The Scene - Sauk Valley

Enjoy free live music from the Sterling Municipal Band and the Dixon Municipal Band and more this weekend in the Sauk Valley.

The newly-renovated theatre's 2025 continues with tributes to artists like Taylor Swift, Steely Dan, Billy Joel and more, as well as a variety of movie screenings and musical theatre shows.

Hidden within hills and away from highways in southeast Jo Daviess County is a tiny community best known for its annual music festival and large antique barn – attracting social butterflies and lovers of bluegrass, gospel and country music.

From 2Toots to Pilot Pete's, here's a list of some themed restaurants for a fun-filled meal the whole family can enjoy.

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

Here are the restaurants that Sauk Valley audiences voted as their favorite places for chicken. National Fried Chicken Day is Sunday, July 6.

Timber Lake Playhouse in Mount Carroll is opening the third musical of the 2025 summer season with “Waitress”, which runs from July 11 through July 27.

The Rock River Jazz Band will perform music from the Big Band and Swing eras at 7 p.m. July 12 at the Page Park Band Shell, 300 Lincoln Statue Drive, Dixon.

Pungent smells and sour tastes often are what one thinks of when it comes to sauerkraut, but Forreston makes a big deal about it – with plenty of fun and entertainment in a four-day festival that is pleasant and appetizing.

Rock Falls River Chase on Saturday and Sunday, Pop-Up Market and Music in Sterling and more this weekend in the Sauk Valley.

National Dive Bar Day is Monday, July 7. If you're looking for a local pub to check out, these neighborhood dive bars in northern Illinois are worth visiting.

The 52nd Annual German Valley Days Festival will Kick-0ff at 5 p.m. Friday, July 18.

The Dixon Municipal Band returns to the Page Park Band Shell at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10.

July is National Ice Cream Month! Check out this list of 9 places to visit this summer.

From live music and food vendors to car shows and carnivals, here is a list of local places to celebrate the holiday.

The much-anticipated summer event will feature live bands, a carnival, parade, fireworks and more.

The Wild Rose Clinton will host Sins N' Roses and Electric Shock on July 25.

The 1960s tribute band SHiNDiG! performs at the Let Freedom Ring Block Party on July 4; Bagshot Row returns July 5 for the Let Freedom Ring Car Show.

Standing on the edge of a 300-foot limestone bluff in southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest, Machaela Sweeney could thank the perfect words she typed into ChatGPT for bringing her to the unexpected spot.

Here's a list of some of the most beautiful road trip ideas in the U.S.

The Sterling/Rock Falls Jaycee’s fireworks display ignites at dusk (about 9:30 p.m.) Thursday, July 3, and OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center will sponsor Dixon's Petunia Festival Family Fun Night from 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 4.

The next time you include cheese in your recipe, maybe there's another variety that works well. Visiting a cheese shop can bring one closer to a new taste, and a place in eastern Stephenson County has more than 50 varieties that can work.

Royally hand-in-hand: A pair of Stillman Valley businesses under one roof sought to bring back memories of generations ago: one with the name of a longtime grocery store chain, and another with Grandma's beef jerky recipe.

When Chadwick lost its only diner, the community didn’t have to go far to find someone to pick up the spatula, and now the new owner aims to serve meals that will keep folks coming back for Second helpings.

Whether you’re a sports fan or just looking for a place to hang out and grab a bite, the family at JW’s Third Base thinks you’ll be a fan of their neighborhood bar and grill

From free concerts to fairs to family-friendly events, Lee County has something fun for everyone this summer.

Looking for something to do in the Sauk Valley? Here are five suggestions.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon picnicking with family, a challenging hike on a scenic trail, or a fun-filled day playing games with the kids, here are some municipal parks in communities across northern Illinois that have something for everyone.

Summer is filled with beer festivals, from Joliet to Princeton, Galena to McHenry and more.

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.

Enjoy a quick weekend getaway in the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook's serene setting, spend the afternoon swimming in the pool or relaxing in the spa.

Visit Skydive Chicago in Ottawa or Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle this spring or summer for a thrilling adventure.

Starved Rock Lodge offers canyon tours, cruises, guided hikes and more to explore the natural beauty of one of the state's most-visited state parks.

Enjoy the summer sounds of the Dixon Municipal Band on June 19 in Page Park; celebrate diversity at annual Juneteenth observance on June 21.

International Martini Day is Saturday, June 21. Sip on this classic cocktail at one of these favorite Sauk Valley bars.

Northwest Illinois is full of many gorgeous state parks, perfect for family-friendly outdoor adventures.

From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., attendees can enjoy a 5K, music, food trucks, kids games, craft vendors, contests, a dog pageant show, dance party and costume parade.

The sky around Galena will be filled with vibrant colors during the popular three-day event at Eagle Ridge Spa, which also includes live music and family-friendly activities.

Father's Day is Sunday, June 15.

Summer Solstice Gathering is June 21 in Franklin Grove, Touch-A-Truck is June 28 in Rock Falls.

Three local businesses were named as favorite Bar/Tavern in the 2025 Sauk Valley Favorites contest.

Grassroots community music festival with some musicians performing 45 minute free sets on community porches.

Check out these candy shops in northern Illinois that are worth visiting... this month, or any time of the year!

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

From 2-10 p.m., June 14 attendees can show their support for the LGBTQ+ community at 1 Page Park Drive.

More than 300 drag racing cars will make a stop in Rock Falls on Thursday, July 19, with a block party planned so residents can see the cars up close and talk to their drivers. There will be music, food and a burnout contest.

Other events include the Dixon Municipal Band's first concert of the season on Thursday, and the Discover Dixon Block Party and Sauk Valley Community College's Child Fair, both on Saturday.

Blind Melon and The Smoking Popes will perform on the Main Stage Thursday, July 3.

Check out these niche stays in St. Charles, Ottawa, Algonquin and more.

The Abbey Resort has everything for a family or couples getaway this summer – golf, spa, swimming, boating and more.