The final Third Friday event of the season is Friday, Sept. 19 in downtown Ottawa. Princeton's Artisan

In addition to the extensive wine selection, attendees can enjoy live music, browse wares from local vendors and sample food from local food trucks.

These northern Illinois pumpkin farms are ready to welcome guests for a day of family-friendly fall fun.

National Cheeseburger Day is Thursday, Sept. 18!

Bureau County is home to a number of exciting fall and holiday events in 2025.

The rural Oglesby farm provides a unique agritourism experience.

Events include Vintage Illinois Wine Festival, Redbud Creek Farm Fall Festival and more.

The BBQ & Blues Fest is set for Friday, Sept. 12, while the Jazz'N the Street Festival is Saturday, Sept. 13.

The pair of celebrations Sept. 12 & 13 will bring food vendors and musical acts to downtown La Salle.

Plein air painting, which derives its name from the French term for “painting outdoors,” originated in the 19th century when artists began leaving their studios to capture natural light and scenery firsthand.

‘Lincoln’s Ottawa: Stories from Valley View’ take guests on a tour of several historic sites in the Illinois Valley related to Abraham Lincoln.

Engle Lane Theatre in Streator will present the comedy “Moon Over Buffalo”, with performances running through Sept 12.

Heritage Corridor Destinations partners with NCIArtworks for series of pop-up gallery shows.

Football season is back! Watch the game at one of these lively sports bars in northern Illinois.

West coast winemaker Dave Merfeld of Northstar Winery continues to promote Merlot, the often-maligned wine varietal.

Pluto Fest is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Streator City Park, while the Fall Food Truck Festival is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. just south of the park. Both events are on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The fall months bring several craft beer festivals throughout northern Illinois.

The Sumthins will perform at Ottawa's Washington Square Park on Saturday night.

Illinois' oldest continuing county fair returns this week with a packed schedule.

The festival honors Rev. Owen Lovejoy’s contributions to the Underground Railroad and offers a blend of historical experiences and modern-day fun.

Wine on the Hill events, which feature live music in the afternoons, and Cave Tasting Experiences run through October at August Hill Winery in Peru.

The Illinois Valley Sportscard and Collectibles Show will return next week on Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Peru Mall.

Check out this list of apple orchards in northern Illinois for perfect family fun this fall!

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with Wine on the Hill in Peru, Music in the Park in Ottawa or at Court Street Pub's Block Party in Ottawa.

Streator’s Labor Day parade will return this weekend, continuing a tradition revived last year by the Streator Chamber of Commerce after a three-year break.

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

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.

Mezzacorona has made a unique Pinot Grigio from high-altitude sites in the Italian mountains.

Make the end of summer more memorable by planning a getaway at a unique resort or bed & breakfast in northern Illinois

Country star Trace Adkins performs at the Bureau County Fair in Princeton Thursday, Aug. 21.

The Bureau County Fair, Illinois’ longest running fair, returns to the fairgrounds at 811 W. Peru St. from Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 20–24.

Reddick Public Library District in Ottawa announced the schedule of events for the first week of September.

One of northern Illinois' biggest car, truck and motorcycle shows is set for Sunday, Aug. 24.

Plenty to do in the Illinois Valley this weekend, from the Princeton Farmers' Market to Ottawa's Third Friday event and more.

Baked & Brewed is now open at 723 S. Clark St., Utica.

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

Sweet Tooth in Morris carries nostalgic candy, gourmet chocolate and more. Hey Sweetie in downtown Ottawa offers a variety of candies and ice cream.

The next monthly seasonal brunch is the Farmer's Market Brunch on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Shaw Local Radio’s Dani Holland interviews country music superstar Trace Adkins as Adkins prepares to play at the Bureau County Fair on August 21 in Princeton

The 12 new retailers sell artisan goods and foods in the newly opened plaza.

Overdrive Monster Truck Show will be at the La Salle Speedway & Event Center on Saturday, Aug. 9.

The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra has announced its 76th season, titled “Flight,” a five-concert series highlighting a different conductor at each performance.

The Treehouses of Starved Rock are steps away from Starved Rock State Park’s system of picturesque hiking trails, canyons, waterfalls and bluffs.

These restaurants in northern Illinois, from vibrant downtowns to peaceful riverfronts, provide gorgeous views without the hustle and bustle of Chicago traffic.

Summer is here, and it's time to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of northern Illinois.

Streator Fest, Taste of the Illinois Valley in Peru this weekend!

This highly-anticipated summer festival July 31-Aug. 3 will feature a large carnival and spectacular fireworks.

Check out these restaurants the next time you make plans for your weekend brunch.

You don't need to travel to Napa Valley to enjoy good wines. Northern Illinois is home to many wineries that produce high-quality, unique varietals not found elsewhere.

Visit these unique pop-up and mini shops in McHenry, Batavia and Utica for one-of-a-kind items.