Entertainment

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet is hosting a National Poetry Month Open Mic & Festival for poets, singers and rappers on Saturday.

The Next Picture Show, Dixon, also will host a Chapter and Verse Open Mic Night for the area’s authors Friday, April 11, that will appear on a local video podcast.

Go back to the Prohibition era at these speakeasy bars located in St. Charles, La Salle, Elgin, Lockport and more northern Illinois locations.

The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 will combine 2024 and 2025 inductions in a ceremony at the Rialto in September.

Theatre 121 creates fabulous fun in the Ken Ludwig adaptation of the classic swashbuckler on stage at the Woodstock Opera House.

Nearly 20 downtown businesses will participate in the event, each offering deals and promotions.

You’ll be rolling in the aisles, and that isn’t because of the theater hitting an iceberg.

Egg Hunt, Tulip Show and Mother’s Day fun await visitors this April and May at Cantigny in Wheaton.

The summit is an “opportunity to connect with Route 66 enthusiasts, community leaders and tourism experts,” according to the Joliet Area Historical Museum website. Registration is required.

An array of folk music artists will kick off a three-part series of concert fundraisers at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, to benefit Two Way Street Coffee House in Downers Grove.

Tony-winning best play “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is part of a lineup that includes creating eye-catching gardens and enjoying live music for every taste in DuPage and Cook counties.

Celebrate Easter with your dog in McHenry and shop at a local market in Algonquin this weekend in McHenry County.

Artist Glenn Bodish, who is an art professor at Sauk Valley Community College, will be featured in the Dempsey Family Gallery at Water Street Studios.

Skaters from Inwood Skate School will entertain the community with their skating skills on Friday and Saturday's Gliding Through Space Ice Show.

Become a contestant in a simulated game show or battle your friends over a tabletop game at these exciting locations around the suburbs.

Tickets available for the Rock River Chapter of Ducks Unlimited banquet that will be April 26 in Rock Falls.

"The Miracle Worker" will be performed at Stage 212 in La Salle and "Hello Dolly!" at IVCC. There also will be shows put on by Poco a Poco in Streator, the Starved Rock Pop Singers in Ottawa and a chance to see Amanda Mammana in Princeton.

Back for its second summer, the Raue Center School For The Arts' Summer Camp Program and Production for youth ages 7 to 13 will turn Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” into an immersive experience.

Windy Acres Farm in Geneva will host family Easter fun days on two weekends in April.

Celebrate the grand opening of the new and improved amenities at a ribbon cutting and community party from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 12.

This year’s theme is “Back to the 90s.” Christ Lutheran School’s Back to the 90s Trivia Night features trivia, a live dessert auction, silent auction baskets, a cash bar, and concessions. There will also be prizes awarded for best costumes and table décor.

Learn about gardening at MCC and get into spring break mode at D.C. Cobbs in McHenry.

Theater manager Lori VanOosten said that when the work is finished later this week, both of the theater’s two viewing rooms will each feature 165 seats, including 20 recliners, 117 rocker-back lounge chairs and seating for 28 people in the tabletop area.

The free public workshops are Tuesday, April 15 in Aurora and Saturday, May 10 in Batavia.

Representatives from Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center will be at Wild Birds Unlimited on Saturday with two birds, a few reptiles and some mammals.

The Next Picture Show, Dixon, will host a Chapter and Verse Open Mic Night for the area’s authors April 11.

A Roaring 20s themed drawdown, an Illinois Valley baseball exhibit, a presentation of "Catch Me If You Can," a trivia night and spring craft show are among the activities in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

Film enthusiasts and supporters of local independent filmmaking are invited to attend the fifth annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival, “Shorts-A-Palooza 2025,” hosted by the Northwest Illinois Film Office.

Get ready to raise your glasses and celebrate local flavors at the annual Tinley Park Brew & Vine festival, returning to The Odyssey on Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12.

The ensemble players in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” are all winners in this comedic gem.

The popular 90s band Sister Hazel, known for their hit 'All For You,' will be at the theatre May 11.

Monday, March 24 is National Cocktail Day. Check out these top-rated bars and restaurants for the best martini in Kane, McHenry and DeKalb counties and the Illinois Valley area.

Tickets are now on sale for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce's popular Coffee Crawl event April 19.

More than 20 craft breweries and cideries will be at the event.

Here are a few fun things to do this weekend in the McHenry County area.

An eclectic weekend will color March with everything from rising young vocalists to Broadway tunes in a heartfelt benefit for the love of live theater, a true-history play and an arts and crafts fair.

Meet adoptable dogs from Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue in Joliet on Saturday at TSC Tractor Supply Co. in Channahon.

Check out this list of outdoor gardens and parks in the Illinois Valley and suburbs to enjoy in spring and summer.

Check out these restaurant and entertainment suggestions in Aurora, McHenry, Plainfield and Oswego the next time you're planning in evening out.

Kendall County has several exciting upcoming events, including a board game night, chocolate workshops and electronic recycling event.

A spring break party, meditative event and more are coming up in Kane County.

The Storytellers Studio Session, the Shadows of the Blue and Gray Ball, Woodland's spring carnival, a princess tea party and migratory bird discovery hike are five things to do in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

Families can enjoy interactive live reptile shows for spring break. Kids ages 12 and younger will be admitted for free March 22-30.

The Franklin Grove American Legion Post 497 also will have a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7-10 a.m. Saturday, March 22.

Richmond's St. Patrick's Day celebrates takes place Sunday.

After being forced to close in 2023, Rosbrook Studio has purchased a new building and plans to reopen under its new name, Rosbrook Hall, promoting arts culture in the community.

Skits’n’Giggles will offer an evening of improve comedy on Tuesday at Chop’d, located at 12337 Route 59, #155 in Plainfield.

A St. Patrick's Day eve concert, a noted guest flutist showcased by the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, jazz greats, military memorabilia and a day devoted to native plants are featured in DuPage and Cook counties.

The Shamrock Stroll will take place Friday evening at 18 locations in downtown Joliet. Free entertainment, workshops, and food and beverage specials.

Communities across northern Illinois are gearing up for Irish celebrations over St. Patrick's Day weekend.