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Members of the Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl dance their way down the parade route during the Elgin Fourth of July Parade Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Photo Gallery: Fourth of July celebrations in the suburbs

Shinedown recently released “Ei8ht.”

Shinedown brings ‘EI8HT,’ one of the band’s best albums yet, to Illinois state fair, McHenry Music Fest stages

Shinedown’s new album is meant to surprise. The chart-topping rockers attempt something different on “EI8HT,” their aptly titled eighth studio release, which they’ll be performing at the Illinois State Fair Aug. 23 and the McHenry Music Festival Sept. 10.

Riders splash down Tsunami Surge at Hurricane Harbor Chicago in Gurnee.

Splash down!: Beat the heat at suburban water parks

Wow, is it hot out! What better way to cool off than at a family-friendly water park in the suburbs. So grab a swimsuit, sunscreen, water (hydration is key in this heat) and beach towel before heading out for some fun in the sun.

Cookie-cutter ‘Young Washington’ makes for a dull history lesson

“Young Washington” arrives in theaters just in time for July Fourth with a chiseled, hot young actor in the lead role, and the sheen of a prestige HBO drama, though the result isn’t really big-screen spectacle or appointment television.

Food at the new Chip Shots Golf & Whiskey Bar in Elgin is purchased at a food truck permanently parked just outside the bar and clubhouse.

‘Not just for golfers’: Bar and food truck offer something new at historic golf course in Elgin

Chip Shots Golf & Whiskey Bar recently opened as part of the new $4.3 million, 9,600-square-foot clubhouse at the Wing Park Golf Course in Elgin. A permanent food truck outside offers elevated takes on classic handhelds, while the inside houses state-of-the-art golf and sports simulators and hitting bays in addition to the pro shop and full-service bar.

Celebrity chefs Stephanie Izard, left, and Giada De Laurentiis chat with patrons at the grand opening of Hollywood Casino Aurora on Wednesday, June 24.

Chefs Giada De Laurentiis and Stephanie Izard bring taste of celebrity to Hollywood Casino Aurora

“At the end of the day, people want more than just a plate of great food, they want to be wined and dined, they want to have an experience,” Giada De Laurentiis said of her new restaurant, Sorella by Giada, which recently opened at Hollywood Casino Aurora.

Megan Mullally, fourth from right, and real-life husband Nick Offerman, fourth from left, star in Goodman Theatre's premiere of the musical “Iceboy! Or the Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O’Neill Came to Write ‘The Iceman Cometh.’” The cast also includes, from left, Melanie Brezill, Andrea San Miguel, Shawn Pfautsch, Will Koski, Linda Mugleston and Donterrio.

Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman light up Goodman stage in ‘Iceboy!’ premiere

Real-life spouses and comedic actors Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman star in Goodman Theatre’s premiere of the delightfully silly “Iceboy! Or the Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O’Neill Came to Write ‘The Iceman Cometh.’”