Festivals and Fairs
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Best Bets: ESO in concert, Long Grove Cocoa Crawl and Chicago Botanic’s orchid showFeb 02, 2026 1:40 pm - This weekend, listen to the sounds of Barber and Brahms courtesy of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Plus, warm up with hot chocolate during the Long Grove Cocoa Crawl and view beautiful flowers during the Chicago Botanic Garden’s “The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy” in Glencoe.
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Palatine St. Patrick’s parade set for March 14Feb 02, 2026 11:40 am - The renamed “Palatine St. Patrick’s Parade” will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, from the corner of Wood and Oak streets in the village’s downtown.
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Frozen art on display at Downers Grove Ice FestivalJan 31, 2026 5:22 pm - Ice sculptures and pedestrians filled the sidewalks along Main Street Saturday during the annual Ice Festival in Downers Grove.
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Elk Grove Village plans series of events to mark 70th anniversaryJan 28, 2026 10:54 am - Elk Grove Village is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026 with a series of special events, concerts, charitable efforts and other commemorations.
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Indulge in artisanal chocolates and learn about cacao at the Morton ArboretumJan 28, 2026 9:54 am - The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is hosting a Chocolate Weekend on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, featuring chocolate confections and unique items from local artisans and chocolatiers.
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Best bets: Morton Arboretum’s Chocolate Weekend, Renee Fleming at Lyric, Kevin Nealon at The DenJan 27, 2026 10:32 am - Morton Arboretum welcomes chocolate lovers, divas Patti LuPone and Renee Fleming headline two Chicago venues, and “Saturday Night Live” veteran Kevin Nealon brings the laughs to The Den Theatre.
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Things to do Jan. 30 to Feb. 5: Norge Ski Jump Tournament, comedian Michael Winslow, Groundhog Day and moreJan 26, 2026 3:53 pm - Make plans for the Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival, 121st annual Norge Ski Jump Tournament, Groundhog Day events and more.
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Top dogs compete in show at Lake County FairgroundsJan 24, 2026 5:42 pm - The Lake County Fairgrounds was filled with man’s best friends and their owners as they vied for top honors at the Cool Cluster Dog Show this frigid Saturday in January.
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Palatine pausing Street Fest this summerJan 20, 2026 5:12 pm - Palatine officials announced this week the annual Street Fest will not be held this summer, due to upcoming improvements in the downtown. In its place, though, will be two summer food truck events.
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Beat the winter blues at Chicago Botanic Garden’s ‘Feelin’ Groovy’ orchid showJan 20, 2026 4:27 pm - The Chicago Botanic Garden rewinds to the 1960s and ‘70s during The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy, which opens Feb. 7 and runs through through March 22.