The Morton Arboretum's Spring Wine Tasting event is from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9.

Margaritas en Mayo is Friday, May 8 at Yorkville's Riverfront Park.

The Rialto Square Theatre presents the Lithuanian Opera "Marta" on Sunday, May 10. Celebrate mom at weekend events in Joliet and Mokena.

The Kankakee Speedway will host Friday Night Lights racing on Friday, May 8.

The Comedy Vault in Batavia will host Motherhood Unfiltered on Sunday, May 10.

Celebrate Mother's Day with these special events happening in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

The Tee Box's menu offers family recipes, made from scratch using local meat and produce.

Bambū offers Vietnamese dessert drinks, smoothies, Boba teas, Yonami and coffees drinks.

The festival features over 1,200 student-athletes competing in various events including basketball, soccer, softball, bowling, skating, chess, checkers, cornhole, volleyball, golf and tennis.

Savor a variety of flavors this spring and summer at these vibrant food truck festivals in northern Illinois.

The Dixon Historic Theatre presents "Finding Nemo Jr." on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.

Enjoy an evening of Mariachi bands, dancing, family activities and much more at the May 8 event.

Check out these farmers markets opening for the 2026 season in northern Illinois.

Charles Berry Jr. and Melody Berry-Eskridge, the son and daughter of music legend Chuck Berry were in Joliet on Saturday for the opening of an exhibit to their father at the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum.

Senate Resolution 502 was introduced at the request of the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum in Joliet, which formally presented the honor to members of REO Speedwagon during a special recognition event held in March.

The wheels continue to turn in regards to the pending construction of the Bradley-based indoor waterpark.

Joliet’s new City Square hosted its first event Friday for what doubled as a concert and car show to mark the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66.

Joliet welcomed visitors and residents alike to its inaugural event at the new City Square downtown on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Fun at the Old Joliet Prison on Thursday centered around a Slammers' baseball game in the former prison yard – the way inmates used to play.

Joliet's new City Square, located across from the Rialto Square Theatre, will host many family-friendly events this summer, including live music, a farmers market, outdoor story time and more.

Mother's Day events in McHenry County include Blooms & Bubbles at The Dole, as well as elegant brunches.

Geneva Art Explosion is Saturday, May 2, and That Arena Rock Show will perform at the Arcada Theatre on Friday, May 1.

Wine on the Fox is set for May 2 & 3 in Hudson Crossing Park.

Sounds of 66 live music and car show event kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday, May 1 in the the new City Square.

Art in Wilder Park is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 at Elmhurst's Wilder Park.

Sterling Main Street's annual car show is Sunday, May 3, at Sterling Marketplace.

The Tom Naumann Memorial Morel Fest & Burger Bash is Saturday, May 2 at Washington Park in Ottawa.

May brings live theater, tribute bands and movies to the stage at The Dixon Historic Theatre.

From a massive warehouse of vinyl deep dives to shops that stock the latest releases, four Starved Rock Country record stores have something for every music buff.

Visitors can explore a thoughtfully curated mix of vendors offering high-quality, handcrafted and specialty products — all while supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Each year, this family-friendly event celebrates the area’s rich Dutch history. Fulton, which is located along the Mississippi River across from Clinton, Iowa, has been holding Dutch Days the first weekend in May since 1974.

The Joliet Police Department said drivers should plan for traffic delays and a large amount of pedestrian traffic in the area. The game starts at 3:05 p.m. Thursday.

The 2026 Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 2. Celebrate at these events in Kane, Will, Cook and McHenry counties.

These flower-filled events in the Midwest go beyond the blooms, offering everything from artisan markets and live music to garden tours and family-friendly activities.

Spring is here, and that means the return of some of the area's most popular beer and wine festivals of the year.

Businesses on the historic Woodstock Square and in the surrounding downtown area will represent a different country, each offering a small drink paired with a themed bite.

Joliet may have an extended weekend like none other with a unique series of events starting Thursday that pay tribute to the city’s place in history and its future.

This free, family-friendly event brings costumed characters to downtown Aurora.

The public art initiative also offers the community an opportunity to learn more about how public art will reflect Batavia’s history, identity and future.

The first Kankakee Farmers Market of the 2026 season is Saturday, May 2.

The filming of the proposed HBO TV series “American Blue” continued on late Tuesday afternoon near the Slammers baseball stadium in Joliet.

“Re-Imagined: The Art of Sustainability” highlights the intersection of creativity and environmental stewardship.

Notable performers include comedians Margaret Cho and Deon Cole, and rock tribute band Hairball.

This free event features children’s crafts, activities and play spaces, live farm animals to observe and pet, hayrides, barrel train rides, farm demonstrations, face painting and more.

Barges under drawbridges, Joliet Central High School and St. Joseph's Catholic Church downtown all being filmed in depiction of Joliet for proposed HBO series "American Blue."

The Slammers will open their season Friday, May 8, against the Washington Wild Things, featuring the first giveaway of the year as part of opening night ceremonies.

HBO began filming the pilot of "American Blue" that follows a fictional former resident of Joliet who returns to join the Joliet Police Department.

"The Banks" has nine suites for bridal parties, family reunions or travelers looking for a unique place to stay in Joliet.

Starting June 20, a full slate of special events, features and throwbacks are planned to honor the park’s heritage and 50th anniversary.

Six Flags Great America officially opens for the 2026 season on April 25, launching a milestone year as the theme park celebrates 50 years of thrills, family fun and unforgettable memories.