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This article is presented in partnership with Valor Carts, the Batavia-based makers of cutting-edge Low-Speed Vehicles (pictured above).
The pools have shut down, the vegetable gardens are starting to wither, and there's finally a brisk bite to the morning air. Fall in the Tri-Cities has a nice rhythm to it, especially if manage to plan ahead.
This roundup of local festivals, community events, and cooler-weather activities will help you do just that — because if you assumed things would quiet down at the end of summer, you were mistaken.
Pints by the Pond 📸 Credit: Batavia Park District
Here’s what’s coming up this autumn in the Tri-Cities:
St. Charles Jazz Weekend | September 10–13
Get ready for four days of live jazz across St. Charles, with more than 40 soloists, quintets, and big bands playing venues around town. Weekend performances spill outside too, with free live music on 1st Street Plaza right along the Fox River. Some sets require tickets, so check ahead first. Learn more
Festival of the Vine | September 11–13 | Geneva
Geneva's signature wine (and food and beer) festival takes over the downtown district for the weekend. Local restaurants serve up specialties at the "Flavor Fare" tent, plus there will be an arts and crafts show, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live entertainment throughout downtown. Learn more
Batavia vs. Geneva Football | September 25 | Batavia Home Game
Two top-25 preseason teams, one big rivalry night. The Bulldogs reached the Class 7A semifinals in 2023 and 2025 and finished as the Class 7A runners-up in 2022 and 2024. Geneva returns nine starters on offense after an injury-riddled 4-5 season after finishing as Class 6A runners-up in 2024.
Pints by the Pond | September 26 | Batavia
Batavia's annual craft beer festival overlooking the Depot Pond is back for year five, with a dozen local breweries pouring samples and plenty of local food trucks on site. Tickets include a commemorative glass. Learn more
St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend | October 9–11
The 41st annual Scarecrow Weekend fills downtown St. Charles with more than 120 handmade scarecrows for folks to vote on, plus a family activity zone, live entertainment on 1st Street Plaza, and the Autumn on the Fox Craft Show in Pottawatomie Park. Learn more
Thriller on 38 | October 10 | Geneva
This much-anticipated annual community event draws thousands of people every year to witness a group of local “zombies” perform Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” on a public stage. This year will feature food trucks and a DJ — performance times are yet to be announced. Learn more
BatFest | October 24 | Batavia
Batavia's free Halloween bash has become a popular destination for families interested in trick-or-treating, a costume contest for people and pets, a community parade, live music, and a pumpkin roll. Learn more
Go further this fall with Valor’s T4
Fall is just getting started; there’s still plenty to see and do in the area before the weather turns for good.
Valor Carts (and their Batavia-based team) has designed the new T4 model to help you maximize that time — cruising the neighborhood, exploring nature, and enjoying long weekends up at the lake. With an easy-to-use digital screen and Bluetooth capabilities, the street-legal electric vehicle runs quiet enough that having a conversation with your passengers is no problem.
Test drives are happening now in Batavia. Make an appointment today.
More community happenings
Fall farm festivals: Discover pick-your-own produce opportunities (apples, pumpkins, sunflowers) at these nearby farm festivals. Expect farm-fresh food and drink, live entertainment, and kids activities like corn mazes, train rides, ziplines, and more.
Connecting with nature: A new self-guided nature experience called Wandering With Wonder launches Sept. 1 at four Kane County parks, using sense-based audio prompts (available in English and Spanish) to help visitors slow down and connect with nature, no guide required.
Unique scavenger hunt: Kane County's Great Orb Hunt is back Sept. 10-30, with 150 handcrafted glass and ceramic orbs from Fine Line Creative Arts Center hidden across local preserves and the Prairie Path. Find one along the trail and it's yours to keep.
It may feel like we have a ton of time right now, but fall is fleeting around here. A little planning goes a long way, so remember to carve out some time for a few of these autumn events and activities.
And if you're looking for a fun way to get around town this season, Valor Carts is always booking test drives out of their Batavia showroom. Check out their latest models before you head over.
This article is presented in partnership with Valor Carts.
The Batavia-based, family-owned business just released its new street-legal T4 model, which features four luxury leather seats, multiple color options, off-road tires, a 10-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, and a trailer hitch for added convenience during your outdoor adventures.
📖 Thanks for reading
Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.
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