The Scene

Enjoy a free concert in Ottawa or Peru, hike Starved Rock or kayak along the Illinois River!

The newly-renovated theatre's 2025 continues with tributes to artists like Taylor Swift, Steely Dan, Billy Joel and more, as well as a variety of movie screenings and musical theatre shows.

Enjoy free live music from the Sterling Municipal Band and the Dixon Municipal Band and more this weekend in the Sauk Valley.

Huntley's Food Truck Frenzy is Saturday, July 19, and McHenry's Fiesta Days concludes with weekend with the parade Sunday, July 20.

'Shakespeare in Hollywood' at Stage Coach Players, Waterman Lions Summerfest and Antique Tractor & Truck Show and more this weekend in DeKalb County!

Enjoy a free concert in Joliet, a free movie in Bolingbrook or check out the Hot Sauce Expo in Joliet this weekend.

Enjoy an outdoor movie in Oswego and celebrate summer at Yorkville's River Fest this weekend in Kendall County.

Morton Arboretum's 'Vivid Creatures' exhibit features five large, colorful sculptures located around the park.

From 2Toots to Pilot Pete's, here's a list of some themed restaurants for a fun-filled meal the whole family can enjoy.

The orchestra will perform “Raiders March,” “Jurassic Park,” “Harry Potter,” “E.T.,” “Superman,” “The Cowboys,” “Schindler’s List” and “Star Wars.”

Cantigny in Wheaton to host two French-themed events, Premier5 Card Show at DuPage Fairgrounds and more this weekend.

The Festival presents local national, and international musicians who perform in a variety of styles.

Yorkville's Riverfest is July 19 at Bicentennial Riverfront Park.

Additional performers in the 2025-2026 season include the Soweto Gospel Choir, comedian Pat Tomasulo, Cirque Kalabanté and many more.

Explore a variety of cuisines during Joliet City Center Restaurant Week July 19-27.

Bailey Zimmerman will headline the McHenry Music Fest on Sunday, Sept. 14 in Petersen Park. Flo Rida, Bryan Martin and Bella Cain will also perform that day.

More than 30 food trucks will line up in the heart of downtown Aurora, serving a variety of cuisines.

Batavia MainStreet will host its annual Cocktails in the Park fundraiser to support downtown businesses, promote tourism and area support initiatives.

Here's a preview of some of the 16 restaurants offering specials during the 10-day event.

The 13th annual Family Fun Fest returns to Hopkins Park Wednesday, co-hosted by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and DeKalb Park District.

A coffee stop inside a Sycamore grocery store will serve its final cup of joe this weekend. Caribou Coffee at the Sycamore Hy-Vee will close Sunday.

The Midwest is full of beautiful national parks, perfect for a weekend getaway.

The Aurora downtown area embraces its vibrant renaissance as the cultural heartbeat of the city.

The Waterman Lions Club will hold its 25th annual Summerfest and Antique Tractor and Truck Show on July 19. Here's what to expect

The Rockett Mafia will perform with L.A. Guns Friday, July 25 at the Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles.

Enjoy live music, carnival, golf challenge, scavenger hunt and much more. The festival runs from July 11-13.

The two-day fest will feature 12 beverage vendors July 25-26 in downtown Ottawa.

Singer Bill Pantle will perform Sinatra's biggest hits with his natural baritone, classic crooner style and undeniable stage presence.

Upcoming performances include tributes to Morgan Wallen, Toby Keith, The Eagles and the 90s grunge music scene.

The Infinity Food & Art Festival returns to Ottawa on Saturday and the La Salle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair happens this weekend in the Illinois Valley.

Don't miss the grand celebration and carnival at the Kane County Fairgrounds July 16-20.

Bring the family to Hopkins Park for a free screening of "Despicable Me," or check out a Taylor Swift tribute band on Sunday in Genoa this weekend.

Here are the restaurants that Sauk Valley audiences voted as their favorite places for chicken. National Fried Chicken Day is Sunday, July 6.

McHenry's Fiesta Days continues this weekend with the Art & Street Fair, July 17-20. The parade is set for Sunday, July 20.

Enjoy samples of beer, wine and spirits at the July 26 event.

Timber Lake Playhouse in Mount Carroll is opening the third musical of the 2025 summer season with “Waitress”, which runs from July 11 through July 27.

The event showcases jazz talents featuring rising stars and legends, offering a full day of music for all ages.

The series continues Saturday, July 12 with Third City Brass Band & The Big Lagniappe.

Honoring jazz legend Duke Ellington and NIU’s own Ron Modell, the weekend features three live bands and plenty of dancing.

Starved Rock Coffee Co. uses coffee beans from all over the globe to build a line of coffee named after local natural wonders.

Relax and enjoy a glass of wine on the beautiful outdoor patio this season. The winery also has live music most weekends.

The music event returns to Bunker Hill Farms July 26 for a night of music to benefit several local nonprofit organizations.

Upcoming performances include tribute bands to Pink Floyd, Guns N' Roses, Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band, Def Leppard, Led Zeppelin and more.

Performances are held at the Performing Arts Pavilion at New Lenox City Commons.

Rock Falls River Chase on Saturday and Sunday, Pop-Up Market and Music in Sterling and more this weekend in the Sauk Valley.

'Rendezvous: Splendor of Versailles" is Saturday, July 19 and Voyage en France is Sunday, July 20 at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

Here are seven destinations for artisan drinks along Route 66, including stops in Plainfield, Lockport and Joliet.

This hilarious musical revue explores the joys of getting older and life as a senior.

Enjoy craft beer, wine and live music at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse.

Comedians scheduled to appear include Susan Rice, Matt Friend, Tacarra Williams and more.