The Scene - Will & Grundy counties

Enjoy a free concert in Joliet, a free movie in Bolingbrook or check out the Hot Sauce Expo in Joliet this weekend.

From 2Toots to Pilot Pete's, here's a list of some themed restaurants for a fun-filled meal the whole family can enjoy.

Explore a variety of cuisines during Joliet City Center Restaurant Week July 19-27.

Here's a preview of some of the 16 restaurants offering specials during the 10-day event.

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

The White Oak Library will host its one-day comic convention, Comicopolis, in downtown Lockport on July 19.

If you're looking for an experience that harkens back to summers past, take a road trip to these vintage drive-in restaurants and enjoy a burger, shake, root beer and more.

The series continues Saturday, July 12 with Third City Brass Band & The Big Lagniappe.

Performances are held at the Performing Arts Pavilion at New Lenox City Commons.

With the start of summer comes the return of community cruise nights throughout Will County. Lockport and Plainfield events kick off this week.

Here are seven destinations for artisan drinks along Route 66, including stops in Plainfield, Lockport and Joliet.

National Dive Bar Day is Monday, July 7. If you're looking for a local pub to check out, these neighborhood dive bars in northern Illinois are worth visiting.

Auto enthusiasts can get out and show off their flashy and vintage cars at community cruise nights throughout Will County.

July is National Ice Cream Month! Check out this list of 9 places to visit this summer.

From food trucks and live music to family-friendly festivities, here is a roundup of places to enjoy the Fourth of July across Will and Grundy counties.

Standing on the edge of a 300-foot limestone bluff in southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest, Machaela Sweeney could thank the perfect words she typed into ChatGPT for bringing her to the unexpected spot.

Live music, food vendors and fireworks are part of the July 3 celebration at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet.

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

Double “J” Sports Bar, located at 1001 Essington Road in Joliet, hosts karaoke on Monday nights and Ladies Night on Thursdays.

The popular music series returns for its second summer, bringing intimate outdoor shows to Joliet.

Check out these unique Joliet restaurants the next time you're looking for a delicious meal.

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.

Plainfield Fest will feature live music, food vendors, craft vendors, petting zoo and a carnival.

The biggest summer festival in Joliet starts at 3 p.m. Friday and runs through the weekend featuring more than 20 food vendors, just about as many music acts, and a carnival.

Taste of Joliet, which runs Friday through Sunday, will features live music, food vendors and a carnival.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is now open at 16344 Boulevard Place in Plainfield.

Black Sheep Craft Kitchen in Crest Hill offers Polish and American fusion cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

Watch a screening of the 1981 cult classic horror film as a live string ensemble performs.

Father's Day is Sunday, June 15.

Carnitas Moroleon De Don Jose Mexican Restaurant will be located at 2141 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is offering free fishing days Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook.

Downtown Joliet is home to Audiophil's Records, The Strange and Unusual Gallery, Prison City Vintage and more!

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.

Blackberry Smoke will rock the Rialto in downtown Joliet on Sunday, Sept. 28.

The fForest Fest, which derives its name from “fForest,” a Norwegian word meaning to “Do, Be and Make in Nature,” is a vendor market and music festival.

Uncle Kracker's hits include "Follow Me," "Smile" and "Drift Away." He will perform Aug. 7.

Features of Old Canal Days in Lockport include a carnival, food trucks, craft vendors, beer garden, wine tent and live music.

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.

Sweet Tooth in Morris carries nostalgic candy, gourmet chocolate and more. Hey Sweetie in downtown Ottawa offers a variety of candies and ice cream.

Enjoy live music Saturday at the Joliet Area Historical Museum as part of the museum's 2025 Summer Outdoor Rooftop Concert Series.

The event is Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 at the Old Joliet Prison Haunted House in Joliet.

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

Northern Illinois offers a vibrant international food scene ready to tantalize your taste buds.