Peak fall colors will be here before you know it.

According to the Illinois Office of Tourism, Northern Illinois’ most vibrant foliage tends to emerge during the second week of October. Their most recent report suggests that many local tree species are currently in the yellowing phase.

Here’s a nifty resource for planning your leaf-peeping activities:

While the Enjoy Illinois website is useful for mapping out fall activities across the state, I wouldn’t blame you if you’d prefer to remain within 90 minutes of home. Some ideas:

_{LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT}

The reason we ask: If you’re planning to revamp your exterior or do some interior remodeling, you’re going to want to check out 212° Construction Group. Roofs, siding, decks, kitchens — they can do it all.

Trust me: If anyone knows how to transform “meh” into “marvelous,” it’s these guys. That’s why Tri-Cities homeowners love them.

The 🔒 icon indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ Civic conversation: Incumbent Kane County Auditor Penny Wegman (D) and her opponent Gretchen Butler (R) talked about their policy positions and experience during a League of Women Voters candidate forum (🔒) in Batavia last week. View a recording of the forum.

☑️ More to come: The group will host another forum featuring a variety of local candidates (plus a forest preserve presentation) on Wednesday (10/9) at Batavia City Hall.

☑️ Drunk driving incident: A former Kane County assistant state's attorney was arrested and charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident after refusing sobriety tests following a crash in St. Charles.

🔒 Demo denied: A St. Charles church requested permission to demolish the Barry House on Cedar Avenue to build a parking lot. A city commission denied that request due to the building’s historical significance.

☑️ Fermi facelift: Work has begun on Fermilab’s new Welcome Center facility, which will be located near the main campus entrance on Pine Street in Batavia and feature reconfigured traffic routes for cars, cyclists and pedestrians.

☑️ Eye-popping wealth: 15 Illinois billionaires were named to The Forbes 400, an annual ranking of America’s richest of the rich.

☑️ Slithery story: After a Geneva woman discovered a python using her car as a hideout, a local wildlife expert and collision shop had to team up to extricate the four-foot snake from the vehicle.

☑️ The living past: The City of Batavia launched a “Batavia Street Stories” video series in which Mayor Schielke shares the unique stories behind historic landmarks around town — like only he can. See the first four.

☑️ Autumn tradition: Ready for St. Charles Scarecrow Fest this weekend? From activities and entertainment to food and drink specials, here’s everything you need to know about the annual event.

☑️ Area Code Batavia: Host Richard Clark chats with Joanne Spitz about her role as co-chair of the CHIP IN Batavia charitable organization and her journey to find her place in the community.

☑️ Funding opportunity: Local nonprofits serving Geneva residents with mental health or substance abuse challenges can apply for grants from the city's Mental Health Board through October 31.

☑️ Coat drive: You can donate new or gently used winter gear to the Batavia Mothers' Club Foundation through October 17. See suggested donations and drop-off locations here.

Looks like Terry Byrne will kick off the live music week with a performance at Preservation on Wednesday. If you’ve never seen him perform — make an effort at some point. He’s awesome.

☑️ Restaurant deals: Nemec Brothers in Geneva has a “buy one get one 50% off” pizza special on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Balmoral Restaurant in St. Charles is offering discounted gift cards throughout October.

☑️ Funny freebies: The Comedy Vault in Batavia launched a new 'Laugh Local' program, providing free Thursday comedy shows to folks who live and work in the Tri-Cities.

☑️ Hardwood heaven: Batavia Hardwoods, a new retail shop catering to woodworking enthusiasts with a wide selection of lumber and wood products, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.

☑️️ Moon & Star Party | Tues 10/8, 6:30-8:30PM | Red Oaks Nature Center, N. Aurora | View wonders of the universe through a telescope and learn about the moon’s movements.

🎟️ March of the Mill Children | Thurs 10/10, 9-11M | The Copper Fox, Geneva | Betsey Means delivers a speech as Mother Jones, one of America’s most effective labor organizers.

☑️️ IL Tollway Community Day | Thurs 10/10, 10AM-2PM | Batavia Public Library | Drop in for easy account services or getting a new sticker tag transponder.

☑️️ National Coming Out Day | Thurs 10/10, 6-9PM | Sturdy Shelter, Batavia | A family-friendly event with Coming Out Day storytelling, a food truck and — of course — craft beer.

🎟️ Escape the Mansion | Sat 10/12, 1-9PM | Persinger Rec Center, Geneva | Solve a series of challenges at this spooky, escape-room style event.

🎟️ Endeavor Art Exhibition | Sat 10/12, 5-7:30PM | Fox Valley Hands of Hope, Geneva | Enjoy a local artist showcase, competition and silent auction for a great cause.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $2.8M mansion on Meadows Road in Geneva and this $1.3M estate on Deerpath Road in Batavia.

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

☑️ City meetings: All three City Councils will meet tonight (10/7). View the agendas: Batavia | Geneva | St. Charles

☀️ Today: High 69F | Low 41F | Magnificent

☀️ Tuesday: High 70F | Low 41F | Stupendous

☀️ Wednesday: High 74F | Low 45F | Incredible

☀️ Thursday: High 77F | Low 48F | Spectacular

✅ Not signed up yet? Subscribe here.

🚀 Interested in advertising? Get more info here.

If you enjoy Tri-Cities Central, please spread the word and/or leave a review!