The Fox Valley Park District hosts the annual Maple Fest at Red Oak Nature Center on March 18. Take a guided tour and see how maple sap is collected from trees and turned into delicious maple syrup.

THROUGH MARCH 19

Sweeney Todd: A Musical Thriller, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. This Stephen Sondheim masterpiece has been nominated for Tony Awards in 3 different decades. Some critics call Sweeney Todd Sondheim’s most perfect score, filled with ravishing beauty. Others have described it as a pitch-black comedy filled with thrills and terrors, while others have heralded it as one of the single greatest achievements of American musical theater in the last 50 years. Information: (630) 896-6666.

MARCH 10 

Artrageous, Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia, 7:30 p.m. Giant artworks jump to life with amazing speed unveiling larger than life icons and masterpieces in just moments, all the while there is constant activity on stage, attracting attention and delighting senses with energy, spirit and action. Information: (630) 937-8930.

Joe Sent Me – An Aurora Speakeasy Fundraiser, Former 1904 Aurora Public Library

1 E. Benton St. / Lower Level, Aurora, 5:30 p.m., $45, $40 AHS members.  Step back to the 1920s in Aurora where the Charleston was a way to sidestep the 18th Amendment. There were other ways, but we’ll tell you about those when we see you. Enjoy refreshments and adult beverages in a charming hideaway where the jazz is both hot and cool all night long, and the Revenuers will never find us. Just remember the password. Period attire encouraged. Information: (630) 906—0650 or visit www.aurorahistory.net

MARCH 11  

St. Patrick’s Parade, 6th Street and Main Street, St. Charles, activities start at 10:30 a.m., parade at 2 p.m. The parade features Irish dancers, authentic Irish music, floats and more. Information: downtownstcharles.org/stpats

Dennis Watkins: Official Magic Man, Waubonsee Community College Auditorium, 4S783 State Rt. 47, Sugar Grove, 7 p.m., $19 adults, $12 for children under 12 (plus convenience fee).  Chicago’s “Official Magic Man” is back with high-powered, fast-paced, unexplainable feats of magic and mentalism that are guaranteed to blow your mind. Tickets are $19 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under (plus a small convenience fee). Information: (630) 466-2360 or email communityed@waubonsee.edu

Alan Doyle and Beautiful Gypsies, Fermilab’s Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Rd. & Pine St., Batavia, 8 p.m. This actor, producer, newly-minted best-selling author and best-known as lead singer for Newfoundland’s beloved Great Big Sea these past 20-plus years, has released his second solo album, So Let’s Go. Information: (630) 840-2787.

March into Health-Eastside Recreation Center Open House, 1080 E Chicago Street, Elgin, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.  Visit the open house during Activate Elgin’s annual March into Health initiative. Come see what the facility has to offer to help get fit, stay fit and be healthy. Information: (847) 888-1989.

Backyard Beekeeping Class, Heritage Prairie Farm, 2N308 Brundige Road, Elburn, $100. This interactive two-part class will take place on March 4 and March 11 from noon-4 p.m. The course will cover the basics of backyard beekeeping. Information: (630) 443-5989. or visit

https://www.heritageprairiefarm.com/product/backyard-beekeeping-class/

MARCH 11-12

60th Spring Fox Valley Antique Show and Sale, Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, $10 admission, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.  Authentic antiques offered by 55 dealers from 14 states are exhibited indoors. Catered lunch. Free parking, ATM. Not-for-profit organization, admission benefits local historical and educational endeavors. Discount coupon at www.CSADA.com. Information: (815) 575-1272.

MARCH 12 

The Ragged Rascals-St. Paddy’s Preview, Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, 3 p.m. The Ragged Rascals, who rove the Chicago area performing their own brand of Irish songs, visit just in time for St. Patrick’s day. Information: (630) 584-7200 or visit fvcb.org or www.norrisculturalarts.com

MARCH 13

Classic Movie Monday: Far and Away (1992), Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, 6:15 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m. Joseph and Shannon take a risk leaving Ireland for America in hopes of finding a better life on Oklahoma soil. Stopping in Boston, Joseph gets sidetracked by a short-lived boxing career that leaves them both penniless. In times of desperation, the couple grows a strong affection for one another, leaving Joseph unsure if he is the best thing for Shannon’s success. Information: (630) 896-6666

MARCH 14

“Through the Plexiglass: A History of Museum Dioramas”, Aurora University’s Tapper Recital Hall, 1315 Prairie St., Aurora, 7 p.m. free. Assistant Professor Bridgitte Barclay will explore how animal displays have shaped, and been shaped by, humans’ relationship with the natural world. Information: (630) 844-4924.

MARCH 16

Two Brothers Artisan Brewing 20th Anniversary Party, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, $20 admission includes dinner buffet. This celebration will have special tappings from their past, current and future lineups available for purchase, as well as the debut of their 20th Anniversary beer to the public. There will be only a limited number of tickets to this exclusive celebration, so reserve your place today. Information: (630) 264-2739.

MARCH 18

Maple Fest @ Red Oak Nature Center, Rt. 25 (1 mile north of Rt. 56), North Aurora, free. Tap the sweet taste of spring. Take a guided tour and see how maple sap is collected from trees and turned into delicious maple syrup. Maple-themed treats available, too (small fee). Information: (630) 897-1808.

Craft Fair @ WVHS Band Boosters, Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Odgen Ave.

Aurora, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $2 admission, $1 students, free for children under 5. Now in its 12th year, this juried show features up to 75 local artists, crafters, and vendors all showcasing their talents. There is a concessions area, raffle, and a bake sale and all proceeds go towards the Waubonsie Valley High School band programs. Information: (630) 696-2444 or email  stevebobbi6@hotmail.com

Making Maple Magic  at Hoover Forest Preserve’s Meadowlark Lodge, 11285 Fox Rd., Yorkville, 9:30 a.m., $5 per person, $15 for family of up to 4. Register by March 13. Take a guided hike through the woods at Hoover Forest Preserve to learn all about the basics of making maple syrup. After the hike, enjoy a fireside pancake breakfast with real maple syrup. Information: (630) 553-4025.

— Kane County regional events —