The Scene - McHenry County

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.

Floats and spectators lined the streets of Harvard on Saturday afternoon for the 84th annual Milk Days parade.

Woodstock's Food Truck Festival takes place 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 7 on Woodstock Square.

Party for a purpose during the B4 Summer Festival from 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 7 at Richardson Adventure Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove.

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.

Check out these candy shops in northern Illinois that are worth visiting... this month, or any time of the year!

The venue will be the permanent home for Students on Stage, a subsidiary of Schaumburg On Stage, and point2point productions.

Discounted tickets are on sale now for June 7 event at Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove.

Enjoy tasty beverages while hiking or biking along the Fox River Trail.

Summer is in full swing with festivals lined up in Woodstock, Spring Grove and Harvard this weekend in McHenry County.

The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy event will feature unique retelling of Poe's chilling stories, as well as paired craft cocktails.

Father's Day is Sunday, June 15.

The Midwest is full of beautiful national parks, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Check out these niche stays in St. Charles, Ottawa, Algonquin and more.

The 2025 farmers market season kicks off soon in communities across northern Illinois. Here's a list of some of the best markets in the area.

Enjoy a bike ride around Crystal Lake, followed by the Night Owl After Party at Raue Center.

The Abbey Resort has everything for a family or couples getaway this summer – golf, spa, swimming, boating and more.

The Crystal Lake Nature Center's Butterly House is opening Saturday, and a see-through beehive can also now be viewed by visitors.

Sim Racing South Barrington reproduces the racing experience by putting patrons behind the wheel of race cars in cockpits equipped with three driver-facing video screens.

Go fishing with the family in Spring Grove and attend the grand opening of an outdoor venue in Marengo this weekend in McHenry County.

The band channels the spirit of rock legends such as The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin and Heart.

Summer is here, and it's time to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of northern Illinois.

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

Here's a list of some of the most beautiful road trip ideas in the U.S.

Outdoor farmers market season is underway this spring, with many options in the McHenry County area.

Summer is filled with beer festivals, from Joliet to Princeton, Galena to McHenry and more.

May is National Burger Month, and National Burger Day is May 28. Here's a list of award-winning burgers in the suburbs, DeKalb and Illinois Valley.

Six Flags is launching a “Summerbration” packed with immersive events, live entertainment on the Midway and specialty food offerings.

Launch from Cornish Park in Algonquin and paddle downstream to East Dundee along a picturesque course that flows uninterrupted by dams.

Find out where you can honor fallen service men and women this Memorial Day weekend in the McHenry County area.

Run the Splash Bash 5K in Woodstock and celebrate Memorial Day in Fox River Grove this weekend in McHenry County.

The stellar lineup features seasoned comics John DaCosse, Dwayne Kennedy, Warren B. Hall and Brian Hicks.

Northern Illinois is home to many unique distilleries that use farm fresh-to-bottle ingredients.

Kayak, sky dive, ride an ATV, rides bikes on a guided tour or take a cruise along the Illinois River during your summer adventure in Starved Rock Country.

The musical features hits from the 80s and tells a new twist on a time-travel tale.

The family-owned and operated Around the Clock Restaurant and Bakery, located at 5011 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a 50-cent all-you-can-eat pancake promotion.

Bella’s Short Stacks in downtown Algonquin serves customers one last time Friday before permanently closing.

Here's where you can find award-winning BBQ in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties and the Illinois Valley. National Barbecue Day is Friday, May 16.

Designed to feel like a Rocky Mountain Wyoming escape, Lazy Dog’s warm interior will be complete with lodge-inspired furnishings, ledge stone and artwork reminiscent of the Cowboy State.

Harbor Inn vacation rentals at Heritage Harbor, located near Ottawa on the Illinois River, give guests a relaxing getaway.

You don't need to travel to the Big Apple to find New York-style pizza here in Illinois. Check out our list of suburban pizzerias that serve the ultra-thin-crust delicacy.

Shop for native plants in Woodstock and join Crystal Lake’s garden party this weekend in McHenry County.

Buffalo Wild Wings, in to-go form, is coming to Woodstock.

Check out these northern Illinois restaurants known for their burgers. From McHenry County to the Illinois Valley and everywhere in between, we've got you covered with a variety of places to try during National Burger Month.

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

MobCraft brewing abruptly shut down in November at Woodstock's Old Courthouse. Now BratHaus is moving in.

Proceeds from the 6x6 Project will benefit Raue Center School for the Arts and other educational programs from Raue Center.

Luke Bryan will perform at Berning Family Farm in Prairie Grove Sept. 19.

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

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