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.
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…
Festivals & FairsLincoln Highway Heritage Festival11:00 AM – 6:00 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…
- 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.
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.
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.
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…