Dinosaurs Alive!

Dinosaurs Alive! They're back at Brookfield Zoo, and they're bigger and better than before. Some favorites are returning but many are new! Brookfield Zoo guests can take a trip back millions of years and experience Dinosaurs Alive!, presented by Dominicks. Come and enjoy this unique, fun, and educational exhibit of Tyrannosaurus proportions that will feature supersized animatronic dinosaurs, including favorites like Stegosaurus and Triceratops, as well as obscure dinosaur species with unusual characteristics, like feathers.

CITY: Brookfield

Festival of the Vine

Geneva restaurants create an array of specialties under an outdoor tent at the “Flavor Fare” partnered with wine and live musical entertainment. The Fall Harvest Market offers food and floral demos, unique displays plus Kid’s Patch activities. An arts and crafts show, flower market, horse-drawn carriage rides and several exceptional wine tasting and dinner events also take place around the historic downtown.

CITY: Geneva

Oliver!

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - One of the most beloved classics of all time, Oliver! is the wildly successful British musical based on the Charles Dickens novel. After a successful opening run in the West End in 1960, Oliver! has brought Dickens' ageless characters to life, enjoying numerous critically acclaimed runs and revivals in the United States and England. Audiences will follow orphan Oliver Twist as he embarks on a life-threatening adventure through the dismal streets of nineteenth-century England. The sensational score includes "Food Glorious Food," "Consider Yourself," "You've Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two," "I'd Do Anything," "As Long As He Needs Me" and many more.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Boeing, Boeing

Boeing, Boeing was revived in 2007 after an undeniably successful seven-year run in the West End. The Wall Street Journal hailed Boeing-Boeing as one of "the funniest plays to hit Broadway in ages" and The Daily Telegraph said it was "the funniest show on the London stage." This charming revival focuses on Bernard, a jet setting architect living in Paris. He has been successfully juggling three flight attendant fiancés with the help of his reluctant housekeeper who keeps track of everyone's comings and goings. Mayhem follows soon after the arrival of an old college pal as flights are delayed, schedules change and chaos ensues. The laughs come fast and furious when Bernard finds himself struggling to keep up with his overwhelming amorous lies. Audiences will have to fasten their seat belts for a roaring ride that will take them up, up and away!

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Kane County Flea Market - July 2013

Monthly flea market at the Kane County Fairgrounds. "The Best in the Midwest or Anywhere". Up to 1000 dealers display and sell antiques, collectibles & Fancy Junque. Food served all day.

CITY: St. Charles

Red, White & BBQ Festival

A weekend of tasty barbecue, music and fun at Ty Warner Park in Westmont. Start off the summer with great food, live music, and an all-ages carnival, and observe some of the best BBQ experts compete to win prize money, learn BBQ tips, and enjoy Ty Warner Park!

CITY: Westmont

64th Annual Midsommar Swedish Days Festival

This “Granddaddy” of Illinois festivals features a host of family-friendly activities with live musical entertainment, a carnival, Rosemaling show, pet parade, Kids’ Day fun, Grand Parade, the state’s largest Music Competition, multi-ethnic food plus great shopping in our historic downtown. Geneva’s train station is located just blocks from the festivities.

CITY: Geneva

Pride of the Fox Riverfest

Unique among Chicagoland festivals, Riverfest features the annual running of the ancient sport of dragon boat racing, a 40-ton Fantasy Sand Sculpture, water ski shows, and an assortment of events and entertainment for all ages.

CITY: St. Charles

Boo! at the Zoo

Halloween fun awaits families at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo celebration. The popular daytime event, presented by Fisher-Price, features a Costume Parade, Costume Showcase, professional pumpkin-carving demonstrations, not-so-scary games and activities, special animal Zoo Chats, and haunted hayrides. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000.

CITY: Brookfield

Our Quilts in Bloom - NSQG Quilt Show 2013

Stroll through a cotton botanical garden of over 300 quilts created by the Northwest Suburban Quilters Guild on display at the Prairie Stone Sports & Wellness Center in Hoffman Estates on September 20-21, 2013. Judge and admire quilts of all sizes, shapes and techniques. NSQG is one of the oldest and largest quilt guilds in Northern Illinois. Hours: Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. AND Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission: $7.00, $1.00 off coupon available on our website. Children under 17 free with adult.

CITY: Hoffman Estates

Annual Iris Walk

Walk through fields of irises during the spring time. At peak bloom, the Iris Farm is expecting acres of flowers at their new location. Photographers, day-trippers, weekenders and families are welcome. When it's closer to bloom time, a peak bloom report will be recorded on the phone's answering service.

CITY: Wayne City

Geneva Arts Fair

The Geneva Arts Fair transforms downtown Geneva into a venue for over 150 esteemed artists and draws a crowd of more than 20,000. The juried show was voted a Top 200 Fine Craft Fair by Art Fair SourceBook and a previous winner of “Best Craft or Art Show” by West Suburban Living magazine. Admission is free and includes a children’s art area with special activities.

CITY: Geneva

Warrenville Holly Days

Holly Days, sponsored by the Warrenville Park District is the City's annual holiday celebration that marks Santa's official entry into Warrenville. Guests can enjoy a warm bonfire, raffles, free horse and carriage rides, hot cider and cookies, and, of course, a visit with Santa. Local Park District and school dance troops, singers, and bands entertain attendees during the event. It is at this event that Warrenville officially turns on its holiday lights creating an array of colors for passersby along Route 56 to see. Holly Days, primarily for Warrenville residents, gives the community an opportunity to come together and kick off the holiday season.

CITY: Warrenville

Next to Normal

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - We are honored to present the regional premiere of Next To Normal, one of only eight musicals in history to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama. This riveting story is an intricate dissection of a "normal" American family. Driven by an incredible score (which won Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations) the narrative burrows into family secrets long since buried. This is a musical that asks the question: Can the seemingly perfect family survive an insurmountable event and tender the untenable. A story whose mere description would destroy it. See it before anyone reveals its secrets. Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey and Music by Tom Kitt.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Kane County Flea Market - June 2013

Monthly flea market at the Kane County Fairgrounds. "The best in the midwest or Anywhere". Up to 1000 dealers display and sell antiques, collectibles & Fancy Junque. Food served all day,

CITY: St. Charles

Annual St. Charles Fine Art Show

Located along the banks of the Fox River, this juried art show features 100 fine artists, live music, demonstrations and artists’ awards.

CITY: St. Charles

Festival of the Horse & Drum

Festival of the Horse & Drum is an equestrian festival with a diverse and exciting twist. American Indian Pow-Wow, Horsemen of Spain, Portugal & Mexico, Tanner & Glaze. Equestrian games, Equine abilities expo & more.

CITY: St. Charles

28th Annual St. Charles Scarecrow Festival

Enjoy more than 100 handcrafted scarecrows on display (vote for your favorite), a huge craft show, carnival, great food, live entertainment and free children's activities, including make-your-own-scarecrow workshops.

CITY: St. Charles

Why Do Fools Fall In Love

Millie's getting married and when three of her girlfriends throw her a bachelorette party, the girls end up sharing more than a great time after tequila shots and Snowball sugar highs. Rating: PG

CITY: St. Charles

Kane County Fair

Affordable family fun - carnival, entertainment, thrill events, farm animals, kids events, food, fun & more! Wed. 3pm-11pm; Thurs. noon-11pm; Fri. & Sat. noon-midnight; Sun. noon-10pm. For information visit www.kanecountyfair.com. Follow on Facebook and Twitter.

CITY: St. Charles

37th Annual Kane County Railroad Collectibles & Model Train Show

One of two Annual Railroad Collectible Shows in Chicago with model trains and operating layouts. Railroad collectibles include items used by railroads such as lanterns, china, silverware, keys, locks, timetables, train parts and maps as well as books, photographs and DVDs on railroad topics.

CITY: St. Charles

Holiday Lights Train

The Holiday Light Train is Pete's biggest event of the year. The park is decorated for the Holidays. See over 250,000 lights in various displays. Giant toy soldiers, candy canes, cascading snow flakes, flying reindeer, and swans swimming, just to name a few of Pete's displays!

CITY: Waterman

Hello, Dolly!

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Hello, Dolly! has become one of the most enduring musical theater hits, enjoying three Broadway revivals and international success that included being made into the film that was nominated for seven Academy Awards. Hello, Dolly! is the story of turn-of-the-century widowed matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi, who, after cunningly negotiating marriages for others through a series of comic romantic entanglements, ultimately finds her own match. Hello, Dolly! is a magical piece of musical theater filled with memorable songs such as "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," "Before the Parade Passes By," and "It Only Takes A Moment." Show-stopping dance numbers like "Dancing" and "The Waiter's Gallop" are combined with beautiful turn-of-the-century costumes to create a musical the whole family will enjoy.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Kane County Flea Market / August 2013

Monthly flea market at the Kane County Fairgrounds. "The Best in the Midwest or Anywhere". Up to 1000 dealers display and sell antiques, collectibles & Fancy Junque. Food served all day.

CITY: St. Charles

22nd Annual Chicago Railroad Collectibles and Model Train Show

The last Chicago Railroad Collectibles Show before Christmas! Now with model trains and operating layouts. Collectibles include items used by railroads such as: lanterns, china, silverware, keys, locks, timetables, train parts and maps as well as books, photographs and DVDs on railroads.

CITY: St. Charles

Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm

You'll experience hours of enjoyment including a relaxing tractor pulled hayrack ride, pumpkins of course, a completely animated haunted barn and a giggling animated fun barn, the famous action packed pig races (running 10x a day on the 1/2 hour), an adorable petting & feeding zoo, the giant crazy corn maizey and pony rides. Enjoy a variety of entertaining animation throughout the barnyard and farm.

CITY: Homer Glen

Geneva's Christmas Walk & House Tour

On Friday evening, Santa Lucia arrives by horse-drawn carriage and Santa arrives to open his Gingerbread House. Enjoy carolers, the Great Tree lighting, roasted chestnuts, Swedish cookies, and old-fashioned candy cane pull, and holiday shopping. On Friday & Saturday, five distinctive homes festively decorated for the holidays by local decorators open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours.

CITY: Geneva

Country Folk Art Festival 31st year

31st year. Extraordinary handmade arts and crafts made by award winning artisans, many whose work has been featured in magazines! Reproductions of antique American furniture, historic crafts, folk art, primitives and unique Halloween and Christmas creations! Also some original antiques!

CITY: St. Charles

Kane County Flea Market / October, 2013

Monthly flea market at the Kane County Fairgrounds. "The Best in the Midwest or Anywhere". Up to 1000 dealaers display and sell antiques, collectibles & Fancy Junque. Food served all day.

CITY: St. Charles

Let's Misbehave

Celebrate the life and times of legendary Broadway wit and composer Cole Porter in a must see revue showcasing over 30 of his classic songs.

CITY: St. Charles

42nd Annual Northern Illinois Art Show

The Kishwaukee Valley Art League is proud to bring its annual Northern Illinois Art Show to the public. Held each spring in Sycamore, Illinois on the Dekalb County Courthouse lawn and now in its 42nd year, the Northern Illinois Art Show features the work of artists in fine arts and fine crafts from across the Midwest. This show is an outstanding opportunity for fine artists to reach a wide audience and a great place for shoppers to find unique gifts. Easily accessible and highly publicized, the Northern Illinois Art Show attracts artists, residents, and tourists from across Northern Illinois and beyond. Applications to the show from artists will be accepted through April 12. Accepted artists will be contacted directly by KVAL. Applications are available on their website. Admission: Free for visitors

CITY: Sycamore

39th Fall Fox Valley Antique Show

Antiques are exhibited indoors at the bright and spacious Kane County Fairgrounds. Catered lunch is available and there is free parking. Admission $8 benefits local historical and educational endeavors. For information, visit csada.com.

CITY: St. Charles

Old House New House Home Show

Explore 300 deluxe displays with the latest in kitchens, baths, building, remodeling and landscaping. Meet award-winning contractors and creative craftsmen to improve your home surroundings.

CITY: St. Charles

Kane County Flea Market / September 2013

Monthly flea market at the Kane County Fairgrounds. "The Best in the Midwest or anywhere. Up to 1000 dealers display and sell antiques, collectibles & Fancy Junque. Food Served all day.

CITY: St. Charles

Kane County Flea Market / November, 2013

Monthly flea market at the Kane County Fairgrounds. "The Best in the Midwest or Anywhere". Up to 1000 dealers display and sell antiques, collectibles & Francy Funque. Food served all day.

CITY: St. Charles

Kane County Flea Market / December, 2013

Monthly flea market at the Kane County Fairgrounds. "The Best in the Midwest or Anywhere". Up to 1000 dealers display and sell antiques, collectibles & Fancy Junque. Food served all day.

CITY: St. Charles

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

December 18th & 19th December 26th - 31st January 1st 4-9pm Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest light festival featuring over 120 animated light displays and million twinkling lights. Come celebrate the holiday season with family and friends during Brookfield Zoos 29th annual Holiday Magic. Enjoy live entertainment, amazing animals, model trains and a train ride, special Dolphin Show, Sing to the Animals and professional ice carvers. Call or visit website for more info.

CITY: Brookfield

Making God Laugh

Join two empty-nesters as they welcome home their three grown kids for the holidays, a priest, an aspiring actress, and a former star athlete. Don't miss this hilarious performance at the Fox Valley Repertory Theater at Pheasant Run.

CITY: St. Charles

Wood Dale Prairie Fest

It's all about community pride when west suburban Wood Dale's popular "Prairie Fest" returns for its 11th year in 2013. Held at the DuPage County city's Town Square, the weekend kicks off with carnival rides and food vendors before three days of expanded activities. In addition to food, arts/craft vendors and the always-popular carnival, Prairie Fest features live music, kids' entertainers, bingo play and a fireworks display on Saturday night.

CITY: Wood Dale

Septemberfest

Free, multi-day festival - one of Chicagoland’s biggest - featuring a parade, nationally known entertainment, arts & crafts, bingo tent, carnival rides, games, Taste of Schaumburg, demonstrations and fireworks.

CITY: Schaumburg

27th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Experience the best of Scotland without leaving Chicago at the 27th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games, June 14-15, 2013 at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca, Illinois. Highland Dance competition, Heavy Athletics, Rugby Exhibition, Friday Night Fling, crowning of the Heather Queen and Court and a Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee), a lively celebration of traditional and contemporary Celtic music. Champion Supreme Piping and Drumming competition; Heavy Athletics U.S. Open Championship featuring traditional Scottish contests including the Caber Toss (flipping 20-foot, 140-pound tree trunk), the 22-pound Hammer Throw, the Sheaf Toss (flipping a bale of hay over a high bar) and the Clachnert (throwing a 16-pound river stone); Highland Dance competition; Rugby Sevens Highland Challenge; Coerver Cup 3v3 youth soccer tournament; Dogs of Scotland and other animal presentations; Genealogy and cultural exhibits; Parade of Clan Tartans; Children's activities including mini golf, crafts and carnival attractions; and attendee competitions including the Kilted Mile Fun Run/Walk, British Car Show, Haggis Hurling Contest for women, Knobbly Knees contest for men, Haggis Eating Contest and Shortbread Contest. Attendees will also enjoy musical performances on the Celtic Rock Stage, Whisky tastings and seminars, traditional Scottish or American cuisine and shopping in the Celtic Marketplace.

CITY: Itasca

Taste of Lombard 2013

Celebrate summer fun and Independence Day with live music, family activities, great food, carnival, arts & crafts fair, and more. Don't miss the fireworks concert on July 4th at approximately 9:30pm.

CITY: Lombard

Sycamore's Turning Back Time

Join us Friday night for Summer on State, free outdoor movie for the whole family. Saturday night is Cruise Night, presented by Auto Meter Products, from 3-11pm. Bringing back the sounds of the 50’s and 60’s, Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones will take the stage from 7-10pm. Discover Sycamore’s Cruise Night will also include a Classic Car Cruise Parade, beer garden, Disc Jockey, food vendors and more! Sunday, July 28th brings the 14th Annual Fizz Ehrler Memorial Car Show to downtown Sycamore. Help the Turning Back Time Car Club reach their goal of 1,000 car show registrations. Registration will take place from 8am until noon with the award presentation at 3:30pm sharp. Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of Turning Back Time specials at downtown merchants and restaurants.

CITY: Sycamore

Kidzfest

Kidzfest is held on the first Saturday of August from 10am until 3pm each year. The event includes many types of interactive, educational and fun activities sponsored by a variety of vendors, i.e. Lewis University Kids Campus, Joliet Park District, Rialto Square Theatre, the Library, the Forest Preserve District and numerous other vendors planning special activities for kids. Food and entertainment provided.

CITY: Joliet

Sycamore Pumpkin Fest

2013 is the 52nd Annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival downtown. Back in 1956, Wally Thurow, who is known as Sycamore’s "Mr. Pumpkin", began what was to become the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival when he displayed a few decorated pumpkins on his front lawn to turn Halloween into a time of fun and creativity. In 1962, through the efforts of Mr. Pumpkin and the Sycamore Lions Club, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival became an official celebration in Sycamore. The Courthouse lawn is the center of activities, including thousands of decorated pumpkins on display, there are also art and craft shows, a house walk, a pie eating contest, a carnival, a fun fair, a race and other events. The festival is concluded by a giant parade on Sunday afternoon.

CITY: Sycamore

Sycamore's Steam Show and Threshing Bee

For the last 56 years, the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club has sponsored the Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee the second Thursday in August. The event starts at 6:00 a.m. with breakfast and is then followed by a church service, the National Anthem, and the Raising of the Flag. The afternoon is filled with threshing of steam engines and tractors and spotlights a 1:30 p.m. parade of old steam engines, tractors, cars and other antique machines. Activities for kids, a petting zoo, bake sale and flea market all take place on the fairgrounds as well. OPEN DAILY 7 AM TO 6 PM. FREE PARKING. Admission: Adults $6, Children under 12 Free. Thursday Senior Citizens $3

CITY: Sycamore

Cool Cars Under the Stars 2013

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Wednesday nights, head to Elmhurst City Centre for Cool Cars Under the Stars. Every week is a different theme, including Ford Night, military, and so much more. Rev up your engines, and cruise into the heart of downtown Elmhurst for this family-friendly, weekly classic car show featuring some of the hottest wheels in town.

CITY: Elmhurst

Oak Brook Polo

Polo has been played for more than 80 years at the historic Oak Brook Polo Grounds and everyone is invited to come out and watch the exciting "game of kings!" Polo is an exciting team sport played on a large grass field. Players on horseback attempt to score by driving a small ball into the opposing team's goal using a long-handled wooden mallet. The Oak Brook Polo Club has six match dates scheduled for 2013.

CITY: Oak Brook

Blues on the Fox

The 17th Annual Blues on the Fox is the City of Aurora's annual festival that celebrates the city's rich history of the Blues. In the late 1930's literally hundred's of Blues recordings were made in Aurora's downtown at the Sky Club at the top of the Leland Hotel. Join us at RiverEdge Park to experience six amazing blues music acts over one incredible weekend.

CITY: Aurora

Windmill City Festival

Windmill City Festival has long been a staple of the community and has become a tradition for many families. This 3 day event includes a carnival, 5k race, pet parade, and an ice cream eating contest. Every member of the family is sure to find a new favorite activity! This year's festival will be held Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14 at the Riverwalk in downtown Batavia. Admission is free.

CITY: Batavia

Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove

Prestigious Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Designation. Athletes from around the world come to compete in the tour. Includes some of the richest pro cycling purses in the world. Food, exhibits, cycling vendors, & entertainment.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

PrairieFest

Celebrating our 25th Anniversary, this festival is attended by approximately 50,000 during the course of the weekend. PrairieFest events are held throughout Oswego with the main festival grounds located at PrairieFest Park, 91 Plank Road. The event features main stage entertainment, children's performers, expo village, petting zoos, pony rides, camel rides, children's activities, parade, bed races, touch a truck event and more. There is no gate admission. The event is free, compliments of our generous business sponsors.

CITY: Oswego

Aurora Puerto Rican Heritage Festical

This festival is more than music and food, it is the celebration of Puerto Rican heritage. Traditional Puerto Rican music attracts island traditionalists, while the more modern music entertains the youth. The festival is a family event providing a social atmosphere for families to mingle and enjoy authentic foods while allowing time for the kids to play games. The main focus is the parade which provides an opportunity for the Puerto Rican community and friends to celebrate its culture.

CITY: Aurora

Smallville Superfest

This festival celebrates the spirit of everyone's favorite SuperHero and what he stands for. Warner Brothers and DC Comics chose Plano, IL to represent “Smallville” in the 2013 Superman movie "Man of Steel", a special place where a certain “super hero” came to Earth and spent his childhood days. It was here in Smallville that a “mild-mannered” boy learned the value of Truth, Justice, and the American Way.

CITY: Plano

Summer Solstice Indie Music and Craft Beer Festival

"Summer Solstice", the ultimate pairing of ground to glass brewed beverages and independent minded musicians on the cusp of greatness. The scenic Fox River will serve as the backdrop for this unique event in historic downtown Yorkville.

CITY: Yorkville