The Rusty Alehouse & Wine Bar will host the 4th annual Hops on the Fox Beer Festival on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The 2026 season at The Dixon Historic Theatre includes tribute artists, comedy, live rock and country music, Disney favorites and much more.

Looking to unplug and enjoy some time with friends and family? Game shops can bring a lot to the table, whether you like to roll with the roles, practice your skills and perfect your strategy, or go on an epic quest.

Check out these beer festivals happening in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin this winter.

Not going to Soldier Field for the big game? Check out these sports bars in northern Illinois where you can catch all the action and enjoy food and drink specials.

The Next Picture Show in Dixon will host Dixon Poetry Night on Friday, Jan. 16.

Check out the Favorite Breakfast and Favorite Brunch winners in the Sauk Valley Favorites contest!

Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani will join executive chef Noah Gümüstekin for an unforgettable culinary event Jan. 31-Feb. 1 to benefit the James Beard Foundation.

Outdoor ice rinks are a great way to have fun, fit in some physical activity and enjoy fresh air this winter.

You don't need to travel too far to enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing.

The former schoolhouse in the tiny southwest Stephenson County town of Loran finds new life as the Slurp 'n Burp – serving hearty plates, cold pints and community spirit much larger than the small burg itself, keeping stories and beer flowing.

Update: After being closed since Thanksgiving week due to a water line break, Lanark's Hilldale Cafe and Catering is set to reopen Thursday, Jan. 15. Its cafe blends creativity and comfort to craft dishes that surprise and delight, each plate served with a dash of inspiration.

2025 saw a number of restaurants open across northern Illinois.

Jonata's Todos wine blends blackberry, plum, dried violets, cocoa powder, fig and singed rosemary aromas.

Country music band Roseland will perform at The Idle Hour on Jan. 10.

These 15 stories from The Scene saw the most visitors this past year.

The Starved Rock Lodge Winter Wildlife Trolley Tours take guests to several areas where they can view majestic bald eagles and more.

Four music ensembles from the Clinton Symphony Orchestra will perform Sunday, Jan. 11, at Zion Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa. It’s the fourth concert in the Symphony’s 72nd season.

Amboy’s own little Cookie Jar blends creativity, comfort and a sense of fun in every batch its owner bakes, proving dessert can be playful and welcoming, with just the right amount of over-the-top.

A Rock Falls father and daughter have teamed up to bring back local favorite Arnie’s Happy Spot and its original chicken recipe. Owners Dave and Maddie Cochran held a soft opening for the restaurant at 1667 Hoover Road in Deer Grove, now called The Happy Spot, on Dec. 11.

Start the New Year off right with a First Day Hike at Franklin Creek State Natural Area, which has over four miles of trails.

National Bloody Mary Day is Jan. 1. Celebrate with a cocktail at one of these award-winning bars in Kane and McHenry counties, the Sauk Valley and the Illinois Valley.

Kick off the New Year with a winter hike at a state park in northern Illinois.

Explore the white wines from The Hilt and Jonata labels.

The Prophecy will pay tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra at The Dixon Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 27.

For nearly 30 years, ye olde pub in Stockton has rolled out a welcome mat that gives people the Red-carpet treatment, with friends and hospitality from people on both sides of the bar.

Celebrate the New Year at these exciting events in northern Illinois.

Hilldale Cafe in Lanark combines creativity and comfort to craft dishes that surprise and delight.

Marilyn Long has poured joy and stories since the ‘70s, from sloe gin fizzes to ‘Filthy Marilyns,’ serving generations with a smile from behind the bar counter. She’s Marilyn, but ‘Ma to her loving customers at Wally’s Playce.

Watch college and professional football playoffs this January at these award-winning pubs and sports bars in Kane, Kendall, McHenry, DeKalb and Will counties, as well as the Sauk and Illinois Valley areas.

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.

Leave the cooking and clean up to someone else on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Want to see some life entertainment in the Sauk Valley? All it takes is a ticket and trip to a theater where history and headliners share equal billing. Shaw Local catches up with The Dixon Historic Theater executive director Spencer Aurand to preview the Spring 2026 season.

Check out these three local businesses that were voted Sauk Valley's favorite places for coffee.

The Dixon Historic Theatre will screen "White Christmas" on Friday, Dec. 19.

Check out these theaters across northern Illinois that are bringing holiday classics like "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol" to life this season.

The owners of a Mount Morris bar and grill have put their own touch on a longtime establishment in recent years with its food, drinks, fun and free money making it more of a destination.

Check out these sparkling wine selections

The Improv Workshop with Stephen Osborne is back by popular demand at Dixon Stage Left.

Taylor Swift tribute Taylorville will perform at The Dixon Historic Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 13.

While most Ogle County residents were figuring out how to get rid of the nearly 12 inches of snow that fell across the region Nov. 29, 2025, sculptor Fran Volz of Rockford was getting inspired.

Sponsored by Candlelight Inn, these festive rides will run from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 2025, with the last ride at 8:15 p.m. Please note that no vehicles will be allowed in the park that evening.

Families can meet Santa's reindeer and get photos with the magical animals at the Christmas Town event, which runs through Dec. 23 on select dates.

Three local businesses were named as favorite Bar/Tavern in the 2025 Sauk Valley Favorites contest.

Celebrate the holidays with a family brunch at these locations in northern Illinois.

It’s Wishful drinking in Lena, where a husband and wife who got in on the ground floor for a novel concept are bringing farming and brewing together.

The Dixon Christmas Walk is Friday, Dec. 5.

The event begins each year with the tree lighting, and features free photos with Santa at Santa’s Village, horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, the Dixon Municipal Band and more.

The annual holiday event kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.

Sponsored by the Sterling Municipal Band, TubaChristmas will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at The Mercantile in downtown Sterling. The event is open to euphonium, baritone, tuba, and sousaphone players...only low brass to celebrate the season.