The celebration will include inspiring and empowering information, free food, free activities, free entertainment, vendors, giveaways and more.

With a packed weekend of vendors, live music, races, a parade, kids activities, food and family traditions, organizers of a long running Lanark festival hope this year’s fun helps create memories for a new generation while honoring America’s 250th.

Carol Montag is a performing singer, songwriter, recording artist and educator who has always had music at the heart of her life journey.

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

Father's Day is Sunday, June 21. Treat dad to one of these special brunches or activities.

The next time you're exploring Starved Rock State Park or one of other state parks, check out these delectable dining destinations in the area.

The free community art event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grandon Civic Center. Participants of all ages are encouraged to come out and transform the park’s sidewalks into colorful works of art.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs through July 19.

The Mt. Morris Jamboree recently announced the return of Howard and the White Boys to its bandshell on June 19 for a free concert starting at 7 p.m.

From 1 to 9 p.m., in the park in front of Dixon High School, attendees can show their support for the LGBTQ+ community, jam out to live music, watch drag show performances, explore over 125 merchant vendors and enjoy food and drinks from over 12 vendors.

Dixon Pride Fest is Saturday, June 13, and Salute to America 250 is Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, in Rock Falls.

Hit the road this spring to check out these beautiful destinations in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan.

The Summer Sounds of the Dixon Municipal Band continue at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Page Park Band Shell.

Rockford is full of things to do! From nature escapes to adventure centers and museums, the city is a perfect place for a day trip.

Summer is here and the historic Mt. Morris Campus will again be coming alive with free concerts on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Hosted by Rock Falls Tourism in collaboration with Bellson’s widow Francine Bellson and music director Josh Duffee, the festival will feature four bands performing music that honors Bellson’s legacy.

Summer events include Dixon City Market, Music at the Square and Fitness Fridays.

The Sterling Municipal Band's “Music Under the Stars” summer concert series will take place at Grandon Civic Center in Central Memorial Park in downtown Sterling.

Immerse yourself in nature this spring at these picutreaque northern Illinois parks.

Upcoming performances include a tribute to country music legends, Broadway musicals and classic movies.

Catch free and low-cost live music and plenty of community spirit at these summer concert events throughout northern Illinois.

It's summer beer and wine festival season! Check out these events happening throughout the suburbs.

Summer is almost here, and that means it's festival season across northern Illinois.

Kable Band concerts begin Wednesday, June 10, and continue each Wednesday night through the summer in Mt. Morris.

The Coliseum Museum in Oregon recently announced the opening of the second annual Around the Farm art exhibit featuring 35 artists from across the northern Illinois area, on display from June 6-July 18.

At five, it thrives: Five years after opening, Candlelight Inn's location at Lake Carroll has found its footing – built on staff, service and a tight-knit community.

Nostalgia overload: Wind through the hills of northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin, from Scales Mound to Lead Mine, and there are scenic views and a time warp back to life – in the form of old-time stores and taverns – from many decades ago.

The Dixon: Historic Theatre has announced that country music hitmaker Skip Ewing and special guest Casey Chesnutt will perform as a free general admission community concert Saturday, June 6.

Artists of all ages are invited to showcase their creativity on the sidewalks surrounding the Old Lee County Courthouse on July 3 during the Dixon Petunia Festival’s Brush & Bloom.

The Dixon Municipal Band will return this week with its popular Summer Sounds 2026 concert series, featuring Thursday evening performances at the Page Park Band Shell under the direction of Jon James.

Check out these farmers markets opening for the 2026 season in northern Illinois.

Director Darren Mangler makes his Byron Civic Theater debut by bringing the electrifying musical “All Shook Up” to the stage this weekend.

Whatshername, a tribute to Green Day, will perform May 30 at The Dixon Historic Theatre. Dement Town Music Fest is also set for May 30.

The fourth annual Dement Town Music Fest will take place May 30 along Dixon's Depot Avenue, bringing a full day of live music, food, art and community to help kick off the summer season.

From neighborhood street fairs to beloved small-town traditions and Route 66 Centennial celebrations, these events reflect the state’s culture, food and music.

Timber Lake Playhouse opens its 65th main stage season with "Godspell," playing May 29 through June 7.

The Belfry House creates an intimate experience for couples and adult travelers, bringing together seasonal fine dining, live entertainment and personalized hospitality.

Shop for fresh produce and other goods at the Twin City Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 23, at the Sterling Marketplace.

Owners Megan Gassaway and Britton Brooks have redesigned the back patio, updated the stage and sound system and are bringing more entertainment to the area.

Plan a trip to Starved Rock Country in the Illinois Valley for a day of fun-filled adventure.

Enjoy waterfront dining at these restaurants along beautiful rivers and lakes in northern Illinois this season.

May is National Burger Month.

Explore the variety of wines from California's Cadre Wines.

St. Andrew Grade School's annual Spring Carnival runs May 14-17 across from RB&W District Park in Rock Falls.

From the toe-tapping sounds of the Bellson Music Fest to the family-friendly fun of the Spooktacular Halloween Lighted Golf Cart & UTV Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season in Rock Falls.

May brings live theater, tribute bands and movies to the stage at The Dixon Historic Theatre.

Festivals are blooming across northern Illinois this month.

A familiar Memorial Day tradition has found new life in Mount Carroll. MooFest returns with four days of music, food and games, all while supporting local nonprofits and bringing the community back together for a weekend that feels like home.

Motorsports icon Jim Kramer will be the guest of honor at this year’s “The Big One” touch-a-truck event, which will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 30.

Rock Falls native Remington Collins, a soprano singer, returns to the area to perform with organist Dominic Fiacco.