The Scene

Bring the family to Hopkins Park for a free screening of "Despicable Me," or check out a Taylor Swift tribute band on Sunday in Genoa this weekend.

Performances are held at the Performing Arts Pavilion at New Lenox City Commons.

From the northern suburbs to the Illinois Valley, the farm-to-table movement continues to grow, with restaurants partnering with local vendors for the freshest ingredients.

Big O’s Barbecue, a food truck turned walk-up storefront known for its rib tips, links and chicken, opened this month at a new spot in DeKalb.

With nostalgic waves rolling back the decades, Boo Boo Days is returning to Batavia, immersing visitors in the 1950’s and 1960’s sidewalk sales that evolved to embody the spirit of the community. The event runs July 11-13.

North Aurora's Brother Chimp Brewing offers a diverse selection of craft beer with a focus on traditional lagers, ales & Belgian-style brews.

The music event returns to Bunker Hill Farms July 26 for a night of music to benefit several local nonprofit organizations.

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

The Infinity Food & Art Festival returns to Ottawa on Saturday and the La Salle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair happens this weekend in the Illinois Valley.

Upcoming performances include tributes to Morgan Wallen, Toby Keith, The Eagles and the 90s grunge music scene.

Enjoy samples of beer, wine and spirits at the July 26 event.

Enjoy tasty appetizers at these noted Kane County dining establishments.

Upcoming performances include tribute bands to Pink Floyd, Guns N' Roses, Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band, Def Leppard, Led Zeppelin and more.

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 event showcases jazz talents featuring rising stars and legends, offering a full day of music for all ages.

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.

Comedians scheduled to appear include Susan Rice, Matt Friend, Tacarra Williams and more.

Starved Rock Coffee Co. uses coffee beans from all over the globe to build a line of coffee named after local natural wonders.

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

The concert will feature dazzling costumes, infectious music and high-energy traditional folklore dances still performed in the villages of Mexico’s different regions.

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

Besides the four years he spent in Navy, Danny Kakazu has worked at The Breakers bar and restaurant near Crystal Lake continuously since 1964. Sunday was his last day.

Where you can watch fireworks in Kane County.

Don't miss the grand celebration and carnival at the Kane County Fairgrounds July 16-20.

Cafe Olympic owner Rachel Skubiszewski has opened Black Market Bakery right next door at 86 N. Williams St. in Crystal Lake. It's open-concept, where customers can see bakers working on goods from scratch and bringing items into display cases.

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

From live music and food trucks to pet parades and pie-eating contests, here is a list of Kane County happenings on Fourth of July weekend:

See some of the best fireworks displays central Illinois has to offer

Lakeside Festival at The Dole will bring bands, a carnival, Cornhole tournament and more fun to Crystal Lake July 3-6.

Explore a variety of cuisines during Joliet City Center Restaurant Week July 19-27.

Looking for something fun to do in DeKalb County this summer? Check out this list of family-friendly events.

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

Veggie Fest celebrates vegetarian food and features an international food court, food demonstrations, guest speakers and live music. Admission is free.

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

The two additional Unwind Wednesday events were added after the June event was so successful. Guests can enjoy a drink and live music on the 1st Street Plaza.

'Come From Away' tells the story of a group of stranded passengers who were diverted to Newfoundland on September 11, 2001.

The Angry Pickle Pub is the second venture from Josh and Abby Smith, owners of The Dirty Bird restaurant.

McGann will perform at Raue Center for the Arts on July 12.

The Purple Pig, featuring Mediterranean cuisine is slated to open later this year at 15 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, in the space formerly held by the Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams furniture showroom.

The musical is based on the classic 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon.

Slaughter and Great White will play the Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles Friday, July 18.

The iconic faire runs through Labor Day in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Several farms in northern Illinois offer fresh produce, along with animals, activities and family fun.

The ribbon cutting grand opening celebration will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 8 at the new location on Route 120 in McHenry.

Eight free performances to bring Shakespeare’s classic to life in downtown Princeton

This hilarious musical revue explores the joys of getting older and life as a senior.

You don't have to fight city traffic to enjoy a day at the beach in northern Illinois.

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

Enjoy themed food and cocktails while getting a spectacular view of the St. Charles fireworks.

Get ready for concerts, festivals and more fun events happening in Bureau County in July and August.