The Northwest Illinois Calendar
What’s Happening
154 upcoming festivals, concerts, markets and main-street traditions across all four counties.
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Put It on the Calendar
Festivals, fundraisers, live music, farmers markets — if it happens in Carroll, Lee, Ogle or Whiteside County, we want it here. It’s free.
CommunityLes Allen - Taft Gallery - August 1 - September 3010:00 AM – 5:00 PMColiseum Museum of Art, Antiques and Americana (CMAAA) · OregonLes Allen Taft Gallery, August 1 – September 30
Arts & TheaterThe Art of Tom Heflin at the Coliseum10:00 AM – 5:00 PMColiseum Museum of Art, Antiques and Americana (CMAAA) · OregonTom Heflin: Feature Walls Exhibition August 1–31 During regular gallery hours, Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Arts & TheaterStill Lifes: Objects of Affection at The Coliseum10:00 AM – 5:00 PMColiseum Museum of Art, Antiques and Americana (CMAAA) · OregonObjects of Affection Still Life Art Exhibit August 1-September 12, 2026
Arts & TheaterDan Grossmann - Lowden Gallery - July 1 - Aug 3110:00 AM – 5:00 PMColiseum Museum of Art, Antiques and Americana (CMAAA) · OregonThe Coliseum Museum welcomes the art of Dan Grossmann to our Lowden Gallery, July 1 – August 31.
- Festivals & FairsLincoln Highway Heritage FestivalAug 14 – Aug 16Atwood Park · RochelleThree days of end-of-summer celebration in Rochelle — a carnival, live bands on the main stage, food vendors and a car and motorcycle show. The 2026 festival moves to Atwood Park while downtown infrastructure is rebuilt.
Arts & TheaterMusic at the Square Summer Series5:30 PM – 7:00 PMJohn Dixon Park · DixonSpend Friday evenings enjoying live music in the heart of Dixon during the 2026 Music at the Square Summer Series at John Dixon Park. These free outdoor concerts take place from 5:30–7 p.m. and feature a variety of local and regional performers throughout the summer. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, rel…
- Live MusicMusic at the Square: Steve Catron5:30 PM – 7:00 PMJohn Dixon Park · DixonA free outdoor concert on the Rock River in Dixon’s John Dixon Park, part of the weekly Friday evening series that runs through August. Bring a chair.
Festivals & FairsLincoln Highway Heritage Festival6:00 PM – 10:00 PMDowntown Rochelle, IL · RochelleCelebrate one of America’s most iconic roadways during the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival in Rochelle, Illinois, Aug. 14–16, 2026. This family-friendly summer festival honors the history and legacy of the historic Lincoln Highway while bringing the community together for three days of entertainment, activities, f…
Arts & TheaterTwin City Farmers Market8:00 AM – 12:00 PMTwin City Farmers Market · SterlingThe Twin City Farmers Market is Northwest Illinois’ only YEAR-ROUND, indoor Farmer’s Market – open every Saturday morning from 8:00 AM until noon.
FamilyNachusa Grasslands August Nature Tours10:00 AM – 12:00 PMNachusa Grasslands · Franklin Grove(Event Photo by Dee Hudson)
CommunityRock Falls River Chase10:30 AM – 5:00 PMSeward Riverside Park · Rock FallsThe Rock River Chase returns to Rock Falls, Illinois, Aug. 15–16, 2026, bringing the excitement of stock outboard boat racing back to the Rock River at Seward’s Park. This longtime summer tradition features high-speed racing action as drivers from across the region compete on the water in a family-friendly atmospher…