THROUGH JUNE 3

Once the Musical, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Once is based on the Oscar-winning movie and is an eight-time Tony Award-winning musical, including Best Musical, Best Actor and Best Book. It is both big and grand in its themes of love and longing, yet simple and subtle in its execution. Information: 630-896-6666.

JUNE 1

First Fridays: Illinois Bicentennial Celebration, First Fridays: Illinois Bicentennial, Millennium Plaza, 21 S. Stolp Ave., Aurora, 5-11 p.m., free.  Live music, family-friendly activities, and birthday treats.  Hours:  6 to 9:30 p.m. June 1. Dog and Pony Show perform. First Fridays is art, music and more. Free trolley rides from 6 to 10 p.m. Information: auroradowntown.org

JUNE 2

Race to Market 5K and WellBatavia Expo, Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave., Batavia, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Join Batavia Mainstreet and Batavia Park District they celebrate the 23rd Opening Day of the Batavia Farmers’ Market. Race to Market in the 5K and check out the WellBatavia Expo health and wellness fair.

Bluegrass Music Festival, Lyon Farm, 7935 State Rte 71, Yorkville, noon-6 p.m. Bring a comfortable chair for the annual festival where the jamming doesn’t stop! Primitive camping available Friday and Saturday nights. Canteen open Saturday. Information: 630-553-6777.

Heritage Prairie Farm Fish BBQ Dinner, 2N308 Brundige Road, Elburn, 5 p.m., $50 per person. Guests can look forward to dishes such as Poached Salt Cod, Honey and Bourbon Glazed Salmon, and Overnight Oat Parfaits. Information: www.heritageprairiefarm.com/product/fish-bbq-dinner/ or call 630-443-5989.

Primrose Palatte, Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles,  7 p.m., $25. Uncork, unwind, socialize and get creative at a painting class with a twist.  Enjoy a variety of delicious snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Ages 21-plus are welcome to bring their own wine. All painting supplies provided. Advance registration required. Information:  www.primrosefarmpark.com or call  630-513-4370.

JUNE 2-3

Kane County Flea Market, , Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, noon-5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.  One of the longest running, antique and collectible Flea Markets in the world with hundreds of dealers inside, outside, and under sheds.Information: 630-377-2252.

JUNE 3

Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race, McCullough Park, 101 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. This historic, amateur canoe/kayak race is for paddlers of all ages and abilities, featuring 11 canoe divisions, eight kayak divisions and one open (non-competitive) division. Two race options are available, 10 miles from St. Charles and 6 miles from Batavia. Lunch, T-shirt, shuttle and goodie bag included. Post-race party and awards ceremony, too. Information: 630-966-4527.

Get Hooked on Fishing at Lake Patterson, Oakhurst Forest Preserve, 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora, 8 a.m.-noon, free, ages 5-16.  Volunteers will help teach kids and parents about the sport of fishing and the underwater ecosystem in this hand-on, family-friendly event. Bring your own fishing gear and bait or it can be supplied. Light refreshments will also be provided. Register in advance at 630-444-3190.

Pure Pikermi Half Marathon and Relay, North River Street Park, North River St., Aurora, 7 a.m. The term Pikermi relates to the route of the original “marathon” in Greece, which was from the town of Marathon to Athens approximately 26.2 miles (the distance of a marathon). The town of Pikermi is about the mid-point between Marathon and Athens, therefore being a distance of about 13.1 miles. Proceeds benefit the Semper Fi Fund.

JUNE 5

Pete Ellman Big Band & Wood Dale Junior High School Jazz Band, La Quinta de los Reyes, 36 E. New York St., Aurora, 7-10 p.m. Information: 630-859-4000.

An Evening with YES, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street, St. Charles,  7:30 p.m. YES is an English rock band who have achieved worldwide success with their progressive, artistic, and symphonic style of rock music. Information: www.arcadalive.com/event/yes-6-6/

JUNE 7

Concerts in the Park: Final Say, Lincoln Park, W. Main St. at 4th St., St. Charles, 7 p.m. Experience sizzling chemistry, incredible energy and irresistible songs from the latest Top 40 hits to classics that are sure to bring you to your feet. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an open-air concert. Food available for purchase. Information: www.stcparks.org.

JUNE 8

Batavia’s Second Fridays, Downtown, Wilson St., Batavia,  6-9 p.m. Whether it is a live performance, craft demo, a book signing or one of the many other programs, there is something for everyone. Pick up a map at Water Street Studios. Free and family-friendly. Information: 630-761-3528.

JUNE 8-23

Necessary Targets, Albright Theatre Company, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $15-$20. A psychiatrist and a journalist travel to Bosnia to interview and try to help women refugees. Through their struggles witnessing violence and unimaginable terror, the survivors of war must find their strength to keep each other afloat and alive. Information: 630-406-3383.

JUNE 9

Blues and Roots on Water Street Festival, Water Street Studios and Kiss The Sky, 100 S. Water St., Batavia, 4:30 p.m. One-day, two-stage six-acts featuring some of the finest in Roots, Americana and Blues that the Chicago area has to offer

Saturday Speaker Series: Hotel Baker: 90 Years in the Making, St. Charles History Museum, 215 E. Main Street, St. Charles, 11 a.m. Information: 630-584-6967.

Downtown Aurora Magic Festival, Water Street Mall, 24 E. Downer Place, Aurora, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The team who organized Aurora’s Harry Potter Festival in 2017 is joining forces with Aurora Downtown to present a celebration of witches, wizards, and all things magical in Downtown Aurora.  Information via Facebook, search for Downtown Aurora Magic.

Diana Krall World Tour: Turn Up the Quiet, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd, Aurora, 8 p.m.Her unique artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time. Information: 630-896-6666.

JUNE 10

Chicagoland Tour de Cure, RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway,  Aurora, Join thousands of people from around the country who have the same passion as you to fight diabetes and its burdens. Enjoy a beautiful ride along the Illinois Prairie Path, challenge yourself with our 63 and 100 mile routes or take a run or walk through downtown Aurora 5k route.  Information: 312-346-1805.

Judy Garland: Come Rain or Come Shine, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd, Aurora, 3 p.m. Award-winning dynamo Angela Ingersoll  captures the emotional and vocal power of Judy Garland live in concert. Information: 630-896-6666.

JUNE 13

River Rhapsody Concert Series, Batavia Riverwalk, 100 Island Ave., Batavia, 7 p.m. Red Woody’s philosophy – there are great songs from every decade, why not play them all? Information: 630-879-5235.

JUNE 14-17

PrairieFest, PrairieFest Park, 91 Plank Dr., Oswego. This four-day community festival celebrates its 30th year this June. PrairieFest draws approximately 75,000 visitors over the weekend with main stage headliners Sugar Ray and Keith Anderson, a carnival, food vendors and a parade. Admission, parking, and events are all free. Information: 630-554-1010.

JUNE 15-16

Blues on the Fox, RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. Two days of jammin’ blues music, cold beer, festival food and a good time, all overlooking the gorgeous Fox River. Information: 630-896-6666.

JUNE 16

Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Celebration, Martin Luther King Park, Farnsworth Ave. and Grand Blvd, Aurora, 3:30 p.m. JuneTeenth celebrates the anniversary of June 19th 1865 when the enslaved Africans in Texas were actually emancipated after President Abraham Lincoln signed this historical document. Event is free and will feature entertainment, singing, dance, spoken word, moon jumps, basketball tournament, games, chess, cake walk, motivational speakers and fun for the whole family.  Information: 630-606-1910.

JUNE 17

Aurora Pride Parade, Downtown Aurora, noon. A celebration of the LGBTQI community, families, friends, and allies in Chicagoland’s western suburbs and beyond. With dozens of floats and overwhelming support from the communities of the Fox River valley. Information: 630-256-3167.

–Kane County Calendar of Events May 30 – June 17–