The original item was published from September 16, 2022 1:49 PM to April 4, 2023 12:25 PM
Fun is always around the corner in Geneva! Come celebrate two of Geneva's major shopping destinations reaching special milestones and mark your calendar for other great events this fall.


The Little Traveler is celebrating its 100th birthday Thursday to Saturday, Sept. 22-24 with a full calendar of activities in downtown Geneva.
Sept. 22 has been officially declared Little Traveler Day. Mayor Kevin Burns will present a City key to members of the Raftery family, descendants of the store's founder, Kate Raftery. To learn more about the early days of the Little Traveler, visit the Geneva History Museum special exhibit, 100 Years of The Little Traveler. During Little Traveler Days, the store will have free raffles, giveaways, and treats. They will host an ice cream social on their front lawn from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 24. Participating Geneva businesses also will offer store discounts Sept. 22-24.

Geneva Commons is hosting a 20th-anniversary party with live music and family fun from 4:30-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30. The good times waiting for you at Geneva Commons begin with live music by 7th Heaven at 4:30 p.m followed by Hi-Infidelity at 7 p.m. In honor of this two-decade milestone, Geneva Commons will have a large cake cutting, makeovers from SEPHORA, psychic readings, henna tattoos, and gift card giveaways. Check the Geneva Commons website for all of the celebration details.
This summer winners of the Uncommon Collective Pop-Up Contest opened their amazing businesses, their dreams, at Geneva Commons and many have decided to extend their stay. We celebrate the new businesses that now call Geneva home, bringing their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity to spaces there, including:

Twee Partees offers organic balloon arrangements and party goods for special occasions.

Salt & Wilde has fashion-forward apparel and accessories for young women.

Swish Avenue is a boutique with lovingly curated women's clothing and accessories.

Opened in July, The Dawg Pound offers sneakers, vintage clothing, and streetwear. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 24, the Dawg Pound is hosting the ninth Illinois Vintage Fest at Geneva Commons. The event will feature 65 booths of sneakers and vintage styles with free entry.

Finally, the Autumn Fest Self-Guided Jack-O’-Lantern Walk serves up plenty of fall fun, Geneva-style. Taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, more than 50 downtown merchants will display glowing Jack-O-Lanterns in their storefronts, and families can vote for their favorites. Participating businesses also will be showcasing new shop arrivals and highlighting seasonal menu items. Autumn Fest coincides with Geneva First Fridays with participating merchants offering deals and specials throughout the day.