First Pour Fridays events feature wine, small bites and live music at the new Patrick J. Callahan Community Center.

Downers Grove Oktoberfest runs Friday and Saturday in downtown Downers Grove. Grammy Award-winning band Gipsy Kings will perform Friday night.

Check out classic cars and hot rods at Jalopy Fest Sept. 12-13.

The 13th annual Taste of Fiesta is Saturday afternoon in RB&W Park in Rock Falls. Morrison hosts the monthly 3 French Hens Country Market on Saturday.

The BBQ & Blues Fest is set for Friday, Sept. 12, while the Jazz'N the Street Festival is Saturday, Sept. 13.

The Fiesta en el Bicentennial Park is set for Saturday, Sept. 13 in Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park.

Sturdy Shelter Brewing’s third annual Oktoberfest will bring German traditions, live music and authentic food and drink to Batavia - in September.

Plein air painting, which derives its name from the French term for “painting outdoors,” originated in the 19th century when artists began leaving their studios to capture natural light and scenery firsthand.

‘Lincoln’s Ottawa: Stories from Valley View’ take guests on a tour of several historic sites in the Illinois Valley related to Abraham Lincoln.