A month-by-month guide to fun in 2011

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

What do you get when you combine chili, chocolate, Swedish meatballs on a stick, ribs, corn and beer? If you answered, “A raging intestinal disorder,” you would be correct.

However, if you said, “Food that represents the myriad festivals offered throughout the area during the year,” you would be right on the money.

So grab the new calendar or electronic device you just unwrapped, and start planning out the best year ever. Events are subject to change, so call or check the web site in advance.

JANUARY

Musher Mania: The Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago teams with the Forest Preserve District of Will County to present the 17th annual dog-sledding program, which demonstrates the art of mushing (dog sled race). 12-4 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Monee Reservoir on Ridgeland Avenue, west of Route 50 and south of Pauling Road. 708-534-8499 or 815-722-8700, www.fpdwc.org.

Chocolate Festival: NCO Youth and Family Services present the eighth annual Chocolate Festival and Chocolate Baking Competition, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 15 at Neuqua Valley Freshman Center, 3220 Cedar Glade Dr. $7 for adults, $3 for seniors and children 5-12, and free for children under 5. 630-961-2992, www.ncoyouth.org.

Bridal Expo 2011: Hosted by Joliet native and 2003 “America’s Next Top Model” winner Adrianne Curry, brides can plan their weddings in one day. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; fashion show 2:30 p.m. Jan. 23. $10 in advance and $15 day of show. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet. 815-726-7171, www.rialtosquare.com.

Groundhog Daze: Crawl through a tunnel, make a pop-up groundhog to take home, touch real fur, and have a puppet show. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 29-30. $11, $10 seniors, $8 ages 2-17, free kids under 2. Wednesdays, $7, $6 seniors, $5 kids, free kids under 2. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. www.mortonarb.com.

Chili Cook-Off: Get your taste buds ready for Frankfort’s 16th annual Chili Cook-Off. 1-3 p.m. Jan. 30 at Breidert Green, Kansas and Ash streets in Frankfort. Register at www.frankfortchamber.com.

FEBRUARY

Celebrating Chocolate: Chocolate Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily in February; free with admission. $11, $10 seniors, $8 ages 2-17, kids under 2 free. Wednesdays, $7, $6 seniors; $5 kids, kids under 2 free. 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074, www.mortonarb.org.

Daddy/Daughter Winter Luau: Grab your leis, grass skirts and flowered shirts. Dads and their toddler-through-tweenage daughters are invited to a luau featuring treats and a disc jockey. Registration required. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 5, Ranch View School Gym, 1651 Ranchview Drive, Naperville Park District, Naperville. $22/$15 resident. www.napervilleparks.org.

Fireside Fun: Get a glimpse of what winter life was like on an 1843 homestead, with costumed docents, parlor pastimes and pioneer hospitality. Tour Pioneer Sholes School. 1-4 p.m. Feb. 13, Durant House Museum, LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve, Dean Street a mile west of Randall Road, St. Charles. $2, $1 kids 3-12. www.ppfv.org.

E-Week Expo: The 27th annual free expo designed to enhance children’s interest in math, science and engineering. Preschool through high school students and their parents. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Feb. 26, IIT-Rice Campus, 201 East Loop Road, Wheaton. www.dupageeweek.iit.edu.

MARCH

Manhattan Irish Fest: The 16th annual fest include rugby and tug of war tournaments, a parade, live music, mass, a Guinness toast, beer garden, children’s games and inflatables, teen dance and Irish history. 5:30-10:15 p.m. March 4 and 9 a.m.-10:15 p.m. March 5. www.manhattanirishfest.com.

Maple Sugaring Days: See the time-honored method of collecting sap the old-fashioned way and sample real maple syrup. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 12, 1-4 p.m. March 13. $9, $8 seniors, $6.50 kids 4-17. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. 630-420-6010. www.napersettlement.museum.

West Suburban Irish Parade: There will be floats, bands, dancers, bagpipes, an Irish queen and plenty of blarney at 10 a.m. March 12. Starts at Naperville North High School and ends at Naperville’s Municipal Center. www.wsirish.org.

St. Charles St. Patrick’s Day Parade: This year’s parade features bands, dancers, bagpipes, an Irish queen and her court, and plenty of other shenanigans. 3 p.m. March 12 on Main Street from Sixth Street to Fourth Avenue in downtown St. Charles. 630-584-8384, www.dtown.org.

Pioneer Festival and Pancake Breakfast: Enjoy pancakes, sausage and 100-percent pure maple syrup. Afterwards, watch syrup making demonstrations or try your hand at pioneer chores with the re-enactors. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. March 26-27. $8.50 adults/ $5.50 child. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Ave., Joliet. 815-741-7277, www.jolietpark.org.

APRIL

Kane County Cougars: The 21st season begins on the road April 7, with the first home game against the Quad Cities River Bandits at 3 p.m. April 11 at Elfstrom Stadium, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva. 630-609-6238, www.kccougars.com.

Touch-A-Tractor: Kids can see the big farm equipment up close and talk to farmers about their jobs, as well as ride pedal tractors, shell corn, see farm animals, explore a kiddy-pool full of corn and enter for a chance to win their own pedal tractor. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 9-10. Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N710 Randall Road, St. Charles. 630-584-8660, www.kanecfb.com.

Easter Egg Hunt: Hunt for eggs, get a picture taken with the Easter bunny, make a craft, enjoy balloon twisting and see baby animals. 11 a.m. kids ages 1-4, 11:20 a.m. kids ages 5-10. Indoor activities: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 23. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. 630-668-5161, www.cantigny.org.

Organ Extravaganza XV: The Rialto Square Theatre’s Barton Grande Theatre Pipe Organ, affectionately known as “the Barton,” is the star of the show. $30. 7 p.m. April 30, Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet. 815-726-7171, www.rialtosquare.com.

MAY

Civil War Days: The Naper Settlement’s historic museum village is transformed into a Civil War encampment where visitors can meet famous figures of the past like President Abraham Lincoln. The battle begins at 2:30 p.m. each day. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. May 21-22. $12 adults, $11 seniors, $8 youth (4-17). Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. 630-420-6010, www.napersettlement.museum.

Taste of Glen Ellyn: This fest kicks off the summer festival season, featuring the Jaycees Village Fair, Chase to the Taste 5K, live music, a carnival and food vendors. May 19-21. Main Street parking lot between Hillside and Duane streets, Glen Ellyn. 630-469-5510, www.glenellynchamber.com.

Six Flags Great America: Finally, surfing comes to the Midwest! Hurricane Harbor expands with the all-new Riptide Bay, featuring the Surf Rider. The double-sided surf simulator sends out 8 foot waves with 24,000 gallons of rushing water a minute. The water park expansion also includes a Caribbean-inspired activity pool with high-speed waterslides. Hurricane Harbor has traditionally opened Memorial Day weekend; check web site. 847-249-4636, www.sixflags.com.

JUNE

Fine Art Fair: The Naperville Woman’s Club 52nd annual Juried Fine Art Fair. Admission and parking are free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 4-5 on Water and Webster streets, one block north of Naper Settlement. 630-420-9680, www.napervillewomansclub.com/artfair.html.

Joliet Farmers Market: This fresh-air market features locally-grown produce, farm-fresh eggs, homemade noodles, jams and jellies, bakery goods, specialty teas, coffees and more. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays June 3-Sept. 23 on Chicago Street between Van Buren and West Jefferson Street and the Van Buren Plaza. 815-774-6066, www.jolietdowntown.com.

Aurora ArtWalk: Fox Valley artisans will be painting, sculpting, drawing, dancing, singing and strumming at this free, family-oriented event that takes places along New York Street in downtown Aurora between Route 25 and Route 31. 2-7 p.m. June 4. 630-723-2465, www.auroraartwalk.com.

Promenade Artwalk: The third annual Artwalk is a juried fine art show and festival sponsored by the Arts Council and village of Bolingbrook. There will be live music and entertainment and a Children’s Art Tent. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 11 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 12 at the Promenade shopping center, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. 630-201-7073, www.virgorisingpresents.com/artwalkpromenadebolingbrook.aspx.

Pride of the Fox RiverFest: The 29th annual fest features a juried craft show, traditional Chinese dragon boat races, live music on two stages, water ski shows, sand sculptures, a rugby tournament, food vendors and more. June 10-12 along the Fox River from Pottawatomie Park to Lincoln Park in St. Charles. 630-513-5386, www.prideofthefox.com.

Elgin Brewfest: Beer vendors, food vendors, micro breweries, wine and live music. June 17-18. South Grove Avenue and Prairie Street in the Community Park. 847-842-0006, www.elginbrewfest.com.

Aurora’s Downtown Alive!: The series returns with Blues on the Fox June 17 and 18, Rock on the Fox July 8 and Fan Favorites July 22. Free admission; free parking. www.downtownaliveaurora.com.

Canal Days: The annual fest returns June 16-19. Activities include a parade, live music, beer garden and Taste of Lockport. 815-838-4744. www.lockportcanaldays.com.

Old Campground Festival: Numerous arts and crafts booths, entertainment all day on the outdoor stage, children’s games, free parking and admission. Refreshments are sold. June 18. U.S. Route 30, one mile east of I-80 at Exit 137 in New Lenox. 815-485-8271, ext. 52.

Midsommar Festival Swedish Days: The fest includes music, food, crafts, pie-eating contest, carnival, parade, Swedish rosemaling and those delectable Swedish meatballs on a stick. June 21-26. 630-232-6060. www.genevachamber.com.

The Taste of Joliet: A carnival, car and truck show, kids’ activities, food vendors, eating contests, bag tournament and national recording artists highlight this event. June 24-26 at Joliet’s Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St. 815-741-7275. www.tasteofjoliet.com.

Strawberry Fest: Thousands of music-loving, food-loving and strawberry-loving visitors come to Long Grove’s historic business district for the three-day event. June 24-16. Long Grove Historic Village, 307 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. 847-634-0888, www.longgroveonline.com.

JULY

Ribfest: Naperville Exchange Club’s Ribfest features several national recording artists, a carnival, inflatables, jousting, mechanical bull riding, Euro bungee, petting zoo and other kid-friendly entertainment. 12-10 p.m. June 30-July 3 at Knoch Park, 724 S. West St., Naperville. $10 for those 12 and over; 11 and under free. Visit www.ribfest.net.

NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Race Fan Rally July 7 in downtown Joliet. July 8-9 at the Chicagoland Speedway, 500 Speedway Blvd., Joliet. 815-727-RACE. www.chicagolandspeedway.com.

Kane County Fair: Old-fashioned county fair, features 4-H livestock and projects, a carnival, farm animals, entertainment, live music, food and more. Noon to 11 p.m. July 20 and 21; Noon to midnight July 22 and 23; and Noon to 10 p.m. July 24. Route 38 and Randall Road, in St. Charles. 630-584-6926, www.kanecountyfair.com.

Plainfield Fest: Enjoy food, rides, inflatables, games, beer tent, bands, crafts and family fun. 5 p.m.-midnight July 15; 10 a.m.-midnight July 16; 12-6 p.m. July 17 in downtown Plainfield. 815-436-5510, www.mainstreetplainfield.org.

DuPage County Fair: Entertainment includes a Kid Bucks Game Show, magic show, pig and duck race, petting zoo, demolition derby, national recording artists, food vendors, carnival, talent show and 4-H and open class exhibitions. July 27-31 at the fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton. 630-668-6636, www.dupagecountyfair.org.

Catfish Days: Wilmington celebrates with a carnival, food vendors, beer garden, sand volleyball, live music and other entertainment. Check web site for event locations. 815-476-7597, www.catfishdays.com.

New Lenox Proud American Days: Baby contest, pet parade, big wheel race, car show, talent show, bag tournaments, mud volleyball, karaoke contest, live music and more. July 28-31 at the Lions Community Center, One Manor Drive in New Lenox. www.proudamericandays.com.

Lisle Eyes to the Skies: The famous hot air balloon festival returns for its 29th year June 30-July 3. The festival includes a carnival, two musical stages, bags tournament and craft fair with fireworks each night. Held at Short Street and Illinois 53, Lisle. 630-541-6095, www.eyestotheskies.org.

Windmill City Festival: This family-oriented fest celebrates Batavia’s windmill heritage with live music, a 5K run, ice cream eating contest, pet parade, craft show/flea market and more. July 8-10 on the Riverwalk, at Houston Street and Island Avenue, Batavia. 630-879-5235, www.bataviaparks.org.

Woodstock Mozart Festival: The festival features three concert programs, a Chamber Music Sampler, an all-Chopin piano recital and two master classes. uly 30- 31, Aug. 6-7 and 13-14 at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. 815-338-5300, www.woodstockoperahouse.com or www.mozartfest.org.

AUGUST

KidzFest: Come experience a children’s museum on the streets of downtown Joliet. Sponsored by Lewis University, children will be able to make and take crafts, get their KidzFest Campus diploma and much more. Aug. 6. 815-774-6066, www.jolietdowntown.com.

World of Faeries Festival: The festival that celebrates whimsy has live music and other entertainment, food, a vendor village of fantasy artists and craft merchants, raffles and family activities. No pets, no alcohol. $11; $8 seniors; children 12 and under free. Five adults in one car/$8 each. Free parking. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 6 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 7. At Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin. 815-788-1630, www.theworldoffaeries.com.

Art in Your Eye: The free fest has a juried outdoor fine art show, exhibits by local artists, Student Legacy Project, Art in Your Ear stage, children’s stage and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 13 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 14 at the Batavia Riverwalk. 630-761-3528, www.artinyoureye.com.

Crossroads Festival: The 35th annual Crossroads Festival offers carnival rides, live music, a beer tent and food from local restaurants, a 5K race, the Miss Shorewood contest, a parade and fireworks. Held Aug. 5-7 in Four Seasons Park, 25520 W. Seil Road, Shorewood. 815-725-2900, www.shorewoodchamber.com.

Summer Daze: The 34th festival has live music, food booths, children’s activities, car show, Art on the Prairie art fair and carnival. Aug. 6-7 in downtown Warrenville, near Butterfield and Batavia roads. 630-393-9080, www.warrenvillechamber.com.

Bolingbrook Jubilee: This festival with a carnival, live bands, food and more will be Aug. 19-21 at the Performing Arts Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. 630-226-8400, www.bolingbrook.com.

SEPTEMBER

Last Fling: This last blast of summer features carnival rides and games, a business expo, Family Fun Land, live music, food vendors and a Labor Day parade. Sept. 2-5. Located on Main Street and Jackson Avenue along the Riverwalk. 630-961-4143, www.lastfling.org.

Frankfort Fall Fest: Craft fair boasts more than 300 vendors, a parade, carnival, plenty of live entertainment and extensive food court. Sept. 3-5. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday in downtown Frankfort on Kansas Street. 815-469-3356, www.frankfortfallfestival.info.

Sandwich Fair: This fair has country music stars, open class judging, a carnival, arts and crafts, horse shows, truck and tractor pulls, music, demolition derby, petting zoo and livestock judging. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 9-11. U.S. 30 and Pratt Road, Sandwich. 815-786-2159, www.sandwichfair.com.

Grundy County Corn Festival: The 63rd annual fest has a baby contest, craft show, flea market, carnival, live music, food, a grand parade and fall harvest decorations in downtown Morris (Washington and Armstrong streets). Sept. 18-25. 815-942-CORN, www.cornfestival.org.

Elgin’s Largest Block Party: Free admission, music, games, children’s activities and food. Sept. 10 at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. 847-931-5601, www.cityofelgin.org.

Naperville Wine Festival: Indulge your inner sommelier with wine tastings, wine seminars and cooking demonstrations. Sept. 16-17 at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. Admission charged. 847-382-1480, www.napervillewinefestival.com.

OCTOBER

St. Charles Scarecrow Festival: This fest has 100 scarecrows on display; make-your-own scarecrows, Autumn on the Fox Arts and Crafts show, storytelling tent, kids’ crafts, petting zoo, carnival, model train exhibit, paddlewheel riverboat cruises, live music, guided trolley tours, food vendors and more. Oct. 7-11 at Lincoln Park, Main and Fourth streets. 630-377-6161, www.scarecrowfest.com.

Oktoberfest: Long Grove celebrates its German heritage with food, ethnic dancing, music, carriage rides, pumpkin decorating and kids’ activities. Oct. 15-16. Long Grove, Illinois 83 and Long Grove Road. 847-634-0888, www.longgroveonline.com.

BatFest: A family festival with morning trick-or-treating, followed by story telling, pumpkin roll, parade, hayrides, farmers’ market, games and contests. 10 a.m. Oct. 22 at the Batavia Riverwalk, 327 W. Wilson St., Batavia. 630-897-5235, www.bataviaparks.org.

All Hallows Eve: Naper Settlement’s museum village is haunted by some of the most sinister characters and criminals of the 19th century. Not recommended for children under 8. Oct. 21 and 22 at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. www.napersettlement.museum.

St. Joseph’s Oktoberfest: This Lockport tradition has live entertainment, beer tent, concessions, crafts, games, Texas Hold ‘Em and blackjack tournaments, and a carnival. First weekend in October. 529 Madison St., Lockport. 815-838-8173, www.stjoeschool.com/oktoberfest.

Spooktacular Downtown Plainfield: Bring the kids to downtown Plainfield for a day of fall and Halloween fun. Enjoy trick-or-treating, pumpkin giveaway, hayrack rides, the Family Fun Fair area, and lots of other fun activities. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 22. www.mainstreetplainfield.org.

NOVEMBER

Symphony of Lights Celebration: See the music and hear the lights at the Bolingbrook Promenade mall, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. Nov. 12-Dec. 31 with a walk-through display and a light show set to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Showing nightly on the hour from 5 to 9 p.m. www.thepromenadebolingbrook.com.

Christmas Fest: Kids can write letters to Santa, see a magician, listen to music, create Christmas decorations and hang them on the town Christmas tree. The Parade of Lights is followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The day is capped off with the Family Christmas Dance at the VFW Hall on Wolf Road. Nov. 19. 708-479-3900. www.mokena.org.

Christmas Crossroads Craft Show: Presented by the Lockport Woman’s Club, this juried craft show features more than 180 crafters and only handmade crafts. Parking is free and a shuttle bus. No strollers. $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, $1 for students and kids 5 and under is free. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 19 and 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Lockport East High School Field House, 1333 E. 7th St., Lockport. www.christmascrossroads.com.

Hometown Holidays: Presented by the Downtown Naperville Alliance, the event is highlighted by the Electric Light Parade and Grand Illumination on Nov. 25. 630-544-3372, www.downtownnaperville.com.

ComEd Festival of Trees: The Festival of Trees opens with a gala on Nov. 20 and features a Teddy Bear Tea, Rialto Idol, Festival of the Vine wine tasting. The Light Up The Holidays Parade caps this week-long event in downtown Joliet Nov. 25. 815-774-6066, www.visitjoliet.org.

Festival of Lights: Drive through a mile of lighted holiday displays, many of them animated. More added each year. No charge, donations accepted. Nov. 25-Dec. 26. 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Phillips Park, 615 S. Smith Blvd., Aurora. www.aurorafestivaloflights.com.

DECEMBER

Lights of Lisle: Festivities begin with a parade, which brings Santa to town“Once Upon a Christmas” at Lisle Station Museum features children’s crafts, brick oven baking and blacksmithing. The evening culminates at 6 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony. 630-271-4100, www.villageoflisle.org.

Festival of Gnomes: Celebrate the wee folk who do good works at the 35th annual Festival of the Gnomes on Dec. 3 at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Shows at 1 and 3:30 p.m. $3. 815-724-3760, www.bicentennialpark.org.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: The City of Elgin kicks off the holiday season with its annual ceremony. The mayor, together with members of the city council and Santa Claus turn on the holiday lights. Lace up the skates for free skating at City Skate. 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at Civic Center Plaza, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin. www.cityofelgin.org.

Christmas Walk and House Tour: The walk begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 with the arrival of the queen, Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season. Swedish cookies, carolers, hot cider, a tour of five bedecked homes and a traditional tea at the Congregational Church in Geneva. 630-232-6060, www.genevachamber.com.