Cocktails & Conversation: Award-Winning Author and Film Historian Raymond Benson: The Cinematic Legacy of David Lynch
2025-10-23 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Barrington’s White House, 145 West Main Street, Barrington, IL, 60010, United States
Get an inside look into the enigmatic world of filmmaker David Lynch from acclaimed author and film historian Raymond Benson. Known for his surreal storytelling and distinctive visual style, Lynch has crafted a unique cinematic legacy through works like Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and the groundbreaking series Twin Peaks.
Benson, renowned for his tenure as a James Bond novelist and his extensive writings on cinema, brings a wealth of knowledge to this exploration of Lynch’s filmography. His insights offer a deeper understanding of the themes, techniques, and cultural impact of Lynch’s work. Bar Opens at 5:00 pm | Talk Begins at 5:30 pm.
This event is part of Barrington’s White House’s Cocktails & Conversation series, designed to offer intimate, first-floor gatherings. Enjoy cocktails from our cash bar, time for socializing, and meaningful conversations with the speaker and fellow guests. Your ticket purchase includes one beverage of your choice.

If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

Spooky Strings: Elgin Symphony Orchestra String Quartet
2025-10-25 11:00 - 12:00
Join us at Barrington’s White House for a spine-tingling musical experience with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra String Quartet. This Halloween-themed concert is perfect for families, children, and music lovers of all ages. Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume and enjoy a program that introduces younger audiences to the beauty and excitement of orchestral music.
This event continues our tradition of celebrating the spooky season with enchanting performances that delight audiences of all ages. It’s a wonderful way to foster a love for music in young listeners and create lasting memories for the whole family.

If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

Award-Winning Vocal Ensemble Cantus: Wanting Memories
2025-11-09 15:00 - 16:30
Experience the artistry of the low-voice ensemble Cantus as they present Wanting Memories, a program that delves into the profound connection between music and memory. Anchored by Ysaÿe M. Barnwell’s poignant composition “Wanting Memories,” the concert explores themes of nostalgia, family, loss, love, grief, laughter, fear, and hope. Through selections that include timeless tunes like “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World,” Cantus invites audiences to reflect on how music serves as a conduit to our past, evoking emotions and memories that define our shared human experience.
Known for their trademark warmth, blend, and engaging performances, Cantus offers a musical journey that resonates with listeners of all ages.

If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

Cocktails & Conversation: Dr. Deirdre Johnston on Narratives of Peace, Conflict, and Justice
2025-11-13 16:30 - 18:00
Embark on a journey through the landscapes of peace and conflict with Dr. Deirdre Johnston, a distinguished scholar in intercultural communication and peace studies. Drawing from her extensive experiences in South Africa and Northern Ireland, Dr. Johnston will share compelling narratives that illuminate the transformative power of dialogue and intercultural understanding.
An emeriti professor, Dr. Johnston has led numerous international programs, guiding participants through the complexities of post-conflict societies and the processes of reconciliation and justice. Her work emphasizes the importance of intergroup dialogue in breaking down long-held beliefs and societal constructs, fostering pathways to peace. Bar Opens at 4:30 pm | Talk Begins at 5:00 pm.
This event is part of Barrington’s White House’s Cocktails & Conversation series, designed to offer intimate, first-floor gatherings. Enjoy cocktails from our cash bar, time for socializing, and meaningful conversations with the speaker and fellow guests. Your ticket purchase includes one beverage of your choice.

If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

Lunch & Learn: Capturing Barrington: The Barrington Area Digital Photo Gallery
2025-11-19 11:30 - 13:00
Discover how the Barrington Area Digital Photo Gallery is preserving our community’s beauty and history through the eyes of local photographers.
Learn how a local nonprofit is preserving the story of Barrington – one image at a time. This Lunch & Learn higlights the Barrington Area Digital Photo Gallery, an initiative of the Barrington Area Development Council that celebrates the beauty of our community through the lens of local photographers.
Hear how this digital archive came to be, discover the inspiration behind its mission, and meet some of the photographers whose work brings it to life. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the area, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with Barrington’s past, present, and visual legacy.
This event is part of Barrington’s White House’s continuing Lunch & Learn series. Community members are invited to bring their lunch and enjoy discussions, demonstrations, and more on a variety of topics. Tickets are $15 per person and include non-alcoholic beverages.
If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

Third Thursdays Art Night Out: Barrington Area Artists Association
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00
Celebrate the transformative power of art at Barrington’s White House during our November Third Thursdays Art Night Out. This special exhibition, Art Enhances… A Moment, A Day, A Life, features works from 20 professional artists of the Barrington Area Artists Association.
Explore a diverse array of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to mixed media pieces, each reflecting the unique vision and talent of its creator. Throughout the evening and the following Friday, several artists will conduct live demonstrations, offering insights into their techniques and creative processes.
The Barrington Area Artists Association (BAAA) is a community of local and regional artists dedicated to promoting the visual arts in the Barrington area. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and public art events, the BAAA supports artists at all levels and encourages creative expression across a variety of media.
The show opens on Thursday night from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and continues on Friday from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, giving everyone a chance to stop in and enjoy the pure joy that comes from sharing art.
Join us on the third Thursday of each month for an evening of art, conversation, and community at Barrington’s White House. These salon-style exhibitions feature local and regional artists in our elegant first-floor gathering spaces. Enjoy engaging with the artwork and the artists themselves, with a cash bar available throughout the evening. Admission is free.

Barrington Area Artists Association Art Sale
2025-11-21 14:00 - 18:00
The Barrington Area Artists Association hosts a two-day art event featuring 30 artists showcasing and selling diverse fine art pieces.
Celebrate local creativity and get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Barrington Area Artists Association (BAAA) Art Sale at Barrington’s White House. Multiple regional artists will showcase their work in a salon-style exhibition throughout the entire house, offering a unique opportunity to view, and purchase, original artwork in a beautifully historic setting.
From vibrant paintings to striking mixed media, this exhibition features a wide variety of styles and mediums. Mingle with the artists, explore their creative processes, and find that perfect one-of-a-kind gift for someone special — or for yourself.
Learn more about the Barrington Area Artist Association at www.barringtonareaartists.org.
The show opens on Thursday night from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and continues on Friday from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, giving everyone a chance to stop in and enjoy the pure joy that comes from sharing art.

If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

Award-Winning Accordion Prodigy Théo Ould: Tangos and More
2025-11-23 15:00 - 16:30
Prepare to be AMAZED! Forget what you thought you knew about the accordion and experience the musical genius that is French prodigy, Théo Ould. At just 24, Ould became the first accordionist nominated as a Newly Discovered Talent at the Victoires de la Musique Classique awards. His performances are captivating audiences world-wide. Experience his unparalleled virtuosity as he seamlessly blends Baroque elegance, Romantic passion, and contemporary compositions.
Ould’s program features works by Bach, Haydn, and Mozart, alongside pieces from modern composers like Régis Campo, Tomás Gubitsch, Philippe Hersant, and Astor Piazzolla. His dynamic interpretations and innovative approach offer a fresh perspective on classical repertoire, inviting audiences to experience the accordion’s rich tonal possibilities. You don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime performance.

If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

Lunch & Learn: From Barrington to the Roof of Africa: David Waring's Trekking Journey
2025-12-03 11:30 - 13:00
Follow David Waring’s inspiring journey from novice hiker to high-altitude adventurer as he shares stories from Kilimanjaro, the Alps, and his upcoming trek to Everest Base Camp.
After retiring, Barrington resident David Waring set his sights on a breathtaking goal: summiting Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. With no previous high-altitude or multi-day trekking experience, David took on this nine-day, 60-mile journey through five climate zones, from tropical forests to glacier-capped peaks.
Since then, he’s completed the Tour du Mont Blanc across three countries in the European Alps, and is now preparing for a 12-day Himalayan trek to Everest Base Camp+, topping out at over 18,500 feet.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about challenge, resilience, and the spirit of adventure — no matter your age or experience level.
This event is part of Barrington’s White House’s continuing Lunch & Learn series. Community members are invited to bring their lunch and enjoy discussions, demonstrations, and more on a variety of topics. Tickets are $15 per person and include non-alcoholic beverages.
If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

Holiday Open House at Barrington’s White House
2025-12-06 11:00 - 14:00
Celebrate the season with a festive, family-friendly event at Barrington’s White House during the Village’s Holiday Festival. Stroll through the beautifully decorated historic mansion, visit with Santa, and enjoy cookies and refreshments. Capture memorable family photos in front of the stunning Christmas tree. With fun activities for all ages, this event is perfect for creating holiday memories with your loved ones.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

4th Annual Community Holiday Tea at Barrington’s White House
2025-12-07 11:00 - 14:00
Celebrate the season in style at the 4th Annual Community Holiday Tea, an elegant, adults-only afternoon set within the festively adorned Barrington’s White House. Gather your friends, mothers, sisters, and neighbors for a sophisticated tea service featuring hot tea, scones, finger sandwiches, champagne, wine, and more.
This event offers a city-inspired experience in the heart of Barrington, providing the perfect setting to create cherished holiday memories. Whether you’re continuing a beloved tradition or starting a new one, this festive gathering is designed for women aged 21 and older to enjoy the warmth and camaraderie of the season.

If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

GRAMMY Nominated Entertainer Ron Hawking Celebrates Christmas with the Legends
2025-12-11 19:30 - 21:00
Award-winning entertainer and Grammy-nominated recording artist Ron Hawking returns to Barrington’s White House with a spectacular new holiday show: Ron Hawking Celebrates Christmas with the Legends. This high-energy performance features festive favorites and timeless hits from some of music’s biggest icons, including Tom Jones, Frankie Valli, Elton John, Neil Diamond, and a special birthday tribute to the one and only Frank Sinatra.
Hawking, known for his acclaimed productions such as His Way – A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra and his Grammy-nominated album The Song Is You, brings his signature charisma, vocal power, and showmanship to the stage for an evening of music that’s both nostalgic and full of seasonal spirit.

If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

Home for the Holidays: Nancie Tobison, BHS Alumni, & Friends
2025-12-21 15:00 - 16:30
Experience a heartwarming holiday tradition at Barrington’s White House with “Home for the Holidays,” an afternoon of music and community spirit. Hosted by former Barrington High School Choir Director Nancie Tobison, this festive event brings together BHS alumni and musical friends to share their journeys and perform beloved seasonal classics.
If you are interested in participating in this event, please email Kate Himes at khimes@barrington-il.gov.

If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.
