This weekend in Aurora, IL

The Fox Valley Genealogical Society’s 2026 Fall Conference offers an in-person program at the NIU Naperville Conference Center focused on the story of early American migration. Nationally recognized presenters Michael John Neill and Dr. David McDonald lead four sessions that blend practical family history methods with historical perspective. Attendees will learn how to track ancestral movement across regions, use Bureau of Land Management land records and tract books, follow settlement trends in Illinois from the colonial era through 1850, and consider how the Second Great Awakening shaped communities and mobility in the 1800s. Each morning and afternoon block concludes with a 30-minute question-and-answer period, providing time to explore the material in depth and address individual migration research questions.

Celebrate community at the inaugural Coquí 5K Run and Walk, a family-friendly event presented by the Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council. The gathering takes place at Phillips Park Mastadon Lake and welcomes runners, walkers, and enthusiastic supporters. A live DJ leads a warm-up before the race gets underway, creating an upbeat atmosphere with music and plenty of positive energy. The focus is on togetherness and supporting a meaningful cause.

Explore a sweet lineup at the farmers market with 1, 2, and 3 pound jars of honey, along with honey bears and honey stix available each week. Creamed honey is offered in limited quantities and can sell out quickly. Depending on availability, you may also find paw wax that is not just for pets, flavored honey like lemon and jalapeño, as well as pollen, honeycomb, and soap. Cash is accepted, and credit cards are welcome with a fee.

The NIC Committee on Accessibility will host an educational summit. Registration is open for participants and volunteers.

Hosted at the Naperville Riverwalk - Grand Pavilion, this community walk rallies support for young women facing breast cancer. Designed for all ages, it turns every step into vital resources and compassionate assistance during a challenging time. Participation may involve walking, donating, or spreading the word, with each action advancing the mission and amplifying the impact.

Ninjas Open Play at Ultimate Ninjas Academy welcomes children ages 3 to 9 for a fun session on the obstacles. Participants can take on bigger ninja challenges with assistance from an adult or a coach. Kids can try monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, and a warped wall, along with other scaled-down obstacles inspired by those seen on TV.

At Naper Settlement, an early newspaper hawker shares stories about Land of Lincoln legends and their inventions, featuring Marvin Camras with the tape recorder, Laurens Hammond with the electronic keyboard, Levant Richardson with ball bearing roller skates, Charles Pajeau with tinker toys, Ives McGaffrey with the vacuum cleaner, and Whitcomb Judson with the zipper.

NeuroQueer Social Night is a monthly gathering for neurodiverse LGBTQ adults and allies that focuses on connection and community. Attendees can take part in crafts, games, and other relaxed activities in a setting that is supportive of neurodiversity, with the freedom to participate at a pace that feels comfortable. There are also options tailored to more specific interests. For details, email olive@naperpride.org.

Movies Under the Stars concludes with a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas at Venue 1012. The story follows Pumpkin King Jack Skellington as he tries to share Christmas joy, a well meant plan that puts Santa at risk and turns holiday cheer into chaos. Before the feature, activities and seasonal snacks will be available, creating a spooky night in the open air. The film runs 1 hour and 16 minutes. Baxter & Woodman is the event sponsor.

The Venue presents Will Hoge for a night of rock-fueled storytelling and sing-along hooks. The Grammy-nominated artist returns with Sweet Misery, his 15th studio album, which pairs fresh directions with a clear salute to his rock and roll roots. After revisiting Carousel and Blackbird On A Lonely Wire, he assembled a tight crew to push the songs bigger and bolder. His career includes chart-topping success, recognition from the Grammys, major-label seasons, and a hard-earned independent streak. Long before Americana had its own awards category, he was helping bring that roots blend to wider audiences. In an age of shortcuts, he favors the scenic path and encourages listeners to experience the album loud and from beginning to end.

1, 2 Many Last Night delivers a high energy, full band salute to modern country at Nash Vegas Saloon, celebrating the songs of Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Chris Stapleton. The show blends chart toppers and heartfelt slow burns into a single set, spotlighting the sound and spirit of today’s country scene. Expect sing along moments, dance friendly favorites, and a lively atmosphere that keeps the music front and center.

Experience a celebration of local holistic wellness and the arts at the Chicago Marriott Naperville. Explore booths that may feature aura photography, bodywork, energy work, and intuitive guidance including tarot and astrology. Browse handmade jewelry and gift items, sample luxurious spa products, and take part in free workshops. Admission is free. Guests younger than 18 must attend with an adult.

Enjoy a relaxed three mile walk through several parts of Lake Renwick Preserve, with the route taking you through Turtle Lake Access Area and the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve. Parking is available at Lake Renwick Preserve. Plan to arrive a little early so the walk can begin promptly.

Enjoy outdoor fun at The Growing Place Aurora with live music from Milkmen’s Kids, pumpkin-themed crafts, lawn games, and food. Admission is free.

Celebrate the season at the Downtown Plainfield Fall Artisan Market at Sanctuary Events, where autumn style and local creativity come together. Explore more than 30 crafters and vendors offering handmade items perfect for fall decor, gifts, and unique finds. Enjoy homemade food and a full cash bar while you browse, and soak up the welcoming atmosphere. It is a chance to support small businesses and embrace all things fall in the heart of Downtown Plainfield.

The Aura Foundation introduces Community Healing Sessions, a donation based wellness offering created to make self-care accessible through the support of volunteer practitioners. Participants can explore holistic services that may include Reiki, energy work, sound centered practices, relaxation techniques, and other wellness options, with offerings adjusted over time based on practitioner participation and community needs. The first session features private Reiki appointments provided by trained volunteers in a calm, supportive setting. Reiki is a gentle practice that originated in Japan and is commonly used to encourage relaxation, ease stress, and support overall well-being. During a session, participants remain fully clothed while the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the body. Many people report feeling deeply relaxed and refreshed afterward. Reiki is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition, and it is often used as a complementary approach that supports the body’s natural capacity to rest and restore. Appointments are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis, and all proceeds benefit The Aura Foundation and its community wellness programs, educational offerings, and healing experiences. Registration is required, appointments are limited, and scheduling can be completed online or by calling 630-219-8546. Zeffy registration is also required. Self-Care Sundays reflects The Aura Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to wellness resources, learning opportunities, and restorative experiences for the community.

Ultimate Ninjas Academy invites children ages 3 to 9 to an open play session designed for young ninjas. Participants can try monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, a warped wall, and many other smaller versions of obstacles seen on TV. Bigger challenges are available with help from an adult or a coach.

Celebrate the 80s as My 80s Band fills Nash Vegas Saloon in Oswego with MTV-era hits, spanning new wave, pop, rock anthems, and dance floor staples. The music keeps the party going from start to finish, creating plenty of chances to sing along and dance. 80s attire is welcome for a fun throwback vibe. There is no cover charge, and food and drinks are available.

A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter presents an afternoon of beer, bites, music, and second chances at Two Brothers Roundhouse, expanding throughout the venue indoors and outside. Enjoy a live set from Jake Stirn & The Dog Pack, browse raffle baskets, take part in a 50/50 drawing, and bid in a silent auction. Meet adoptable dogs while choosing from beer, seltzers, and non-alcoholic options, with food available for purchase from Two Brothers. Tickets will be available soon, and the event listing offers notifications for those marked Interested or Going. All proceeds support the animals cared for by A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.

Lotus Vibrations Healing offers a restorative sound meditation that immerses participants in layered tones from singing bowls, drums, rattles, didgeridoo, flute, gong, and handpan. The vibrations are intended to ease tension and support an energetic reset at a cellular level, helping attendees feel balanced and renewed. The evolving waves of sound encourage brainwave entrainment, gently shifting consciousness and inviting harmony in mind, body, and spirit. Participants are encouraged to lie down, focus on their breath, and relax. Please bring a yoga mat, eye mask, blanket, pillows, a water bottle, and any knee support you may need. Chairs are available. This is a donation based event open to the community.