From lively summer street festivals to winters aglow with holiday lights, DuPage County offers an astounding array of year-round events and activities that will surprise and delight even the most discriminating visitor. Use this handy listing to find events that pique your interest, then come discover DuPage, the Magnificent Miles West of Chicago™.

136 events found (1 - 30 shown)
Dates	Event Name/Description	Location	City	Event Type
ONGOING	Public Opening of Great Bear Wilderness at Brookfield Zoo Great Bear Wilderness is the new home for Brookfield Zoo’s polar bears, grizzly bears, bison, bald eagles, and ravens and is adjacent to the Mexican gray wolves already exhibited at Regenstein Wolf Woods. The 7.5-acre North American habitat features a hilly terrain, prairie, rockwork, pools, a waterfall, and deadfall. The exhibit is landscaped with nearly 31,500 new plantings, including trees, shrubs, prairie grasses, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover. Guests first encounter bison exhibited in a prairie setting followed by views of bald eagles and ravens. Continuing along the pathway guests can see the Mexican gray wolves habitat and then on to the bears’ yards, which are approximately three times the space of the zoo’s former Bear Grottos. An underwater viewing area will allow guests to see the polar bears swimming in pools and also to watch them above the waterline. The exhibit, which is free with paid zoo admission, also features a gift shop and restaurant. For further information about Great Bear Wilderness, visit www.CZS.org.	Chicago Zoological Society	Brookfield	Other
01/01/10 -  10/11/10	Brookfield Zoo's Photo Contest Grab your camera and head to Brookfield Zoo to capture a winning photo to enter in the Chicago Zoological Society’s 2010 Photo Contest. With its beautiful gardens and extensive animal collection, Brookfield Zoo provides the perfect setting to capture a winning shot. (However, pictures do not have to be taken at the zoo.) The grand prize winner will receive round-trip main cabin air transportation for two to any American Airlines/American Eagle destination in the contiguous United States, courtesy of American Airlines. Additional prizes courtesy of Fisher-Price. Entries must be 8 by 10 inches, and either color or black and white, and they must feature an animal (photos with people will not be accepted). Photos should not be framed or matted. To enter, fill out an entry form and tape it to the back of the photo (one entry per person). Forms and the official photo contest rules may be downloaded from Brookfield Zoo’s Web site, www.CZS.org/PhotoContest. Forms are also available at the zoo’s north and south information kiosks or by calling (708) 688-8351. Send entries to Brookfield Zoo, 2010 Photo Contest, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513. Photos may also be dropped off at the zoo’s South Gate Reception Booth. All entries must be received by Monday, October 11, 2010, 5:00 p.m. Entries will not be returned and will become the property of the Chicago Zoological Society. Judges will select one grand prize winner from all entries. In addition, a first-, second-, and third-place winner will be selected in two age categories—adult (12 and older) and child (11 and under). Photo Contest winners will be notified by phone and invited to an awards reception to take place on Saturday, October 23. Winning photos will be displayed in the zoo’s Discovery Center lobby through November.	Chicago Zoological Society -Brookfield Zoo	Brookfield	Visual Arts
01/31/10 -  12/26/10	SugarToad Sunday Steak Night Every Sunday night head to the Best Steakhouse Around for SugarToad Sunday Steak Night. With a varity of special menu items.	SugarToad at the Arista	Naperville	Other
02/01/10 -  02/01/11	1/2 Price Tuesdays Join Us Every Tuesday And Enjoy A Half-Priced Food Menu And $3 House Wine And Beer!	1/2 Price Tuesdays at Gold Class Cinemas	Bolingbrook	Other
04/01/10 -  10/31/10	Acorn Express at The Morton Arboretum See beautiful gardens, woodlands, wetlands and prairies in a tram tour. This 50-minute tour aboard the open-air Acorn Express explains the rich Arboretum history, and describes the trees and plants you’ll see. There’s also an opportunity to see lovely wildlife in a native habitat. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for those aged 2-17; Arboretum member discounts are available. Call 630-968-0074 for times. Daily April through October, (weather permitting)	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Sports/Recreation
04/09/10 -  01/31/11	Steelroots: Tobin at The Morton Arboretum It’s fine art that visitors are encouraged to touch! “Steelroots: Tobin at The Morton Arboretum,” are 14 monumental sculptures – up to 40 feet high – from the influential, contemporary artist, Steve Tobin. His soaring, abstract tree root sculptures seem to burst forth from the earth where they can be seen, to connect visitors with the importance of trees in our environment as well as the metaphorical power of roots. The artist’s work allows all to see nature in a new way. All ages, Conifer Collection Area. April 9–January 31, 2011: 7 a.m. to sunset	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Visual Arts
06/02/10 -  09/29/10	Classic Car Show	The Promenade Bolingbrook	Bolingbrook	Seasonal
06/09/10 -  10/06/10	Yorktown Farmer's Market Join us on Wednesdays, 3pm-6pm, starting June 9 and continuing until October 6 outside on The Shops on Butterfield. A wide variety of vendors will be on hand featuring fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, muffins, scones, olive oil, farm fresh cheese and milk, chocolates, fresh cut flowers and herbs, pasture raised antibiotic free pork and more. Attendees can also partake in weekly activities hosted by organizations such as the DuPage Children's Museum and more! Each week a Yorktown restaurant will sponsor the event and offer food and beverage samples.	The Shops on Butterfield/Yorktown Center	Lombard	Seasonal
06/12/10 -  10/16/10	Farmers Market Enjoy fresh produce, entertainment and more - rain or shine!	The Promenade Bolingbrook	Bolingbrook	Seasonal
06/15/10 -  09/12/10	The Magical History Tour Discover the history and mystery of magic through this new all-ages exhibit featuring many fascinating artifacts and interactive, multi-media experiences. Explore the different types of magic and learn about Chicago’s magical legacy. Find out about the legendary magicians who developed this amazing performance art, including Elmhurst resident Harlan Tarbell, Blackstone, the Great Houdini, and more.	Elmhurst Historical Museum	Elmhurst	Other
06/29/10 -  09/09/10	Moonlight Savings Feast Large 16" one-topping pizza and soft drinks(Beer or wine extra) and $25 in Tokens(100)for just $29.95 plus tax. $45 Value!	Enchanted Castle Rest. & Entertainment Complex	Lombard	Seasonal
07/16/10 -  09/18/10	Photography Exhibition From beginning photographers to the seasoned professionals, members of the Mayslake Nature Study & Photography Club have travelled around the world made use of their own backyards to capture the beauty that surrounds us. Come and see it through their eyes!	Mayslake Peabody Estate	Oak Brook	Visual Arts
08/12/10 -  10/03/10	Hot Mikado East meets West head-on in this hilarious 1940's-style update of a Gilbert and Sullivan favorite. Featuring an intoxicating mix of styles and influences, classics such as "A Wand'ring Minstrel I" and "Three Little Maids" are transmuted into show-stopping blues, swing, hot gospel numbers and scorching torch songs. Find out what happens when the clean lines and color of Japanese design combine with the big band sights and sounds of popular American song and dance! Directed by David Bell.	Drury Lane Theatre	Oakbrook Terrace	Performing Arts
08/16/10 -  09/15/10	Fall Bowling League Sign-up We have leagues for all ages. Featuring once a month, short season, money, and free ball leagues. Joining a league is a great and inexpensive way to entertain you and your loved ones. Stop in our call for more information.	Brunswick Zone Carol Stream	Carol Stream	Sports/Recreation
09/01/10 -  09/30/10	“Root Art!” Roots that you can eat? Explore the world of edible roots and design you own piece of art using roots with “Root Art!” This activity is self-guided. All ages, the Children’s Garden. Weekdays in September: 1 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting)	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Other
09/01/10 -  09/30/10	National Honey Month Celebrate National Honey month in The Arboretum Store. Interesting honey and bee tips, facts and recipes for the Arboretum’s delicious Linden honey will be available for visitors. Also, honey and bee products can be purchased. All ages. The Arboretum Stores. Daily in September: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Seasonal
09/02/10 -  09/30/10	“Snapshots” Want to get the best results from the spring bulb you’re buying now? Try “Snapshots,” where Arboretum experts teach the latest on bulb selection, bed design, and planting techniques. All ages, Visitor Center (purchase tickets there also: $6 each). Thursdays in September: 2 – 3 p.m.	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Other
09/03/10 -  09/24/10	September “Arbor Readings” Root around in a good book with “Arbor Readings.” This story-time offers a nature-themed story told out in nature! September’s theme is “Roots.” All ages. Children’s Garden. Fridays in September: 11 a.m. -11:20 a.m. (weather permitting)	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Other
09/03/10 -  10/08/10	Family Twilight Adventure at The Morton Arboretum An adventure for the whole family! Go on a fun-filled journey after hours at the Arboretum with “Family Twilight Adventure.” Hike, play fun activities, and roast yummy marshmallows and take a tram ride through the woods after dark! Come see what the animals are up to after people go home. Children must be accompanied by an adult registrant. Costs $23 per person with discounts available for Arboretum members. To register visit education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. All ages. Visitor Center. September 3 and 4: 7 – 9 p.m. September 17, 24 and 25: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. October 1 and 8: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Other
09/04/10 -  09/26/10	“Harvest Days” See the fruits of our youth volunteers’ labor! Stop by and see some of the fruits and vegetables that were harvested by our young tree huggers in “Harvest Days.” All ages. Children’s Garden. Weekends in September: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weather permitting)	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Other
09/04/10 -  09/26/10	“Our Town” Theatre-Hike at The Morton Arboretum “Our Town” is in your town! Thornton Wilder’s classic, presented as a “theatre-hike,” will take visitors along with the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and encounter many of life’s early 20th century issues. Each theatre-hike presents a different scene at a different location on the Arboretum grounds. Regular hikes are on Saturdays and low-impact hikes (suitable for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs) are on Sundays. Hikes begin at the Thornhill Education Center. Tickets $13-$19; Arboretum members receive discounts. Weekends in September: 1 – 3:30 p.m.	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Performing Arts
09/04/10 -  10/16/10	“Fall Bird Walk” Let’s take a walk! “Fall Bird Walk” takes visitors into the woods, fields and edges of the Arboretum to look for fall birds. While looking, they will learn about fall migrants and year round resident birds from an Arboretum expert. Binoculars and a field guide will be useful. This program is completely outdoors so dress for weather. No prior experience needed, just a love of learning. Costs $15 with discounts for members. Children ages 11 and up welcome with an adult registrant. Thornhill Education Center. September 4 and 18; October 2 and 16: 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Other
09/06/10 -  09/12/10	BMW Championship Come and see how the professionals do it this Fall. The BMW Championship is the third in a series of four PGA Tour Playoff tournaments designed to determine the FedExCup Champion. Top golfers from around the world will be here to compete in what promises to be one of the most exciting golf events of the year.	Cog Hill Golf & Country Club	Lemont	Sports/Recreation
09/07/10 -  09/12/10	Youth Actors Auditions: Noble Fool Theatricals Performing Arts Academy The Noble Fool Theatricals Performing Arts Academy is eager to have local youth audition for a variety of performance opportunities, including: Alice in Wonderland Youth Ensemble musical, a teen's "Glee" Show Choir, a children's Sleeping Beauty production, and the teen play A Night in Transylvania. All auditions are held at Pheasant Run Resort, and are first-come, first-served open auditions. Everyone should bring a headshot and a resume to the audition. Please visit www.noblefool.org/education for further details including audition requirements, dates and times.	Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort	St. Charles	Performing Arts
09/08/10 -  09/15/10	"Looking at Bees!” at The Morton Arboretum Get a buzz “Looking at Bees!” Participants will get safely close to bees with a microscope and then try to draw what interesting things they see. No experience, not a problem. This class is open to all experience levels. Cost $21 with discounts for members. To register visit education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. All ages. Thornhill Education Center. September 8 and 15: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Other
09/09/10 -  11/25/10	Into the Wild at The Morton Arboretum Uncover trees and nature with “Into the Wild: After School Series!” Each month kids get to learn a new series of games and experiments. Topics include: “Sunflower Season,” “Autumn Birding” and “Who’s in Hibernations.” Costs $120 per child with discounts for Arboretum members. To register visit education at www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468. Ages 7-9. Thornhill Outpost. Thursdays, September 9 – 30; October 7 - 28; November 4-25: 4 - 6 p.m.	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Other
09/10/10 -  09/11/10	CityGate Grille Live Music - New Image Band on September 10 CityGate Grille is located just off of Route 59 and I-88 in Naperville, offering signature cocktails, a Mediterranean-inspired menu, and live music every Friday and Saturday night from 8 p.m. to midnight. On Friday nights, the performance will take place out on the patio, weather permitting. Join CityGate Grille on Friday, September 10 for the New Image Band and their popular mix of Motown, classic standards, rock, and dance music.	CityGate Grille	Naperville	Performing Arts
09/11/10	“Honey, I’m Homemade: Sweet Treats from the Beehive Across the Centuries and Around the World.” Get a wealth of recipes for biscuits, breads, pies, puddings and cakes that feature honey as the essential ingredient with “Honey, I’m Homemade: Sweet Treats from the Beehive Across the Centuries and Around the World.” Meet the author May Berenbaum as she signs copies of her new book. More than just a collection of recipes, the author and entomologist details the fascinating history of honey harvesting and uses from around the world. All ages. The Arboretum Store. September 11: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.	The Morton Arboretum	Lisle	Other
09/11/10	Dinner on the Town Spin your way to an exciting evening during the third annual Dinner on the Town. What makes Dinner on the Town unique is that event attendees will not know where they are eating until that evening. As part of the cocktail reception, the emcee spins a wheel with Naperville's finest restaurants and caterers. Diners are whisked away to their dining location via various modes of transportation to enjoy their dinner. After dinner, guests are picked up and returned to Naper Settlement for the culmination of the silent auction, a live auction, dessert and dancing. This fundraising gala benefits the Naperville Heritage Society. Limited seating. Reservations required.	Naper Settlement and various locations	Naperville	Other
09/11/10	The Freedom Express An initiative of the McCormick Foundation, the Freedom Express is a 45-foot-long mobile museum that tells the story of our First Amendment freedoms. Exhibits combine artifacts and award-winning, computer-based interactives.	Brookfield Zoo	Brookfield	Other