Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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🍺 New location, same monkey business
Owner Steve Newman in front of Brother Chimp Brewing’s new St. Charles location, which opens this weekend.
A familiar face from the local craft beer scene has officially arrived in the Tri-Cities.
Brother Chimp Brewing, known for its easy-drinking beers and laid-back North Aurora taproom, is opening a second location this weekend in the downtown St. Charles space previously occupied by D and G Brewing.
Owner Steve Newman says the new taproom will keep the same friendly, neighborhood vibe — with local food trucks, live music, and a few special releases on tap for its grand opening this weekend.
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✨ Award-winning brunch at an unbeatable price
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.
📰 News to use
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☑️ Bikes + Bites: City officials advanced a plan allowing the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum and Art Gallery to add a bar, restaurant, and limited food truck and entertainment options while requiring certain upgrades.
☑️ Science store scare: A driver accidentally hit the gas instead of reverse and crashed into American Science and Surplus near Geneva earlier this week. The store says although it was “very scary,” no one was hurt.
☑️ Fall cleanup: Each of the Tri-Cities will soon launch their annual curbside leaf pickup programs, offering collection rounds through late November or early December. Get the details for your home.
🔒 City snapshot: At St. Charles’ annual State of the City address, local leaders touted recent accomplishments and discussed ongoing issues like the Charlestowne Mall redevelopment and the future of the Fox River dam.
☑️ Weekend rally: Progressive activist groups from across the Fox Valley will gather in Geneva on Saturday (10/18) for the local “NO KINGS” rally at Gleneagle Drive and Randall Road, part of a series of national protests.
☑️ Detour alert: A stretch of LaFox Road will be closed near Dillon Field Road through November 17 to accommodate construction of the new Bunker Road/LaFox Road intersection and future access to the Metra station.
✳️ Now’s your chance: The final $500 Early Bird prize in the Rotary Club of Batavia Raffle is coming up quickly on October 21. Enter today for a chance to win that AND the $50K Grand Prize to be drawn in November. Remember — all the proceeds get reinvested directly into the community.
🏘️ In the community
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☑️ Caring & comedy: Batavia’s Comedy Vault is offering show vouchers to anyone who donates supplies to Starfish Animal Rescue via drop-off locations at the comedy club as well as Fat Sam’s For Pets and Urban Apothecary.
☑️ River raptors: A recent post from Friends of the Fox River explains why fall is the best time to spot the elusive Merlin — a small, fast-flying falcon occasionally seen along the Fox River as it migrates south through the Fox Valley.
☑️ Learning law enforcement: Geneva Police opened registration for the free 2025 Citizen Police Academy, a weekly course for residents on the day-to-day realities of police work. Applications are due Monday, October 27.
☑️ Straw showstoppers: The 40th Annual Scarecrow Weekend brought a ton of creativity to downtown St. Charles last weekend, resulting in a dozen displays from local individuals and organizations being recognized. See photos of the winning scarecrows.
☑️ Hints of holidays: Tickets are now on sale for the Geneva Chamber’ annual Holiday House Tour on December 5–6, featuring five locally decorated homes and seasonal gifts, with proceeds supporting downtown Geneva’s seasonal decorations.
✳️ Find your rhythm: As the fall season settles in, St. Mark’s Church in the heart of downtown Geneva is a great place to reset and reconnect — with community, with faith, and with meaningful experiences from Sunday service to local events and gatherings. Learn about the historic institution.
🎸 Live music
If you haven’t checked out the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum & Art Gallery yet, this weekend offers a nice opportunity — they’re hosting a “Moto-Octo” music festival Friday through Sunday.
Plus, the St. Charles Singers will launch their 41st season with two “Time to Explore” concerts this weekend.
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🔥 “One of the best coffees I’ve ever had”
Kurt B wasn’t kidding around when he left a review for Dragon Fire Coffee’s Black Dragon Blend:
My wife told me she is mad at me, because she can no longer drink the coffee she buys. This is some of the best beans we have ever brewed. Make the switch — oh, and they are local too, can’t get better than that.
That pretty much says it all. And remember, they offer free local delivery in the Tri-Cities, too.
🤝 Local biz
☑️ New restaurant: Paixao Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse is opening at 477 S. 3rd Street in Geneva on Saturday (10/18) at 5PM, promising expertly grilled meats and southern hospitality. I imagine a menu will soon be available on their website.
☑️ State recognition: Geneva-based StringWorks has been named a 2025 “Illinois Made” honoree by the Illinois Office of Tourism for its craftsmanship in making violins, violas, and cellos by hand. See photos of the city’s congratulatory visit to the showroom.
☑️ Fall plant sale: Heinz Brothers Greenhouse in St. Charles is offering 40% off on all nursery stock, plus deals on fountains, statuary, select glazed pottery, cast stone planters and several other items.
🗓️ Events & Things to Do
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This section is sponsored by Up North Wine Tasting Room — an inviting, mother-daughter-owned wine bar located at 9 N. 2nd St. in downtown Geneva. Snag tickets to their music & comedy event with 2 Brothers Sinatra on November 8.
☑️ Opening Reception: Animalia | Thurs 10/16, 6-8PM | Kavanaugh Gallery, STC | Meet artists and see the newest exhibit, which is open through November 20.
☑️ Used Book Sale | Fri 10/17-Sun 10/19 | STC Library | Get bargain deals on books, CDs, DVDs, audiotapes, and more.
✳️ Witches Night Out | Fri 10/17, 5-7:30PM | Batavia Boardwalk Shops | Visit Zen Loft Collective’s little witches market plus a variety of other enchanted activities.
☑️ Ghoulish Homes Tour | Fri 10/17-Fri 10/31 | STC | Once dusk settles in, head out and experience some of the most impressively decorated homes in the area.
☑️ Emily Brontë, Teenage Necromancer | Fri 10/17-Sun 10/19 | Norris Cultural Arts Center, STC | Three chilling student performances over the weekend.
☑️ Cottages in the Woods | Sat 10/18-Sun 10/19 | Good Templar Park, Geneva | Tours of Swedish tiny houses, local artisans, baked goods, food trucks, and kids crafts.
☑️ Hog Wild for VSW | Sat 10/18, 11AM-2PM | VSW, Batavia | Enjoy a delicious meal, live entertainment, and raffles while supporting local folks with disabilities.
☑️ 190th Anniversary Party | Sat 10/18, 1-4PM | Corron Farm, STC | Celebrate with family farm activities, food/drink, live entertainment, raffles, and more.
☑️ Food Truck Festival | Sun 10/19, 10AM-4PM | Kuiper’s Farm, Maple Park | Get your fill from some of the area’s tastiest and most popular food trucks.
☑️ Fall Sip & Shop | Sun 10/19, 12:30-5PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | Embrace sweater weather at this seasonal market with food, bevs, and 20+ local vendors.
☑️ Historic Batavia Talk | Sun 10/19, 1PM | Callahan Community Center, Batavia | Mayor Schielke will share fascinating stories of Batavia’s past.
🎟️ Boomer Broads Comedy Show | Sun 10/19, 4-6PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | See hysterical women from Seinfeld, Letterman, and other hit shows.
Looking ahead:
🎟️ Best Laid Plans: A Murder Mystery | Sat 10/25, 8-11PM | The Lewis, STC | Be part of a live, interactive whodunit case — while enjoying cocktails.
📖 Thanks for reading
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