The Lincoln Highway Heritage Fest happens in Rochelle Aug. 15-17.

From free concerts to fairs to family-friendly events, Lee County has something fun for everyone this summer.

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

Encore! Mt. Morris has announced the return of Chicago entertainers Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones to the band shell from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, to close Straw Fest Day festivities.

August is National Sandwich Month, and we're highlighting some of the Sauk Valley's favorite delis.

The Mt. Morris Jamboree has announced the return of premier Eagles tribute band, Heartache Tonight, to the bandshell for a free concert starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22.

Fair runs from Tuesday, Aug. 12, through Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison.

Sugarbakers serves more than 60 cocktails and over 20 martinis, along with 60 different wines, and just as many bourbons, by the bottle, glass or flight.

Explore a variety of unique martini flavors at Bartini's in Rock Falls.

The opening reception will run from 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 22, 2025, at the Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road in Sterling, where visitors can enjoy refreshments while viewing artwork displayed in the halls and lounge.

The 76th Grand Detour Arts Festival – one of the oldest of its kind in northern Illinois – returns Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, to the John Deere Historic Site with art, music and food.

The Rochelle Municipal Airport will host an air and car show this weekend, while the Mendota Sweet Corn Fest runs Aug. 7-10.

Check out the three restaurants voted Sauk Valley's favorite place for lunch in the 2025 Sauk Valley Favorites contest.

The Jimmys make their triumphant return to the Mt. Morris Band Shell on Aug. 8 with a special guest, blues legend Marcia Ball. The free, high-energy show will begin at 7 p.m.

Presented by Sterling Federal Bank, this spectacular stage adaptation of the Oscar‑winning film celebrates sisterhood, courage, and the power of love, featuring songs by Kristen Anderson‑Lopez and Robert Lopez and a book by Jennifer Lee.

These restaurants in northern Illinois, from vibrant downtowns to peaceful riverfronts, provide gorgeous views without the hustle and bustle of Chicago traffic.

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

Hidden within hills and away from highways in southeast Jo Daviess County is a tiny community best known for its annual music festival and large antique barn – attracting social butterflies and lovers of bluegrass, gospel and country music.

Venetian Night will feature mini boat races, a glow stick party, face painting and a mystery rock hunt, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and local flavor.

This year’s festival features a diverse music lineup that showcases four bands that blend genres from southern rock to instrumental jams.

Whether you’re a sports fan or just looking for a place to hang out and grab a bite, the family at JW’s Third Base thinks you’ll be a fan of their neighborhood bar and grill

This popular sports bar and grill in Amboy offers creative twists to its traditional menu, including their famous Philly cheesesteak.

JW's Third Base was voted Sauk Valley's favorite place to grab some wings.

Check out these restaurants the next time you make plans for your weekend brunch.

You don't need to travel to Napa Valley to enjoy good wines. Northern Illinois is home to many wineries that produce high-quality, unique varietals not found elsewhere.

Check out the Ogle County Fair July 30-Aug. 3 at the fair grounds in Oregon, or catch concerts from the Sterling Municipal Band or Dixon Municipal Band.

Pungent smells and sour tastes often are what one thinks of when it comes to sauerkraut, but Forreston makes a big deal about it – with plenty of fun and entertainment in a four-day festival that is pleasant and appetizing.

The first George Fest in Rock Falls goes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with events including a Chicken George eating contest, car and craft shows, bags tournament, food and drink vendors, kids activities and live music.

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

The event, which will feature bounce houses, face painting, and, of course, sweet corn, will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at 9317 state Route 84, Savanna.

The Wild Rose Clinton will host Sins N' Roses and Electric Shock on July 25.

Dunk’s Bar & Grill is now open at 510 Chicago Ave. in Dixon.

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

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

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

Free, 2-hour concert, starts at 7 p.m. in downtown Mt. Morris.

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

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.

From 2Toots to Pilot Pete's, here's a list of some themed restaurants for a fun-filled meal the whole family can enjoy.

Here are the restaurants that Sauk Valley audiences voted as their favorite places for chicken. National Fried Chicken Day is Sunday, July 6.

Timber Lake Playhouse in Mount Carroll is opening the third musical of the 2025 summer season with “Waitress”, which runs from July 11 through July 27.

The Rock River Jazz Band will perform music from the Big Band and Swing eras at 7 p.m. July 12 at the Page Park Band Shell, 300 Lincoln Statue Drive, Dixon.

Rock Falls River Chase on Saturday and Sunday, Pop-Up Market and Music in Sterling and more this weekend in the Sauk Valley.

National Dive Bar Day is Monday, July 7. If you're looking for a local pub to check out, these neighborhood dive bars in northern Illinois are worth visiting.

The 52nd Annual German Valley Days Festival will Kick-0ff at 5 p.m. Friday, July 18.

The Dixon Municipal Band returns to the Page Park Band Shell at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10.

From live music and food vendors to car shows and carnivals, here is a list of local places to celebrate the holiday.

The much-anticipated summer event will feature live bands, a carnival, parade, fireworks and more.

The 1960s tribute band SHiNDiG! performs at the Let Freedom Ring Block Party on July 4; Bagshot Row returns July 5 for the Let Freedom Ring Car Show.

Standing on the edge of a 300-foot limestone bluff in southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest, Machaela Sweeney could thank the perfect words she typed into ChatGPT for bringing her to the unexpected spot.