The Scene - Illinois Valley

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.

Here's where you can find award-winning BBQ in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties and the Illinois Valley. National Barbecue Day is Friday, May 16.

The free events feature shopping, kids activities, food and drink specials and more in downtown Ottawa.

Established in 1936 by Sylvio “Rip” and Emma Gualandri, the establishment in Ladd has been serving chicken, crispies, pickles, fried appetizers, beer and liquor for 89 years.

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

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

Harbor Inn vacation rentals at Heritage Harbor, located near Ottawa on the Illinois River, give guests a relaxing getaway.

Check out these northern Illinois restaurants known for their burgers. From McHenry County to the Illinois Valley and everywhere in between, we've got you covered with a variety of places to try during National Burger Month.

Visit these award-winning breweries and wineries in Kane, Kendall, McHenry and DeKalb counties and the Illinois Valley area.

Open Prairie United Church of Christ in Princeton will host a free concert by folk artist Bobby Jo Valentine at 7 p.m. on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11.

Utica businesses kick off the outdoor dining season by setting up patio furniture, flowers, decorations and canopies on Thursday for customers on Mill Street in downtown Utica. The outdoor dining season on Mill Street runs through October.

NCI ARTworks will host an opening reception for the month-long exhibition of art by award-winning artists Matt Jagitsch and Ryan Jandrey from 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 9 at the NCI ARTworks Gallery.

Camp Aramoni in Tonica offers themed monthly brunches, weekly live music events and more this spring and summer.

A long anticipated coffee shop opened at 701 Illinois Ave. in Mendota

Beer and wine festivals around northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin offer springtime fun in the coming months.

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

Check out these classes in the suburbs for your next girls night out, family outing or date night.

Treat mom to brunch on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11.

A free kids fishing expo in Peru, vendors market in Sheffield, the Starved Rock Country marathon, a folk artist in Princeton and an art exhibit in Peru are among the activities this weekend in the Illinois Valley.

Here's a list of the best Mexican restaurants in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties and the Illinois Valley, as voted on by Shaw Local audiences.

Morel Fest will take place this weekend at the Jordan Block, 100 Main Street, in downtown Ottawa.

The Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series in Princeton is set to return this summer.

The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra will present its 75th anniversary season finale concert, “A Dazzling Finale,” at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 3, in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre at Illinois Valley Community College.

Bring your appetite to these food truck festivals happening around northern Illinois this spring and summer.

Market on Mill will open in Utica, Morel Fest returns to Ottawa, the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra will conclude its season, the MOMsemble will perform in Princeton and an Earth Day celebration will commence in an event-packed weekend in the Illinois Valley.

Dreamwave Wrestling is a professional wrestling company based in La Salle. The shows are a form of entertainment described as “theater with muscles,” combining the drama of a theater production with the athleticism of sport.

From classical music to rock, there's a concert for everyone happening in May in northern Illinois.

A list of the best steakhouses in Kane, Kendall, McHenry and DeKalb counties, as well as the Illinois Valley, as voted on by Shaw Local audiences.

Spring is here and al fresco dining is heating up in the Illinois Valley.

An Ottawa native with Grammy Award-winning music credits will return to his local roots as a guest performer in two of the three Illinois Valley Community College ensemble concerts next week.

A radio play adaptation of "My Favorite Wife," Healthy Kids Day, Earth Day, a Doors cover band and a car show are among the activities in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

The Ottawa Special Events Committee has announced the schedule for its 2025 Music in the Park concert series, bringing live music to Washington Park every Saturday evening this summer.

Festival 56/PrincetonTheater Group will present The Michigan MOMsemble Celebrates Mother’s Day at 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3.

The Pop-Up Players, a nonprofit traveling community theater troupe based in the Illinois Valley, will be staging three performances of an all new radio play adaptation (complete with retro commercials and live sound effects) of the classic, 1940 comedy “My Favorite Wife."

Stock up on gourmet chocolates from these local shops for Easter Sunday treats.

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

The Second City 65th Anniversary Show showcases some of Second City’s audience’s favorite songs, sketches, and characters written by some of the famed company’s illustrious alumni.

A skydiving Easter bunny, Easter centerpiece workshop, adult egg hunt, bunny run and underwater egg hunt are among the activities in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

When you’re hungry, look for More on Main in Streator and More in Ottawa, which recently opened its doors.

You don't have to drive into Chicago for an exciting and educational excursion. There are plenty of museums in the suburbs and northern Illinois that are well worth a visit.

NCI ARTworks to host an opening reception for the month-long Naturescape exhibition of art by Karen Tucker, Mary Jean Dzurisin and Carol Bingham from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 11, at the NCI ARTworks Gallery at the Westclox building in Peru.

Easter is Sunday, April 20. Enjoy an elegant brunch with family and friends to celebrate the spring holiday.

Spring flower festivals are a beautiful way to shake off the winter and welcome spring. Here's a list of events in northern Illinois and surrounding states.

Illinois and Wisconsin boast a wealth of spa getaways, offering luxurious pampering and relaxation just a short trip away.

Utica officials will cut the ribbon at the Market on Mill, the village’s outdoor retail plaza, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3.

Sci-Fest, Naturescapes art exhibition, Route "Flute" 66 and Easter egg hunts are among the events in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

The Ottawa Concert Association’s 2024-2025 concert season will come to a close at 7 p.m on Tuesday, April 15, at Central Intermediate School, 711 E. McKinley Road, with a performance by Sail On, a tribute band to The Beach Boys.

The Prairie Arts Council will host the Route “Flute” 66 concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Prairie Arts Center.

Because of outstanding ticket requests, Stage 212 in La Salle has added a performance of its spring production, “The Miracle Worker,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10.

La Salle Speedway and Events Center will open its dirt track May 6 after being closed since 2021.