Events @ a Glance: Recreation & Destinations Calendar

Recreation opportunities abound in our region! Here are a few of the best our area has to offer.

Glimpse some of the work of Marvel illustrator Alex Ross at Dunn Museum, in Libertyville, now through Sept. 8.

May

Marvelocity
Through Sept. 8, Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. The art of Alex Ross, illustrator of Spider Man, Captain America, Iron Man, Storm, The Avengers, Black Panther and more. Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, (847) 968-3400, ldfpd.org.

Acorn Express Tram Ride
Through Oct., Tue. 1 p.m., Wed. & Fri. 11 a.m. Take the family on an adventure through the Arboretum; hike and make a craft. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Ill. Rt. 53, Lisle, (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

Woodstock Farmers Market
Through October, Tues. & Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fruits and vegetables, flowers, cheese, eggs, pet treats, bakery items, candles, olive oil, pottery and more. Woodstock Square, Woodstock, (815) 338-5164, woodstockfarmersmarket.org.

Geneva French Market
Through Nov. 11, Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Shoppers find fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, jewelry,
handbags and fine French linens. Fourth and South Streets, downtown Geneva, (630) 232-7494, geneva.il.us.

Chocolate Festival
May 17-19, Fri. noon-11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. to 6 p.m. From chocolate pudding pie pops to burgers with chocolate sauce, treats abound; children’s chocolate scavenger hunt, vendors and live entertainment. Downtown Historic Long Grove, (847) 634-0888, longgrove.org.

Civil War Days
May 18-19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 300 re-enactors camp on site; 2:30 p.m. battle each day; demonstrations of 19th century medical techniques; food; shopping; more. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.org.

Barn Dance
May 18, 6-10 p.m. Swing into summer with an evening of dancing and live music at a traditional 1930s-style barn dance, complete with lessons. Take a wagon ride and see the new farm animal babies. Reg. Req. Primrose Farm, St. Charles, (630) 513-6200, stcparks.org

Parents’ Night Out
May 18, 4:30-8:30 p.m. Take an evening off while your children enjoy games, crafts, active gym games, climbing wall, pizza and a movie. Reg. online. The Club at Prairie Stone, 5050 Sedge Blvd., Hoffman Estates, (847) 285-5400, heparks.org.

Craft Beer Crawl
May 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Take a hike and taste micro-brews from local breweries. Reg. online. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 678-4532, mccdistrict.org.

Fair Diddley
May 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 51st annual juried craft show featuring 350 crafters, art and food. Historic Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock, visitmchenrycounty.com.

House Walk
May 19, noon-5 p.m. Tour a variety of Arlington Heights homes, each with its own style and design. Party following at Cortland’s Garage. Reg. online. Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Freemont St., Arlington Heights, (847) 255-1225, ahmuseum.org.

Vintage Baseball
May 19 & June 2, 1-4 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of baseball as it was played more than 100 years ago when the DuPage Plowboys take on the Aurora Town Club. Cantigny, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

Nature Art with Legos
May 24-Sept. 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See larger-than-life displays created from nearly a half-million LEGO bricks, including an 8-foot dragonfly, a peacock, butterfly and pileated woodpecker. Created by New York artist Sean Kenney. Morton Arboretum, Lisle, (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

Elgin Valley Fox Trot
May 25, 7:30 a.m.-noon. Registration 6:30 a.m. Race through the streets of Elgin on a 10-mile/5K run/2-mile fun walk with cash prizes; CARA-endorsed. Proceeds benefit 25 local nonprofits. Race start: Intersection of Kimball & Douglas, Elgin. Info/register: (847) 531-7005, cityofelgin.org/foxtrot.

Prairie Arts Festival
May 25-26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 32nd annual festival includes 130 painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers and potters, entertainment, food truck court and children’s art activities. Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center Grounds, 101 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, villageofshaumbutg.com.

Paint the Pavement
May 25-26, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun to 5 p.m. A chalk art performance festival. Choose a square and create art with a box of 48 pastels. Reg. online. First Street Plaza, St. Charles, (630) 443-3963, downtownstcharles.org.

Tango in the Moonlight
May 25, 7 p.m. Enjoy a dance lesson with Jim and Barbara Finn, then try out your steps in the newly renovated Main Beach Pavilion. Reg. online. Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake, crystallakeparks.org.

Swing Dance
May 29, 7 p.m. Adults 18 and over enjoy a lesson and open dance. No partner necessary; all levels welcome. Starline Factory, 300 W. Front St., Harvard, (815) 347-8535, nancymerkling.com.

Thirsty Thursdays
May 30, June 27 & July 25, 6-9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, grab dinner and a craft beer, and relax to live music by Chicago-area bands. FeelGood starts the season with music from the ’60s to today. The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee, eastdundee.net.

Barrington Cruise Nights
May 30-July 18, Thu. 6 p.m. Weekly car themes. Features local food and ice cream vendors, entertainment, kids’ activities, raffles and prizes. All vehicles welcome. Parking lot at Cook and Station Streets, downtown Barrington, (847) 304-3400, barrington-il.gov.

Harvard Milk Days
May 31-June 2, events daily. This tribute to our farming heritage includes a 10K run, antique tractor show, carnival, milk-drinking contest, cow chip lotto, Milky Way parade, more. Downtown Harvard, (815) 943-4614, milkdays.com.

June

Glacial Park Team Challenges
June 1, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. During this non-competitive, recreational triathlon, you’ll pedal 14 miles, hike/run 5 miles and paddle 7 miles. Events for single and team kayaks and tandem canoes. Reg. online. Location: North Branch Conservation Area, 11355 Keystone Road, Richmond, (815) 338-6223. Reg/Info: McHenry County Conservation District, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org.

Lake Geneva Restaurant Week
June 1-9. Twenty-five restaurants offer special prix-fixe meals for lunch ($10) and dinner ($25/$35). Many indoor and outdoor activities held throughout the week. Diners choose a charity to receive $5,000. Tickets/Info: (800) 345-1020, visitlakegeneva.com.

Kane County Flea Market
June 1-2, July 6-7, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. One of the longest-running antique and collectible flea markets anywhere. Hundreds of dealers inside and outside. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfair.com.

Great Midwest Train Show
June 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Featuring operating model train displays, LEGO layouts, HO layouts for kids to operate. DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton, (630) 668-6636, dupagecountyfair.org.

Vintage Baseball
June 2, 1-4 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of baseball as it was played more than 100 years ago when the DuPage Plowboys take on the Aurora Town Club. Cantigny, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.
Pinn-Oak Ridge Farm Dinner
June 8, 6-9 p.m. Wine reception and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a five-course food and wine pairing dinner featuring lamb from the farm. Loyola University Chicago Retreat and Ecology Campus, 2710 S. Country Club Road, Woodstock, (815) 338-1032, visitmchenrycounty.com.

Randall Oaks 5K and Kids’ Fun Runs
June 9, 8-9:30 a.m. Follow a course throughout Randall Oaks Campus on paved, limestone and grassy paths that accommodate strollers. Reg. online. Randall Oaks Recreation Center, 500 Randall Road, West Dundee, (847) 551-4310, dtpd.org.

Outdoor Family Fair
June 9, 1-4 p.m. Sweep for insects, visit a bison herd, net for pond critters, go on a nature scavenger hunt and more. Lederman Science Center, Fermilab, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.

What’s New in WWII?
June 11, 1-3 p.m. Learn about scary, scandalous and sweet inventions of the 1940s. Help scientists create something silly to bring home. First Division Museum, Cantigny, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

Charlotte’s 8th Birthday
June 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate with Charlotte the pot-bellied pig as she receives her birthday treat at 1 p.m., and then sign her giant birthday card. Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 Randall Road, West Dundee, (847) 551-4310, dtpd.org.

Wine Down Wednesdays
June 12, July 10 & Aug. 14, 6-9 p.m. Bring a chair and enjoy culinary delights from East Dundee restaurants, a glass of wine or beer and some local music. The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee, (847) 426- 2255, eastdundee.net.

Barrington Farmers Market
June 13-Oct. 17, Thu. 3-7 p.m. Featuring fresh produce, meats, pastries and breads, flowers and other items from local farmers and producers. Food and beverage vendors. Park Avenue and Cook Street, downtown Barrington, barringtonfarmersmarket.com.

Magic Show
June 14, noon-1 p.m. Children of all ages enjoy a magic show by Steve Belliveu. Vogelai Park, 650 Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates, (847) 885-7500, hoffmanestates.org.

Art on the Fox
June 15-16. Bring the family for a weekend of art, entertainment and food. Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin, (847) 658-2700, algonquin.org.

Motor Mondays
June 17, & 3rd Monday through Sept. View cars of all different makes and models; music, raffles and specials from area restaurants. The Depot, East Dundee, eastdundee.net.

Swedish Days Festival
June 18-23, see website for times. Enjoy food, rides, live music and entertainment, and vendors offering everything Swedish. Location: Downtown Geneva. Info: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, (630) 232-6083, genevachamber.com.

Craft Beer Festival
June 22, see website for times. Bring a chair or blanket and sip local favorites in the surroundings of the arboretum. Morton Arboretum, Lisle, (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

Thirsty Thursdays
June 27 & July 25, 6-9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, grab dinner and a craft beer, and relax to live music. The Depot, East Dundee, eastdundee.net.

July

Lakeside Festival
July 4-7, events daily. Lots of family fun with rides, midway games, historical tours, food and entertainment. Lakeside Arts Park at the Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.

Kane County Flea Market
July 6-7, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. One of the longest-running antique and collectible flea markets anywhere. Hundreds of dealers inside and outside. Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfair.com.

Geneva Classic Car Show
July 11-Aug., Thu. 6-8 p.m. Step back in time as car collectors show off their rides. Kane County Courthouse, 100 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.

Fiesta Days
July 11-21, events daily. Eleven days of family fun including a parade, carnival, Music Fest, Arts & Crafts in the Park, sidewalk sales, Food Fest and car show. Peterson Park, 4300 Peterson Park Road, McHenry, mchenryfiestadays.com.

Windmill City Festival
July 13, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Enjoy inflatables, a sidewalk chalk drawing contest, food, beer garden and live music. Batavia Riverwalk, downtown Batavia, (630) 879- 5235, bataviaparks.org.

Barrington Brew Fest
July 13, 3-7 p.m. More than 40 limited-production beers with food and music. Barrington Area Council on Aging (BACOA), downtown Barrington, (847) 381-5030, barringtonbrewfest.com.

Irish Fest
July 13-14, Fri. 4:30-11 p.m., Sat. 4-11 p.m. Family entertainment includes Irish bands and dancers, Wee Folk Tent with balloon art, Irish crafts and games. Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Freemont St., Arlington Heights, (847) 255-1225, ahmuseum.org.

Wauconda Civil War Days
July 13-14, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Battle 3 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Battle 1:30 p.m. Largest Civil War re-enactment in northern Illinois: military/civilian camps and re-enactors; historical figures; period music’ food vendors’ exhibits. Lakewood Forest Preserve, 27277 Forest Preserve Dr., Wauconda, lcfpd.org.

Summer in the Park
July 17-21, events daily. Wed. City Band concert and ice cream social; Th. movie in the park; Fri. Taste of Woodstock and live music; Sat. pool party; Sun. Family Day, featuring bounce houses, climbing wall, carnival and beer garden. Emricson Park, 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock, (815) 338-4300, mchenryil.gov.

Kane County Fair
July 17-21, see website for times. The 151st fair’s offerings include bull riders, barrel racing, a demolition derby, live entertainment, 4-H displays, bingo, a car show, petting zoo, rides and racing pigs. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfair.com.

Algonquin Founders’ Days
July 25-28, Th. 4-10 p.m., Fri. to 11 p.m., Sat. 2-11 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; fireworks 9:15 p.m. In its 59th year, this family-friendly event includes music, a cardboard boat regatta, carnival, cat and dog shows, and fireworks. Food offerings include New Orleans cuisine, pizza, BBQ, roast corn and burgers. Spella Park, 2550 Harnish Dr., Algonquin, (847) 658-5340, algonquinfoundersdays.com.

Cardboard Cup Regatta
July 27, 9 a.m. Life-size cardboard boats race