The Scene - Illinois Valley

Treat mom to brunch on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11.

A list of the best steakhouses in Kane, Kendall, McHenry and DeKalb counties, as well as the Illinois Valley, as voted on by Shaw Local audiences.

Spring is here and al fresco dining is heating up in the Illinois Valley.

An Ottawa native with Grammy Award-winning music credits will return to his local roots as a guest performer in two of the three Illinois Valley Community College ensemble concerts next week.

A radio play adaptation of "My Favorite Wife," Healthy Kids Day, Earth Day, a Doors cover band and a car show are among the activities in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

The Ottawa Special Events Committee has announced the schedule for its 2025 Music in the Park concert series, bringing live music to Washington Park every Saturday evening this summer.

Festival 56/PrincetonTheater Group will present The Michigan MOMsemble Celebrates Mother’s Day at 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3.

The Pop-Up Players, a nonprofit traveling community theater troupe based in the Illinois Valley, will be staging three performances of an all new radio play adaptation (complete with retro commercials and live sound effects) of the classic, 1940 comedy “My Favorite Wife."

Beer and wine festivals around northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin offer springtime fun in the coming months.

Stock up on gourmet chocolates from these local shops for Easter Sunday treats.

Check out this list of outdoor gardens and parks in the Illinois Valley and suburbs to enjoy in spring and summer.

The Second City 65th Anniversary Show showcases some of Second City’s audience’s favorite songs, sketches, and characters written by some of the famed company’s illustrious alumni.

The Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series in Princeton is set to return this summer.

A skydiving Easter bunny, Easter centerpiece workshop, adult egg hunt, bunny run and underwater egg hunt are among the activities in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

When you’re hungry, look for More on Main in Streator and More in Ottawa, which recently opened its doors.

You don't have to drive into Chicago for an exciting and educational excursion. There are plenty of museums in the suburbs and northern Illinois that are well worth a visit.

NCI ARTworks to host an opening reception for the month-long Naturescape exhibition of art by Karen Tucker, Mary Jean Dzurisin and Carol Bingham from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 11, at the NCI ARTworks Gallery at the Westclox building in Peru.

Easter is Sunday, April 20. Enjoy an elegant brunch with family and friends to celebrate the spring holiday.

Spring flower festivals are a beautiful way to shake off the winter and welcome spring. Here's a list of events in northern Illinois and surrounding states.

Go back to the Prohibition era at these speakeasy bars located in St. Charles, La Salle, Elgin, Lockport and more northern Illinois locations.

Illinois and Wisconsin boast a wealth of spa getaways, offering luxurious pampering and relaxation just a short trip away.

Utica officials will cut the ribbon at the Market on Mill, the village’s outdoor retail plaza, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3.

Sci-Fest, Naturescapes art exhibition, Route "Flute" 66 and Easter egg hunts are among the events in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

The Ottawa Concert Association’s 2024-2025 concert season will come to a close at 7 p.m on Tuesday, April 15, at Central Intermediate School, 711 E. McKinley Road, with a performance by Sail On, a tribute band to The Beach Boys.

The Prairie Arts Council will host the Route “Flute” 66 concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Prairie Arts Center.

Because of outstanding ticket requests, Stage 212 in La Salle has added a performance of its spring production, “The Miracle Worker,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10.

Here's a list of the best Mexican restaurants in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties and the Illinois Valley, as voted on by Shaw Local audiences. National Burrito Day is April 3.

La Salle Speedway and Events Center will open its dirt track May 6 after being closed since 2021.

Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble and Bloomington-Normal Flute Club will present their Route Flute 66 concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at Zion United Church of Christ, 1521 Sixth St., Peru; 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Prairie Arts Center, Princeton, and at 4 p.m. Sunday,

"The Miracle Worker" will be performed at Stage 212 in La Salle and "Hello Dolly!" at IVCC. There also will be shows put on by Poco a Poco in Streator, the Starved Rock Pop Singers in Ottawa and a chance to see Amanda Mammana in Princeton.

New Zealand has embraced all the mystery pinot has to offer in fruit flavors, spice notes and stunning aromas – and done so at very affordable prices.

The Starved Rock Pop Singers will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Central Intermediate School, 711 E. McKinley Road, Ottawa.

Poco a Poco hosts its third annual Sampler Fundraiser Event from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at Park Presbyterian Church, 201 N Vermillion St., Streator. 

Check out these concerts in DeKalb, DuPage, Kane and Will counties, the Illinois Valley and the Sauk Valley in April.

Check out these great suggestions for a fun-filled day or overnight trip for the whole family.

Visit these award-winning breweries and wineries in Kane, Kendall, McHenry and DeKalb counties and the Illinois Valley area.

Check out these sports bars in northern Illinois that offer plenty of TVs so you won't miss a second of the basketball action.

A Roaring 20s themed drawdown, an Illinois Valley baseball exhibit, a presentation of "Catch Me If You Can," a trivia night and spring craft show are among the activities in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

The Prairie Singers are hosting a series of concerts starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3 at St. Michael's in Streator, 2 p.m. Sunday, April 6 at St. Bede in Peru, 7 p.m. at St. Patrick's in Ottawa, and then at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at St. Patrick's in Seneca.

Stage 212 has big capital improvements ahead (along with big bills) and thus needed a seat-filler for its spring production. Their solution? "The Miracle Worker"

Monday, March 24 is National Cocktail Day. Check out these top-rated bars and restaurants for the best martini in Kane, McHenry and DeKalb counties and the Illinois Valley area.

Here's where you can find award-winning BBQ in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties and the Illinois Valley.

The Storytellers Studio Session, the Shadows of the Blue and Gray Ball, Woodland's spring carnival, a princess tea party and migratory bird discovery hike are five things to do in the Illinois Valley this weekend.

Tickets for IVCC’s Theatre Department production of “Hello, Dolly!” are now on sale. 

Here are some concerts happening in DeKalb, DuPage, La Salle, Lee, Kane, McHenry and Will counties happening in March. From classical music to high-energy rock shows, there's something for everyone.

Streator Fest announced its musical lineup for its summer festival, which includes headline acts Quiet Riot, Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners and Theory of a Deadman.

Communities across northern Illinois are gearing up for Irish celebrations over St. Patrick's Day weekend.

It's time to hit the road! Take a look at this list of the best scenic drives in Illinois using data from Tripadvisor.

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

Illinois Valley residents will have opportunities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day across the region with a number of events, including parades in La Salle, Utica and Marseilles.