A particularly rainy spring – or even an extended winter (late-April snowstorms … seriously?) – didn’t get us down! Nope, let’s turn our focus to summer’s sunshine, warmth and longer days! For a full lineup of summer adventures, visit foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/events/. For starters, check out these 12 events to add to your calendar.
Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race
The Fox River is once again set to welcome hundreds of paddlers – from avid racers to leisure enthusiasts and every level in between. Open to all ages, the Mid-Am features 20 different divisions and two race lengths with start lines in St. Charles (10 miles) and Batavia (six miles), both finishing with a post-race lunch party and awards ceremony. Register by May 29!
When: Sunday, June 2 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Prisco Community Center/McCullough Park – 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Ages: Varies by division
Register online
Tacos en la Playa
Celebrate the start to summer with a fiesta at Phillips Park Aquatic Center! Enjoy a taco bar, pinatas, festive music – and more.
When: Saturday, June 8 – 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center – 828 Montgomery Road, Aurora
Ages: Open to everyone
Register online
Campfire Stories & S’mores
Gather ‘round the campfire and listen to some legends and lore as you enjoy roasting your own marshmallows! All participants must be registered and children must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Saturday, June 8; Saturday, July 13; Saturday, August 10 – 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Red Oak Nature Center – 2343 S. River Street (Rte. 25), Batavia
Ages: 3Y & up
Register online
Summer Concerts
FREE Concerts in the Park
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and come enjoy a variety of FREE music on select Wednesdays throughout June and July at McCullough and Montgomery parks!
When/where: June 12 (Wild Daisy at Montgomery Park); June 19 (Centerfold at McCullough Park); June 26 (Smokin Gunz at Montgomery Park); July 10 (Neverly Brothers at McCullough Park); July 24 (Eric Chesser at Montgomery Park); July 31 (Aurora American Legion Band at McCullough Park) – 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Ages: Open to everyone
Event details
Live & Uncorked
Bring a blanket, picnic basket and your favorite craft beer or bottle of wine while enjoying an evening of great music at Blackberry Farm. Live & Uncorked is for ages 21+, identification will be required and checked prior to entry. Bypass the admissions line and purchase your tickets online here! Doors open at 6 p.m.
When: June 20 (Libido Funk Circus); June 27 (Sushi Roll); July 11 (Piano Man); July 18 (Off the Charts); July 25 (Semple); August 1 (Ethan Bell Band) – 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Blackberry Farm – 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
Ages: 21Y & up
Purchase tickets
Drama Through the Decades Cabaret
This summer, our cabaret comes to life with performances that will commemorate 50 incredible years of performances. Join us as we travel through the years!
When: Saturday, June 22 – 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Prisco Community Center – 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Ages: 6Y & up
Register online
Glow Swim
Join us for a glowing night of fun! Swimmers will get all the glow swag they need to make for a fun night at Phillips Park Aquatic Center.
When: Friday, June 28 & Saturday, August 3 – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center – 828 Montgomery Road, Aurora
Ages: Open to everyone
Register online
Family Camp Out
The camping adventure at Blackberry Farm begins on Saturday with a scavenger hunt, family activities, a campfire and s’mores. Sunday includes a light breakfast. Bring your own tents and sleeping bags! Each person attending must register. Additional info will be emailed to participants a week before the event.
When: July 13, 6 p.m. to July 14, 10 a.m.
Where: Blackberry Farm – 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
Ages: 3Y & up
Register online
Mermaid & Pirate Night
Come dressed in fins or bandanas and eye patches to Splash Country for an amazing evening of sea-faring fun. Participants will enjoy crafts, snacks and under the sea games, along with open swim. The Little Mermaid and her pirate friends will be available for pictures and a meet and greet.
When: Saturday, July 13 – 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Splash Country Water Park – 195 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
Ages: Open to everyone.
Register online
Cubs Games at Wrigley Field
Experience a Cubs game and leave the driving to us! Dropoff and pickup right outside Wrigley Field. Covered seats are in Section 229/228 on the first-base side. Lots of walking and stairs. Game time is 1:20 p.m.
When: Wednesday, July 17 & Friday, August 2 – 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Prisco Community Center – 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Ages: 10Y & up
Register online
Summer Stage Presents: ‘Annie’
Enjoy this Broadway musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by Thomas Meehan. Tap your feet and sing along to “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life” – two of Annie’s most popular musical numbers.
When: Friday, July 19, 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 20, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 21, 7 p.m.
Where: West Aurora High School Auditorium – 1201 W. New York Street, Aurora
Ages: Open to everyone
Purchase tickets
Back to School Luau
Put on your best Hawaiian shirt and join us for an end of summer luau. A DJ will lead dancing and games while everyone is free to splash in the pool. Moana will be available for a meet and greet and will perform a special show at 6:30 p.m. Concessions will be available for an extra fee.
When: Saturday, August 10 – 5:30 to 7:10 p.m.
Where: Splash Country Water Park – 195 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
Ages: Open to everyone
Register online
Bug Fest
It’s our 10th anniversary! Insects and the fascinating world of bugs will take center stage at this popular, late-summer event. The free, family-friendly, stroller-friendly event will feature fun and educational attractions with a swarm of bug-related activities, demonstrations and crafts.
When: Saturday, August 17 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Red Oak Nature Center – 2343 S. River Street (Rte. 25), Batavia
Ages: Open to everyone
Event details
