Plan a trip to Starved Rock Country in the Illinois Valley for a day of fun-filled adventure.

Enjoy waterfront dining at these restaurants along beautiful rivers and lakes in northern Illinois this season.

St. Andrew Grade School's annual Spring Carnival runs May 14-17 across from RB&W District Park in Rock Falls.

From the toe-tapping sounds of the Bellson Music Fest to the family-friendly fun of the Spooktacular Halloween Lighted Golf Cart & UTV Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season in Rock Falls.

May brings live theater, tribute bands and movies to the stage at The Dixon Historic Theatre.

Festivals are blooming across northern Illinois this month.

May is National Burger Month.

Check out these farmers markets opening for the 2026 season in northern Illinois.

Hosted by Rock Falls Tourism in collaboration with Bellson’s widow Francine Bellson and music director Josh Duffee, the festival will feature four bands performing music that honors Bellson’s legacy.

A familiar Memorial Day tradition has found new life in Mount Carroll. MooFest returns with four days of music, food and games, all while supporting local nonprofits and bringing the community back together for a weekend that feels like home.

Motorsports icon Jim Kramer will be the guest of honor at this year’s “The Big One” touch-a-truck event, which will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 30.

Rock Falls native Remington Collins, a soprano singer, returns to the area to perform with organist Dominic Fiacco.

The Dixon Historic Theatre presents "Finding Nemo Jr." on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.

Summer events include Dixon City Market, Music at the Square and Fitness Fridays.

Spring is here, and that means it's the perfect season to get out and explore new destinations.

Spring is here, and that means the return of some of the area's most popular beer and wine festivals of the year.

Dixon Stage Left will present “The Big Bang” from May 8 to 10 and May 16 and 17 at the Sauk Valley Community College Theatre, Dixon.

Find the perfect champagne or sparkling wine for Mother's Day.

Sterling Main Street's annual car show is Sunday, May 3, at Sterling Marketplace.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10.

Each year, this family-friendly event celebrates the area’s rich Dutch history. Fulton, which is located along the Mississippi River across from Clinton, Iowa, has been holding Dutch Days the first weekend in May since 1974.

The fourth annual Dement Town Music Fest will take place May 30 along Dixon's Depot Avenue, bringing a full day of live music, food, art and community to help kick off the summer season.

These flower-filled events in the Midwest go beyond the blooms, offering everything from artisan markets and live music to garden tours and family-friendly activities.

From dart leagues to half-pound burgers, a Shannon bar and grill has become a place where newcomers are treated like regulars – where the jukebox jumps genres and customers often feel like family.

Tony Danza will perform his favorite standards from the Great American Songbook while interweaving stories about his life and connection to the music.

Actor Tony Danza and his band will be at The Dixon Historic Theatre April 25.

The Sterling Municipal Band will present its annual spring concert at 7 p.m. Friday, April 24, at New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling. The concert is presented by the city of Sterling.

Across the suburbs and throughout the region, you’ll find fascinating spots dedicated to art, history, science and unique local stories.

Sometimes a trip off the beaten path can give people more things to learn and talk about. Take a drive from Mount Carroll to Scales Mound, and there's something for everyone.

Summerfield Zoo will open Saturday, April 18 for the season.

The Northwest Illinois Film Office is proud to announce the return of its signature event, the sixth annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival: Shorts‑A‑Palooza 2026.

The Canterbury Concert Series presents "Music from the Movies" at The Dixon: Historic Theatre on Saturday, April 18.

You don't need to travel to Vegas to enjoy the bright lights at a casino in northwest Illinois.

Nostalgia overload: Wind through the hills of northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin, from Scales Mound to Lead Mine, and there are scenic views and a time warp back to life – in the form of old-time stores and taverns – from many decades ago.

Christian singer Megan Woods will perform Friday, April 10, and rockers Alborn will perform Saturday, April 11, at The Dixon: Historic Theatre.

The next time you're exploring Starved Rock State Park or one of other state parks, check out these delectable dining destinations in the area.

The Spring Valley ‘Uriah’ Walla Walla Valley Red Wine 2022 is a dark, brooding red with blackberry, plum, cedar, tobacco leaf and cracked pepper flavors.

Here's a list of upcoming events at the Mt. Morris Public Library.

The Rock River Jazz Band’s 2026 season is coming up fast. Their tour dates are set and the band is raising funds to put these shows on for free in outdoor settings.

Encore! Mt. Morris, a non-profit organization working to make Mt. Morris a destination for the visual, performing and culinary arts, has been preparing for the spring and summer 2026 season.

Indoor spring markets continue through April and May before the outdoor markets begin to open.

The independent psychological thriller “Where Silence Lies” will arrive at The Dixon: Historic Theatre for limited screenings May 7 and 14, offering audiences a tightly focused story that explores shifting truths, identity, and psychological tension.

Penny Lane – The Ultimate All-Girls Beatles Tribute Band will perform at The Dixon Historic Theatre on Saturday, April 4.

Pancheros Mexican Grill is expected to open the Princeton location this summer and the Sterling location in the fall.

Multi-genre, Blues Hall of Famer Michael Charles and his band will be performing a free concert at 9 p.m. Saturday, April 4, in Sterling.

Easter is Sunday, April 5.

A Night of Jazz concert fundraiser will bring a jazz quintet to Dixon and benefit music scholarships for Sauk Valley youths.

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark is located on site at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

The Dixon Municipal Band will perform a free spring concert Saturday, March 28, at The Dixon Historic Theatre.

The Belfry House creates an intimate experience for couples and adult travelers, bringing together seasonal fine dining, live entertainment and personalized hospitality.