Events in Elgin today

An advanced group ride that turns up the speed, stretches the distance, and soaks up the sun. Riders should be comfortable with about 15 to 20 miles and a set destination in the area, for example Pingree Grove, Algonquin, or St. Charles. The meaning behind the name is one that ride coordinator Tim King can share. As with all Elgin Community Bikes rides, the annual 2026 waiver is required and only needs to be completed once for the year. There might even be ice cream.

Scott Smith's All Animal Expo returns to the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, Illinois after a July break. This family friendly expo features a wide range of animals, supplies, and specialty vendors. Attendees can browse puppies and kittens, reptiles and amphibians, birds, small exotic mammals, and invertebrates, along with live and frozen feeders, tanks and supplies, plus animal themed art and crafts. Vendors are available to answer questions, share knowledge, and help visitors learn more about the animals they work with. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 6 to 10, and free for children 5 and under. Free parking is available, and there is an ATM and concessions on site.

The fifth annual car show returns to French Med Spa + Health with a showcase of exotic and luxury vehicles presented with Chicago Motor Cars. Expect a lively scene with a DJ, refreshments, and a celebratory summer vibe. Alongside the cars, look for one-day specials on aesthetic and wellness services, live demonstrations of Emsella and Emsculpt Neo, and raffles with giveaways running throughout the afternoon. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Plenty of photo-worthy moments await, including standout builds from around the Midwest.

Chicagoland Halal Fest 2026 expands with a move to Kane County Fairgrounds, bringing more space, easier parking, and additional attractions. There is more room for food, shopping, entertainment, and family activities, while maintaining the familiar vibe. It is planned as the biggest edition yet, offering a weekend centered on food, culture, shopping, and community.

Bring the family for close animal encounters at Lords Park. This Saturday session features Incredible Bats!: Animals Around the World. It runs for one hour, and it is a free, drop-in event with no registration needed.

Tommy Joe brings live music to the patio.

This event combines good food with a live musical performance, bringing dining and entertainment together in a relaxed atmosphere.

Celebrate the easygoing spirit of summer with a family-friendly evening at Primrose Farm. This event welcomes all ages, with admission at $18 per person. Settle by the fire to toast hot dogs, enjoy sweet corn and fresh watermelon, and finish with melty s'mores as the daylight fades. Play a few lawn games, then climb aboard for a wagon ride through the fields while the sunset paints the sky.

Former Bad Company singer Robert Hart and guitarist Dave "Bucket" Colwell lead a rock and roll ride through the band’s catalog, with classic Bad Co songs delivered in an authentic style. Hart fronted Bad Company for seven years during its classic rock era, spent many years with The Jones Gang alongside Kenny Jones of The Faces, and currently performs with Manfred Mann’s Earthband. Colwell served 12 years in Bad Company, was a member of Humble Pie where he recorded, co-wrote, and produced the album Back on Track, and has also played with The Jones Gang, ASAP, and other groups. Fans of Bad Company can expect faithful performances that celebrate the sound that made the band legendary.

Chicago Global Nights turns Playa Bar & Music Lounge into a true suburban home for house music, offering a focused experience curated and directed by Marvin Coronel. The night is built on intention and clarity, celebrating identity and honoring the culture with sound that has purpose. The music spans soulful grooves, deep and afro flavors, tech and funky vibes, and the classic Chicago touch. There is no confusion and no mixed concepts, just authentic house energy from start to finish.

Cross Kicks Fitness South Elgin presents a Spartan DEKA event featuring DEKA MILE, DEKA STRONG, and DEKA ATLAS. The challenge is built to push performance, add a game-like edge, and celebrate progress, drawing on Spartan DEKA’s 10 zone tests that spotlight well rounded strength and strong work capacity while offering an attainable benchmark to train toward. Compete to earn your DEKA ATLAS Mark and use it as a step toward DEKA FIT 2026. Space is limited.

A sensory friendly play session at Urban Air Adventure Park in St. Charles is designed for children with autism and special needs, with the environment adjusted to be calmer for those with sensory processing differences. Admission is $19.99 per child with Platinum Access, and one parent or guardian is free with each participating child. Participants must wear Urban Air socks. For more details, call (630) 584-8171.

Enjoy sensory-friendly days at the Fox River Trolley Museum. During these days, a Quiet Train is in service, and a sensory-friendly safe space is available at the Wayne Depot.

Curious if your pet could serve as a comfort animal with Healing Paws? Schedule a brief evaluation at PetSuites St. Charles to explore joining Anderson Humane’s volunteer effort that brings animal companionship to senior centers, schools, and other places where people benefit from the calming presence of pets. Volunteers commit a minimum of two hours each month. Each evaluation is 20 minutes, must be booked in advance, and has a $50 fee. Dogs evaluated at PetSuites need current rabies, DHPP (distemper), bordetella, and canine influenza (H3N2/H3N8) vaccinations. If a dog is not yet vaccinated for canine influenza, PetSuites permits a one-time 30-day waiver per client. Electronic vaccination records are required for all registered dogs before the appointment and must be emailed to krakunas@ahconnects.org at least two weeks prior to the evaluation; these records will be shared with PetSuites. Use the ticket button to schedule. For questions, contact Kelly Rakunas at 847.697.2880 x29 or krakunas@ahconnects.org. Evaluations take place at PetSuites St. Charles, not at the South Elgin Shelter.

Experience a faithful recreation of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band in their 70s and 80s era, modeled on the Live Bullet and Nine Tonight concert albums. The show highlights favorites like Fire Lake, Roll Me Away, Turn The Page, Still The Same, and Night Moves. Small Town delivers a John Mellencamp experience with a seven piece lineup performing more than 30 years of songs using violin, mandolin, accordion, melodica, keyboards, guitars, and drums. The set draws from more than 25 chart toppers such as Jack and Diane, Cherry Bomb, ROCK in the USA, Small Town, Pink Houses, Check It Out, Lonely Ol Nights, I need a Lover, Authority Song, Hurts So Good, Scarecrow, and more. The band consists of seven Hoosier natives from John Mellencamp's hometown and mirrors the feel of his live shows, supported by over 50 years of combined stage experience.

Enjoy a game of Pokeno at the Fulton location. This session runs from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

Put your knowledge to the test across six rounds of mind-bending trivia. Teams can include up to six people, and it is free to participate. Prizes go to first and second place, with an extra giveaway midway through the game. Categories include pop culture, sports, entertainment, name that tune, and geography and history. Bring friends and sip a drink as you play.

Join a free drop-in, all-ages program at the zoo-themed series for kids and families. This session runs from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and does not require registration. The August 11 theme is “Extirpated Illinois,” with activities as part of the select Tuesday lineup.

Discover the beat in an eight week, beginner friendly drumming course at Discovery Church. Sessions last about 30 to 45 minutes and focus on rhythm skills, confidence, and core technique through hands on practice. Open to ages 13 and up, this program is aimed at nurturing future worshippers and musicians.

Take part in a free outdoor Zumba class at the Panton Mill Park Sound Stage, led by Zumba with Lisa. Enjoy a lively workout in the fresh air while you get moving and have fun. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

Test your team’s knowledge at a lively trivia night at Pollyanna Brewing Company in St. Charles. A host guides two full hours of general knowledge questions with themed bonus rounds and music rounds. Craft brews and cocktails will be available, and attendees can order delivery from local restaurants to enjoy during the event. Top teams earn bragging rights and prizes. Plan to arrive early to secure a spot.

Midway Sports Bar hosts pub trivia on Tuesdays as part of a 12 week tournament. Each week, the top three teams qualify for the tournament bracket and move closer to a grand prize and team trophy awarded at the end of the series. Stay for the full game to be entered in a cash raffle, held three times over the twelve weeks. Form a team of up to six players, compete for first and second place prizes, and watch for a weekly mid game bonus. Enjoy questions, friendly rivalry, and drinks while you think.

This weekly yoga class in South Elgin, IL blends time-honored teachings with fresh approaches to support inner calm. Led by a seasoned instructor devoted to authentic practice, it welcomes practitioners of every level. The practice emphasizes joint stability and strength to create a solid foundation for overall well-being, offering sequences that balance challenge and accessibility. Held in a first-floor home studio, the setting provides a small number of mats, and participants are encouraged to bring a mat and any supportive props such as a block or strap. Each session includes about an hour of mindful asana, followed by an optional guided meditation of roughly 20 to 30 minutes for those who wish to stay. A virtual option is also available, with a Zoom link included in the email confirmation, and the choice to participate live or receive a recording if attending at the scheduled time is not possible.

A librarian from the St. Charles Public Library leads a lively story time at Creek Bend Nature Center in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, featuring story readings, finger plays, songs, and other activities for children from infancy through age 5. Afterward, families can explore the Nature Center’s interactive exhibits, then finish the experience with a second book along the StoryWalk. The program is free, and no registration is required.

One Twenty Live hosts a Wednesday cruise night that offers a midweek break after a few days of work. All kinds of rides are invited, including classic and period-correct builds, imports, exotics, bikes, overlands, and clean builds. The gathering is family friendly and rated for everyone, and pets are welcome. Attendees may want to browse the venue’s menu beforehand to decide what to order.

The Davenport Project brings a mix of classic rock, blues, and country with a sound that invites tapping along and clapping to the beat. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and friends to enjoy a summer night of live music at Panton Mill Park.

Enjoy a summer evening concert as part of the Village of South Elgin Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series. The event runs from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM and takes place at Panton Mill Park in South Elgin.

Side Street Studio Arts hosts a monthly improv jam that invites participants to build their yes and skills, create scenes on the fly, and connect with new people in a supportive, delightfully offbeat setting. Everyone is welcome, from first-timers to seasoned performers. The session begins with quick, game-based short form and transitions into deeper long form work in the second half. This is a pay-what-you-can program with a suggested contribution of $8, which reflects the true cost of the event, and participants are welcome to give more or less based on their circumstances.

A volunteer meeting at the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum & Art Gallery will focus on planning for the 40th Annual DuKane ABATE Toy and Food Run. The agenda includes an overview of responsibilities and logistics, plus distribution of donation boxes for placement in local businesses. DuKane ABATE is seeking volunteers to contribute time and skills to help collect toys for children in need. Those unable to attend can find details and a volunteer application on the DuKane ABATE website. Questions can be directed to Chris at 630-302-4445 or dukaneevents@gmail.com.

The Neal Morse Band, an enduring and tightly unified presence in progressive rock for over a decade, appears as one of only five shows scheduled in the States. Their latest studio album, L.I.F.T., took shape during a time of major transition and reflects the group’s vision, passion, and inspiration with spontaneous creative chemistry. The performance features the full lineup of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer, and Randy George.

Drop off your unwanted shoes for a fee-free donation that helps keep old footwear out of landfills while supporting Senior Services Associates, Inc. The drive runs through the day so you can stop by within the scheduled hours.

Get ready for the Elgin Area Chamber’s 49th Annual ChamberFest Golf Outing, a full day of golf plus networking, contests, prizes, and food. Join local business leaders for 18 holes at Bowes Creek Country Club, with lunch and dinner included along with a variety of fun on-course activities.

This weekly community bike ride rolls through Elgin and sometimes nearby areas. Expect a quicker pace than typical social rides, such as a full moon ride, and an adult-leaning outing that may pause at a bar or beer garden. All are welcome. Please complete the waiver, which only needs to be submitted once per year, and ride safely.

Prestige Creative Markets & Nursery presents a back to school themed ladies night created with moms and teachers in mind. This ticketed evening features an exclusive shopping window with limited capacity. A $20 ticket includes access to event-only sales, sips and samples, live music by local musician Dillon Riley, and time to explore more than 90 small shops offering barnwood and vintage painted furniture, seasonal and home decor, boutique fashion, handcrafted goods, and other fun finds. Special offerings add to the experience. Wild Fairy, a fairy hair boutique, provides shimmering strands with a 10 strand option for $25 in a variety of colors. Sparkle Chic offers custom fitted permanent jewelry, allowing guests to select a chain and choose from over 50 connector styles. Primitives by Olde Lady Morgan shares tastings that include Avocado Ranch Dip Mix, Fried Pickle Dip Mix, and Soberdough Dill Pickle Bread. Miya’s Munchies features hand iced back to school cookies for lunchboxes or teacher thank yous. The Country Biscuit General Store highlights game day snacks and tailgate favorites. Giftable picks for teachers and coaches include notepads, tumblers, desk decor, and more. A giveaway during the event will award four free tickets to the annual Visit with Santa experience to one winner. The winner receives a unique coupon code and can choose between Pizza + Pajamas with Santa, Brunch with Santa, or Slices with Santa. Tickets are limited. They are non refundable and non transferable. If the event is canceled, a Prestige Creative Markets gift certificate will be issued to the purchaser. Multiple tickets may be purchased by providing each guest’s full name at checkout. Single ticket orders should list only the purchaser’s name. When buying more than one ticket, add them to the cart individually with the correct name, then complete the purchase through the shopping cart.