The Scene - Sauk Valley

The 2025 farmers market season kicks off soon in communities across northern Illinois. Here's a list of some of the best markets in the area.

Kick off your summer with performances from rising country music stars Kelsey Hart and Delaney Ann on May 31 along the Dixon Riverfront.

The free performances are held in Dixon and Rock Falls throughout the summer.

Your guide to some of the hottest festivals happening in communities across northern Illinois in 2025, from Joliet to Crystal Lake and Rock Falls to Geneva.

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

Harbor Inn vacation rentals at Heritage Harbor, located near Ottawa on the Illinois River, give guests a relaxing getaway.

Check out these northern Illinois restaurants known for their burgers. From McHenry County to the Illinois Valley and everywhere in between, we've got you covered with a variety of places to try during National Burger Month.

Country artists Kelsey Hart and Delaney Ann to perform May 31 at River Country 101.7 FM's summer kickoff concert.

Also, get ready for two events on June 7: the fourth annual Bellson Music Fest at the RB&W District in Rock Falls and the 40th annual Sauk Valley Child Fair, with the theme Candy Land, from 9 a.m. to noon at Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon.

Beer and wine festivals around northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin offer springtime fun in the coming months.

Go back to the Prohibition era at these speakeasy bars located in St. Charles, La Salle, Elgin, Lockport and more northern Illinois locations.

Check out these classes in the suburbs for your next girls night out, family outing or date night.

Treat mom to brunch on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11.

The 41st Illinois Watercolor Society National Exhibition is on display at The Next Picture Show in Dixon until May 31.

The 2025 Main Stage season opens in late May with "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical." The concert series begins May 3 with a tribute show to Johnny Cash.

PACT will perform “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood,” a satirical look at the classic tale of the rebel who “steals from the rich and gives to the poor.”

PACT to present play in Polo starting this weekend; United Way of Lee County Bingo is May 8 at the Elks Club in Dixon.

The 2025 Fulton Dutch Days will celebrate the riverside city's Dutch heritage.

Bring your appetite to these food truck festivals happening around northern Illinois this spring and summer.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. May 2 and 3 and at 2 p.m. May 4 at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove Theater at 500 Evergreen Lane in Mt. Morris.

From classical music to rock, there's a concert for everyone happening in May in northern Illinois.

Performances start at 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. May 4. There will be open seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upcoming shows this season include 'Sweet Charity,' 'Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,' rock bands Dishwalla, Sister Hazel and more.

Shop at Dixon Lioness Lions Club’s Quartermania on April 29 in Dixon; play trivia to support Sterling's Christ Lutheran School on May 10.

The Art in the Park Outdoor Art Gallery will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at the RB&W District in Rock Falls.

Sugarbakers serves more than 60 cocktails and over 20 martinis, along with 60 different wines, and just as many bourbons, by the bottle, glass or flight.

Rock River Madness bicycling event is May 3 in Dixon; Wed on the Rock is May 4 in Oregon.

Platinum-selling country/rock band Sister Hazel will take the stage from 6:30-9 p.m. Sunday, May 11. The band rose to prominence when its hit single, “All for You,” climbed to the top of the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997.

You don't have to drive into Chicago for an exciting and educational excursion. There are plenty of museums in the suburbs and northern Illinois that are well worth a visit.

Easter is Sunday, April 20. Enjoy an elegant brunch with family and friends to celebrate the spring holiday.

Spring flower festivals are a beautiful way to shake off the winter and welcome spring. Here's a list of events in northern Illinois and surrounding states.

Illinois and Wisconsin boast a wealth of spa getaways, offering luxurious pampering and relaxation just a short trip away.

The Next Picture Show, Dixon, also will host a Chapter and Verse Open Mic Night for the area’s authors Friday, April 11, that will appear on a local video podcast.

The music festival kicks off with a drum clinic from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 7 at the McCormick Event Center, 205 E. Third St. in Rock Falls, followed by live performances from four bands from 1-8:30 p.m at the RB&W District amphitheater, 201 E. Second St.

Artist Glenn Bodish, who is an art professor at Sauk Valley Community College, will be featured in the Dempsey Family Gallery at Water Street Studios.

Tickets available for the Rock River Chapter of Ducks Unlimited banquet that will be April 26 in Rock Falls.

New Zealand has embraced all the mystery pinot has to offer in fruit flavors, spice notes and stunning aromas – and done so at very affordable prices.

Check out these concerts in DeKalb, DuPage, Kane and Will counties, the Illinois Valley and the Sauk Valley in April.

Theater manager Lori VanOosten said that when the work is finished later this week, both of the theater’s two viewing rooms will each feature 165 seats, including 20 recliners, 117 rocker-back lounge chairs and seating for 28 people in the tabletop area.

Check out these great suggestions for a fun-filled day or overnight trip for the whole family.

Check out these sports bars in northern Illinois that offer plenty of TVs so you won't miss a second of the basketball action.

The Novel Bloom is located in the former River Valley Designs space in Savanna. The book and flower shop serves coffee and pastries, and after 2 p.m., guests can enjoy a glass of wine.

The Next Picture Show, Dixon, will host a Chapter and Verse Open Mic Night for the area’s authors April 11.

Film enthusiasts and supporters of local independent filmmaking are invited to attend the fifth annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival, “Shorts-A-Palooza 2025,” hosted by the Northwest Illinois Film Office.

The popular 90s band Sister Hazel, known for their hit 'All For You,' will be at the theatre May 11.

Here are some concerts happening in DeKalb, DuPage, La Salle, Lee, Kane, McHenry and Will counties happening in March. From classical music to high-energy rock shows, there's something for everyone.

The Franklin Grove American Legion Post 497 also will have a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7-10 a.m. Saturday, March 22.

Dixon High School Spring Musical Director Ashley Almquist previews the Dixon High School Spring musical “Grease” at the Wiltz Auditorium.

Communities across northern Illinois are gearing up for Irish celebrations over St. Patrick's Day weekend.

It's time to hit the road! Take a look at this list of the best scenic drives in Illinois using data from Tripadvisor.