Hoffman Estates annually offers numerous special events designed to draw people together to celebrate, network, recreate, preserve cultural traditions and generally, to enjoy life. Many of these events primarily attract those who live and work in Hoffman Estates. Others draw participants, vendors and performers from far and wide. All events are open to the public, whether they are residents of Hoffman Estates or beyond.
Remaining true to its motto “Growing to Greatness,” Hoffman Estates is a busy, active community with much to offer its residents and those who live nearby.
The top events annually planned by the Village of Hoffman Estates and by the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce and Industry are as follows:
Celebration of Excellence
January
Chicago Marriott Northwest, 4800 Columbine Blvd., was the site of the sixth annual Celebration of Excellence dinner during which the outstanding achievements and contributions of Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce and Industry members were recognized. The 2018 Chamber Board of Directors was presented at the dinner.
Annual Mayor’s Breakfast
February
Held each February in varying locations around the village, this is Hoffman Estates’ version of the State of the Union address. Mayor William McLeod and the village staff make a brief multimedia presentation to update residents and businesses on what is happening and expected to happen in Hoffman Estates. New opportunities are outlined. New construction plans and businesses are introduced. New projects and initiatives are announced.
This year’s breakfast was held at the Sears Centre Arena.
Bon Appetit Food & Drink Festival
April
The sixth annual Food & Drink Festival will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. April 26 at the Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre, 2401 W. Higgins Rd.
This exciting event showcases restaurants and food/liquor providers from around the area offering samplings of their unique cuisine and liquors. In addition, culinary students from Harper College and Elgin Community College are challenged by Tate & Lyle, the manufacturers of Splenda sweetener, to bake the perfect cupcake using Splenda instead of sugar. Attendees participate in the judging as each school prepares mini-cupcakes to taste and then everyone casts votes for the best at the festival. Tate & Lyle generously awards scholarship money to each winning team.
This event regularly sells out; buy your ticket in advance at the Chamber office, 2200 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 201, or online at www.hechamber.com.
Community Fishing Derby
June
This catch-and-release derby is held the first Saturday of June on Illinois’ “Free Fishing Day” when no one needs a fishing license to enjoy angling. The Community Fishing Derby annually attracts over 500 registered fishing sports enthusiasts of all ages.
Prizes are offered for the longest fish caught by registered attendees in four different age groups. The lake is stocked with tagged fish, sponsored by local businesses, and the lucky winners receive cash prizes.
This is truly a community event with our local Boy Scout troop selling bait, Cabela’s offering fishing pole rentals for the day as well as fishing tips, police and fire departments’ demonstrations and local restaurants selling food.
The benefactor sponsor for the event is Sears Holdings Corporation and major sponsors are: Hoffman Estates Community Bank, Cabela’s, AMITA Health, Muller’s Woodfield Acura and Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Union, Local 839.
Pre-registration is available at all three Hoffman Estates Community Bank locations (Palatine Road, Golf Road and Higgins Road), Cabela’s and at www.hechamber.com.
Summer Sounds on the Green
June-August
Enjoy eight weeks of Thursday night concerts at the Village Green, located next to the Sears Centre Arena, from early June through the first week in August. This is Hoffman Estates’ own outdoor concert venue where blankets, chairs, food, wine and candles are all welcome.
Sponsored by the Hoffman Estates Arts Commission, these free concerts feature music to appeal to all tastes – from pop to country, swing and a capella. Kids are welcome, and there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the outdoor venue. The on-site concession is open so you can purchase snacks, food items or cocktails. Enjoy exceptional music under the open skies and close to home.
Northwest Fourth Fest
July
Hoffman Estates annually teams up with the Hoffman Estates Park District and Hanover Township to sponsor “the burbs’ biggest Fourth of July celebration,” Northwest Fourth Fest at the Sears Centre Arena.
The week-long celebration of the Fourth of July includes a parade, carnival rides and games, live entertainment, food vendors providing every taste you could imagine and a fireworks show on the Fourth that will blow your mind! This sprawling setting offers lots of great spots to see the fireworks or spread out on a blanket and enjoy the music. The Sears Centre Arena is open as a cooling center and restroom facility during the event.
Come out and enjoy the “coolest” place in town to spend the Fourth of July – literally!
AMITA Fitness for America Sports Festival
July
AMITA Fitness for America sports festival is sponsored by AMITA Health and the Village of Hoffman Estates working with the Hoffman Estates Park District.
This weekend of running, walking and in-line skating draws thousands of participants from professionals to recreational enthusiasts. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of AMITA Health, all children’s events are free to encourage youngsters to get up and get active. You’ll meet people from around the world as runners and professional inline skating teams arrive to participate in the Saturday Sunset Marathon running events and 5K, GLO-RUN night race/walk and the nation’s second largest in-line skating marathon on Sunday. AMITA’s FFA is the only event of this kind that offers cash prizes at every age level in the running events. $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to runners and inline skaters of all ages and abilities
Volunteers can earn funds for their nonprofit agency by volunteering. Check the website (www.allcommunityevents.com) for more details.
Platzkonzert Germanfest
September
Autumn is the time for celebrating all things German, and that is what the Hoffman Estates Arts Commission does each September with its free Platzkonzert Germanfest, an annual event featuring German singing, musicians, dancers and food at the Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Pkwy.
Platzkonzert literally means “open air concert” in German. The outdoor event features brats, sauerkraut, potato salad, strudel and other German fare; beer and wine on sale; German entertainment for all ages; and activities for the children. The Hoffman Estates Park District even brings its portable climbing wall that is transformed into the “Matterhorn” for the day, while a raucous stein-carrying contest adds to the fun for adults.
New additions this year include a 5K run through the Prairie Stone campus, as well as additional contests, entertainment and concerts.
Legislative Luncheon
September
Each autumn the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce & Industry holds its annual Legislative Luncheon featuring Mayor Bill McLeod as Master of Ceremonies.
Illinois State Senators and Representatives lunch with the business community and brief the attendees on what is happening in Springfield. This informative luncheon is hosted by AMITA Health and held at Alexian Brothers Women & Children’s Hospital.
Northwest Celtic Fest
October
Celebrate the heritage and traditions of Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales at the Sears Centre Arena.
This free, day-long event for people of all ethnicities features Celtic dancers and musicians, demonstrations of popular Celtic sports, like rugby and soccer, as well as vendors and clans selling and demonstrating all things “Celtic.” Bring the family. There are free children’s games and activities, as well as genealogists who are willing to help you trace your Celtic roots.
Affordable Celtic treats like corned beef sandwiches, Shepherd’s pie and other favorites are available through the Sears Centre’s concessionaire.
Adults will enjoy the Scotch and beer tasting available, for a fee, in the arena’s club area. Don’t miss watching border collies herding geese and Irish wolfhounds – the gentle giants – running to “catch” a pretend lure in Lure Routing demonstrations while you enjoy a pint!
Friendship Tree Lighting
November
Usher in the winter holiday season with the annual Friendship Tree ceremony at Hoffman Estates Village Hall, 1900 Hassell Rd. Hundreds gather to enjoy the lighting of the huge evergreen tree which is festooned with red bows so that its majesty can be enjoyed during the daylight hours, as well as at night.
This free event features entertainment, refreshments and a special visitor for the children. The lighting is followed by an exciting fireworks show, a unique experience during the winter.
For more information
For more information about these exciting events, visit these websites throughout the year:
- www.hechamber.com
- www.hoffmanestates.org
- www.dailyherald.com/calendar