How to Enjoy a September Weekend in Downtown Elgin
September 10, 2020
Downtown Elgin is a lively, energetic centerpiece of the community that’s full of fun for everyone. Whether you’re visiting its quaint shops, dining at one of the many unique eateries, grabbing a drink at one of the many bars, visiting for one of its many events, or you’re just stopping in for an errand, there is something for everyone in Downtown Elgin! With so much to see and do, why make a quick trip of your visit downtown when you can make an entire weekend of it?
Start Your Weekend in Downtown Elgin at the Farmers Market
Bida Baking is famous for their Churros at the Downtown Elgin Farmers Market.
What better way to start off your Downtown Elgin expedition than the Elgin Farmers Market? A 20 year summer staple of the community, it runs every Friday afternoon from early June through mid October. The farmers market boasts dozens of different vendors throughout its season who offer a range of products: artisanal shops, organic meat & produce, confections and baked goods – for people and pets alike! Grab a snack, like some delicious cinnamon rolls from Bridge N’ Sweets or Churros from Bida Baking, and then browse through the rest of what the vendors have to offer. Check out some of the amazingly aromatic, handcrafted hygiene products, and decorative items from Blair’s Artisanal Soap shop. You can even shop for everything you need to make a fabulous, all organic meal with produce from Broadview Farms and perfect cuts of meat from Nick’s Farms!
Try Downtown Elgin for Entertainment & Dining
Fridays downtown don’t stop there! For the entire month of September, you can also enjoy the Elgin Fringe Festival! When you’re done browsing the market, head on over to Side Street Studio Arts and browse their art gallery featuring creative works by 20 local artists. You might just catch one of them live painting while you’re there! With a whole month of live performances, you have every reason to come out, grab a quick bite from Elgin Public House, or one of the other restaurants, and settle in for live performances. Do you prefer to relax in the comfort of your own home after an afternoon out? The Fringe Fest is offering virtual performances all month long!
Keep your downtown weekend going with more fun activities throughout your Saturday. Grab your bikes, enjoy the fresh air, and explore the culture and atmosphere while you ride around town. Did you know Downtown Elgin is full of public art? It’s perfect for exploring by bike! Don’t worry if it’s been a while since your last ride and your bike needs some work; you can always stop at Elgin Community Bikes for a tune up.
The Whole Family Can Enjoy Downtown Elgin
If you need a break from your ride, the Elgin History Museum is a great, family friendly place to visit and learn plenty of information about Elgin, detailing its rich history and how it grew into the city we know today. We were lucky enough to visit during the Family Fringe event, where the kids got to join in a scavenger hunt to win books, toys, and art supplies. Along the way, we got the chance to participate in lots of art activities, watched live performances hosted by Side Street Studio Arts, and explored the kid friendly exhibits and demonstrations at the Elgin History Museum. When the kids ran out of activities we continued our day and moved on to the Blue Box Cafe for lunch before we finished our afternoon around town with a visit to Walton Island Park to relax and appreciate the beautiful scenery.
If you’re enjoying a child free evening, start your night at the Martini Room for one of their signature cocktails. Then, if you’re feeling lucky, head down the street to the Grand Victoria Casino for a different brand of fun!
Slow down for Sunday with a quiet brunch at the Red Poppy Bistro before you spend a quiet day exploring the hidden treasures of downtown Elgin. Browse through Downtown Elgin shops like Whatnots & Whimsies, Elgin Antiques and Uniques, and Rediscover Records. If you’re looking for something a little bit more fast paced, try signing up for a class with Vida Yoga & Fitness, or dance lessons with the Fit Partners. If getting outside is your thing, take your workout to the streets or make use of the space in Festival Park!
Whether you’re coming for the Farmers Market, to dine out with friends, to spend a day with the kids, or to explore public art, Downtown Elgin has more than enough to make everyone’s weekend fun!
How to Enjoy a September Weekend in Downtown Elgin
September 10, 2020
Downtown Elgin is a lively, energetic centerpiece of the community that’s full of fun for everyone. Whether you’re visiting its quaint shops, dining at one of the many unique eateries, grabbing a drink at one of the many bars, visiting for one of its many events, or you’re just stopping in for an errand, there is something for everyone in Downtown Elgin! With so much to see and do, why make a quick trip of your visit downtown when you can make an entire weekend of it?
Start Your Weekend in Downtown Elgin at the Farmers Market
Bida Baking is famous for their Churros at the Downtown Elgin Farmers Market.
What better way to start off your Downtown Elgin expedition than the Elgin Farmers Market? A 20 year summer staple of the community, it runs every Friday afternoon from early June through mid October. The farmers market boasts dozens of different vendors throughout its season who offer a range of products: artisanal shops, organic meat & produce, confections and baked goods – for people and pets alike! Grab a snack, like some delicious cinnamon rolls from Bridge N’ Sweets or Churros from Bida Baking, and then browse through the rest of what the vendors have to offer. Check out some of the amazingly aromatic, handcrafted hygiene products, and decorative items from Blair’s Artisanal Soap shop. You can even shop for everything you need to make a fabulous, all organic meal with produce from Broadview Farms and perfect cuts of meat from Nick’s Farms!
Try Downtown Elgin for Entertainment & Dining
Fridays downtown don’t stop there! For the entire month of September, you can also enjoy the Elgin Fringe Festival! When you’re done browsing the market, head on over to Side Street Studio Arts and browse their art gallery featuring creative works by 20 local artists. You might just catch one of them live painting while you’re there! With a whole month of live performances, you have every reason to come out, grab a quick bite from Elgin Public House, or one of the other restaurants, and settle in for live performances. Do you prefer to relax in the comfort of your own home after an afternoon out? The Fringe Fest is offering virtual performances all month long!
Keep your downtown weekend going with more fun activities throughout your Saturday. Grab your bikes, enjoy the fresh air, and explore the culture and atmosphere while you ride around town. Did you know Downtown Elgin is full of public art? It’s perfect for exploring by bike! Don’t worry if it’s been a while since your last ride and your bike needs some work; you can always stop at Elgin Community Bikes for a tune up.
The Whole Family Can Enjoy Downtown Elgin
If you need a break from your ride, the Elgin History Museum is a great, family friendly place to visit and learn plenty of information about Elgin, detailing its rich history and how it grew into the city we know today. We were lucky enough to visit during the Family Fringe event, where the kids got to join in a scavenger hunt to win books, toys, and art supplies. Along the way, we got the chance to participate in lots of art activities, watched live performances hosted by Side Street Studio Arts, and explored the kid friendly exhibits and demonstrations at the Elgin History Museum. When the kids ran out of activities we continued our day and moved on to the Blue Box Cafe for lunch before we finished our afternoon around town with a visit to Walton Island Park to relax and appreciate the beautiful scenery.
If you’re enjoying a child free evening, start your night at the Martini Room for one of their signature cocktails. Then, if you’re feeling lucky, head down the street to the Grand Victoria Casino for a different brand of fun!
Slow down for Sunday with a quiet brunch at the Red Poppy Bistro before you spend a quiet day exploring the hidden treasures of downtown Elgin. Browse through Downtown Elgin shops like Whatnots & Whimsies, Elgin Antiques and Uniques, and Rediscover Records. If you’re looking for something a little bit more fast paced, try signing up for a class with Vida Yoga & Fitness, or dance lessons with the Fit Partners. If getting outside is your thing, take your workout to the streets or make use of the space in Festival Park!
Whether you’re coming for the Farmers Market, to dine out with friends, to spend a day with the kids, or to explore public art, Downtown Elgin has more than enough to make everyone’s weekend fun!
