From fireworks-filled nights and high-energy concerts to celebratory dining and thrilling speedboat rides, City Cruises delivers unforgettable summer moments on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.

Enjoy waterfront dining at these restaurants along beautiful rivers and lakes in northern Illinois this season.

Thousands are expected at Pacifica Square in honor of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Take a tour of Oswego and learn about the local Sears homes and The Brothers Sinatra will perform at The Vault in Yorkville on Saturday night.

Festivals are blooming across northern Illinois this month.

Savor a variety of flavors this spring and summer at these vibrant food truck festivals in northern Illinois.

May is National Burger Month.

Over 30 food trucks will line up on Benton Street between River Street and Broadway in the heart of downtown Aurora, serving a diverse array of culinary delights.

Check out these farmers markets opening for the 2026 season in northern Illinois.

Margaritas en Mayo is Friday, May 8 at Yorkville's Riverfront Park.

Spring is here, and that means it's the perfect season to get out and explore new destinations.

Spring is here, and that means the return of some of the area's most popular beer and wine festivals of the year.

Enjoy an evening of Mariachi bands, dancing, family activities and much more at the May 8 event.

Five shows have been added to the Comedy at Copley series, which runs through Nov. 7, 2026.

Find the perfect champagne or sparkling wine for Mother's Day.

Wine on the Fox is set for May 2 & 3 in Hudson Crossing Park.

The festival will be held May 2-3 at Hudson Crossing Park. This is the 20th year of the village’s annual festival.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10.

These flower-filled events in the Midwest go beyond the blooms, offering everything from artisan markets and live music to garden tours and family-friendly activities.

Check out various running events, local group bike rides on the Fox River Trail this season.

This free, family-friendly event brings costumed characters to downtown Aurora.

“Re-Imagined: The Art of Sustainability” highlights the intersection of creativity and environmental stewardship.

This free event features children’s crafts, activities and play spaces, live farm animals to observe and pet, hayrides, barrel train rides, farm demonstrations, face painting and more.

Starting June 20, a full slate of special events, features and throwbacks are planned to honor the park’s heritage and 50th anniversary.

The Orion Ensemble will perform at 3 p.m. May 3 at New England Congregational Church in Aurora.

The Oswego Country Market is Saturday, April 25 at Prairie Point Community Park.

Check out an architectural masterpiece, a thrilling escape room or a local festival this spring in Kendall County.

America’s Best Restaurants is a national media firm focused on highlighting independent restaurants. America’s Best Restaurants was at the restaurant on April 21 to film an episode for its YouTube channel.

Across the suburbs and throughout the region, you’ll find fascinating spots dedicated to art, history, science and unique local stories.

The wood-fired pizza restaurant and its Moo Joe’s ice cream shop is opening in a vacant building at 5 S. Madison St., next door to Freddie’s Off the Chain restaurant and across Jefferson Street from the Oswego Public Library.

Delmark Day will begin with a live blues rehearsal session with The Delmark All-Stars and 18-year-old vocal prodigy Jaden Allen. The interactive masterclass will offer attendees the opportunity to watch Blues musicians at work, honing their craft of authentic Chicago Blues. 

From animal encounters to Glow Wild nights and dino-sized adventures, Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers new experiences and seasonal favorites for guests of all ages.

Third Eye Blind will perform Aug. 23, while Six One Five Collective takes the stage July 25.

Teams of 2-4 people will try to assemble a 300-piece puzzle at Puzzle-Palooza, a fun, family-friendly competition in Oswego Saturday, April 18.

Chicago-based comedians will take the stage at the Copley Theatre in downtown Aurora on select Saturday nights through May 2 as part of the Copley Comedy Series.

Northern Illinois is home to some notably beautiful botanical gardens and arboretums waiting to be explored.

Other performers this summer include The Beach Boys, Gov't Mule, Poi Dog Pondering, Lauren Alaina and tributes to Bee Gees, Led Zeppelin and many more.

Spring and the return of baseball bring hot dogs back to the forefront. So here are 10 places to get a legit, Chicago-style hot dog in the suburbs.

Enjoy a screening of the 1945 film "Captain Kidd" Friday, April 10.

The next time you're exploring Starved Rock State Park or one of other state parks, check out these delectable dining destinations in the area.

The concert will feature a video retrospective that includes songs covering five decades and the band's 14 studio records.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is gearing up for an action-packed spring with new experiences for all ages.

The hit Broadway musical opens April 29 and runs through June 14. The show is the theatre’s 2025-26 Broadway Series finale.

The Spring Valley ‘Uriah’ Walla Walla Valley Red Wine 2022 is a dark, brooding red with blackberry, plum, cedar, tobacco leaf and cracked pepper flavors.

Atelier Joliet Art Gallery will host an opening for an exhibit featuring the work of Jeffrey Equality Brooks, of Oswego, and Joseph Mayernik of New York.

The event takes place Sept. 4-7 along Jackson Avenue in the city’s downtown.

The historic theater hosts tribute bands, comedians and more throughout the year.

Indoor spring markets continue through April and May before the outdoor markets begin to open.

The Oswegoland Park District will host a flashlight egg hunt at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2.

Pick up your Easter chocolate at these fine chocolatiers in northern Illinois. Easter is Sunday, April 5.