Stage Left in Woodstock will host an Open Mic Night, while the Marengo Ridge Conservation Area will offer candlelight cross country skiing on Friday, Jan. 9.

You don't need to travel too far to enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing.

Singer-songwriter Joe Fisher delivers the full “Nebraska” album, stripped down to its bare essence — with the stark poetry of America’s backroads.

New restaurants include Fire + Wine and Rosebud Steakhouse in St. Charles, Uzu Revolving Sushi in Lombard and The Grand Social House & Tavern in Wauconda.

These 15 stories from The Scene saw the most visitors this past year.

Huey Lewis & the News stood out with their signature blend of rock, pop and blue-eyed soul. With mega-hits like “The Power of Love,” “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” “I Want a New Drug” and more.

Upcoming shows include 'Come From Away,' 'Heartbreak Hotel,' 'Frozen The Musical' and 'Little Shop of Horrors.'

This high-energy show will transport audiences back to the legendary Las Vegas Hilton, delivering not only Elvis’ most beloved hits and deep cuts.

This scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero showcases music from Disney’s 1996 animated film.

If you’re practicing Dry January, or a dry 2026 and beyond, myriad suburban restaurants have sophisticated and crafted takes on nonalcoholic drinks.

Twenty-five grappling matches featuring 50 athletes, including 16 women, are planned, with the middleweight championship bout, or main event, featuring Michael Mutter of Team Curran and Jeff Serafin of Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Evanston.

Professional mixed martial arts “superfights” with athletes from around the country return to McHenry County Saturday in McHenry after a successful debut in Crystal Lake last year.

Visit Moraine Hills near McHenry or one of the area's additional state parks for a First Day Hike on Jan. 1.

2025 saw a number of restaurants open across northern Illinois.

Hear hits like "Hotel California," "Take it Easy," "Life in the Fast Lane" and many more Eagles hits at the Jan. 3 concert.

National Bloody Mary Day is Jan. 1. Celebrate with a cocktail at one of these award-winning bars in Kane and McHenry counties, the Sauk Valley and the Illinois Valley.

Kick off the New Year with a winter hike at a state park in northern Illinois.

Explore the white wines from The Hilt and Jonata labels.

Puttshack, Topgolf and more suburban entertainment centers are hosting New Year's Eve bashes.

El Molino has been a staple in Carpentersville, just over the border from Algonquin, for 40 years, reopening after a six month remodel. The new owners have long run an Elgin taqueria.

Elton Rohn will perform at Raue Center for the Arts Dec. 27, while American English will perform Dec. 31.

Visit all six Christmas Pop-Up bars at Karas Restaurant Group locations in St. Charles, West Dundee, Woodstock, Campton Hills, South Elgin and Hoffman Estates.

Set in four emotional “seasons”— spring, summer, autumn and winter— the evening unfolds with beloved Beatles hits such as “Here Comes the Sun,” “Yesterday,” “Let it Be” and more.

Elton Rohn recreates the iconic sound and feel of Elton John’s classic era with elite musicianship and heartfelt precision.

Celebrate the New Year at these exciting events in northern Illinois.

Here are the winners for the best coffee shops in the Best of the Fox, Best of the Illinois Valley, DeKalb County's Finest and Sauk Valley Favorites contest.

Watch college and professional football playoffs this January at these award-winning pubs and sports bars in Kane, Kendall, McHenry, DeKalb and Will counties, as well as the Sauk and Illinois Valley areas.

The new Erne’s Restaurant & Bar inside Pickle Haus in Algonquin is described as “polished casual” with an updated menu and atmosphere. Operators hope it will bring people in to dine, not just play pickleball.

Leave the cooking and clean up to someone else on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

The summer concert series, which offers free shows in July, will feature Smash Mouth, Air Supply, Fitz and the Tantrums, Foreigner and more.

The last Luminary Nights event in downtown Crystal Lake is Thursday, Dec. 18.

The 2026 McHenry Music Festival will combine country, southern rock and metal acts - possibly for the last time

The beloved holiday tradition brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless music and the magic of the holiday season to life with dazzling choreography, colorful characters and a whimsical journey.

An evening of songs and storytelling, heartstrings and laughter, the show features a blend of original holiday compositions, wintry covers and reworked classics woven together with holiday stories and memories.

Port Barrington's Arctic Winter Bar features live music, heated barn and seasonal craft cocktails through Feb. 1.

Visit these spectacular light shows and displays this Christmas season.

A few months after an Applebee’s closed down in McHenry, its former building is getting prepped for a new tenant, a Yummy Bowl Mongolian Stir-Fry and Sushi.

Check out these theaters across northern Illinois that are bringing holiday classics like "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol" to life this season.

Check out these sparkling wine selections

Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake will host "Jingle Belles" live comedy, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Classical Blast! performances this weekend.

Families can meet Santa's reindeer and get photos with the magical animals at the Christmas Town event, which runs through Dec. 23 on select dates.

Enjoy brunch with Santa, holiday parties, Christmas Day brunch, New Year's Eve celebration and much more at this classic Lake Geneva resort.

The Holiday Spectacular Concert is set for Friday, Dec. 12.

This exhilarating concert experience marries rock favorites from iconic bands such as Metallica, Pink Floyd and Evanescence with beloved traditional carols, popular classical pieces and holiday standards.

Check out holiday themed bars at locations around the suburbs, including Oak Brook, Naperville, St. Charles, South Elgin and more.

Volo Museum is celebrating its 65th anniversary by giving away a 1960 Buick LeSabre featured in a movie starring actors Jimmy Stewart and Bette Davis.

Huntley made the season bright Saturday with A Very Merry Huntley, featuring live reindeer, a big Santa arrival, Kris Kringle market, the Lighting of the Square, fireworks and, for the first time this year, a parade.

The Greggory is centered around live-fire cooking in an open-show kitchen with a menu that includes dishes such as bone-in prime rib, Slagel Farms rotisserie chicken and Mediterranean sea bass.

This hilarious evening of stand-up comedy will feature Ana Belaval, Andrea Darlas and Joanna Clark on Thursday, Dec. 11 at Raue Center for the Arts in downtown Crystal Lake.

Santa Claus is coming to Huntley – and will be among the first participants in a new holiday parade at Very Merry Huntley. And find a listing of other weekend Christmas events.