Things to Do in Bartlett IL in November 2026
November opens with a clock change and an election, then settles into its own rhythm: a pumpkin smash, a school craft fair, open gym season, and one last day-off camp before Thanksgiving.
By Bartlett Guide · Published October 29, 2026
If you are looking for things to do in Bartlett IL in November, the month divides in two. The first week is busy and civic — clocks back, two school day-off dates, and Election Day. After that, Bartlett slows down in a good way: one big Saturday fair mid-month, a weekly open gym that runs all winter, and a final camp day before the holiday. Here are the things to do in Bartlett IL in November worth a spot on the calendar.
Sunday, November 1: the slow start
November starts an hour earlier by the sun: daylight saving time ends at 2:00 a.m., when clocks go back one hour. Spend the found hour at Art Meet-Up Sundays, 1:00 p.m. at Arts in Bartlett, 215 S. Main St — bring a project and create alongside other local artists; it is free, ages 16 and up. That evening, The Vampire Circus plays the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St in St. Charles, at 7:00 p.m. Check the Arcada for tickets before heading out.
November 2–3: school day-off hoops and Election Day
School Day Off Basketball Open Gym — Bartlett Community Center
The Park District runs a special school day-off edition of open gym on Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3, 1:00–5:30 p.m. in the BCC Gymnasium, for grades 3–12. Bring your own basketball; adults are not permitted to participate.
One honest heads-up for younger kids: the Park District's Day Off Nature Camp also runs November 2–3 at Bartlett Nature Center, but its registration deadline is one week before each date — that window has now closed, so do not count on a spot. The same camp returns Wednesday, November 25 (below), and that one is still bookable.
Grown-ups get two Monday options: Beginner 2 Line Dance at Hanover Township at 1:00 p.m., taught by Dance With Janet instructors (register through Hanover Township), and free Monday Night Trivia at Midway Sports Bar at 7:00 p.m. — six rounds, teams of up to six, prizes for first and second place and a mid-game prize.
And Tuesday, November 3 is Election Day, with polls open 6:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Early voting runs through Monday, November 2 if you would rather go early — sites and hours by county are in our Bartlett IL voter guide.
Midweek shows and a dance floor: November 4–5
Wheel of Fortune Live! comes to the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles on Wednesday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m. Audience members are picked at random to spin a full-size replica wheel and play for prizes including vacations and cash up to $10,000, per the listing. Back in Bartlett on Thursday, November 5, Country Night at Midway Sports Bar starts at 7:00 p.m.: open line dancing and couples dancing, DJ Jim taking requests, and Git 'n Line leading dances for beginners through advanced. There is a $10 cash cover.
Saturday, November 7: Pumpkin Smash at the Metra lot
Keep the jack-o'-lanterns after Halloween. The Village's Pumpkin Smash runs Saturday, November 7, 9:00–11:00 a.m. at the Metra Parking Lot, 138 E. Bartlett Ave — bring the pumpkins instead of bagging them for the trash. November is also the last month bagged leaves go out without a yard-waste sticker on Tuesday Groot pickup, so the same weekend is a good one for the final big rake.
Saturday, November 14: Harvest at the Hollow
Harvest at the Hollow Craft & Vendor Fair — Hawk Hollow Middle School
Handmade crafts, seasonal decor, local boutiques, and treats, run by the HHMS PTO with proceeds going back to students and teachers. Entry is free; donations to support the school are welcome. Food trucks will be on site, and last year about 800 customers shopped 92 booths.
Late November: open gym season and one last camp day
The regular basketball open gym season runs November 1–December 20 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. at the BCC Gymnasium for grades 3–12 — with no open gym on Thursday, November 26, Thanksgiving Day. The school day-off edition also returns Wednesday, November 25 and Friday, November 27, 1:00–5:30 p.m.
For grades 1–6, Day Off: Nature Camp runs Wednesday, November 25, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd in James "Pate" Philip State Park — hiking, wildlife tracking, projects, experiments, campfire cooking, and survival skills, for $65. Dress for the weather and bring lunch, snacks, and water. The registration deadline is one week prior, so book by Wednesday, November 18. Planning further out? Our Thanksgiving in Bartlett guide covers the holiday itself, and the Bartlett events page is refreshed daily as new listings land.
Things to do in Bartlett IL in November: quick questions
What is happening in Bartlett IL in November 2026?
The headline dates are Election Day on Tuesday, November 3; Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, November 7; Harvest at the Hollow on Saturday, November 14; and Day Off Nature Camp on Wednesday, November 25 — plus open gym, trivia, and line dancing through the month.
What can kids do in Bartlett on the November 2–3 school days off?
The Park District's School Day Off Basketball Open Gym runs both days, 1:00–5:30 p.m. at Bartlett Community Center, for grades 3–12. The Day Off Nature Camp for grades 1–6 also runs those dates, but its one-week-prior registration deadline has passed.
When is the Harvest at the Hollow craft fair in Bartlett?
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Hawk Hollow Middle School, 235 Jacaranda Dr. Entry is free, food trucks will be on site, and the HHMS PTO runs the fair to support students and teachers.
When does basketball open gym run in Bartlett this winter?
November 1–December 20 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. at the Bartlett Community Center gym, for grades 3–12. There is no open gym on Thanksgiving Day, November 26. Bring your own basketball.
How do I register for the November 25 Nature Camp in Bartlett?
Through the Bartlett Park District's specialty camps page. The session runs Wednesday, November 25, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at Bartlett Nature Center for grades 1–6 and costs $65; the registration deadline is one week prior, Wednesday, November 18.
Sources & verification. Details verified October 29, 2026 against organizer listings; hours and prices change — confirm before heading out.
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