The 2026 season kicks off May 16 with the opening of the amusement park. Santa Springs Water Park opens Saturday, May 23.

Fans will be treated to Foreigner’s iconic hits, delivered with soaring vocals, signature guitar riffs and the energy of a true rock show.

Celebrate Mother's Day with comedy shows in Woodstock and Crystal Lake. Eagles tribute band Heartache Tonight will also perform in Woodstock on Saturday night.

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

Enjoy the outdoors and immerse yourself in nature this spring at these four destinations.

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

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

Treat mom to a concert or mini-golf this Mother's Day on Sunday, May 10.

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

Rikki Rockett, original drummer for '80s hard rock band Poison, will bring his solo band, Rockett Mafia to The Vixen in McHenry May 21.

Mother's Day events in McHenry County include Blooms & Bubbles at The Dole, as well as elegant brunches.

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

Think Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute band, will perform Saturday, May 2 at Raue Center for the Arts. Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a festive event in downtown Huntley May 2.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10.

The 2026 Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 2. Celebrate at these events in Kane, Will, Cook and McHenry counties.

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.

Businesses on the historic Woodstock Square and in the surrounding downtown area will represent a different country, each offering a small drink paired with a themed bite.

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

Richardson Adventure Farm planted 450,000 new bulbs last year, giving the Spring Grove farm’s 2026 Tulip Festival 1 million flowers for visitors to see this season.

Hundreds of thousands of tulips are in bloom at Tulip Festival at Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove.

The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake will host 4th Fridays, an art show with live music, on Friday, April 24.

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

Sometimes a trip off the beaten path can give people more things to learn and talk about. Take a drive from Mount Carroll to Scales Mound, and there's something for everyone.

Grappling competition returns to The Vixen in McHenry May 9.

These four comedians will bring honest, high-energy stand-up that taps into the wild world of parenting, the chaos of midlife, dating, marriage and more.

The Woodstock Opera House will host a performance from Levi Kreis, best known for originating the role of Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway’s “Million Dollar Quartet,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19.

Broadway star Levi Kreis will perform at the Woodstock Opera House on April 19, while David Maraniss will speak on April 16.

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

On the anniversary of the famous sinking of the Titanic ship, waters also troubled the Volo Museum, as its Titanic exhibit was flooded after Tuesday night’s downpour of storms.

The Tulip Festival features over 1 million blooms, games, dog-friendly grounds and much more.

Dinosaur Dimensions Expedition is a state-of-the-art live performance that combines cutting-edge animatronics, dazzling visuals and high-energy storytelling for the ultimate family-friendly adventure.

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.

Country music band Parmalee will perform at The Vixen McHenry Thursday, April 9.

Fool House– The Ultimate '90s Party will perform music from NSYNC to Nirvana, Britney Spears to Blink-182, Missy Elliott to Nelly and more.

Spring festivals are blooming across northern Illinois in April and May.

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.

Led by ESO Music Director Chad Goodman, the concert features works by Quinn Mason, Robert Schumann and Ludwig van Beethoven.

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

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee has announced plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.

The festive fundraiser, “A Serenade to the Fox Valley,” will feature a special ensemble performing timeless tunes in a loving tribute from the ESO to the community that has been its home and inspiration for 76 years.

Celebrate Easter with eggs hunts in Crystal Lake and Woodstock this weekend.

The sixth annual fest will feature more than 1 million blooms in over 75 varieties.

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

Easter is Sunday, April 5.

A new "dirty" soda and sub shop has opened in downtown Crystal Lake, complete with a theme that transports customers back to the 1990s, with an emphasis on grunge, rock and rap music that defined the era.

Audiences can expect a powerful, nostalgic, and high-energy evening that honors Rod Stewart's timeless music.

After a breakout run in Oak Brook, immersive entertainment brand brings its live studio-style game show to Woodfield Mall.

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark is located on site at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

The event is dedicated to the haunting stories of Edgar Allan Poe and will feature four crafted cocktails, each with a theme related to the spooky tales.