The Northwest Illinois Calendar
What’s Happening
Festivals, concerts, markets and main-street traditions across all four counties.
28 upcoming events across Northwest Illinois.
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Festivals, fundraisers, live music, farmers markets: if it happens in Carroll, Lee, Ogle & Whiteside counties, we want it here. It’s free.
- Festivals & FairsStillman Valley Fall FestivalSep 26 – Sep 27Downtown Stillman Valley · Stillman ValleyA free small-town festival on the fourth weekend of September: an indoor craft show, car and tractor shows, a horticulture show, a parade and live music the length of Main Street.
Outdoor RecreationBos Brothers Old Fashioned Fall Harvest8:00 AM – 5:00 PMBos Brothers Historical Farm · ErieJoin us for our fall harvest show where we harvest corn and soybeans. See corn go from the field all the way to fresh cornbread on the table. Many demonstrations will be running in addition to the harvesting, such as plowing stalks & stubble, corn shelling, rock crushing, blacksmithing, sawmilling, and wood workin…
Food & DrinkPawpaw Festival10:00 AM – 6:30 PMPaw Paw Veterans Park · Paw PawA festival for North America’s largest native fruit, in the village that shares its name — tastings, food trucks, tram tours out to the groves, growers’ talks and live music.
CommunityLes Allen - Taft Gallery10:00 AM – 5:00 PMColiseum Museum of Art, Antiques and Americana (CMAAA) · OregonLes Allen
Taft Gallery, August 1 – September 30
FamilyRochelle's Haybale TrailOct 1 – Oct 31Take a fall drive through Rochelle and see what our community has created! From October 1–31, 72 decorated hay bales will be on display throughout town. Each stop offers a new surprise, with designs created by local businesses, organizations, and residents.
Explore the trail at your own pace, pick your favorites, and enjoy Rochelle dressed up for fall. Scan the trail’s QR code for the full list of locations, or pick up a printed list at City Hall or Rochelle Municipal Utilities.
Outdoor RecreationGolf Cart Tours8:00 AM – 10:00 AMIngersoll Wetlands Learning Center · ThomsonExperience the beauty of the Mississippi River wetlands on a guided Golf Cart Tour at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center. Offered from May through October, these relaxed, small-group tours provide a unique way to explore the landscape while learning about native birds, wildlife, and the surrounding ecosystem.
- Festivals & FairsFeaturedAutumn on ParadeOct 3 – Oct 4Downtown Oregon · OregonOregon’s largest event of the year and a first-full-weekend-of-October fixture, filling the historic downtown with a Saturday afternoon parade, craft and food vendors, and family activities across both days.
Outdoor RecreationNWCC Training Center Golf Tournament9:00 AMSandburr Run Golf & Resort · ThomsonPlay 18 holes with a two-person team at Sandburr Run in Thomson to support firefighter training. The October 3 tournament starts at 9:00 a.m.; entry is $80 per team, with lunch provided.
History & HeritageHavencrest Castle October Tours10:00 AM – 5:00 PMHavencrest Castle · SavannaStep inside Savanna’s enchanting Havencrest Castle and explore 27 lavish rooms filled with art, antiques, history, and a remarkable love story.- FamilyLumberjack Show at Selmi's Family Farm11:00 AM – 5:00 PMSelmi's Family Farm · Rock FallsThe 6th Annual Lumberjack Show returns to Selmi's Family Farm in Rock Falls on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Presented by Rock Falls Tourism, the day features three Lumberjack Enterprises shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., a kids' lumberjack camp, and the Women's Skillet Throwing Competition. Admission is $10 at the gate or $9 online and includes all farm activities.
Arts & TheaterLumberjack Show11:00 AM – 5:00 PMSelmi’s Greenhouse and Farm Market · Rock FallsThe 6th Annual Lumberjack Show returns to Rock Falls on October 3, 2026, bringing a full day of high-energy entertainment to Selmi’s Greenhouse & Family Farm. Presented by Rock Falls Tourism, the event features Lumberjack Enterprises from Minnesota performing three action-packed shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Arts & TheaterNikki D & The Sisters of Thunder Concert7:30 PM – 9:30 PMThe Dixon: Historic Theater · DixonNikki D & The Sisters of Thunder bring a powerful mix of gospel, blues, soul, and groove to The Dixon on March 21. Based in Toledo, Ohio, the family ensemble is led by Nikki D, whose expressive steel guitar playing has earned national attention for its bold, inventive sound. Her gritty vocals and commanding stage pr…
- Food & DrinkHops on the Rock2:00 PM – 6:00 PMSterling Marketplace · SterlingSterling Main Street's annual craft beer festival returns to Sterling Marketplace in downtown Sterling on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The 21-and-older event features craft beer, food, and live music, with VIP admission from 2 to 3 p.m. and General Admission from 3 to 6 p.m.
CommunityCut The Square Cruise Night4:00 PM – 8:00 PMRochelle Flagg Township Museum · RochelleCar lovers won’t want to miss 🚗🎶 Cut the Square Cruise Night in Rochelle, a monthly gathering that brings chrome, horsepower, and hometown charm together in one lively evening.
- Outdoor RecreationGolf Cart Tours8:00 AM – 10:00 AMIngersoll Wetlands Learning Center · ThomsonExperience the beauty of the Mississippi River wetlands on a guided Golf Cart Tour at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center. Offered from May through October, these relaxed, small-group tours provide a unique way to explore the landscape while learning about native birds, wildlife, and the surrounding ecosystem.
Outdoor RecreationSpooktacular Halloween Lighted Golf Cart & UTV Parade6:30 PM – 8:00 PMDowntown Rock Falls · Rock FallsGet ready for a festive fall favorite in Rock Falls! The Spooktacular Halloween Lighted Golf Cart & UTV Parade returns on October 17, 2026, bringing glowing rides, creative costumes, and plenty of Halloween spirit to the streets.
