Events in Aurora today

Watch nesting herons, egrets, and cormorants in action, with a chance to spot a resident bald eagle. To protect the colony during nesting season, access is restricted, so wildlife viewing is available only during designated public hours. Volunteers and staff will be on hand at the viewing platform and the visitor center to answer questions. This free program welcomes all ages and does not require registration. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope for the best views, and use the preserve parking lot. For the protection of this designated nature preserve, dogs and bicycles are not allowed in the Heron Rookery. The viewing platform is reached by a crushed limestone trail that can be uneven. Anyone who needs an auxiliary aid or service should submit a request at least 48 hours before the program.

Now in its third year, this 3v3 soccer classic honors the life of Gianna Lamb with a family friendly day of games, entertainment, and community spirit. The event takes place at the soccer complex at Arranmore Farm + Polo Club in Oswego, Illinois. Boys and girls from kindergarten through 12th grade can compete, with options for recreational and competitive players. Off the field, there will be food and beverage trucks, live music, a DJ, raffle prizes, and extra activities for kids. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a day centered on soccer and togetherness.

Draper Honey brings a sweet lineup to the Aurora Farmers Market. Offerings include one, two, and three pound jars of honey, along with honey bears and honey stix available each week. Creamed honey is available as well, though it can sell out quickly. Depending on availability, you may also find paw wax that is not only for pets, lemon or jalapeño flavored honey, pollen, honeycomb, and soap. Payment options include cash and credit card with a fee.

Ease into the weekend with a soothing morning session that blends gentle, full-body stretching with a simple introduction to meditation. The unhurried pace supports calm and clarity that can extend through the rest of the day. This experience is suitable for beginners and for anyone seeking a slower, more mindful approach to yoga.

Turn unused camera gear into cash or store credit at PROCAM Chicago. UsedPhotoPro’s buying experts will be on site to evaluate equipment and make top dollar offers with quotes given on the spot, whether upgrading your kit or simply earning a little extra money. To receive payment, bring a valid photo ID. Include a charged battery and its charger for each camera, since offers may be lower without them. Items not being purchased include Polaroid cameras, video cameras unless they have an SD card slot, darkroom equipment or supplies, slide projectors or trays, drones and gimbals, most tripods and light stands, old studio lights, and some studio lights. Point and shoot film cameras are generally excluded, though fixed lens models are more likely to be considered.

Build practical self-protection skills in a women-focused class that emphasizes awareness, confident decision making, and effective responses to danger. Instruction explores how predators think and choose targets, ways to shift from a victim mindset to a survivor mindset, techniques for delivering powerful strikes, and methods for escaping grabs and chokes. The curriculum draws from training used by professional protection agents, and it is not a karate-style course. Suitable for ages 14 and up. Younger participants must complete the program with a female adult. The cost is $50 per person.

An open play session at Ultimate Ninjas Academy invites children ages 3 to 8 to take on bigger ninja-style challenges with guidance from an adult or a coach. The gym offers kid-friendly versions of obstacles seen on TV, including monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, and a warped wall, along with additional stations to explore. For questions, call 312-500-2040 or email melissa@ultimateninjas.com.

Chess enthusiasts of every age and skill level are invited to a relaxed community night at Block 59 with Elite Chess. Drop-in play is available throughout the event, and Elite Chess instructors offer mini lessons. A blitz tournament is included, with prizes for winners and giveaways for attendees. The format is flexible, so participants can play a few games, grab dinner from a Block 59 restaurant, and return for more chess and conversation. RSVP is requested.

The Deck Sessions bring a lively patio atmosphere to Christina’s Grill & Gatherings with live music from Michael, Patrick & Kenny. Settle in on the deck for an easygoing night featuring delicious food and refreshing drinks while the music carries the evening. It is a relaxed choice for a weekend outing with friends. Reservations are encouraged.

Celebrate the season with patio music in a relaxed, summery setting. Expect laid back vibes and tunes perfect for warm weather evenings.

Get ready for a throwback night at Downtown Alive! featuring the best of 90's pop. The show will take place at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Grab your tickets and enjoy an evening of classic hits from the decade.

Enjoy a free, outdoor community workout on the Green at Block 59 led by Beyond Measure Fitness Training. This weekly series features different class styles taught by certified instructors from local Naperville studios. Beyond Measure Fitness supports adults 40 and older with expert coaching, a welcoming community, and practical training that builds real world strength and confidence. Bring a mat, a water bottle, and anything else that helps you stay comfortable. RSVP is required to attend.

Cars and Coffee is happening every Sunday during the summer at Two Brothers Roundhouse. Bring yourself out for a morning hangout with cars, running from 9:00 AM through early afternoon. The event will continue until the weather has other plans.

Chicago Auto Club West hosts a monthly Cars & Coffee at Sim Racing Naperville, bringing car culture and conversation together in a relaxed setting. Enthusiasts roll in with supercars, classics, muscle, exotics, imports, custom builds, and daily drivers, creating a diverse display to explore while enjoying coffee and connecting with the local community. Inside the venue, advanced racing simulators offer an authentic track feel while the real cars line the lot outside. Expect friendly people, eye-catching vehicles from many eras, and support from local businesses. Open to anyone who appreciates automobiles, this recurring gathering focuses on community, shared passion, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Kids ages 3 to 8 can experience an open play session at Ultimate Ninjas Academy that introduces bigger ninja challenges with help from an adult or a coach. Participants can try obstacles such as monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, and a warped wall, along with other TV-inspired elements sized for younger kids.

Experience a Self-Care Sunday gathering centered on nervous system regulation, guided by Dr. Yakima Palmer of Yaks Wellness. Created for those navigating stress and fast-paced routines, this supportive circle offers a calm space to slow down, reconnect, and restore a sense of balance. Through gentle guidance and thoughtful reflection, participants practice simple tools for steadying the nervous system, building emotional resilience, and inviting inner ease. Sessions may include breathwork, grounding techniques, body awareness practices, prompts for personal reflection, and an optional opportunity to share in a group setting. The emphasis is on cultivating self-awareness, grounding, and renewal while fostering connection within a caring community. Attendees leave with practical strategies they can use daily to reduce stress, support emotional well-being, and strengthen their relationship with themselves and others. This free community offering is presented by The Aura Foundation as part of its Self-Care Sundays series, and advance registration is required due to limited space.

This free, family friendly concert takes place at McDonald Farm, where guests may bring lawn chairs and beverages and relax to live music in a pastoral setting. This date in the summer series features The Milkman’s Kid, with Good Omen Gyoza and Sno Problems providing food and treats. In the event of clearly unfavorable weather or conditions that make setup unsafe, the concert will be canceled. Lightning or thunder during the program will also result in cancellation and attendees will be sent home. Notices will be posted on Facebook and the website, and a sign at the farm driveway will indicate that the event is canceled. Support for this series comes from Bartlett Tree Experts, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., GreenState Credit Union and What WE Make.

Enjoy a Summer Sunday Funday in downtown Naperville.

See The Association, The Turtles, The Troggs, Chicago, and more in Happy Together Tour 2026. This show features multiple classic lead performers, including Jason Scheff, Gary Puckett, Ron Dante, and others, plus a full lineup of beloved groups. Enjoy an evening of legendary hits and nostalgia at the Paramount Theatre.

A calming, guided session that invites you to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Through a blend of meditation, gentle direction, and thoughtful journaling prompts, participants cultivate clarity and set meaningful intentions. The experience highlights emotional insight and encourages a steady bi-weekly rhythm for meditation and journaling.

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell is coming to RiverEdge Park for an evening show. Tickets are available in a few different options, including a “Kingston Town” experience package, a “Many Rivers” VIP merch bundle, and general admission.

This year’s Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing will be held at Aurora Country Club. Enjoy a day on the course with the Chamber’s annual golf event.

Join the 5th Annual City of Lights Senior Swing Scramble, a friendly golf event made for male and female golfers ages 60 and older. Enjoy a great atmosphere with good food, prizes, and raffle gifts from local businesses and vendors, plus sponsor-supported activities throughout the day. Lunch sponsor is Chick-Fil-A. If the weather is bad, the event will move to Monday, August 17, 2026 at the same time.

The Jim Osborne Scholarship Classic at White Eagle Golf Club is ChicagoMSDC’s annual fundraiser benefiting the Dolores Saxton-Walker Scholarship Fund, which has supported CPS students for more than four decades. Participants can spend a day on the golf course, learn pickleball from a pro, or try their luck in the clubhouse casino, all while contributing to the cause.

Designed for first-time students ages 7 to 12, this beginner-friendly Kids Aerial class at Rondi’s introduces the foundations of aerial in a fun and encouraging setting. No prior experience is required. Through playful movement and creative exploration, participants build confidence, coordination, and strength while learning basic skills. The experience focuses on trying new things, making friends, and discovering the excitement of lifting off the ground.

Foreign Exchange Brewery hosts a free trivia night led by Liquid Kourage Entertainment. The game features five themed rounds with a bonus at the halfway point and a final question, offering brisk competition balanced by a laid-back, intimate taproom vibe. Teams can play together over beers and turn it into a month-after-month habit.

Enjoy a lively bingo night at Roadhouse Oswego, where prizes are awarded throughout the evening and players have a chance to win an in-house progressive jackpot valued at $750.

This 20 minute trolley ride is designed for children and rolls around Naperville with children’s music playing along the way. Riders can search for items from an optional list during the trip, and everyone gets to ring the bell at the end for a cheerful ding ding. The cost is $10.00.

Explore modern Naperville while learning about its past on a one-hour trolley ride. The route highlights downtown, North Central College, the Historic District, Century Walk art, Park District areas, the Police and Fire campus, Naper Settlement, and additional sights around the city. Cost is $25.

The Naperville Public Library presents an outdoor story time with a summertime twist, featuring read-alouds, music, and dancing for children of all ages and their caregivers. It offers a chance to learn, play, and spend quality time together in a welcoming setting. Every child who participates receives a “Top Dog” award courtesy of Lazy Dog, which includes a voucher for a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an entree that can be used to celebrate after the event. Seating is limited and provided by Block 59, so bring a picnic blanket or camping chairs for comfort.

The Naper Settlement Farmers Market offers a relaxed afternoon of free local shopping, live music, activities for children, and classes focused on food and nature, all set outdoors on the museum grounds. A new feature, Down on the Farm Hour, brings families together for performances, story time, and more. Adults can take part in free sessions with community organizations and local experts on topics such as backyard chickens and beekeeping. Visitors can also discover the new We the People: Naperville and the American Story exhibit and step inside historic buildings like the blacksmith shop and the one-room schoolhouse. Admission is free.

Warm up for Cruise Night with a stop at Village Green, where JG’s Reptile Road Show brings a family friendly performance to the pavilion. The show goes on rain or shine under cover. No registration is required, just arrive and enjoy. This installment is part of the monthly pre-Cruise Night series that has also featured Twist City Bubbles and Scales & Tales Traveling Zoo.

Cruise Nights bring themed car showcases to Lockport Street in Plainfield, offering a relaxed stroll past favorite Downtown spots. RE/MAX Ultimate Professionals will be there with popcorn, giveaways, and updates on current real estate news. If you have questions about the housing market, visit on Tuesdays throughout the summer.

Designed for beginners, this river kayaking class offers professional guidance at a relaxed pace. Participants will park at the Aurora Athletic Club, then take a shuttle to a nearby park to start the session. Equipment is provided on site, including paddles and personal flotation devices, followed by instruction on land. The class concludes with an easy float that returns to the parking area. Instructors cover the essentials such as reading moving water, including eddies and surface ripples, understanding kayak parts, using efficient paddling techniques, launching and landing safely, key water safety practices, and basic trip planning, with additional tips as needed. Howling Wolfe Canoe and Kayak supplies the kayak, paddle, PFD, and an instructor.

Enjoy a musical twist on classic bingo at Nash Vegas Saloon in Oswego. There are prizes throughout the evening, opportunities to win entrees and appetizers, and a progressive jackpot that can reach up to $600. Singing along is optional and encouraged.

This relaxed social hour brings a friendly group together each week for conversation, connection, and fellowship. Lunch is on your own, with participants covering the cost of their meal.

Celebrate an AG Doll theme with a pop up hip hop dance party paired with a creative craft. This class is designed for children ages 5 to 8. The fee is $25 per class, and registration is required.

The CNC Networking Mixer is an in-person gathering designed to help professionals and job seekers build confidence, elevate their professional image, and grow their connections in a relaxed, supportive setting. This edition is mixer only with no headshots offered. Admission is free, and a cash bar will be available. A three-month CNC membership is $75, and for a limited time the code CNC25 reduces the cost by $25, with benefits that include access to career resources, more networking opportunities, and a discounted headshot rate.

Experience hands-on fishing instruction with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Fishing Program at Lake Patterson in Oakhurst Forest Preserve. Educators guide participants through essentials like casting, tying knots, identifying fish, and practicing responsible angling. Bring your own gear or borrow rods and tackle, available in limited quantities. Standard Illinois fishing regulations and any site-specific rules apply. The clinic is free and no registration is required.

A hands-on epoxy workshop at Two Brothers Roundhouse invites participants to create a personalized piece such as a river charcuterie board, lazy susan, clock, key holder shelf, coasters, or a small matching set. Projects begin with black walnut and other high quality hardwoods, then get a custom touch with colored epoxy. Attendees may choose up to two epoxy colors upon arrival to achieve their preferred look. After crafting, each piece cures for about a week before the finishing work begins. Finishing typically takes 8 to 10 weeks, and the overall timeline can vary with class size and shipping logistics. When everything is complete, finished creations are carefully packaged and shipped to participants. All ticket sales are final. If someone cannot attend, another person may come in their place. Every attendee ages 12 and up needs a ticket, and a couples ticket allows two people to work together on one project.

Cap off the day with a chance to win. Enjoy rotating themes each week, complimentary food available all evening, and the added thrill of a live progressive jackpot.

This New Moon gathering blends a soothing sound bath with an astrology focus inspired by Leo, centering themes of radiance, self expression, and joy. It is part of a yearlong path dedicated to intention setting, energy clearing, emotional reset, and spiritual growth. Each month in the series highlights a different zodiac energy alongside a complementary healing practice, all paired with restorative sound. Suitable for beginners and seasoned spiritual seekers alike, it offers steady grounding and alignment across the year. Tickets are 40 dollars for a single event, with multi session options available at 105 dollars for a 3 pack, 195 dollars for a 6 pack, and 360 dollars for a 12 month pass. Participants can attend one session or choose a pass for an ongoing experience.

Join the Books n' Brew book discussion group for a relaxed evening of socializing, sharing thoughts, and enjoying libations. For this meetup, the group will be discussing Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond. Food and drink are available for purchase. This event is for adults 19+.

A yearly progressive luncheon featuring participation from multiple chambers, bringing people together for a shared midday meal.

Meet professionals from 20 local chambers of commerce in a multi-chamber networking setting. The event typically draws a strong turnout, creating a welcoming environment to make new connections and strengthen existing ones.

Green Earth Harvest presents a weekly farm stand featuring local, certified organic vegetables, the farm’s own raw honey, and occasional offerings from partner farms. It takes place at McDonald Farm in Naperville, set in the barn reached via the driveway, and operates regardless of weather. For the latest selection, check Green Earth Harvest social channels for the farm stand menu.

Retrospect returns to Potter's Place in Naperville for an outdoor patio performance. The band will play favorites ranging from Motown classics to today's top hits.

Embrace cozy autumn vibes at a paint, sip, and snack event at MOTW in Naperville. The class features pre-traced canvases and all supplies provided, with an instructor offering clear step by step guidance to help everyone finish a piece they can be proud of. Attend solo or with others who would enjoy a specialty drink and food while you create. Simply arrive ready to have fun and explore your creative side.

Part of Rock The Block, the Block 59 Summer Concert Series, this free community show brings live music to the green at Block 59 with Fearless, an unofficial Taylor Swift tribute. The band spotlights chart-topping favorites and playful nods to Taylor’s signature style, performed by accomplished musicians from Chicago who channel the energy of the originals. Expect a relaxed outdoor setting where guests can spread out on the lawn, pick up food from nearby spots, and enjoy music under open skies. No alcohol is allowed on the green. Admission is free, and tickets are available through Eventbrite. Disclaimer: This fan-organized event is not endorsed by or affiliated with TAS Rights Management, Taylor Swift, or their associated entities, and the organizers have agreed to indemnify those parties against any claims related to attendee safety.

Guided by Shivani, this restorative class blends quiet, supported poses with soothing sound for an immersive reset of body and mind. Gentle postures and resonant tones work together to ease tightness, settle the nervous system, and help you return to your natural equilibrium. The pace is unhurried and nurturing, inviting spacious rest. You may leave feeling light, centered, and peacefully calm.

Middle school girls in grades 5 through 8 can take part in a six-week creative arts group focused on building confidence, exploring emotions, and strengthening self-esteem in a supportive, engaging setting. Sessions blend art-making, mindfulness, hands-on activities, and thoughtful conversation to help participants release perfectionism, embrace creativity, and notice how feelings show up in the body. Along the way, they practice self-love, positive affirmations, and intention setting, transform worries and self-doubt through creative expression, and clarify personal goals while boosting motivation. The group also encourages connection and helps each participant identify supportive people in her life. No prior art experience is needed, only a willingness to create, explore, and grow. Cost is $35 per session, with the option to bill through insurance. For registration and additional details, contact the organizer.

Survey Showdown brings a lively, interactive game night to McBride's North Pub & Grille, hosted by Hope. Teams of two or more face off in a rotating mix of crowd favorite game show formats for prizes and bragging rights. The lineup alternates between Team Feud style survey questions and Wheel of Letters style word puzzles, keeping the action fast paced and fun for players and spectators alike. Entry is free and no RSVP is required. Prizes go to the top three teams, and food and drinks are available for purchase.

Each Thursday features a general trivia night with categories that range from music and television to movies, sports, current events, history, science, and more. Drink deals include $4 well you-call-its, $6 Don Julio shots, $15 Miller and Coors buckets, and $25 Modelo buckets. On the first Friday of each month there is a themed trivia night highlighting topics such as Disney, Harry Potter, and WWE, and half-price drinks are available during Happy Hour Fridays.

Gather for a weekly Texas Hold'em poker night at Khaos Brewcade. There is no cost to participate each Thursday.

Catch Gov't Mule live at RiverEdge Park. This is a live performance with multiple ticket options, including General Admission and VIP experiences.