The Scene

National Tequila Day is July 24. Here are the winners of the Favorite Margarita category in the 2025 Sauk Valley Favorites contest.

Whether it’s Texas, Virginia, Colorado, New Mexico or Illinois, there are outstanding wines to discover.

Attend performances by the Dixon Municipal Band on Thursday night, or check out the Rock River Riders Hillclimb on Saturday.

Enjoy music and local vendors at McHenry's Pearl Street Market on Thursday, and check out McHenry County College's Community Block Party Sunday, July 27.

Joliet Park District's Wine a Little, Laugh a Lot event is Thursday, and Joliet Restaurant Week continues through Sunday.

Sip 'n' Savor in Sycamore, Annie Glidden's 160th Birthday Party and more this weekend in DeKalb County.

Check out specials from local businesses at downtown Streator's "Christmas in July" event, or catch a performance of "The Little Mermaid" in Princeton.

Attend a free concert at Hudson Crossing Park in Oswego, or catch a performance of 'Wizard of Oz' at Oswego High School.

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

This year’s Mediterranean-inspired meal features oven-roasted chicken with Greek lemon sauces, roasted potatoes, and refreshing salads, all sourced from local restaurants.

Make the most of the last month of the summer with “Feast of the Senses” at Cantigny in Wheaton, which includes movie nights, a beer garden and more, in addition to a number of special events.

Explore the DuPage County Fair this weekend, and browse downtown Wheaton retailers during the first-annual sidewalk sales event.

From DeKalb to Lemont, St. Charles to Woodstock, these independent suburban bookstores are perfect places to relax and browse.

The beloved summer event runs from July 24 through July 27, and will have live music, carnival, parade and much more.

The new restaurant offers a wide range of authentic Indian cuisine, as well as an extensive beverage list featuring cocktails, mocktails and spirits that are flavor infused in-house.

Lisa Ann Walter is known for her role as Melissa Schemmenti on ABC’s smash hit “Abbott Elementary."

This highly-anticipated summer festival July 31-Aug. 3 will feature a large carnival and spectacular fireworks.

Orleans is known for their timeless classic hits like “Dance with Me” and “Still the One,” both hits in 1976, as well as 1979’s “Love Takes Time.”

One of McHenry's signature events, Fiesta Days, culminated Sunday with the annual festival parade. Fiesta Days takes place over two weekends in July.

Take the whole family on a kayaking or tubing adventure along one of northern Illinois' scenic rivers.

The Geneva Arts Fair will feature fine art by artists from across the country. New this year is a community paint-by-number mural, which the public can help create.

This unforgettable performance brings together 11 of Chicago’s most accomplished musicians to pay tribute to the groundbreaking artists and enduring songs that defined a generation.

Immerse yourself in German culture just a short drive north in Milwaukee July 25-27.

A fascinating and immersive dive into a magnificent period of Japanese art and culture is as close as Glen Ellyn.

The show, which combines theater, circus and cabaret, will be at the Chicago Premium Outlet Mall in Aurora Friday, July 18, through Monday, July 21.

Huntley's Food Truck Frenzy is Saturday, July 19, and McHenry's Fiesta Days concludes with weekend with the parade Sunday, July 20.

Cantigny in Wheaton to host two French-themed events, Premier5 Card Show at DuPage Fairgrounds and more this weekend.

Enjoy a free concert in Ottawa or Peru, hike Starved Rock or kayak along the Illinois River!

'Shakespeare in Hollywood' at Stage Coach Players, Waterman Lions Summerfest and Antique Tractor & Truck Show and more this weekend in DeKalb County!

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

Enjoy free live music from the Sterling Municipal Band and the Dixon Municipal Band and more this weekend in the Sauk Valley.

Yorkville's Riverfest is July 19 at Bicentennial Riverfront Park.

Additional performers in the 2025-2026 season include the Soweto Gospel Choir, comedian Pat Tomasulo, Cirque Kalabanté and many more.

Enjoy an outdoor movie in Oswego and celebrate summer at Yorkville's River Fest this weekend in Kendall County.

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

Bailey Zimmerman will headline the McHenry Music Fest on Sunday, Sept. 14 in Petersen Park. Flo Rida, Bryan Martin and Bella Cain will also perform that day.

The two-day fest will feature 12 beverage vendors July 25-26 in downtown Ottawa.

The newly-renovated theatre's 2025 continues with tributes to artists like Taylor Swift, Steely Dan, Billy Joel and more, as well as a variety of movie screenings and musical theatre shows.

McHenry's Fiesta Days continues this weekend with the Art & Street Fair, July 17-20. The parade is set for Sunday, July 20.

Slaughter and Great White will play the Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles Friday, July 18.

The Festival presents local national, and international musicians who perform in a variety of styles.

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

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

"True West" runs through Aug. 31 at Paramount's Copley Theatre in downtown Aurora.

The Aurora downtown area embraces its vibrant renaissance as the cultural heartbeat of the city.

More than 30 food trucks will line up in the heart of downtown Aurora, serving a variety of cuisines.

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

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

Singer Bill Pantle will perform Sinatra's biggest hits with his natural baritone, classic crooner style and undeniable stage presence.

The music event returns to Bunker Hill Farms July 26 for a night of music to benefit several local nonprofit organizations.