The 2026 season kicks off May 16 with the opening of the amusement park. Santa Springs Water Park opens Saturday, May 23.

Fans will be treated to Foreigner’s iconic hits, delivered with soaring vocals, signature guitar riffs and the energy of a true rock show.

Poison frontman Bret Michaels will headline Streator Fest on Saturday, Aug. 8. Other weekend performers include country star Jo Dee Messina and rock band Skillet.

The Comedy Vault in Batavia will host Motherhood Unfiltered on Sunday, May 10.

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

For more than 25 years, Black Label Society, led by Zakk Wylde, has remained a relentless force in heavy, blues-driven hard rock and metal, crafting songs that celebrate the highs and lows of everyday life.

More than 100 local, national and international artists will be display work at the two day event.

Margaritas en Mayo is Friday, May 8 at Yorkville's Riverfront Park.

The Rialto Square Theatre presents the Lithuanian Opera "Marta" on Sunday, May 10. Celebrate mom at weekend events in Joliet and Mokena.

The Dixon Historic Theatre presents "Finding Nemo Jr." on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.

Celebrate Mother's Day with comedy shows in Woodstock and Crystal Lake. Eagles tribute band Heartache Tonight will also perform in Woodstock on Saturday night.

The DeKalb Back Alley Market Mother's Day edition is Saturday, May 9 in downtown DeKalb.

The Morton Arboretum's Spring Wine Tasting event is from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9.

Celebrate Mother's Day with these special events happening in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

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

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

This extraordinary production, which honors seven decades of dedication to preserving Lithuanian culture, will be at the Rialto Square Theatre May 10.

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

Enjoy the outdoors and immerse yourself in nature this spring at these four destinations.

Yachtley Crew will celebrate the best of "yacht rock" at Hollywood Casino Joliet May 8.

Spring is here, and that means it's the perfect season to get out and explore new destinations.

Savor a variety of flavors this spring and summer at these vibrant food truck festivals in northern Illinois.

Treat mom to a concert or mini-golf this Mother's Day on Sunday, May 10.

Spring is here, and that means the return of some of the area's most popular beer and wine festivals of the year.

Rikki Rockett, original drummer for '80s hard rock band Poison, will bring his solo band, Rockett Mafia to The Vixen in McHenry May 21.

The Tee Box's menu offers family recipes, made from scratch using local meat and produce.

Bambū offers Vietnamese dessert drinks, smoothies, Boba teas, Yonami and coffees drinks.

The festival features over 1,200 student-athletes competing in various events including basketball, soccer, softball, bowling, skating, chess, checkers, cornhole, volleyball, golf and tennis.

Leaning into lighter, seafood-driven fare, new additions to the menu include an asparagus and prosciutto salad, with burrata and truffle honey mustard, and grilled prawn toast on brioche.

Enjoy an evening of Mariachi bands, dancing, family activities and much more at the May 8 event.

Five shows have been added to the Comedy at Copley series, which runs through Nov. 7, 2026.

Local bars and restaurants are celebrating Cinco de Mayo with food and drink specials.

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.

The Tequila Dinner is Thursday, May 7, and the Spring Wine Tasting event is Saturday, May 9.

Joliet's new City Square, located across from the Rialto Square Theatre, will host many family-friendly events this summer, including live music, a farmers market, outdoor story time and more.

Mother's Day events in McHenry County include Blooms & Bubbles at The Dole, as well as elegant brunches.

Find the perfect champagne or sparkling wine for Mother's Day.

Prime Cut focuses on making unforgettable fare from scratch, featured on both regular and sushi menus.

Geneva Art Explosion is Saturday, May 2, and That Arena Rock Show will perform at the Arcada Theatre on Friday, May 1.

Downtown DeKalb's free, family-friendly Cinco de Mayo event is from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 3.

Think Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute band, will perform Saturday, May 2 at Raue Center for the Arts. Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a festive event in downtown Huntley May 2.

Wine on the Fox is set for May 2 & 3 in Hudson Crossing Park.

Sounds of 66 live music and car show event kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday, May 1 in the the new City Square.

Sterling Main Street's annual car show is Sunday, May 3, at Sterling Marketplace.

Art in Wilder Park is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 at Elmhurst's Wilder Park.

The Tom Naumann Memorial Morel Fest & Burger Bash is Saturday, May 2 at Washington Park in Ottawa.

The menu offers beef brisket, chicken & waffles, pulled pork and southern classics like fried okra.

From a massive warehouse of vinyl deep dives to shops that stock the latest releases, four Starved Rock Country record stores have something for every music buff.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10.

Visitors can explore a thoughtfully curated mix of vendors offering high-quality, handcrafted and specialty products — all while supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses.