.

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