Enthusiasts of the arts and music will have no trouble getting their fix in the Elgin area.
The city and its surrounding communities, nestled along the Fox River, offer a surprisingly vibrant creative scene including concerts, live bands, galleries, and exhibitions. The area will awaken your inner artist…or at least get you tapping your toes.
Hitting All the Right Notes 🎵🎶
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra experience is unmatched for a fun, relaxing, cultural experience. Immerse yourself in exceptional live music with this award-winning organization.
The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras has a national reputation for providing not only an engaging musical experience for its students, but also a comprehensive learning environment that promotes curiosity, imagination, critical thinking, and collaboration.
The Elgin Master Chorale, a cultural cornerstone of Elgin and the Fox Valley, creates a thrilling, emotional experience for audiences at each performance.
Hotspots for Artistic and Music Expression 🎨🎭
The Hemmens Cultural Center, located in the Center City area along the banks of Elgin’s award-winning Riverwalk, is the cornerstone of Elgin’s growing arts community. This intimate 1,200-seat theater is a favorite venue for seeing stars up close.
Unleash your inner artist at Side Street Studio Arts. Founded in 2013 as an outlet for the Elgin arts scene, Side Street provides educational and creative resources and an inclusive space, run by artists.
In 2007, the City of Elgin opened the doors to its newest performance and gallery space: the Elgin Art Showcase. Located on the eighth floor of the historic Professional Building at 164 Division St., in the heart of downtown Elgin, the Art Showcase offers an intimate space for local artists to exhibit their work and performers to display their talent.
The Artspace Lofts cultivates the arts in Elgin by providing an optimal space for artists. Inside is an art gallery displaying the works of the talented artists who reside in the Artspace Lofts. Visitors are welcome to stop in and see the ever-rotating display of art.
The Elgin Community College Arts Center features two intimate theaters and presents a range of exhilarating music, theater, and comedy performances.
The nonprofit Arts in Bartlett organization’s aim is to improve the community by providing access to the arts. Besides being home to a unique art gallery, exhibiting works by local artists, Arts in Bartlett offers a variety of classes for all ages. Additionally, the organization hosts the annual Bartlett Global Arts Festival.
In nearby West Dundee, check out Rookies Rochaus, a music event venue that specializes in performances and bands.
The Elgin Theatre Company and Children’s Theatre of Elgin offer a range of productions, from family-friendly fare to thought-provoking dramas.
During the summer season, music and chalk art collide during East Dundee’s monthly Wine Down Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday events.
What else:
The Elgin area also hosts many events that celebrate art and music. Keep an eye out for:
- Area Park District’s Summer Concerts in the Park
- SSSA’s annual Elgin Fringe Festival
- Elgin Short Film Festival
- Annual Arts in Bartlett Global Arts Festival
