The Scene - Sauk Valley

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

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

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.

Father's Day is Sunday, June 15.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.