The Northwest Illinois Calendar
What’s Happening
154 upcoming festivals, concerts, markets and main-street traditions across all four counties.
Running something?
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.
- Food & DrinkHops on the Rock2:00 PM – 6:00 PMSterling Marketplace · SterlingAn autumn craft beer festival in downtown Sterling, held alongside the Twin City Farmers Market, with regional breweries pouring and live entertainment through the afternoon.
CommunityCut The Square Cruise Night4:00 PM – 8:00 PMRochelle Flagg Township Museum · RochelleCar lovers won’t want to miss 🚗🎶 Cut the Square Cruise Night in Rochelle, a monthly gathering that brings chrome, horsepower, and hometown charm together in one lively evening.
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.
Outdoor RecreationSpooktacular Halloween Lighted Golf Cart & UTV Parade6:30 PM – 8:00 PMDowntown Rock Falls · Rock FallsGet ready for a festive fall favorite in Rock Falls! The Spooktacular Halloween Lighted Golf Cart & UTV Parade returns on October 17, 2026, bringing glowing rides, creative costumes, and plenty of Halloween spirit to the streets.
- HolidayFeaturedMount Carroll Christmas Walk & House Tour WeekendDec 4 – Dec 5Carroll County Courthouse Square · Mount CarrollA holiday weekend in Mount Carroll’s historic downtown: Santa at the district library, a community tree lighting on the courthouse square, a tour of decorated homes and an indoor holiday market.
- HolidaySights & Sounds Holiday Kickoff and Tree Lighting5:00 PM – 8:00 PMLibrary Plaza · SterlingDowntown Sterling launches the holidays on the first Friday of December with Santa’s arrival, the Library Plaza tree lighting at 5:30, horse-and-carriage rides, live entertainment and late-night shopping.