The Northwest Illinois Calendar
What’s Happening
154 upcoming festivals, concerts, markets and main-street traditions across all four counties.
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Festivals, fundraisers, live music, farmers markets — if it happens in Carroll, Lee, Ogle or Whiteside County, we want it here. It’s free.
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.
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…
- Outdoor RecreationRock Falls Aqua Palooza & River ChaseAug 15 – Aug 16Seward’s Riverside Park · Rock FallsTwo days on the Rock River combining the long-running River Chase boat races with a cardboard regatta, a kids’ fishing derby, live music and family activities along the waterfront.
- Festivals & FairsFeaturedWhiteside County FairAug 18 – Aug 22Whiteside County Fairgrounds · MorrisonFive days of livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, carnival rides and grandstand entertainment — plus the harness horse racing that sets this fair apart from the others in the region.
Festivals & FairsWhiteside County Fair8:30 AM – 10:00 PMWhiteside County Fairgrounds · MorrisonThe Whiteside County Fair returns to Morrison, Illinois, Aug. 18–22, 2026, at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds. This classic county fair brings together agriculture, entertainment, food, family activities, and small-town tradition for several days of summer fun.
Arts & TheaterGrease Fan Event3:00 PM – 9:00 PMMidway Drive-In Theater · SterlingONE DAY ONLY.
Arts & TheaterArt in the Park Sculpture Walk & Outdoor Art Gallery10:00 AM – 4:00 PMRB&W District Park · Rock FallsArt in the Park Outdoor Art Gallery & Sculpture Walk event from 10 am to 4 pm at the RB&W District in Rock Falls (201 E. 2nd Street) on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
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…
Arts & TheaterTaco Throwdown & ZOWA Live4:00 PM – 10:00 PMRB&W District Park · Rock FallsHead to the RB&W District Park on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4–10 PM for the Taco Throwdown & Zowa Live. This lively event brings together local food vendors competing for the title of best taco—while guests sample, vote, and enjoy a variety of delicious eats.
