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.
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.
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.
FamilyNachusa Grasslands August Nature Tours10:00 AM – 12:00 PMNachusa Grasslands · Franklin Grove(Event Photo by Dee Hudson)
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.
Arts & TheaterGrease Fan Event3:00 PM – 9:00 PMMidway Drive-In Theater · SterlingONE DAY ONLY.
Arts & TheaterAll the World's a Stage Art Exhibition10:00 AM – 4:00 PMThe Next Picture Show Community Fine Arts Center · DixonAugust 26 – Sept. 19, 2026 Opening Reception & Awards Presentation: August 28, 2026
- Festivals & FairsFeaturedAmboy Depot DaysAug 27 – Aug 30Amboy Depot Museum & downtown Amboy · AmboyAmboy’s signature festival, centered on its 1876 railroad depot: a carnival, the Miss Amboy pageant, a tractor show, a parade, live music, and one of northern Illinois’s largest car, truck and motorcycle shows.
Food & DrinkAmboy Depot Days5:00 PM – 9:30 PMDowntown Amboy, IL · AmboySince 1982, Amboy Depot Days has been one of the biggest small-town festivals in Northwest Illinois, drawing visitors from across the region for four days of live entertainment, family fun, food, and community tradition in downtown Amboy. The 2026 celebration takes place Aug. 27–30 and is expected to once again fill…
