Welcome to the Elgin Chronicle
Off to a Flying Start Weeeeeee!
Introducing The Elgin Chronicle
A digital guide to
All Things Elgin
As the sun set on another splendid October weekend, we were thrilled to introduce The Elgin Chronicle to the lively crowd at Hogeye 2024—Elgin’s biggest annual festival.
Organized by the dedicated volunteers of The Elgin Main Street Board, Hogeye showcases the best our city has to offer.
With downtown streets buzzing with art, music, street vendors, barbecue, laughter, and all things hog, it was a true celebration of community.
Hats off to all who worked so hard to make this year's Hogeye a smashing success. We are truly grateful.
The Elgin Chronicle Mission
Capture and share Elgin's heart
with the world
The Elgin Chronicle aims to pique your interest, entertain your senses, inform your decisions, and engage your mind—with a touch of humor and a dash of the unconventional.
Elgin is a town with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and community spirit. We plan to weave those threads into something you can read, enjoy, and share.
We're thrilled to report over 1,500 visits to this website since we launched it on October 24th! Subscribe for free.
Dive into Our Inaugural Issue!
Hogeye, A Pig's Tale
by Terry Cole
Thanks to our Raconteur in Residence, Terry Cole, the story of Hogeye goes beyond one fiddler and one song. Because, as you may have guessed, hogs were, and still are, a big part of this town—as are the musicians who call Elgin home.
Elgin Music Festivals 2024 & 2025
by Quinn Walton
Here's a recap of the first-ever Elgin Music Festival and a call to help us imagine the possibilities for next year. This is more than an event; it’s a celebration of the musicians who make Elgin sing.
by Brian McKinney
Turn up the heat at the 4th annual Hot Sauce Hootenanny, Saturday, November 2nd at Simple Promise Farms here in Elgin.
Sponsored by Ranch Road Recovery, this family-friendly event promises to be a fiery day of Texas-style flavor, toe-tapping tunes, and something for everyone. Gather your crew and dive into a melting pot of hot sauces, live music, local vendors, and more.
Proceeds from the Hootenanny support scholarships and community outreach programs and provide meaningful work opportunities for individuals in recovery.
Lo-Fi Brewing Up a New Location
by Steph Lewis
Lo-Fi Coffee House & Studio, a calming escape in the heart of Elgin, is brewing up much more than coffee—it's a sanctuary for those looking to enjoy a peaceful moment.
Low-Fidelity music is known for its calming effect and steady rhythm, which can improve focus and lead to a better mood. Here in Elgin, Lo-Fi Coffee House & Studio is about to pump up the volume while staying true to its roots.
Curanderismo, the Healing Art of Mexico
by Grace Alvarez Sesma
As Dia de Muertos draws near, it’s time once again to honor the memory of our ancestors in this rich tradition.
This beautiful, heartwarming ritual goes beyond a mere celebration—it's a deeply spiritual journey that connects us to loved ones who have crossed over.
Discover Our Interactive
Map of Downtown Elgin
Downtown Elgin is more than just a collection of businesses. It's a vibrant community where history, culture, and modern charm meet. Our interactive map of Elgin's historic downtown features over 40 businesses—and we're not done yet!
Downtown districts are the heartbeat of any city where history meets the present, community comes to life, and local culture shines brightest. By bringing attention to downtown Elgin, we ensure our unique shops, restaurants, museum, and public spaces remain thriving hubs of activity.
Why an Interactive Downtown Map?
In recent years, cities across the country have faced challenges in drawing visitors back to their downtown and Main Street districts.
There’s something magical about downtown areas that can’t be replicated by computer screens or shopping centers.
Our interactive map showcases the best of downtown Elgin, offering a virtual guide for locals and visitors to discover all our city has to offer.
What Makes Our Map Special?
Explore with Ease
Our map is designed to make downtown Elgin easy to navigate. Users can explore categories such as dining, shopping, arts and culture, entertainment, and more—all from their phone or computer.
A Real-Time Guide
Once you’re downtown, the interactive map is a helpful companion, showing you exactly where you are and what’s nearby. Hunting for the perfect lunch spot or trying to catch the latest art show? Our map is your guide.
Supporting Local Businesses
Featuring local shops, restaurants, and attractions, supports the Elgin business community. Drawing more foot traffic downtown helps people discover what makes Elgin unique.
Elgin Chronicle Community Calendar
A One-Stop Hub for Local Events
The Elgin Chronicle Community Calendar makes it easy to stay connected to events, festivals, and happenings around town.
How the Calendar Works
- Click on today's date, a full calendar will come up.
- Click any date in the full monthly calendar to bring up a list of events close to that date.
- Click on the i in the circle for additional information about the event.
- Hyperlinks to additional information will open a new tab.
- Scroll down to set event reminders based on your area(s) of interest.
The Elgin Chronicles
