Entertainment

Festivals happening in St. Charles, Woodstock, Elburn, Aurora and many more communities around northern Illinois.

There will be a Taylor Swift bingo event, Holiday House Tours, holiday card making and more in Kendall County.

There will be several exciting library events, a Thanksgiving run and more in Kane County.

The Warehouse on Park in Genoa will host the festive event, featuring new cocktails each weekend, on three Saturdays during the holiday season.

The beloved film, now a musical, is a heartwarming family show that entertains all ages.

Captivating performances and puppetry charm audiences of all ages.

With Thanksgiving nearing, plenty of holiday events are starting all over McHenry County to get everyone in the spirit this winter. This list include celebrations, parades, walks and festivals.

The show will support the charitable projects of the foundation, formed to honor the memory of Downers Grove South High School freshman Evan Melau.

Guitar champion, harp guitarist and composer Muriel Anderson is the first woman to have won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship.

Light shows, the festively decorated McCormick House and Taylor Swift-themed nights highlight Christmas at Cantigny in Wheaton.

The family-friendly event runs from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.

At the Goodman, the 8-year-old impressed audiences last summer playing 4-year-old Tommy in the Broadway-bound “The Who’s Tommy” rock opera.

Here are a few things to do this weekend in DeKalb County, including a used book sale to support the DeKalb Public Library, and holiday shopping events in Genoa and Maple Park.

The smartly written book for this biographical show elevates “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” above the din of many jukebox musicals.

Here's a listing of the best live music venues in Kane, McHenry and DeKalb counties and the Illinois Valley, as voted on by Shaw Media audiences.

The Dec. 8 event takes place across four historic churches, each hosting a 20-minute musical performance.

This event transforms the traditional Santa meet and greet and Christmas light show into a "one-of-a-kind experience" that includes professional actors, photo opportunities, full-sized trolleys and trackless trains, audio-visual enhancements, parody songs and more.

St. Joseph’s Holiday Craft Fair and Market will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., on Saturday at, St. Joseph’s Park, 700 Theodore St., Joliet. Free parking and admission.

This pet- and family-friendly event is Sunday, Dec. 1.

Enjoy an art-filled night at the Frostmoor Faire and get competitive at Huntley’s game night this weekend in McHenry County.

Featured wine bars in Kane County bring delicious sips and savors.

Musical theater will be on the stage at IVCC and in Henry over the weekend, along with another event to kick off the holidays in Spring Valley.

Kane County will feature the second annual St. Charles Turkey Trot 5K, a dessert fundraiser and more.

There will be a dish-painting workshop, SIP and Paint Party, STEAM Drop-Off Event and more in Kendall County.

Local communities gearing up for Christmas walks later this month and into December.

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle will host its breathtaking holiday light exhibit "Illumination" from Saturday, Nov. 16 through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.

In another stunner for Paramount Theatre, the Midwest regional premiere proves to be an enchanting spectacle.

The Irving Berlin musical is a nostalgic treat performed by a superlative cast and ensemble.

Located in the heart of Downers Grove, Osteria by Capri pays homage to Chef Joey Capri’s birthplace of Calabria, Italy with bold, Southern Italian flavors and handcrafted cocktails.

Features at this Joliet event include holiday drink tasting, heavy hor d’oeuvres, cash bar, live entertainment, raffles, networking and gift card tree

Graham’s Chocolate Ale is a rich, chocolate-forward ale featuring flavors expertly balanced to bring out the quality of Graham’s chocolates.

Long Grove's Buffalo Creek Brewing to host special events, release seasonal beers to celebrate the holiday season.

Get in the holiday spirit this season with winter parades and festivals this season in McHenry County.

Run a 5k at the Celebration of Lights, take in a Stephen King classic on the stage or see a USO-style show this weekend in the Illinois Valley.

Start making your holiday season plans. The Rialto's "Home for the Holidays" lineup includes family-friendly holiday shows and films, concerts, social gatherings and a variety of special events.

Jarrett Payton, the son of Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton, and his family will be Grand Marshals for the St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Music, food and cocktails will spice a show featuring 130 exhibitors’ vintage and handcrafted goods.

Proceeds from the Helping Hands Holiday Dinner and Concert in Joliet will be used to purchase winter coats and items for children in need.

Check out these top-rated bars and restaurants for the best martini in Kane, McHenry and DeKalb counties and the Illinois Valley area.

Kane County will feature a Pumpkin Smash, animal expo and much more.

There will be a festive painting event, Veterans Day tribute and much more coming up in Kendall County.

In a 50th anniversary concert, Internationally known artist Walt Strony will perform on the 100-year-old organ at Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10.

Love Lights the Way to Hometown Holidays is Nov. 21-23 in Rock Falls; Organ concert is Nov. 24 at St. Paul Lutheran in Dixon.

Montreal artist Genevieve Racette, Nashville-based artist Katie Pederson and Indiana-based performer Abbie Thomas – all spotlighting new album releases – will perform at 7 p. m. Nov. 7 at the University of St. Francis, Moser Performing Arts Center, 500 Wilcox St. Joliet.

Stores around downtown Batavia will be open from 5-8 p.m. to give shoppers a sneak peek of what they will have for the holiday season.

The State Ballet Theatre Ukraine presents “The Sleeping Beauty” Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the Rialto Square Theatre in downtown Joliet.

A lesser-known play by Shakespeare is in the excellent hands of England’s Royal Shakespeare Company, which presents "Pericles" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater through Dec. 7.

Smash pumpkins in Cary and shop local vendors in Algonquin this weekend in McHenry County.

Artist couple Fez and Heather BeGaetz are creating a larger-than-life white-tailed deer, dragonfly, sandhill crane, fox squirrel and brittle button snail for their arboretum exhibition, “Vivid Creatures: An encounter with colorful forest friends,” opening in May.

Local artists joined the Joliet City Center Partnership and city officials at the brief ceremony Wednesday to call attention to the Downtown Music Box Project.