Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
A VIBRANT CULTURE MEANS A STRONG ECONOMY
In DuPage County, our vibrant cultural community forms the basis of our strong economy, helping us attract the nation’s best talent to the region while supporting an entire ecosystem of local businesses. As our Arts, Entertainment & Recreation industry continues to grow and thrive, so does DuPage.
Learn more about events & cultural amenities in DuPage:
Arts DuPage
DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Total Employment 13,577
Average Annual Wage $30,323
Location Quotient 1.12
WHY CULTURE MATTERS
We can all appreciate the Arts, Entertainment & Recreation industry as the heart and soul of our community. However, we should remember that it also has a profound impact on the local economy.
Here in DuPage County, our cultural community is thriving. Over the last ten years, we have seen a 20% increase in the number of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments in DuPage. The industry has contributed $900 million to our overall GDP, with an average annual growth rate of more than 8% (nearly twice the national average).
That’s good news for those of us who enjoy the vibrant culture of DuPage. It’s also good for our economy and local businesses.
In today’s business climate, communities across the nation are competing to attract the most talented workers, and it’s no surprise that these in-demand employees want to live in a place with zoos, museums, botanical gardens, nature parks and other cultural establishments. In DuPage, our rich, vibrant and increasingly diverse culture makes our region a top choice for the world’s most talented workers.
In addition to helping us attract the best workers, our Arts, Entertainment & Recreation industry attracts large numbers of visitors and supports an entire ecosystem of local businesses: cafes, hotels, restaurants and more.
As our cultural community continues to grow, this vast ecosystem grows with it.
ARTS ATTRACTIONS IN DUPAGE
Theater & Performing Arts
- Drury Lane Theatre & Events
- McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage
- Wentz Concert Hall (North Central College)
- Tivoli Theatre
- Center Stage Theater
Art Galleries & Museums
- DuPage Children’s Museum
- Naper Settlement
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
- Elmhurst Art Museum
- National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese
- DuPage County Historical Museum
- Addison Center for the Arts
- Cleve Carney Museum of Art
- Komechak Art Gallery
Nature & Outdoors
- Cosley Zoo
- Cantigny Park
- Morton Arboretum
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Illinois Prairie Path
Music & Dance
Festivals