The Scene

Here are some things to do around Grundy County in the upcoming weekend and beyond.

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is an organization dedicated to promoting Route 66 businesses and sites in Illinois. If you're looking to take a road trip and see the Route 66 sights, check out their website.

MCC hosts a block party in Huntley and swimmers will race in an Aquathon in Crystal Lake this weekend in McHenry County.

Jazz in July, featuring the acclaimed Yorkville Big Band, takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 at the Farnsworth House in Plano.

The event is Aug. 5 at Bandito Barney's Beach Club in East Dundee.

MCC hosts a block party in Huntley and swimmers will race in an Aquathon in Crystal Lake this weekend in McHenry County.

The popular Halloween attraction burned to the ground in May, with the blaze destroying the structure, props, costumes, tools and equipment. What it didn’t take was the resolve of Haunted Haven owner, operator and spiritual leader Melissa Schultz.

Some of the artists performing at The Venue in downtown Aurora in August include Grammy-nominated Kim Richey and Noah Gabriel.

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with family fun and fantastic entertainment from July 26 to 28. The legendary Rock-afire Explosion animatronic band, of ShowBiz Pizza Place origin, will perform their rarely seen live Christmas shows dating to 1982 and 1987.

National Night Out events, Dement Town Music Fest plans set.

The county fair, opening Thursday for a four-day run, will celebrate those rural-flavored traditions with a high-tech spectacle: a drone light show that promises to knock your cowboy boots off.

Catfish Days in Wilmington feature a carnival, food vendors, live entertainment, parade and craft show/flea market.

While Ottawa kicks off Friendship Days with an inaugural brewfest event and the annual Touch a Truck, Lake DePue will host the annual boat races and "Grease" takes the stage at Festival 56.

Cassie's Popcorn turns 100 in Sycamore Thursday, and the community is invited. Plus the annual Fizz Ehrler Memorial Turning Back Time Car Show and more this weekend in DeKalb County

Kendall County will be home to the Mid Summer Showdown on Saturday, July 27, with a cruise night, food vendors, live music, truck and tractor pull and other festivities.

Centennial Auditorium/Sterling High School will present “Mean Girls, The Musical” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 26; at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 28.

Enjoy these warm weather drinks before they're gone at restaurants in Naperville, Algonquin and other locations around the suburbs.

Batavia MainStreet's annual Cocktails in the Park fundraiser will unfold along the riverside Saturday, July 27, featuring cocktails, live music and appetizers.

The free performance on Aug. 3 is now happening at Sunset Park in Geneva.

The theme for this year's delicious family-friendly event on Aug. 9 is "Milky Way Meltdown."

The July 27 concert is open to the public and free to attend.

Burn ‘N Bush and The Empty Pockets also set to perform.

More than 120 artists in a variety of mediums are participating in the show.

Algonquin Founders’ Days festival returns this weekend with music, food, a parade, fireworks and debuts a beer festival on Thursday.

Check out these barbecue restaurants in the Fox Valley area.

Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Page Park Band Shell.

No trip to Starved Rock Country is complete without spending some time along the famed Illinois & Michigan Canal.

Enjoy live entertainment, guided hikes and delicious meals during your weekend getaway in Starved Rock Country.

A classical string quartet performing with a bluegrass folk trio, celebrations of Latin American women and North and South American songs and dances are all on the schedule for Chamber Music on the Fox’s 11th season.

'Million Dollar Quartet' tells the true story of the night music legends Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis came together for an impromptu jam session at Sun Records in Memphis.

The 2024-2025 season begins in September with "PROUD Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner."

The event kicks off Friendship Days, running Jul. 27 - Aug. 4.

Plein Air-St. Charles, Art of the Dessert and Art Heist Mystery event round out the 2024 season for the St. Charles Arts Council.

Two local dogs, Grizz and Odie, will share the role of Toto.

Enjoy some tea time at these locations in Batavia, Campton Hills and Aurora.

Tractor pull, pro bronc and bull riding, demo derby also will be featured at fairground’s grandstand.

5 things to do in DeKalb County: Hy-Vee Sycamore farmers market, Waterman Summerfest and more

The event is Saturday, July 27 at the boutique campground just southwest of Ottawa.

Here are five things to do around Grundy County in the upcoming weekend and beyond.

Bands on the schedule include Imposters in Effect: Beastie Boys Tribute on July 27, Mungion on Aug. 10 and The Prince Experience on Aug. 17.

Plenty of summer activities this weekend in McHenry County including a butterfly release in Huntley and a flower festival in Harvard.

The annual Sugar Grove Corn Boil, a summertime tradition for over 50 years, runs from Thursday, July 25- Sunday, July 28 at Volunteer Park.

The duo #IMOMSOHARD will bring their Ladies Night! tour to the Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb on Oct. 4.

Forget bustling cityscapes – Lee County’s rolling farmland and charming towns offer a breath of fresh air for a day of fun.

The Yorkville River Fest will feature family activities, live country music, beer tasting and more.

Winger will perform at the Arcada Theatre on Friday, July 19. Tickets are on sale now.

The restaurant and brewing house is honoring their quarter century at 128 W. Main St. with its first Brewfest Saturday.

Comicopolis will be held Saturday inside and around the White Oak Library District's Lockport branch. The first 500 attendees to the eighth annual Comic and Fandom Con will receive free swag bags.

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

Check out these drive-worthy locations in northwest Illinois if you're looking for a quick getaway not too far from home.