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Finding a quality happy hour during the weekend is tricky. The weekdays, however, are a different story — you can easily uncover some excellent deals if you know where to look.

Some start as early as 2PM and a handful last until 6PM, so you’ve got a decent window of opportunity to take advantage.

Here are some Monday-Thursday options worth checking out in the Tri-Cities.

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St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Geneva is closing out its summer Revelation series with two special sessions that promise plenty of intrigue.

The August 2 session covers "The Good News" and the August 9 session wraps things up with "Heaven to Earth." Grab coffee at 10:30 in Fellowship Hall, sit in on the conversation (no, it’s not a dull lecture), and learn how this important story culminates with a message centered on hope.

Bring the kids and drop them at Sunday School, which runs at the same time.

And these are just a couple of the many exciting events coming up at St. Mark’s in the months ahead. All are welcome!

☑️ Data center debate: Kane County officials are considering a potential temporary freeze on data center construction in unincorporated areas to allow time for studying environmental impacts and drafting new regulations for the industry.

☑️ New social rules: Batavia's school board approved a new social media policy that excludes posts related to political and religious topics and disables commenting on district content after a post earlier this year led to a public controversy.

☑️ Double duty: Batavia officials are considering concept plans for a proposal that would put both a new recreation center and police station on 20 acres of Mooseheart land promised to the park district.

☑️ Tick troubles: Kane County reported 42 Lyme disease cases in 2025 (double 2024's count) and health officials say new tick species are moving in from the south, which is contributing to an unusually active tick season.

☑️ Ongoing preservation: Batavia is sending inspectors to check the exteriors of 75 historic downtown buildings this summer as part of a broader push to keep the district well-maintained long-term.

☑️ Local art, global influence: The Geneva Arts Fair drew collectors and artists from around the country to Third Street last weekend, displaying unique pieces in styles ranging from oil paintings to Japanese pottery and Gigapixel photography.

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☑️ Geneva central: A new whimsical road sign that was recently installed in downtown Geneva at the corner of Campbell and Third displays the world’s other cities named Geneva along with their exact distance from its location.

☑️ Christmas on the Fox: An immersive Christmas village pop-up will take over Pollyanna Brewing's St. Charles taproom this holiday season, complete with towering trees, riverside decor, and a full event lineup.

☑️ Public art spotlight: The St. Charles Public Library's art collection features a century's worth of unique pieces, including bronze sculptures, decades-old lithographs, and an outdoor mural you can help fund with a name plate.

☑️ Hidden history: Meet the Kane County Clerk's Office librarian who's spent 23 years preserving the county's history — and has scanned more than a million historical documents so far.

☑️ Worth a visit: We have some fantastic natural places in the Tri-Cities, but did you know that Illinois' only International Dark Sky Place (Middle Fork River Forest Preserve near Champaign) draws stargazers from across the country thanks to its “surreal” skies?

✳️ A magical experience: The two-acre woodland Healing Gardens off Dean Street in St. Charles is open to the public August 9, with yoga in the gardens and a chance to pick your own summer bouquet.

Why not close out July and welcome August with some live rock n’ roll? Or perhaps dueling pianos, or acoustic sidewalk music, or some blues, or even an ABBA cover band?

What I’m saying is: whatever you’re into, you’re sure to find it at a local venue this weekend.

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The Little Traveler's weekly Jellycat shipments tend to sell out fast, often shortly after they arrive.

The popular London-based plush line has built a passionate following around the country, and the iconic Geneva shop has grown into one of the largest and most consistent Jellycat destinations in the region. There’s always something fun and fresh — but you have to strike fast.

Get on The Little Traveler's email list, and you'll know the second a new shipment lands, plus receive updates on special offers and events at the store.

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☑️ Waffa-licious: The Kane County-based, family-owned Waffadilla food truck that frequents Tri-Cities establishments is in the national spotlight, competing for a chance to win $50K on Season 19 of Food Network's "The Great Food Truck Race."

☑️ Chocolate treats: Melt n Dip, a Belgian chocolate dessert shop known for its over-the-top waffles, crepes and gelato, opened its doors at the Geneva Commons earlier this summer. Check out their decadent offerings.

✳️ Need an event space? Check out Zen Loft Collective in Batavia, where you can rent its sunny main studio by the hour for classes, workshops, private sessions, or whatever creative gathering you've been meaning to host. See the space and get in touch.

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Since Tri-Cities Central will be on hiatus for about 10 days, we’ve rounded up events happening from this weekend through the first two weeks of August.

Feel free to bookmark this page and reference it when you’re looking for local things to do (it’s a much longer list than usual).

🎟️ A Night on the Fox Riverboat Fundraiser | Fri 7/31, 6PM | Fox River, STC | Ages 21-plus paddlewheel cruise including live music, appetizers, desserts, and four drink vouchers. 

🎟️ New York by David Rimmer | Fri 7/31 – Sun 8/9 | Playhouse 38, Geneva | Pulitzer-nominated playwright's 9/11 drama featuring 15 characters speaking to a psychiatrist.

🎟️ Fox Valley Business Network Happy Hour | Tue 8/4, 5PM–7:30PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | Happy hour networking with craft beer and pizza; Tri-Cities Central subscribers save 10% with code 'TriCities'. 

🎟️ The Second City: Laughing For All the Wrong Reasons | Wed 8/5, 7PM | Arcada Theater, STC | One-night show celebrating legendary American comedy with sketches, songs, and improv. 

☑️ North Aurora Days | Fri 8/7 – Sat 8/8 | North Aurora Riverfront Park | Two-day fest with live bands, fireworks, inflatables, petting zoo, and ice cream eating contest. 

🎟️ I Feel Good: Hits of the 1960s | Tue 8/11, 10AM–11AM | Geneva History Museum | A husband-and-wife duo performs beloved 1960s hits with storytelling and live music. 

🎟️ Geneva Community Chest Charity Golf Outing | Mon 8/24, 9AM | Eagle Brook Country Club, Geneva | Enjoy a fun day of golf in support of 29 local charities.

If you haven’t done so yet, make sure to save the date for Pollyanna Brewing’s Blues & Brews on the Fox Festival coming up on August 29. 

The headlining act will be GA-20, a popular American blues group that’s been nominated for Blues Artist of the Year by the Boston Music Awards eight times in a row. 

And that’s just from 8-9:30PM. Also performing throughout the day will be Joey J Saye, Mark Ridge & The Revelers, Ivan Singh, Handsome Jack, and local favorite Matt Keen Band to close out the night. 

My wife and I went last year and had a phenomenal time. With even more food, beer, and activities lined up this time around, the 2026 fest will likely be a blast once again. 

Get more details here, and thanks to Pollyanna for sponsoring Tri-Cities Central. 

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*Scroll back to the top of this newsletter for a special referral link — you can get gift cards to local restaurants for referring friends.