Most of us are familiar with Oktoberfest, and some of us beer nerds are even aware that the tradition stems from the world’s largest annual beer festival in Munich, Germany.

But where did the tradition come from — and why is it celebrated in September? You’ll find those answers in this detailed history of Oktoberfest.

In the meantime, I’ve rounded up a list of Oktoberfest-themed events happening locally in the weeks ahead. That includes happenings at Sturdy Shelter and Penrose Brewing this weekend.

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Everyone’s got their sleep quirks. For local real estate expert Chris Wallace, it’s overheating in bed.

In his latest video with the owner of Verlo Mattress in St. Charles, Chris gets a first-hand look at how the local shop learns about how you sleep and anything that disrupts your slumber — then creates the perfect mattress just for you (in this case, using special cooling materials).

💥 Mattress giveaway: Check out the Instagram video to learn how you can win a free mattress from Verlo.

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☑️ La Fox of Campton Hills: Following a packed and sometimes heated meeting, Campton Hills trustees approved annexing nearly 1,000 acres for a 900-home development, setting aside about 440 acres as open space.

☑️ Downtown housing debate: St. Charles officials voted to advance the River 504 townhome project at First and Prairie streets despite concerns over tree removal, design, and units priced around $1.9M.

🔒 Contract scrutiny: Batavia officials approved an agreement that would limit a new $500M data center to using 1K gallons of water per day, but residents and some council members voiced concerns about transparency and vague requirements at a recent meeting.

☑️ Safety measure: Kane County’s Office of Emergency Management led a successful push for a new state law allowing its vehicles to use traffic light control devices during emergencies, a change aimed at improving safety for responders and the public.

☑️ Parade closure: A portion of Main Street (Route 64) will close for the St. Charles North Homecoming Parade on Friday (9/12). Get details and detour guidance.

☑️ Fresh paint job: Geneva has begun work to repaint the Kirk Road water tower this month, with plans to add a new “Welcome to Geneva, Est. 1835” logo. The work is expected to finish in about six weeks.

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☑️ Hyperlocal history: The latest video in a series about the historic Fox River Trolley offers a deep dive into the Geneva segment of the now abandoned railway, including a fascinating account of the city’s origins and early development.

☑️ Council opening: Any Batavia 7th Ward residents interested in serving the community? The city is looking for City Council applicants interested in taking over the unexpired term of Sarah Volgelsinger, which runs through 2029.

☑️ Prairie party: Fermilab is celebrating the 50th year of its restored prairie with public Illinois Prairie Week events throughout next week (9/15 - 9/20), including guided walks, expert talks, a seed harvest, and hands-on nature activities.

☑️ Inside City Council: Batavia’s first ward is a melting pot of long-time locals, young families who recently relocated, and everyone in between. This week’s “Area Code: Batavia” episode features a nuanced discussion about the ward and its key issues with its two alderpersons.

☑️ Respect for the river: Kane County has added 106 new stream identification signs to highlight the importance of local waterways and educate residents about ways they can help protect them.

☑️ Care communities: New monthly support groups for caregivers and those living with dementia will begin September 15 at the Elderday Adult Day Program in Batavia.

✳️ Alpha program: Join St. Mark’s Church in Geneva for a free September 17 event focused on meaningful conversations about life, faith, and purpose, where sharing ideas over dinner leads to genuine connections and an honest, judgment-free discussion.

With St. Charles Jazz Week in progress over four days this weekend, the live music lineup is bursting at the seams.

If previous years are any indication, it’s going to be tough to find parking in downtown STC — but a quick, scenic bike ride is a nice alternative to driving.

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Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition — and you won’t find a better value in the Tri-Cities than at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Café. In fact, it was named Best Brunch in West Suburban Living’s 2024 Best of the West.

For just $12.95, enjoy a full spread of fresh, house-made favorites, from fluffy omelets with crispy bacon to Swedish pancakes and Crab Cakes Benedict. Trust me, there’s a reason so many local folks have been coming back for decades.

💥 Autumn Almanack is out! Check out The Little Traveler’s Autumn 2025 Almanack for upcoming events and exciting new products.

☑️ New coffee shop: Storybook Cafe, a cozy new book-themed coffee spot serving lattes, matcha, and fresh pastries, is set to open this October in downtown Geneva at 407 S. 3rd Street. It will be open 5AM-5PM every day.

☑️ Female fitness: Ladystrong Fitness, which recently celebrated a grand opening in Geneva, describes itself as “a gym for women, by women, empowering women every single day.” See video and remarks from the event.

☑️ Closing looms: The At Home furniture and decor store on Randall Road in Geneva will close by September 30.

☑️ Impressive longevity: The Riggs Brothers upholstery shop in St. Charles is celebrating its 80th anniversary with an Open House on Saturday (9/13).

🎯 Seeking new customers? A whopping 98% of Tri-Cities Central subscribers in our 2025 Reader Survey said “buying local is important to me.” Check out our sponsorship options and reach out if you want to talk advertising.

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☑️ St. Charles Jazz Weekend | Thurs 9/11 - Sun 9/14 | Downtown STC | Enjoy more than 40 jazz performers at establishments around St. Charles.

☑️ Sunset Social | Fri 9/12, 4:30-7PM | Pottawatomie Park, STC | Food truck, craft beer, live music, and outdoor activities like mini golf on the scenic riverfront.

🎟️ First Pour Fridays | Fri 9/12, 5-7PM (Monthly) | Callahan Community Center, Batavia | A casual wine tasting event series with small bites and great views.

☑️ Rhythmic Videos Exhibition | Fri 9/12, 5-8PM | STC Arts Council | The opening reception for a new art exhibit with live jazz, refreshments, and good times.

☑️ 16th Anniversary Show | Fri 9/12, 6-9PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | A ceramics pop-up, food truck, opening reception for a new exhibit, and more.

☑️ Annual Tent Sale | Sat 9/13 - Sun 9/14 | trend + relic, STC | Score deals on merchandise while enjoying food trucks and live jazz.

☑️ Car Boot Rummage Sale | Sat 9/13, 9AM-1PM | St. Charles Episcopal Church | Shop houseware items, books, baked goods, clothing, and more.

🎟️ An Apple Afternoon | Sat 9/13, 1-3PM | Primrose Farm, STC | A round of apple picking plus baking and hayrides.

🎟️ Sip & Stroll | Sat 9/13, 3-5:30PM | Mt. St. Mary Park, STC | Check out the sculptures amid live music while enjoying beverages on a fall afternoon.

☑️ United Fall Fest | Sat 9/13, 3-10PM | Congregational United Church of Christ, Campton Hills | Live music, a car show, BBQ, and a variety of activities.

🎟️ Country Dance Party | Sat 9/13, 7-11PM | The Dance Lab, STC | Get your requests ready — it’s line dancing time. Bring your own food and drinks.

✳️ The Ultimate Puzzle Throwdown | Sun 9/14, 3:30-5:30PM | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Grab some friends and compete to win prizes by solving a 500-piece puzzle the fastest!

🎟️ Cheers & Philanthropy Bar Crawl | Sat 9/20, 1-4PM | Downtown STC | Have fun with your community while supporting local nonprofits and businesses.

☑️ Water Street Writers | Sun 9/21, 5PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | Hear from (and support) four fascinating local authors and enjoy refreshments.

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