The Fiesta Day Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.

These northern Illinois pumpkin farms are ready to welcome guests for a day of family-friendly fall fun.

National Cheeseburger Day is Thursday, Sept. 18! Enjoy a freshly-made burger at one of these Sauk Valley favorites!

Check out these family-friendly seasonal events happening this fall in Whiteside County.

Voices from the Dixon Mausoleum will rise to observe the structure's 100th anniversary during the annual Oakwood Cemetery Walk. Five volunteers will portray historically significant people buried in the mausoleum during the cemetery walk from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 28, 2025.

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.

A Morrison couple loves living a life of Adventures, hauling their home away from home on highways and byways, and sharing their journeys with kindred wandering spirits.

Peanut Butter and Deli on Morrison’s Main Street is a deli-style restaurant that serves up sandwiches, salads, drinks and desserts from one of Morrison’s oldest buildings — and one of it cleverest named businesses.

The Next Picture Show will host its fourth annual Wine Tasting Gala at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in the main gallery at 113 W. First St. in downtown Dixon.

The 13th annual Taste of Fiesta is Saturday afternoon in RB&W Park in Rock Falls. Morrison hosts the monthly 3 French Hens Country Market on Saturday.

National touring artists Orianthi, Buckcherry and Dishwalla will perform at The Dixon Theatre this fall.

‘Lincoln’s Ottawa: Stories from Valley View’ take guests on a tour of several historic sites in the Illinois Valley related to Abraham Lincoln.

The Clinton Symphony Orchestra will open its 72nd concert season at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, in the new Durgin Performing Arts Center at Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa.

Football season is back! Watch the game at one of these lively sports bars in northern Illinois.

West coast winemaker Dave Merfeld of Northstar Winery continues to promote Merlot, the often-maligned wine varietal.

Timber Lake Playhouse closes its 2025 main stage season with "The Bridges of Madison County," onstage from Sept. 12 to 21, 2025.

From fall festivals to Dixon's Christmas Walk, there's plenty of fun to be had in Lee County this season!

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.

The fall months bring several craft beer festivals throughout northern Illinois.

The Grand Detour Arts Festival is Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at the John Deere Historic Site.

Illinois' oldest continuing county fair returns this week with a packed schedule.

The 76th Grand Detour Arts Festival – one of the oldest of its kind in northern Illinois – returns Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, to the John Deere Historic Site with art, music and food.

Check out this list of apple orchards in northern Illinois for perfect family fun this fall!

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 Dixon Historic Theatre presents Billy Joel tribute act "Billy the Kid" on Saturday, Aug. 30.

Kelly's in Sterling combines traditional Irish pub with authentic Mexican cuisine, making for a unique experience in the Sauk Valley.

Mezzacorona has made a unique Pinot Grigio from high-altitude sites in the Italian mountains.

Make the end of summer more memorable by planning a getaway at a unique resort or bed & breakfast in northern Illinois

National Waffle Day is Sunday, Aug. 24.

The highly anticipated Amboy Depot Days event is Aug. 21-24.

Timber Lake Playhouse in Mount Carroll will hold world-premiere performances of the musical “Glü” from Friday, Aug. 22, through Sunday, Aug. 31.

The banks of the Rock River will once again serve as a backdrop for art, music and food when the 8th annual Art in the Park Sculpture Walk & Outdoor Art Gallery returns Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, to RB&W District Park in Rock Falls.

The Mainstage season wraps up with 'Bridges of Madison County' Sept. 12-21, but concerts continue through early December.

Encore! Mt. Morris has announced the return of Chicago entertainers Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones to the band shell from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, to close Straw Fest Day festivities.

The pastor at a rural Sterling church is seeking to make its annual Farm Heritage Show just like how the church acts as a beacon of light to the community: helping those in need become mentally healthy and hungry.

One of northern Illinois' biggest car, truck and motorcycle shows is set for Sunday, Aug. 24.

The downtown Dixon restaurant serves up its own take on sandwiches, salads, omelets, crepes and a wide variety of other dishes and drinks.

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Fest happens in Rochelle Aug. 15-17.

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

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

August is National Sandwich Month, and we're highlighting some of the Sauk Valley's favorite delis.

The Mt. Morris Jamboree has announced the return of premier Eagles tribute band, Heartache Tonight, to the bandshell for a free concert starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22.

Fair runs from Tuesday, Aug. 12, through Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison.

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.

Explore a variety of unique martini flavors at Bartini's in Rock Falls.

The opening reception will run from 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 22, 2025, at the Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road in Sterling, where visitors can enjoy refreshments while viewing artwork displayed in the halls and lounge.

The Rochelle Municipal Airport will host an air and car show this weekend, while the Mendota Sweet Corn Fest runs Aug. 7-10.

Check out the three restaurants voted Sauk Valley's favorite place for lunch in the 2025 Sauk Valley Favorites contest.

The Jimmys make their triumphant return to the Mt. Morris Band Shell on Aug. 8 with a special guest, blues legend Marcia Ball. The free, high-energy show will begin at 7 p.m.

Presented by Sterling Federal Bank, this spectacular stage adaptation of the Oscar‑winning film celebrates sisterhood, courage, and the power of love, featuring songs by Kristen Anderson‑Lopez and Robert Lopez and a book by Jennifer Lee.