Ray Scott will perform traditional, heartfelt country music at his Feb. 28 performance at The Dixon Historic Theatre.

National Drink Wine Day is Wednesday, Feb. 18.

If you're looking for a camping adventure this summer, check out Starved Rock Family Campground and other award-winning campgrounds across the country.

Two-time Celtic band of the year for Wisconsin, Reilly, will appear live at The Dixon: Historic Theatre on Saturday, March 14.

Clinton Symphony Orchestra’s annual Family Concert will be performed at 2 p.m. March 1 at the Camanche High School auditorium in Camanche, Iowa.

Axe throwing is a great way to have fun and blow off some steam. Here are are locations around northern Illinois.

The Dixon Historic Theatre will show the romantic comedy "Love Actually" on their big screen on Friday, Feb. 13.

The 2026 season at The Dixon Historic Theatre includes tribute artists, comedy, live rock and country music, Disney favorites and much more.

This unofficial holiday, celebrated annually on Feb. 13, is a time for ladies to ditch the romance and have an evening out with your best girls.

Step through the door at Basil Tree and time quietly rearranges itself. Inside one of Dixon’s oldest buildings, familiarity meets flexibility, from candlelit tables to hundreds of pasta possibilities, all built around making people feel at home.

Enjoy a romantic dinner to celebrate Valentine's Day at one of these restaurants in northern Illinois.

Check out where Sauk Valley audiences go for the best pizza in the area.

Thunderstruck – America's AC/DC Tribute will be at The Dixon: Historic Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 7.

For nearly 30 years, ye olde Red Knight Pub in Stockton has rolled out a welcome mat that gives people the Red-carpet treatment, with friends and hospitality from people on both sides of the bar.

Amboy’s own little Cookie Jar blends creativity, comfort and a sense of fun in every batch its owner bakes, proving dessert can be playful and welcoming, with just the right amount of over-the-top.

You don't need to travel too far to enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing.

Check out these beer festivals happening in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin this winter.

Windy City Dueling Pianos will perform at The Dixon: Historic Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani will join executive chef Noah Gümüstekin for an unforgettable culinary event Jan. 31-Feb. 1 to benefit the James Beard Foundation.

Sullivan Rutherford Estate's Cœur de Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon has hints of blueberry, plum, dark chocolate and dried flowers.

The 2026 season is designed to support local businesses, encourage city-wide engagement and celebrate all that Dixon has to offer, according to a news release.

The Rusty Alehouse & Wine Bar will host the 4th annual Hops on the Fox Beer Festival on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Looking to unplug and enjoy some time with friends and family? Game shops can bring a lot to the table, whether you like to roll with the roles, practice your skills and perfect your strategy, or go on an epic quest.

Rock Falls Tourism presents Flock to the Rock ’26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Rock Falls American Legion.

Not going to Soldier Field for the big game? Check out these sports bars in northern Illinois where you can catch all the action and enjoy food and drink specials.

The Next Picture Show in Dixon will host Dixon Poetry Night on Friday, Jan. 16.

Check out the Favorite Breakfast and Favorite Brunch winners in the Sauk Valley Favorites contest!

Outdoor ice rinks are a great way to have fun, fit in some physical activity and enjoy fresh air this winter.

The former schoolhouse in the tiny southwest Stephenson County town of Loran finds new life as the Slurp 'n Burp – serving hearty plates, cold pints and community spirit much larger than the small burg itself, keeping stories and beer flowing.

Update: After being closed since Thanksgiving week due to a water line break, Lanark's Hilldale Cafe and Catering is set to reopen Thursday, Jan. 15. Its cafe blends creativity and comfort to craft dishes that surprise and delight, each plate served with a dash of inspiration.

2025 saw a number of restaurants open across northern Illinois.

Jonata's Todos wine blends blackberry, plum, dried violets, cocoa powder, fig and singed rosemary aromas.

Country music band Roseland will perform at The Idle Hour on Jan. 10.

These 15 stories from The Scene saw the most visitors this past year.

The Starved Rock Lodge Winter Wildlife Trolley Tours take guests to several areas where they can view majestic bald eagles and more.

Four music ensembles from the Clinton Symphony Orchestra will perform Sunday, Jan. 11, at Zion Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa. It’s the fourth concert in the Symphony’s 72nd season.

A Rock Falls father and daughter have teamed up to bring back local favorite Arnie’s Happy Spot and its original chicken recipe. Owners Dave and Maddie Cochran held a soft opening for the restaurant at 1667 Hoover Road in Deer Grove, now called The Happy Spot, on Dec. 11.

Start the New Year off right with a First Day Hike at Franklin Creek State Natural Area, which has over four miles of trails.

National Bloody Mary Day is Jan. 1. Celebrate with a cocktail at one of these award-winning bars in Kane and McHenry counties, the Sauk Valley and the Illinois Valley.

Kick off the New Year with a winter hike at a state park in northern Illinois.

Explore the white wines from The Hilt and Jonata labels.

The Prophecy will pay tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra at The Dixon Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 27.

Celebrate the New Year at these exciting events in northern Illinois.

Hilldale Cafe in Lanark combines creativity and comfort to craft dishes that surprise and delight.

Marilyn Long has poured joy and stories since the ‘70s, from sloe gin fizzes to ‘Filthy Marilyns,’ serving generations with a smile from behind the bar counter. She’s Marilyn, but ‘Ma to her loving customers at Wally’s Playce.

Watch college and professional football playoffs this January at these award-winning pubs and sports bars in Kane, Kendall, McHenry, DeKalb and Will counties, as well as the Sauk and Illinois Valley areas.

Wild Rose Casino & Hotel in Clinton, Iowa, will present Fool House – The Ultimate 90’s Party: The Millennium Tour on Friday, March 20, in the Oakwood Grand Ballroom.

Leave the cooking and clean up to someone else on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Want to see some life entertainment in the Sauk Valley? All it takes is a ticket and trip to a theater where history and headliners share equal billing. Shaw Local catches up with The Dixon Historic Theater executive director Spencer Aurand to preview the Spring 2026 season.

Check out these three local businesses that were voted Sauk Valley's favorite places for coffee.