National Dessert Day is Tuesday, Oct. 14!

Owned and operated by the village of Oswego, Venue 1012 opened in August 2021. Plans for Venue 1012 started to take shape after local business owner Kevin Fialko donated a three-acre plot of land to the village.

Try Detroit style pizza at restaurants in Bartlett, Elgin, Algonquin and Naperville.

A new boutique in Yorkville will have you ready to step into the mystic. Moon Phaze is a witchy, inclusive, sex-positive boutique, created for like-minded people to gather and share unique experiences and build community.

Check out these delightfully frightening haunted houses in northern Illinois, guaranteed to bring the scares this season.

Interactive highlights include responsive light sculptures, laser graffiti, enchanted fountains, train car installations, rooftop laser shows and more.

The Edith Farnsworth House in Plano will host its Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 12.

Here are the winners for Best Taco and Best Mexican Restaurant in the 2025 Best of the Fox, Best of the Illinois Valley and Sauk Valley Favorites contests.

Performances run Oct. 10-12 at the Sandwich Opera House.

Fall events in Kendall County include Yorkville's Scarecrow Walk, the Oswego Cemetery Walk, Fall Fest at the Kendall County Fairgrounds and more.

The Illinois Valley has several haunted tours that explore the supernatural this Halloween season.

Looking for an outdoorsy getaway this season? Check out these four destinations in northern Illinois.

The annual Halloween costume contest and egg hunt is returning to downtown Yorkville on Friday, Oct. 17.

The Fall Fox Fest is Sunday, Oct. 5 in downtown Oswego.

Watch football and baseball playoff games at one of these lively sports bars in northern Illinois.

Check out these award-winning pizza places in Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties, as well as the Sauk Valley and Illinois Valley, to celebrate National Pizza Month during October.

Check out these fantastic fall festivals in Sycamore, St. Charles, Utica, Aurora and more.

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

For the entire month, wine lovers are encouraged to host small, casual get-togethers to celebrate their love of wine.

The Oswego Cemetery Walk is set for Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Oswego Township Cemetery. This year’s “ghosts” include the “ghosts” of several Oswego historical figures, including Civil War era residents.

Explore the spooky side of Kendall County at upcoming programs in October.

The Oswego Country Market, which is run by the Oswegoland Park District, opened for the season June 1. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday at 15 S. Main St. near the Village Grind Coffee and Tea Co. and the Oswego Public Library in downtown Oswego.

Yorktober Fest is Friday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 27 at Riverfront Park East in Yorkville.

The free festival is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, and runs from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27.

Guests can tour the cemetery in small groups and meet costumed interpreters portraying early pioneers and other historical figures from Montgomery’s past.

Participants can paint pumpkins, “Touch-A-Tractor,” play games, ride pedal tractors, create nature crafts and enjoy live folk music and seasonal treats.

From wine tastings to historic tours, Galena is the perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway.

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

Grammy-winning guitarist Cody Kilby will perform at the Sandwich farm's open air venue Saturday, Sept. 27 with Dre Anders and the Gibson Brothers.

The event runs from 5-9 p.m. in downtown Aurora on Friday, Sept. 26.

The Napa Valley winery is known for high quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

While many Oktoberfest celebrations happen in September, here's a list of German-themed beer festivals happening in October.

Try the Mega Hike at Starved Rock State Park.

Kendall County offers excellent paved and limestone-screened trails ideal for biking.

The Prairie Point Pumpkin Patch replaces the long-standing Brew At The Bridge event, which had taken place at Hudson Crossing Park in Oswego. The event had seen declining attendance in recent years.

Fox Republic Brewing, The Law Office Pub & Music Hall will have live music events this weekend in Kendall County.

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

National Cheeseburger Day is Thursday, Sept. 18! Celebrate with a hearty burger at one of these award-winning restaurants.

The festival opens Thursday, Sept. 18 and runs through Saturday, Sept. 20 in downtown Aurora.

The village of Montgomery invites the community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a free bilingual concert in the park. “We look forward to a great evening of music and fun in Montgomery," Village President Matt Brolley said.

Beer, Bands and Barns, an outdoor music and brews festival, is Saturday, Sept. 20 at Dickson-Murst Farm in Montgomery.

Check out classic cars and hot rods at Jalopy Fest Sept. 12-13.

The zoo's Frontera Farm-to-Table Dinner is Sept. 12, while Oktoberfest is set for Sept. 28. Many additional events are also scheduled throughout the season.

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

A wood relief mural celebrating the history of Oswego and Montgomery was recently installed near the entrance doors to the campus, located at 32 W. Jefferson St. in downtown Oswego.

Check out these three restaurants that Kendall County audiences voted as being the best places for breakfast.

Check out the best outdoor dining patios in Kendall County, as voted on by Shaw Local readers.

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

The Cadet Corps mentors young adults who aspire to become the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

Venue 1012 in Oswego will host Battle of the Lukes & Wasted on Wallen tribute bands on Saturday, Sept. 6.