The Edward Schock Centre of Elgin “The Centre” turns 20 this November!
While the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department has been around for quite some time, this year marks the 20 year anniversary of the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin. A true gem to the city, the Centre has provided the Parks and Recreation Department with a venue to offer so many programs and events that enhance the quality of life and wellness in our community. In celebration, several special events and programs have been planned to help reintroduce you to all of the different divisions that truly make the Parks and Recreation Department the heart of our community. This page is updated frequently, check back soon for exciting news and happenings!
This includes special monthly events, challenges, programs and memories to last a lifetime.
APRIL – JUNE
Elgin History Hunt
All ages, Free!
During the month of April take a self-guided tour around town to find some of Elgin’s historic locations. Clues will be posted on our facebook page at the start of the month to get you on your way. First 25 finishers to solve all the spots will get a picnic blanket just in time for Spring!
Butterfly Garden Planting @ the Centre’s Gardens
Saturday, May 28 / 10am
All ages, Free!
Come and help beautify the gardens by helping plant a butterfly garden for all to enjoy!
IKES Fish for Fun @ Rolling Knolls
Saturday, June 4 / 9am-11am
Kids 15 and under, Free!
Is your little one interested in spending some time in the great outdoors? Join the Izaak Walton League for a fun fishing event. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment. A limited number of adult-sized fishing poles will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Children will participate in a catch-and-release tournament, with prizes for the first, second and third place finishers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants must register prior to the event. Please click here for registration information.
Light Up the Night Family Pool Party @ Wing Park Family Aquatic Center
Saturday, June 11 / 6pm-9pm
All ages, FREE! (Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Foundation)
Bring your family for a glowing night of fun at the pool! Games – Prizes – Giveaways! All in attendance must be with an adult/guardian for entry. Elgin residents have priority registration. Non-residents may register on June 8th if space allows. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! https://bit.ly/lightupthenightpoolparty
Walk in the Wild @ Hawthorne Hill Nature Center
Saturday, June 25 / 2pm-4pm
All ages, Free!
Come with the family and walk on the trails enjoying the wildlife and ending with s’mores at a campfire!
JULY – SEPTEMBER
PLANTINUM ANNIVERSARY ROCK CHALLENGE
All ages, Free!
Fourth of July Parade @ NENA & Downtown Elgin
Monday, July 4 / 9am
All ages, Free!
Fourth of July Concert & Fireworks
Monday, July 4
More details to come
Lord’s Park Zoo Quest
Saturday, July 16 / 12:30pm-3:00pm
All ages, Free!
A family friendly quest that will take you through Lord’s Park answering questions, finding objects/animals and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Master the hunt and receive a prize!
National Night Out @ Festival Park
Tuesday, August 2 / 5pm-8pm
All ages, Free!
More details to come
Island Night @ Wing Park Family Aquatic Center
Friday, August 5 / 6pm-9pm
All ages, cost of pool admission fee
Dreaming of an island getaway? For this one night – Wing Park Pool will be transformed into a tropical paradise full of music, entertainment, games and prizes. Bring the whole family!
Kick-It with Parks and Rec @ the Elgin Sports Complex Softball Field #1
Friday, August 19 / 6pm-8pm
All ages, Free!
Get some friends and family together to play kickball with the Elgin Parks and Recreation staff! Kickball isn’t just for playing during recess, it’s a great game for all ages that combines components of baseball and soccer. Teams will be formed at the event. Music and light refreshments will be provided. All participants will receive a special 20th anniversary t-shirt. Advanced Registration Encouraged (only 1 registration needed per family).
Illinois Brews @ Bowes Country Club
Saturday, September 10 / 4pm-8pm
21 and older, ticket purchase is required
Illinois Brews @ Bowes features beers handcrafted throughout the state of Illinois. With over 40 different beers and ciders to taste – you are sure to find something you love. In addition to beers from local craft breweries – home brewers from the Silverado Home Brew Club will provide you with a unique tasting experience. Craft beer, great food, music, and raffles – all for a great cause benefiting the Elgin Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund.
Elgin Short Film Festival @ The Hemmens Cultural Center
Saturday, September 24 / 7pm-9:30pm
(Red Carpet Reception 6pm-7pm)
All seats $10
Enjoy an evening of cinematic shorts as filmmakers from around the world showcase their talents (in 20 minutes or less). Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and you! Audience members will cast their votes for their favorite film. The excitement starts with a Red Carpet Reception featuring filmmaker interviews and entertainment, followed by the film screening. Virtual or in-theatre tickets available – watch at home or come out and join us for the event that has entertained film lovers since 2009. 847-931-5900 or Hemmens.org.
Spidey Movie Night @ the Hemmens Cultural Center
Friday, September 30 / 6pm-9pm
All ages, Free!
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the motion picture Spider Man! There will be free popcorn, face painters and appearance by Spider Man to keep everyone entertained. Superhero costumes encouraged but not required.
OCTOBER – DECEMBER
ELGIN TIME CAPSULE
All ages, Free!
Nine, Wine & Dine @ Bowes Creek Country Club
Tuesday, October 4 / 3pm-7pm
SAVE THE DATE!!
Fall Family Festival @ the Centre
Thursday, October 13 / 5pm-7pm
All ages, Free!
Join us for an evening of games, crafts, stories, refreshments, entertainment and more! Activities will be planned primarily for children ages 2-7 years old but the entire family is invited to come experience the fun!
Monster Mash Family Bash @ the Centre Fieldhouse
Friday, October 28 / 6pm-8:30pm
All ages, Fee: $5R/$8NR
Join us for a Monstrous good time for a Very Scary night of nerf battles, dodgeball, basketball, swimming and fun games. Free giveaways and snacks. Costumes encouraged but not required.
Swimming with Santa @ Adventure Island Pool
Friday, December 2 / 6pm-9pm
All ages, Fee: $5R/$8NR
Have you been a good boy or girl? We hope so because Santa is coming to Adventure Island! The big guy will be visiting families enjoying a float on a winter night. Santa will have a special giveaway for the kiddos!
Family Brunch with Santa @ Bowes Creek Country Club
Sunday December 11 / 10am & 12pm
All ages, Price available upon booking
Get your smiles ready! Santa is coming to Bowes Creek. Join us for brunch and pictures with Santa. Contact Johnny’s Supper Club at 847-214-5887 to reserve your seating at 10am or noon. Reservations begin after Thanksgiving. Discounts available for kids under 10.
20th Anniversary Celebration @ The Edward Schock Centre of Elgin:
Whiskey Tasting and Pairing Event @Heritage Ballroom
Friday, November 11 / 5:30pm-8:30pm
2 Mile Family Fun Walk
Saturday, November 12 / 8:30am
All ages, Free!
Get out and get moving with the family! The day will be packed with fun events for everyone to celebrate the Centre’s 20th anniversary of the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin. Take a leisurely fun walk along the Fox River before heading to the Centre for afternoon events including an Open House! Can’t wait to stroll with you!
Food Truck Fiesta
Saturday, November 12 / 10am-3pm
The Edward Schock Centre Ceremony
Saturday, November 12 / 11am
Princesses & Superheroes Open House
Saturday, November 12 / 12pm-3pm
All ages, Free!
