The newly created Sterling Street Fest, an afternoon and evening downtown festival that will launch this summer, took a giant leap forward Wednesday as the group organizing the July 25 event announced the three musical acts that will take the stage.

The city of Yorkville held its annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The festivities began with a 5K run followed by the Lucky Leprechaun Hunt, the Brass Band procession and then the Irish Parade. Food and live music was also a big part of the fun.

Around 560 people participated in St. Charles School District 303’s “Fiddle Fest 2026,” an annual tradition, cherished by the community. An orchestra teacher said in addition to bringing the community together, music has significant powers in child development.

Upcoming shows also include Uncle Kracker and tribute concerts to Elton John, Creed, Nickelback and progressive rock bands.

The lineup is filled with a variety of artists and genres, including classic rock, R&B, alternative rock, country, pop, hip hop and more.

Forever K-Pop – A Celebration Concert fuses electrifying live vocals and choreography, bold costuming and cinematic visuals into a dazzling live performance.

The Volunteer Educators at the Windmill Cultural Center in Fulton are inviting the public to the last Wild Winter Wednesday of the season on March 25.

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

The band will perform Thursday, March 12 at the Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb.

This high-energy tribute features a 10-piece band led by award-winning singer, songwriter and harp player Derrick Procell.

This blockbuster program showcases some of the most iconic and beloved film scores ever written—music that has become part of America’s cultural soundtrack.

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.

Backed by a vibrant five-piece band, singer Tina Naponelli delivers an unforgettable tribute, performing Carole King’s most beloved songs.

Other performers include Blue Oyster Cult, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Brothers Osborne.

Sterling announced its plans Wednesday for a new street festival this summer featuring live music and activities for all ages. The inaugural Sterling Street Fest is slated for July 25.

Country music star Chris Young highlights the musical talents set for the third Bradley 315 Music Fest.

The Beach Boys are known for hits like “Surfin’ USA,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “Kokomo.”

The Majestic will host a Winter Market from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 14.

The Shining Stars Motown Revue will take the stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29, in the J. Mark Beaty Performance Center at Woodlawn Arts Academy in Sterling.

Lemont High School senior Luke Rupert recently was selected to play in the All-State Jazz Band at the 2026 Illinois Music Education Conference

Once a month, a Savanna museum comes alive after going dark. Candlelight, live music, poetry and neighbors share the room for a small-town concert series, turning the museum into one of Savanna’s most anticipated nights.

The Irish band One of the Girls will perform Friday, March 13, while The Second City will take the stage Saturday, March 14.

This unique ensemble brings together the expressive combination of flute, harp and viola, a trio admired for its distinctive timbre.

Bohemian Queen celebrates Queen's timeless catalog that continues to unite generations of music fans.

McCarthy has been the conductor and artistic director of the Fox Valley Festival Chorus for over 25 years, among many other titles.

Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey, and Aerosmith are but a few of the acts fans will see brought to life.

Performers in March include Celtic rock band Reilly, Guys in Ties Improv and more.

Hailed as “America’s #1 Neil Diamond Tribute,” the show captures the sound, spirit and charisma of Diamond.

This year’s theme, Mix of ’26, combines live music, great food, premium beverages and a celebration that spans two exciting days.

Elmhurst University has received a gift of $265,000 that will benefit the university’s jazz festival and two scholarship programs for students who participate in the Elmhurst University Jazz Band

Check out these 5 things to do in Kankakee County this weekend.

The Elgin Master Chorale will join the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, along with guest soloists Laura Strickling and Jesse Blumberg, to perform Fauré’s “Requiem” on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, at the Hemmens Cultural Center.

The married singer-songwriters will perform at the downtown Joliet theatre March 7, 2026.

Those attending the Oswego Hometown Expo on Feb. 29 at Oswego High School learned about local businesses and organizations, but also had the chance to see residents' artistic talents.

The band, which will be playing Celtic music, formed its club in 2000 and recently celebrated its 25th year of being the best bagpipe band in the Quad-City area.

The Dixon Municipal Band’s annual spring concert will feature guest saxophone soloist Tom Scott at 7 p.m. March 28 at The Dixon Historic Theatre. A free clinic with Scott will be earlier that day.

Check out Harbor Stories: Unplugged – Season 7 in Ottawa, as well as the lineup at the Ottawa Center for the Arts and the 122 Club in Streator.

The 59th Annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival, one of the oldest and best-known collegiate festivals in the country, runs Feb. 26-March 1.

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

The immersive concert-style tribute show will recreate the magic and authenticity of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel live on stage.

Celebrate Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras with Brother John and his group of super-talented musicians while listening to all the flavors of New Orleans in a musical gumbo of jazz, funk and Caribbean influences.

Dance and sing along to Taylor Swift's biggest hits at this tribute concert Sunday, March 1.

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.

The Augustana Symphonic Band, directed by Dr. James Lambrecht, will bring performances to communities across Illinois and Wisconsin from March 20-26.

The First Fridays Open Mic presents its monthly show at the Oregon VFW on Friday, March 6.

The Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Asbury United Methodist Church.

Sinfonietta Bel Canto will feature Chicagoland native John Alden Carpenter’s orchestral suite “Adventures in a Perambulator" in honor of its season theme of saluting America’s 250th anniversary.

Celebrated as the “First Daughter of Soul,” Hathaway is an accomplished singer-songwriter and music producer following in the footsteps of her father, the legendary musician Donny Hathaway.

The harpsichord will be featured in the Baroque music performed at the Feb. 27 concert in Elgin.

The rhythmic event has been drumming along at Rock Falls High School since 2014. Photos by Katie Holloway