Festivals | The Scene

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.

With the Fourth of July holiday around the corner, there are plenty of ways to celebrate throughout the Sauk Valley. From live music and food vendors to car shows and carnivals, here is a list of local places to bring in the holiday.

The McHenry Music Festival is set for Friday, Sept. 12- Sunday, Sept. 14 at Petersen Park. Performers include country singer Sam Hunt, Flo Rida, Bryan Martin and a yet-to-be-named country star.

Blind Melon and The Smoking Popes will perform on the Main Stage Thursday, July 3.

Yorkville's Riverfest is July 19 and Montgomery Fest is set for Aug. 15-17.

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

The 39th annual event is June 13-14 at DuPage County Fairgrounds.

Lockport's annual Old Canal Days festival will take place from June 4-8, 2025 with a carnival, parade, fireworks, food, and live entertainment.

The 89th annual event will have live music, food, Bingo, parade and carnival rides.