Arts & Entertainement

Albright Theatre

This company has gained the reputation for producing cutting-edge dramas and comedies, as well as family-friendly shows for over 30 years.
100 N. Island Ave., Batavia
(630) 406-8838
albrighttheatre.com

Aurora Area Architecture

The Aurora area features a diverse tapestry of architectural styles and sights, by Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Bruce Goff and George Grant Elmslie. Also home to of the largest collections of Sears Mail Order Homes and Lustron Homes. Take an iPod, cell phone Heritage or Downtown tour!
(630) 256-3190
auroradowntown.org

Aurora Downtown iPod Cell Phone and Heritage Walking Tours

Self-guided tour of Aurora's historic downtown; tour brochures are available at the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
(630) 844-8066
auroradowntown.org

Aurora Historical Society

Local history research archives. Historic photos, books, documents and maps covering Aurora's history from the 1830s to the present. By appointment only.
305 Cedar St. ., Aurora
(630) 897- 9029
aurorahistoricalsociety.org

Aurora Public Arts Commission

Located in the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, the Aurora Public Art Commission provides programs in art
education and exhibitions in the gallery.
20 E. Downer Pl., Aurora
(630) 906-0654
aurora-il.org

Batavia Depot Museum

Housed in an 1854 Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Depot, the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and comes alive with historic exhibits on rail transportation, windmills and the settlement of Batavia.
155 Houston St., Batavia
(630) 406-5274
bataviahistoricalsociety.org

Big Rock Historical Society Crib Museum

Come relish the rich agricultural past of Big Rock. Step into the restored corn crib and explore artifacts from the century-old Plowing Match, or learn more about the Welsh immigrants who settled the area in the middle of the 19th century. Traipse through the building and surrounding farm fields. Open Saturdays
2 & 4 p.m. or by appointment.
48W445 Hinckley Rd., Big Rock
(815) 286-3364 or (630) 556-3321

Blackberry Farm

19th century farm and village featuring pioneer craft shops and demos, a discovery barn with petting zoo and pony, hay and miniature train rides and more.
100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora
(630) 892-1550
foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

Center Street Clay

Thriving center for ceramic arts housed in an 1885 mansion that offers a host of classes, workshops, gallery, student lodging and gorgeous ceramic art for purchase.
4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora,
(630) 585-0300
centerstreetclay.com

The Comedy Shrine

The Comedy Shrine provides Aurora, Naperville and its surrounding communities with top notch improvisational and stand-up comedy.
218 W. Center St., Sandwich
(815) 570-2030
comedyshrine.com

David L. Pierce Art & History Center

The Aurora Public Art Commission hosts eight to 10 rotating exhibits displaying a full spectrum of innovative arts. The History Center has a collection of photographs, books, maps and other memorabilia.
20 E. Downer Pl., Aurora
(630) 906-0650 (History) or
(630) 906-0654 (Art)
aurorahistoricalsociety.org

Esther's Place

Features classes in spinning, weaving, knitting and felting and also hosts retreats.
201 W. Galena St. (Rt. 30), Big Rock
(630) 556-9665
esthersplacefibers.com

Fabyan Dutch Windmill

Considered to be the best example of an authentic Dutch windmill in the United States, the 68-foot, five-story working windmill was originally built by German craftsman Louis Backhaus between 1850 and 1860.
Fabyan Forest Preserve, Rt. 25, North of Batavia
(630) 232-5980

The Farnsworth House Estate

Master architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created the ultimate minimalist masterpiece, the Farnsworth House, in pastoral Plano. The stellar structure of floor-to-ceiling glass seemingly floats above the rambling Fox River.
14520 River Rd., Plano
(630) 552-0052
farnsworthhouse.org

FermiLab Arts Series

Ramsey Auditorium is the site for Fermilab’s series of music, dance, and theater, plus lectures on the arts, sciences and culture.
Kirk Rd. at Pine St., Batavia
(630) 840-3351
fnal.gov

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

Site of the world's most powerful particle accelerator where particles circle the four-mile ring 57,000 times each second. Restored prairie grass areas, historic barns, self-guided tours and a buffalo herd.
Kirk Rd. at Pine St., Batavia
(630) 840-3351
fnal.gov

First Street Playhouse

A cozy, professional theater serving the best quality Comedies, dramas, musicals and workshops for all Ages. Year-round productions
160 Water St., Batavia
(630) 406-6367
firststreetplayhouse.com

Gallery 44

A cooperative gallery of area artists including watercolors, pen-and-ink, sketches and mixed-media pieces.
50 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
(630) 801-0818

Gallery at Allen and Pepa Architects

Gallery openings featuring a variety of area artists on the first Friday of even-numbered months.
8 W. Wilson St., Batavia
(630) 879-8831
allenpepa.com

Hollywood Casino - Aurora

Simply the area's best gaming facility with slots, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, craps, live poker and more. Enjoy over 53,000 square feet of gaming space and the finest air quality in Chicagoland. The pavilion offers two restaurants and an astounding collection of movie memorabilia.
1 New York St. Bridge, Aurora
(630) 801-1234 or
(800) 888-7777
hollywoodcasinoaurora.com

ISAAC2/Swimming Stones

A Kinetic water sculpture Commissioned by the Aurora Public Arts Commission and sculpted by Christian Tobin.
Northwest and corner of Stolp
Ave. and Benton St,. Aurora
(630) 906-0654
aurora-il.org

Kendall County Historical Society's Heritage Hall & Chapel On The Green

Dating back to 1855, the chapel is Kendall County's oldest church building and is adorned with stained glass windows and a restored 1899 pipe organ. The adjacent hall houses local artifacts.
107 W. Center St., Yorkville
(630) 553-6777
kchs.us

Lyon Farm and Village

The farm and village have 15 historic buildings that trace the history of Kendall County. Learn about native prairie grasses found around the farm and enjoy a variety of history-oriented special events.
Rt. 71, Yorkville
(630) 554-3064 or
(630) 553-6777

New York Street Memorial Bridge

Spanning the entire Fox River, features include the circa 1930's Memory and Victory statues in honor of fallen soldiers.
New York St,. Between Rts. 25 and 31, Aurora
(630) 844-3648

The Old Barn Museum

Featuring a collection of thousands of Native American artifacts such as: arrows, axes, drills, stone implements, trade beads, beaded garments and natural history items. Presented in an original 1840s barn.
By appointment only. May-Nov.
7127B Oakbrook Rd., Newark
contact@theoldbarnmuseum.org
theoldbarnmuseum.org

The Paramount Theatre

Home to Broadway in the Burbs, this lovingly restored Art Deco movie palace presents live entertainment by world-class performers, plays, touring musicals and other special events.
23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
(630) 896-6666
paramountaurora.com

River Breeze Art and Yoga Studio

Come view and buy original art and reproductions from emerging area artists, take classes and practice yoga.
14 W. Downer Pl., Aurora
(630) 264-2299
riverbreeze.us

Riverfront Playhouse

This popular local theater group performs original plays, musicals, murder mysteries, comedies and thrillers. It also presents children’s theatre.
11-13 S. Water St. Mall, Aurora
(630) 897-9496
riverfrontplayhouse.com

Sandwich Opera House

Built in 1878 and restored in 1986, the Opera House today provides performing arts from classical to country, dance, student recitals, summer theatre workshops and a childrens’ senior citizens series.
140 E. Railroad St., Sandwich
(815) 786-2555
sandwichoperahouse.com

Schingoethe Center For Native Americans Cultures

A rotating collection of historic and contemporary Native American arts, crafts and artifacts from indigenous peoples stretching from the Woodlands to the Pacific Northwest.
Aurora University
Dunham Hall, Randall Rd.
at Marseillaise Pl., Aurora
(630) 844-7843
aurora.edu/museum

Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple Of Greater Chicago

This beautiful Hindu temple blends ancient and modern architectural technology.
1145 W. Sullivan Rd., Aurora
(630) 844-2252
balaji.org

Two Brothers Roundhouse

Two Brothers Roundhouse, the newest addition to the Two Brothers family. Passion for beer, love of food, and appreciation for great architecture flourishes in the walls of this historic 70,000 square foot facility.
205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL
(630) 264-BREW (2739)
twobrothersroundhouse.com

Water Street Studio

Visit Water Street Studios in Batavia where the arts community is alive and thriving. Housed in an historic limestone building that was a former windmill factory, Water Street Studios features a fine-art gallery, 26 artist studios and the School of Art, offering over 50 classes for adults, teens, and children. WSS also offers one-day workshops and hosts visiting artists. Nightlife in Batavia is enhanced by our Friday Features – showcasing the performing arts – and Second Saturdays – a chance to explore artists in action during open studio night. Sundays are for creative family time as both parents and children enjoy free Awesome Art Afternoons.
160 S. Water St., Batavia
(630) 761-9977
bataviaartistsassociation.org

William Tanner House

Built in 1856, this Italianate building is home to the Aurora Historical Museum, which offers tours of the fully furnished home.
305 Cedar St., Aurora
(630) 897-9029
historicalsociety.org