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 & 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 & 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…
Arts & TheaterOpening Reception: All the World's A Stage6:00 PM – 8:00 PMThe Next Picture Show Community Fine Arts Center · DixonPresented in partnership with The Dixon: Historic Theatre, All the World’s A Stage opening reception invites artists to explore the people, places, and experiences that deserve the spotlight in their lives.
Food & DrinkAmboy Depot DaysAug 29 – Aug 30Downtown 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…
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)
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 & 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.