The Scene - Sauk Valley

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

“Saturday Night Fever” is based on the 1977 movie of the same name.

The fourth annual Bellson Music Fest is set for Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Rock Falls as is Discover Dixon’s Summer Block Party in Dixon.

The fair runs from Tuesday, Aug. 12, through Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield St. in Morrison.

Summer is here, and it's time to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of northern Illinois.

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.

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

Here's a list of the public pools and splash pads opening across the Sauk Valley.

Blackhawk Steak Pit in Oregon has become a destination for travelers and locals to enjoy dinner in the relaxed surroundings of a supper club atmosphere.

Other upcoming events include River Country 101.7-FM’s annual Summer Kickoff Concert, which begins at 6 p.m. May 31 with Delaney Ann, followed by headliner Kelsey Hart at 8 p.m., along the Dixon Riverfront.

Northern Illinois is home to many unique distilleries that use farm fresh-to-bottle ingredients.

Kayak, sky dive, ride an ATV, rides bikes on a guided tour or take a cruise along the Illinois River during your summer adventure in Starved Rock Country.

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.

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.