Explore interactive booths with artifacts, hands-on activities, games, language, music and cultural traditions at this all-ages event hosted by Geneva Public Library District and Geneva School District 304. Drop in to the Meeting Room from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.; food will be used or served, so speak with library staff about allergy concerns.
Batavia MainStreet's Holiday Lantern Walk is Friday, Nov. 13, from 5 to 9 p.m. More than 30 downtown businesses stay open late with holiday decorations, a holiday trolley carries shoppers from one side of town to the other, and a lantern trail leads from shop to shop. Participating businesses include Batavia Creamery, Batavia Popcorn Depot, Bocaditos Cafe, Gammon Coach House, Geneva Winery, Kitty Cocoa Cafe, Limestone Coffee & Tea, Red Hive Market, Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Warehouse 55, WindMill Grille & Pizzeria and more; the full list is on the event page. The $25 wine tickets (new for 2026, 1 oz. pours at 12 businesses for adults 21 and older) are sold out, Batavia MainStreet says. Ticket holders need a valid ID at check-in. Browsing the shops and riding the trolley are free and do not require a ticket. Organizer: Batavia MainStreet, 630-761-3528, info@downtownbatavia.com.
Firehouse and SteelHeart share a hard rock bill at the Arcada Theatre on Friday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. The Arcada lists Firehouse songs including "Love of a Lifetime" and "Don't Treat Me Bad." SteelHeart is fronted by singer Miljenko Matijevic. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets run $58.55 to $101.80 with fees.
The James at 317 S. 3rd St. in Geneva says on its kids menu page that kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. Kids options include a mini burger, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, or chicken nuggets, each with fries or chef-made chips. The restaurant notes its menu is subject to change.
How to redeem: Order an adult entree and ask for the kids eat free offer. The kids menu page does not list day or time limits, so call 630-262-1317 to confirm details. Ongoing offer, confirm before you go.
Source: The James - For the Kids menu
Maple Leaf Coffee House at 1 W. Illinois St. in St. Charles runs a different special each weekday: 10% off breakfast or lunch dishes Monday, free drip coffee (any size) with a food purchase Tuesday, buy one get one free drinks Wednesday (free drink is the lesser priced one), 25% off one bakery item with a drink Thursday, and 99-cent drip coffee in a mug Friday.
How to redeem: Order in person on the matching weekday. Weekday hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Recurring weekly offer, confirm before you go.
Source: Maple Leaf Coffee House - Weekday Specials
Flagship on the Fox at 100 S. Riverside Ave. in St. Charles runs happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., dine-in only. The posted menu: $8 cheese curds, nachos or chicken tenders, $6 Tito's cocktails, $4 High Noons, $6 glasses of house cabernet or pinot grigio, and $3.50 Michelob Ultra, Yuengling Lager or Miller Lite drafts.
How to redeem: Dine in Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. Recurring weekly offer, confirm before you go: 630-549-7672.
Source: Flagship on the Fox
Start at the Depot Museum before it closes at 4, catch happy hour on Wilson Street, then follow the lantern trail through more than 30 downtown shops open late on Friday, Nov. 13.
An afternoon downtown by the Fox River that ends with Foghat and Head East on stage at the Arcada Theatre at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14.
A slow Sunday, Nov. 15: brunch at Stockholm's, chocolate on Third Street, a quiet-season walk at Fabyan Forest Preserve and barbecue at Art History Brewing.
The St. Charles Business Alliance picked a pond builder that grows its own water lilies and a greenhouse that starts its plants from plugs. The City Council presents the awards Nov…
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