When fall rolls around, pumpkin patches and apple orchards spring to life all over the greater Tri-Cities area — but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Across the Fox Valley, fall festivals at local farms bring out everything from corn cannons and haunted houses to beer gardens, live entertainment, and homemade apple cider donuts (which is what I’m fired up about).

If you’re looking to plan a Saturday with the kids, a Sunday beer over live music with friends, or just an excuse to get outside in the crisp fall air, here’s a rundown of the nearby spots worth checking out this season.

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Water Street Writers in Batavia is gearing up for its first event of the season on Sunday, September 21 at 5PM. The evening will showcase the talents of Sandra Marchetti, Donna Latham, Heather Lynn, and Cathy Borders — each bringing their own perspective, voice, and story to the stage.

Set in the beautiful main gallery at Water Street Studios, the program flows from featured readings into an open mic, giving the community a chance to step up and share. With snacks, a cash bar, an opportunity to purchase signed books, and a suggested $5 donation to support the authors, it’s a celebration of words and connection you won’t want to miss.

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☑️ Dishing on developments: In a recent podcast episode, Mayor Clint Hull and other St. Charles officials spoke about the successes of Whole Foods and Fox Haven Square, then provided updates on the Charlestowne Mall and Pheasant Run redevelopment projects. Read about the details.

☑️ Saving open space: The Kane County Forest Preserve District approved the purchase of more than 400 acres in Campton Hills near the planned 900-home La Fox development.

🔒 Harassment allegations: According to the Daily Herald, a former St. Charles police employee has filed a federal lawsuit alleging harassment, discrimination, and improper practices under the former Police Chief.

☑️ Slash in spending: The Kane County Board voted this week to recommend an across-the-board 8% cut to department budgets as part of efforts to close a multimillion-dollar shortfall.

☑️ Worth a visit: The Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (which covers Batavia, Geneva, and North Aurora) reported $278M in local tourism spending in 2024, supporting more than 3K jobs and contributing to a record-breaking year for visitor growth.

☑️ Vocational shift: Waubonsee Community College has opened a new $60M Technical Education Center to expand automotive, welding, and collision programs as student interest in trades careers continues to climb.

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☑️ Fox River framed: Geneva artist and retired architect Charles Cassell donated seven original watercolors of Fox River bridges to Kane County, where they will be displayed at the Government Center in Geneva.

☑️ Lunch & literature: The Batavia Public Library will launch the 37th season of its free Books Between Bites program on Wednesday (9/18), beginning with Mayor Jeffery Schielke as the season’s first speaker.

☑️ A day of remembrance: The St. Charles Fire Department hosted a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony last Thursday as a tribute to the brave first responders and innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001. Watch video coverage of the event.

☑️ Outstanding advocacy: Kane County veteran Nate Johnson won the Christopher Hinton President’s Award from the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers for the lasting impact he’s made in his role serving the local veteran community.

☑️ Bountiful beauty: The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles is seeking volunteers for its 5th annual Project Daffodil planting initiative on October 18, where locals will plant 5K daffodil bulbs at Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles.

✳️ Early bird alert: The Batavia Rotary’s next $500 Early Bird raffle winner will be drawn on September 23. Every ticket stays in the running for the $50K grand prize, and proceeds go right back into important community projects. Get your ticket!

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Next time you want to start your weekend early on Friday, the 4PM live music on Whiskey Bend’s patio is a great way to do so — especially while the weather’s still nice. Had a good time over there this weekend.

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Feeling good — physically and mentally — shouldn’t require battling 25-year-old bros for bench space. It’s about finding a plan that works for your body, age, and lifestyle — right now.

That’s why Strongoo offers more than classes and workout spaces:

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☑️ Mural magic: Volunteers are close to finishing Batavia’s new “Good Energy” mural, a public art project on the Comedy Vault building that celebrates the city’s spirit and community. Watch this video to see its progress and hear from the artists and organizers directly.

☑️ Startup spirit: Batavia MainStreet recently spotlighted its small business ecosystem, including the monthly Artisan Collective and Boardwalk Shop owners that have expanded their businesses into permanent downtown storefronts.

✳️ Home goods hub: How would a framed 1860 map of Batavia look on your wall? Or a “Geneva” throw pillow on your living room couch? What about a Chicago flag for the garden? Urban Artisan’s got plenty of stylish items that’ll add local flair to your home. View their Home Goods catalog here.

💥 Need marketing help? Get your business, service, or event in front of Tri-Cities Central’s 10K+ local readers. Let’s work together!

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this 100-year-old $1.7M house on Hawthorne Lane in Geneva.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ City meetings:

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

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☑️ Senior Expo | Tues 9/16, 10AM-12PM | Pottawatomie Community Center | Folks can connect with local services and organizations that support seniors.

☑️ Ecosystem Restoration in Public & Private | Tues 9/16, 6:45-9PM | Batavia Library | Hear from a restoration expert at this Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners event.

☑️ Tri-City Business Expo | Wed 9/17, 4:30-7PM | Eagle Brook Country Club, Batavia | Connect with other local professionals while enjoying drinks and apps.

☑️ Career Fair | Thurs 9/18, 10AM-2PM | St. Charles Public Library | Head to the Huntley Community Room to meet local employers that are hiring now.

☑️ Fox River Cleanup Day | Sat 9/20, 9AM-12PM | Island Park, Geneva | Slap on those boots and join neighbors in pulling trash out of the beautiful Fox River.

🎟️ Primrose Hoedown | Sat 9/20, 12-4PM | Primrose Farm, STC | An afternoon of lively music, line dancing, tasty barbecue, and BYOB fun.

🎟️ Tacos & Tequila | Sat 9/20, 1:30PM | Cougars Stadium, Geneva | A music fest featuring artists like Ludacris & Timbaland, plus wrestling, a car show, food, drinks, and much more.

🔥 Loved it, keep up the good work [this]

😐 Mediocre, could take it or leave it [this]

🛑 3 minutes I’ll never get back [this]

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