The Scene – DuPage & Cook counties

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

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

"True West" runs through Aug. 31 at Paramount's Copley Theatre in downtown Aurora.

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

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

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

Highlights include Taste of Glen Ellyn, Woodstock Truck 'N Food Show, DeKalb Corn Fest and Geneva's Festival of the Vine.

The free concert is Thursday, July 24 at Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton.

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

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

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

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

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

'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.

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

National Dive Bar Day is Monday, July 7. If you're looking for a local pub to check out, these neighborhood dive bars in northern Illinois are worth visiting.

Several farms in northern Illinois offer fresh produce, along with animals, activities and family fun.

From the northern suburbs to the Illinois Valley, the farm-to-table movement continues to grow, with restaurants partnering with local vendors for the freshest ingredients.

July is National Ice Cream Month! Check out this list of 9 places to visit this summer.

There's no shortage of Independence Day fireworks displays across DuPage County

Veggie Fest celebrates vegetarian food and features an international food court, food demonstrations, guest speakers and live music. Admission is free.

'Come From Away' tells the story of a group of stranded passengers who were diverted to Newfoundland on September 11, 2001.

The Purple Pig, featuring Mediterranean cuisine is slated to open later this year at 15 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, in the space formerly held by the Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams furniture showroom.

Standing on the edge of a 300-foot limestone bluff in southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest, Machaela Sweeney could thank the perfect words she typed into ChatGPT for bringing her to the unexpected spot.

You don't have to fight city traffic to enjoy a day at the beach in northern Illinois.

Here's a list of some of the most beautiful road trip ideas in the U.S.

This free community events will have activities and fun for the whole family.

Among the highlights of summer in the suburbs are “Always…Patsy Cline" on stage, along with the band Asia's John Payne, folk music and blues artists, Wheaton Municipal Band, a book sale extraordinaire and walking tour.

You don't have to drive into Chicago to enjoy awesome museums. Here are five suburban museums worth visiting this year.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon picnicking with family, a challenging hike on a scenic trail, or a fun-filled day playing games with the kids, here are some municipal parks in communities across northern Illinois that have something for everyone.

Summer is filled with beer festivals, from Joliet to Princeton, Galena to McHenry and more.

The 2025 farmers market season kicks off soon in communities across northern Illinois. Here's a list of some of the best markets in the area.

Enjoy a quick weekend getaway in the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook's serene setting, spend the afternoon swimming in the pool or relaxing in the spa.

Visit Skydive Chicago in Ottawa or Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle this spring or summer for a thrilling adventure.

Starved Rock Lodge offers canyon tours, cruises, guided hikes and more to explore the natural beauty of one of the state's most-visited state parks.

Rock bands take the stage as festivals and concert series unfold across the suburbs, complemented by cruise nights, Wheaton Drama's new show, a spotlight on rarely seen artworks and an antiques sale fundraiser.

Northwest Illinois is full of many gorgeous state parks, perfect for family-friendly outdoor adventures.

Dog-friendly activities happening this summer at Lombard's Yorktown Center include pet expo, Bark Bingo and more.

Downers Grove’s annual Rotary Grove Fest kicks off on Thursday in the downtown area

This event assembles a large number of musicians who will perform on the same day. About 70 solo performers and groups will take to the streets to share their talents.

The 31-member band will perfom familiar show tunes and peppy pop music in British Brass band style.

Father's Day is Sunday, June 15.

The Cheesecake Factory is set to open a restaurant at Block 59 — a new dining and entertainment district taking shape at Route 59 and Aurora Avenue.

Tickets are on sale for performances by Better Than Ezra, +LIVE+, Third Eye Blind and Tonic​.

Spring amps up the fun with milestone celebrations and a headlining turn by the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra on Father's Day Sunday as part of a Jazz & Wine Fest in Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

Brookfield Zoo's 'Zoo Uncorked' Tequila & Tails event is Saturday, June 14 and will feature tequila-based cocktails and elevated bites.

Check out these candy shops in northern Illinois that are worth visiting... this month, or any time of the year!

Your guide to some of the hottest festivals happening in communities across northern Illinois in 2025, from Joliet to Crystal Lake and Dixon to Geneva.

From airplane- and train- themed restaurants to a retro cafe and more, here are some restaurants the whole family will love.