7th Annual Galena Oktoberfest

Annual German celebration featuring live music, kids games, wiener dog races and lots of food and beverage.

CITY: Galena

52nd Annual International Carillon Festival

Longest running carillon festival in the world! Carillonneurs from several countries will perform on this world class instrument. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the beautiful music of the bells at this family event.

CITY: Springfield

Champagne British Car Festival

Get Your Kicks on Route 66 at the Champagne British Car Festival! Our 22nd anniversary will take place on the tree-lined grounds of the beautiful David Davis Mansion in Bloomington on June 2, 2013. View approximately 130 cars by Jaguar, Lotus, MG, Triumph, Aston Martin, Bentley, Austin Healey and others!

CITY: Bloomington

Quad Cities Criterium Professional Bike Races

Over 500 cyclists from throughout the United States will participate in the Quad Cities Bicycle Club's 46th Criterium. Don't miss the excitement of these professional bike races that attract spectators from across the United States. A great Memorial Day weekend event for the entire family. All events take place in downtown Rock Island 3rd Avenue & 18th Street Rock Island, IL. Call (309)788-6311 for more information.

CITY: Rock Island

Six Flags Great America FrightFest

It's Thrills by Day, Chills by Night at Fright Fest Presented by Snickers®. Six Flags Great America will be totally transformed into a Halloween playground, Fridays - Sundays. Have a ghoulish good time with hair-raising shows, electrifying street entertainment and thrilling haunted houses. Plus, experience all the rides in the dark. There will also be a special trick-or-treat trail just for kids.

CITY: Gurnee

Elmwood Strawberry Festival

The Elmwood Strawberry Festival will be in downtown Elmwood, IL. Besides strawberry pie, shortcake, pizza, and other strawberry delicacies, the event includes entertainment, food, craft booths, an outdoor volleyball classic, a car show and a motorcycle show.

CITY: Elmwood

Springfield Mile Motorcycle Races

Join us for fast-paced action and non-stop thrills on the Springfield Mile. Amateur TT races on May 24th, TT races on May 25th and Springfield Mile on May 26th. Admission.

CITY: Springfield

Sculptures on the Avenue

Come explore the sculptures that have transformed the City of Effingham's avenues into an art gallery. Over 30 sculptures created by some of the Midwest's best known and unknown sculptors bring life to the streets of Effingham as part of the annual "Sculptures on the Avenues" outdoor exhibition. Sculptures on the Avenues is a self-guided walking tour that begins at City Hall, located at 201 E. Jefferson Ave. From there, the exhibition winds in and out of Downtown Effingham. An informative guide, which facilitates a walking tour, is available at the Effingham Visitors Center or City Hall.

CITY: Effingham

Annual Rhubarb Festival

Bake sale features more than 2,000 rhubarb pies and other delicious desserts. In addition, there will be a huge craft show (on Saturday only) and flea market, music, food, trolley tours of the town and shopping in the historic district. If you want to be guaranteed an opportunity to sample the rhubarb you should be there by noon. Events take place in downtown Aledo, Illinois. Free Admission. The festival takes place in Aledo, Illinois Hwy. 67 South and Right on Route 17 Aledo, IL. 61231 Call (309) 582-7241 for more information. Admission is free. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CITY: Aledo

Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site

The final resting place of President Lincoln, his wife and three of their four children. Constructed 1869-1874.

CITY: Springfield

15th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow

Held at the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park, the Intertribal Pow Wow has something for the whole family to experience! There will be dancing, handmade jewelry, native crafts, children’s activities, food and viewing of the buffalo herd! This outdoor event is held rain or shine. Don’t forget your lawn chairs. Camping in tents or tipis is welcome.

CITY: Le Roy

114th Infantry Regiment Flag Lowering Ceremony

The Regiment, in authentic Civil War uniforms, demonstrates drill movements and performs a beautiful flag-lowering ceremony in front of the Lincoln Tomb. The flag is presented to a member of the audience. Ceremony every Tuesday evening.

CITY: Springfield

85th Annual Lake County Fair

Join in the fun with the annual Lake County Fair! Motocross, pro rodeo, monster trucks, demo derby, carnival, games, live entertainment, queen pageants and lots of food. Fun for the whole family! Unlimited ride wristband specials. Military visitors in uniform will receive free admission (without uniform $5.00.)

CITY: Grayslake

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

Galena Country Fair

With more than 150 vendors selling original, handmade arts, crafts, and fine arts there is something for everyone. Choose from a variety of fair food, enjoy live entertainment, and fresh fruit and vegetables from the local farmers’ markets. Children will enjoy the many games and contests provided to keep them entertained throughout the day.

CITY: Galena

Cruise Nite and Classic Car Show

One of the largest Cruise Nites in Illinois. This event brings in classic and antique autos for a weekend of fun for the whole family. Watch the cars cruise on Saturday night and then attend the car show on Sunday.

CITY: Jacksonville

Colona Memorial Day Celebration

Fun begins Thursday on Hennepin Canal Parkway with carnival children’s activities, horseshoe contest, nightly live entertainment in the beer garden and don’t miss the 42nd annual parade starting at 2 p.m on Sunday.

CITY: Colona

Meadows Mall Farmers Market

Enjoy this extensive farmers market offering a wide variety of vegtables, baked goods and more. Located in the Meadows Mall parking lot.

CITY: Freeport

Creditors

Before The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, before Ingmar Bergman, before even the phrase "Swedish noir," came Creditors, a sexy, twisting tale of psychological manipulation and revenge. Strindberg saw the play as comedy, but it is humor as dark as midwinter Sweden.

CITY: Chicago

Tower Hill Fall Festival

Held in the Village Park. This is the 27th year for the festival which has unique activites such as the Produce "500" which features vehicles made from produce from as small as a grape to as large as a watermelon. It also has a car and motorcycle show, garden tractor pulls, a tractor show, plenty of kids games a parade Saturday at 4:00 pm and entertainment along with the annual demo derby on Sunday.

CITY: Tower Hill

Louie Louie Parade and Festival

One of Peoria’s favorite events signals the beginning of summer, the Louie Louie Festival! Bring your kazoo and your most creative outfit down to the CEFCU Center Stage. Enjoy the warm breeze and a cold beverage while supporting the Illinois Valley Striders and St. Jude Runners. The parade begins at 3:30pm and heads down Main Street to the Riverfront. Admission is free for those wanting to attend.

CITY: Peoria

Ropp Road Round-Up Festival

The festival will feature everything autumn including pumpkins, fall food, crafts, face-painting, hayrack rides, music and more! The kids will love the straw maze and tower, caterpillar rides, Little Village and little barnyard. A five-acre corn maze will be featured, along with a smaller, less challenging Kiddie Korn Maze for youngsters. For more information, please call 309-452-3641 or visit www.roppcheese.com.

CITY: Normal

Springfield Mile/Amateur & Pro TT Motorcycle Races

Amateur TT races on May 24th, TT races on May 25th and Springfield Mile on May 26th. Pro motorcycle racing at its best with a jump-Riders from 5 years old through adults. Fast-paced action and non-stop thrills of national level motorcycle racing.

CITY: Springfield

Blossoms at Butterworth - Deere Family Mansions

Each June visitors enjoy the splendor of the Butterworth Center's impressive gardens while participating in several exciting activities; including old-fashioned music, games of the 1800s, jugglers, a scavenger hunt, an antique auto show, tours and refreshments. Come and see these Deere family home gardens at the Butterworth Center & Deere Wiman House.

CITY: Moline

Third Sunday Market

From May to October, thousands of collectors clear their calendars to shop the 3rd Sunday Market, an event devoted exclusively to the finest in antiques, collectibles, crafts, and garden. A Bloomington tradition since 1988, the indoor/outdoor sale features more than 450 top dealers, representing 17 states. Whether you’re looking for the finest in antique furniture, Americana, folk art, vintage advertising, sport memorabilia, or antique linens & clothing, you’re likely to find it here.

CITY: Bloomington

Lascivious Something

On a secluded Greek island, an American ex-pat pursues his passions: winemaking and his breathtaking young wife. Then, on the eve of Ronald Reagan’s presidential inauguration, the first tasting of the new wine is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of August’s former lover. Inspired by Greek tragedy, Lascivious Something combines evocative language with sympathetic yet deeply flawed characters straight out of Euripides.

CITY: Chicago

Mucha: Expanding Art Nouveau Exhibit

Alphonse Mucha brought the elegance of the Art Nouveau movement to everyday and commercial objects through his designs for posters, magazines, jewelry and much more. Featuring objects from the John High Collection, one of the world's leading collections of Mucha postcards, from the Lake County Discovery Museum. Exhibit is free with museum admission.

CITY: Wauconda

Stanford Good Old Days Festival

Come see the biggest small-town fireworks at the Stanford Good Old Days Festival. The festival includes a fish fry, music and vendors on Friday night; a 5K run/walk, kids games, raffle, vendors, kiddie tractor pull, garden tractor rodeo, parade, car show, live music and fireworks on Saturday; and an antique engine show and tractor pull on Sunday.

CITY: Stanford

McLean County Fair

Enjoy a classic Midwest county fair in the heart of Illinois, with carnival rides and games, 4-H animal and agricultural exhibits, crafts and plenty of great food.

CITY: Bloomington

Andersonville Midsommarfest

Midsommarfest is Andersonville's annual summer street festival, now entering its 48th year. Each year, nearly 50,000 people throng Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa for two days of music, dancing, kids' entertainment, and delicious food. Vendors from around the region sell their wares to passers-by, while ethnic dance troupes and cutting-edge bands keep the party going.

CITY: Chicago

Blues, Beer and BBQ Festival

Annual Blues, Beer, and BDQ event at Freeport Art Museum. Sample a fine selecion of beer, live blues music and BBQ. 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Members: $20; Non Members: $23; At Door: $25.

CITY: Freeport

Barrington Art Festival

Amdur Productions proudly kicks off its 30th season with the Barrington Art Festival on Memorial Day weekend. Free and open to the public, the Barrington Art Festival will offer the work of 120 juried artists from around the world in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, photography, watercolors, wood and more. In addition to the incredible artwork available for purchase at the festival, guests will be able to enjoy live music throughout the weekend.

CITY: Barrington

2013 Bald Eagle Bus Tours

Guided, four-hour tours of bald eagle, wintering communities. View and learn about the bald eagle's habits, life history, preservation efforts and threats to its future. Reservations required. Bus departs from Stoney Creek Inn.

CITY: Galena

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light

Christmas Around the World began in 1942 as a United Nations Day salute to American allies during the war, is now in its 69th year. The exhibit features more than 60 dazzling trees and displays that are decorated by members of Chicago's ethnic communities to reflect holiday customs from around the world. Holidays of Light showcases various global holidays that celebrate light or enlightenment such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Festivities include ethnic dancing and singing, storytellers, and school choir performances.

CITY: Chicago

Traveling Exhibition: "Treasure! Your Hunt Has Just Begun!"

Explore the history and the hunting of treasure in our newest immersive exhibition. Delve into the technology employed by treasure hunters and focus on the people and personalities lured by the promise of prosperity. Be enticed by shipwreck and treasure site artifacts, and learn to use the tools you'd need to find a fortune. Treasure! is a joint adventure with the Burpee Museum of Natural History, and can be uncovered in the Woodward Exhibit Hall.

CITY: Rockford

Hummingbird Festival & Pollination Celebration

Visitors will enjoy entertainment, food and fun at this year’s Hummingbird Festival & Pollination Celebration! Buzz on over to join us as we celebrate hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees! Learn from local experts about the important pollinators in Funks Grove by participating in programs, seminars, hikes and more. For more information, please call 309-874-2174 or visit www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org.

CITY: McLean

ByronFest

ByronFest, one of the finest family festivals in Northern Illinois, offers a wide variety of music, kid-friendly events, sports competitions, food booths and more! The main stage venues are located in Byron's downtown area and additional events are held in other venues throughout the city.

CITY: Byron

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

Pleasant Hill Celebration

A great way to celebrate Independence Day with the family! The fireworks display can be seen for miles around. Check back for more details as the weekend approaches.

CITY: Pleasant Hill

Matteson Family Days

The Village of Matteson is proud to present the 29th Annual Matteson Family Days (formerly called Matteson Fest). The event will take place over a 2 day period on Friday, June 28th, 2013 (5pm – 10pm) & Saturday, June 29th, 2013 (12pm – 10pm). Matteson Family Days will be an extravaganza of music, food and entertainment for people of all ages. The event will provide the community with family entertainment, activities for children, appetizing food and much more.

CITY: Matteson

Fight Girl Battle World

From the team that brought you the hit production of Nguyen’s Soul Samurai, comes an action-packed sci-fi saga that blends video projection, puppetry, stage combat, parody and much more into one delicious mix. Set in a futuristic universe where humanity is nearly non-existent, Fight Girl revolves around E-V, a hardnosed prizefighter and the last known female human in the galaxy as she battles to survive. Produced by InFusion Theatre Co.

CITY: Chicago

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

Tea with Edie and Fitz

From Dead Writer’s Playwright in Residence Adam Pasen, Tea with Edie and Fitz chronicles the tempestuous meeting of literary icons Edith Wharton and F. Scott Fitzgerald at her estate for tea in the 1920s. In scenes that jump backward and forward chronologically and span the entire globe (from glittering, expatriate Paris to roaring post-WWI Manhattan), the play examines the lives of two authors at the height of their powers and imagines what may have happened in that meeting that led them to never speak again. Particular attention is paid to their relationships with their equally legendary partners: Fitzgerald and his beautiful and troubled Southern wife, Zelda, and Wharton with the ghost of her mentor and longtime companion Henry James. Tea with Edie and Fitz calls into question themes of gender, sanity, time, the purpose of art and the nature of love and loss.

CITY: Chicago

Ghost Train and Haunted Boxcar

Ride the Ghost Train through Camp Creek Hollow, with a stop at Cemetery Road. Only the brave should walk through the Haunted Boxcar.

CITY: Monticello

The Great River Tug Fest

This is the only tug-of-war across the mighty Mississippi River. On Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., barge traffic, pleasure boats and paddleboats yield the right of way to a 2,400 foot, 680 pound rope that stretches between LeClaire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois. Eleven teams from each side are formed and the side with the most winning teams takes the Alabaster Eagle trophy for that year. Currently the score is tied 10 - 10. A family weekend event filled with carnival rides, live entertainment, a huge parade, scenic 5k run/walk, food, arts and craft vendors and one of the largest fireworks displays (friday night) in the two state area. Admission charged. Festival takes place on the Mississippi River at Port Byron IL Riverfront. Hwy. 67 & Port Byron. Call 309-523-2500 for more information

CITY: Port Byron

Ya Maka My Weekend

Ya Maka My Weekend is a celebration of Caribbean culture, the festival brings the islands to the Quad Cities. Featuring nationally known, as well as regional, reggae and steel drum bands. Visit the open-air marketplace offering authentic island wares. Enjoy Caribbean foods, sand volleyball tournaments and a children's craft area. The family area, featuring a pirate costume contest, limbo contests and street performers, is another highlight of this summer festival. Event hours are Friday 5:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. and Saturday, 12 noon - 12:30 a.m. Admission Admission Charged. Call (309)788-6311 for more information

CITY: Rock Island

Antique Automobile Club of American Grand National Show

View over 300 antique cars on display in the heart of downtown Moline, Illinois and situated on River Drive by the world-famous John Deere Pavilion. Be sure to bring your camera to capture pictures of one-of-a-kind antique cars. Cars line River Drive and are arranged by year. If you like antique cars, this is a show not to be missed.

CITY: Moline

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

The Electric Baby

When a young man is killed in a car accident, a group of fractured souls come together to care for a magical glowing baby. Folk tales and folklore weave throughout this story of sad endings, strange beginnings and the unlikely people that get you from one place to the next. This powerful and moving new play received it’s world premiere last spring at Pittsburgh’s Quantam Theatre and was hailed by the critics as “Enthralling” “Eloquent” And “Glowing.”

CITY: Chicago

Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette

Scott Isringhausen, site interpreter at Pere Marquette State Park, will be presenting informative programs about bald eagles this winter. Visitors will learn to distinguish between immature and mature bald eagles, what eagles eat, why they spend winter months in the area and much more. All programs will begin at the park's visitor center at 8:30 a.m. Reservations are required. There will be a short video presentation followed by an observational drive to view the wintering bald eagles. Please dress warmly and have a full tank of gas. For more information or reservations, call 618-786-3323.

CITY: Grafton

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

Yellow Moon

Writers’ Theatre continues its season with Yellow Moon, by David Greig and directed by Associate Artistic Director Stuart Carden. This is the ballad of Leila and Lee—a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde who learn that they aren’t alone in the world the night that they discover each other. Their wild ramble across the Scottish highlands in search of an absent father is told in a series of lyrical narratives that will immerse audiences in the action, forging a breathless drama of beauty in the darkness.

CITY: Glencoe

Long Grove's 21st Annual Apple Festival

More than 50 distinctive Long Grove shops and restaurants help celebrate the Apple Festival with unique seasonal gifts and foods, including cider donuts, caramel apples and the Long Grove Apple Haus’ famous brown bag apple pie. Live toe-tapping music, carriage rides, hayrides and children’s activities round out the fest.

CITY: Long Grove

Alton Memorial Day Parade

Celebrate Memorial Day by experiencing the oldest consecutive running parade in the entire nation. This parade began in 1868. Celebrate the history of Pie Town, Upper Alton and those who serve our country.

CITY: Alton

Morgan County Fair

65th Annual Morgan County Fair, includes fun for the whole family! Carnival, entertainment, livestock judging and more. Saturday night big headliner entertainment TBA!

CITY: Jacksonville

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival

The Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival is returning to the Garden. Guests can stroll and shop among the 80 juried artists on the Esplanade who will be selling photography, paintings, ceramics, cement, metal, fiber, wood, jewelry, and much more, all with a botanic theme or made from plant materials. Artists will give interactive demonstrations and booth chats throughout the weekend. Also featured at the Art Festival will be family activities. Admission is free, regular parking fees apply.

CITY: Glencoe

Native American Prairie Day

Relive life on the prairie as it was 1,000 years ago with guided tours of the buried Indian village and ceremonial mound, demonstrations of an ancient weapon (atlatl thrower), local archeological collections featuring stone tools, arrowhead points, pottery, trade goods, beads, and even a Woolly Mammoth tooth on display. A native American flute-player, indigenous foods, and face-painting will keep everyone entertained.

CITY: Hanover

The Three Musketeers

In pursuit of his dream of becoming a Musketeer, young d’Artagnan travels to Paris, where he befriends the legendary Three Inseparables: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. His acts of bravery catch the eye of King Louis XIII, but ensnare d’Artagnan in the deadly schemes of Cardinal Richelieu and the beautiful, yet depraved, Milady Clarik. When Constance, the love of his life, is kidnapped on the eve of war, d’Artagnan must weigh his loyalties to king and country, comrades-in-arms, and the callings of his heart. Journey from Paris to London, from countryside taverns to glittering palaces, from a humble Gascon farm to the siege of La Rochelle, in an epic tale of passion, intrigue, and adventure.

CITY: Chicago

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

Ravinia Festival 2013

Another exciting year of entertainment at the Ravinia Festival. With a variety of performances, there is something for everyone. Choose from artists like Journey, Sheryl Crow, Alabama, Seal, Tony Bennett, Steely Dan, BoDeans, Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty and many more. Please visit our website for a complete schedule and to purchase tickets. Bring a picnic or pick up a complete picnic spread at one of the on-site restaurants or kiosks and sit back and enjoy the show.

CITY: Highland Park

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

DAR Governor Duncan Mansion Annual Ice Cream Social

Annual Ice Cream and Dessert Social, held on the lawn of the Governor Joseph Duncan Mansion. Presented by the Reverend James Caldwell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Suggested donation includes cake, ice cream and beverage. All proceeds to benefit the renovation of the Duncan Mansion.

CITY: Jacksonville

A Taste of Christmas Progessive Dinner

Select inns will host appetizers, salads, entrees and dessert, with each guest dining at three different Galena bed-and-breakfasts. Tickets are limited to 50.

CITY: Galena

John Deere Green Iron Days

The John Deere Historic Site will be covered in green during the 13th biennial tractor & equipment show. Enjoy the sights & sounds of hundreds of pre-1979 machines. You can also tour the John Deere home, archaeological excavation site of his original blacksmith shop and see a live demonstration of blacksmithing in a replica of his shop.

CITY: Grand Detour

Northhalsted Market Days

Held on four blocks in one of Chicago's most popular year-round neighborhoods for both city residents and visitors, Northalsted Market Days® is the Midwest's largest two-day street festival. Featuring top-name entertainment, food and vendors galore.

CITY: Chicago

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

Mt. Vernon Fall Festival

This three day October festival in downtown Mt. Vernon includes a beer tent with live entertainment, parade, children's area, food, fun, car show, band competition, pumpkin competition, and so much more!

CITY: Mount Vernon

Masters of the Sky

Witness the "Masters of the Sky" birds of prey demonstration. Come see eagles, falcons, owls and other birds of prey at this educational and informational program presented by the World Bird Sanctuary. Show times at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission fee: $5 for Adults; $3 for children 12 and under; 3 and under are free. Only 10 tickets per person. Also, there will be a free eagle display at noon and 2 p.m. for 30 minutes in the gallery on Feb. 16 - 18. For more information, call the National Great Rivers Museum at (877) 462-6979.

CITY: Alton

Antioch's Taste of Summer

Antioch’s huge summer festival will celebrate its 23rd year in Downtown Antioch offering food, entertainment, carnival, sidewalk sales, and many other activities that make up a great 4 day family fun festival. Dine in the relaxing sunshine, or under the "Big Top" while listening to top entertainment from the Brook Bandshell. Food booths will offer the consumer a fantastic array of foods and drinks featuring Mexican, Chinese, American, BBQ, Italian and many others that will delight people with discriminating tastes. Then stroll through the town for the best sidewalk sales in the area. This year's Taste will offer a section of exhibitors new to Antioch's Taste of Summer! Visit website for more information.

CITY: Antioch

Chicago Pride Parade

The Chicago 44th Annual Pride Parade will showcase GLBT Pride with over 850,000 participants and spectators.The parade contains over 200 registered entries that includes floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands and walking groups.

CITY: Chicago

9th Annual Midwest Nationals Wrestling Tournament

The Midwest Nationals is organized by the Bloomington-Normal Area Sports Commission, Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association, Wrestling Aids and Illinois Coaches Association. Competitors will be matched by weight class in 7 different age divisions. Weight classes will be determined at the weigh-in on Friday, July 12. Competition will begin Saturday at 9:00 am. Those who are interested in participating have until weigh-in on Friday, July 12, from 5-8 pm to register.

CITY: Bloomington

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

12th Annual Country Youth Classic Golf Tournament

The Country Youth Classic golf tournament, one of the largest youth golf tournaments in the United States, will run June 24-26, 2013 at five Bloomington-Normal courses. The event holds competition in 24 divisions, including 8 special needs divisions. Golfers are offered a practice round and two days of competition along with a Parent-Child Tournament and Country Skills Challenge. Last year’s tournament attracted more than 360 golfers, ranging in age from 3 through 22, including participants from six states and two foreign countries.

CITY: Bloomington

A Day in Eagle Country

The limestone bluffs and woodlands that line the Mississippi River Valley offer the American bald eagle an ideal winter roosting site. We invite you to come view the magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Take a day long adventure of eagle and wildlife spotting with Bluff City Tours. The tour includes: transportation by motorcoach or trolley, professional tour guide, continental breakfast and lunch at Pere Marquette. All tours depart from and return to the Upper Level Parking Lot at Alton Square Mall off Homer Adams Parkway in Alton. These tours are scheduled on Wednesdays & Saturdays in January & February.

CITY: Alton

Pal Joey

Pal Joey, the O’Hara, Rodgers & Hart masterpiece introduced the world to the first anti-hero to propel a musical; featuring one of the greatest American musical scores including “I Could Write a Book,” “You Mustn’t Kick it Around,” “Zip” and “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.” The story, based on the book by The New Yorker columnist John O’Hara, focuses on the dirty deeds done by the charming cad Joey Evans. Starting a new job at a seedy south side Chicago nightclub, Joey is soon juggling the affections of a naive shop girl and a wealthy society dame who is also married. Once Joey has charmed the socialite into setting him up in his own joint, Chez Joey, he ditches the shop girl and is riding high, playing the big-time operator. However, life for Joey is never easy and when he is threatened with his affair being leaked to the socialite’s husband his glamorous world is turned upside down.

CITY: Chicago

Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad Steam Train Rides

All aboard as a 36-ton 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, including an antique red caboose reported to be the oldest in the state, and three passenger flatcars for a four-mile ride through farmlands and across a bridge 30 feet above Yellow Creek. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts. Browse for novelties in the Freight House Gift Shop. Visit the Silvercreek Museum filled with early Americana and featuring the 130-ton Cooper Corliss Steam Engine and its over 25-foot fly wheel. An ice cream social with sandwiches, chips, pie, cake and ice cream will be available at the museum. Train: Adults: $7; Children under 12: $3; Cab Rides: $15; Museum: Adults: $3, Children under 12: Free. 11 am - 4 pm.

CITY: Freeport

Festival of Trees

The annual Festival of Trees welcomes visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holidays! The spectacular Christmas décor, entertainment, and special events will entertain all ages. Come and enjoy a wide variety of custom-designed trees, including a selection of celebrity trees, a gingerbread village, unique centerpieces and festive wreaths. All items are available for bid in a silent auction. The Festival of Trees is in its 20th year as a family-centered community event. Proceeds from the festival benefit The Baby Fold, a local organization serving children and families. For more information, please call 309-454-1770 or visit www.festoftrees.org.

CITY: Bloomington

Scarecrow Daze Festival

During the 17th Annual Scarecrow Daze Festival, the entire city of Shelbyville is decorated with scarecrows. With a different theme every year, entrants decorate their homes and businesses to the theme. There is also a large parade on Saturday, kids' games, a beer tent, music, a quilt show, and plenty of food and crafts, in downtown Shelbyville. Held in conjunction with Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest.

CITY: Shelbyville

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

Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games

Come witness and experience what competition is truly about at the Special Olympics Summer Games! Guaranteed good time for the entire family. Competition will be offered in Athletics, Aquatics, Bocce, Unified Bocce, Pentathlon, Gymnastics, Football (Soccer) and Powerlifting. All events are held at Illinois State University in Normal.

CITY: Normal

Illinois State University Homecoming

Homecoming includes a variety of activities, sporting events, parades and receptions for alumni of Illinois State University.

CITY: Normal

American Indian and Ethnographic Show

Historic artifacts on display.

CITY: Collinsville

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

Shelby County 4H & Jr. Fair

One of only a few fairs that still highlight their 4H and Juniors. The fair includes dog care and obedience, judging in livestock, poultry, rabbits, lambs, produce, flowers, plants, and many other subjects. The Food Shack serves plenty of great food each day of the fair manned by the various 4H Clubs in Shelby County. The fair wraps up with the popular livestock auction and team penning.

CITY: Shelbyville

BMW Championship 2013

Lake County and Conway Farms are pleased to host the BMW Championship for 2013. Spectators can purchase tickets to watch the greatest of all players compete for the title. Players like Tiger Woods, Rory Mcllroy, Phil Mickelson, Nick Watney and many more will be playing for a chance at the trophy. Please visit our website for more information. To book a hotel room of 10 or more please contact Teresa@lakecounty.org or call Visit Lake County at (800)525-3669.

CITY: Lake Forest

44th Annual Threshing Show and Antique Display

This show features over 300 gas tractors, steam engines and horse-powered equipment, antique tractor pulls, and horse pulls, along with exhibitors showing threshing, sawmills, blacksmithing, weaving, spinning and chair caning. The shows special features this year will be Massy Tractors and Equipment, Gasoline Alley will feature Odd Ball & Out of the Ordinary engines. Browse the huge flea market and ride the steam train at the depot.

CITY: Freeport

Cedarville Summer Celebration

Free hot dogs, chips, and pop provided by Village of Cedarville. Cake-n-roll, pillow bingo, games for kids, crafts and flea market.

CITY: Cedarville

Street Art Fesival

Artists transform the streets around the historic downtown square into an outdoor art museum as they create fabulous street paintings in chalk. Visitors amble through the streets watching the artists at work as they enjoy a variety of food and beverages, shop at the local artist's expo and listen to live music.

CITY: Highland

Way of Lights

The Way of Lights at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville offers the only light display that tells the Birth of Jesus. The story depicts the “Journey to Bethlehem” and culminates at the nativity. A million white lights, life-size statues and electro-art sculptures bring the story to life. Inside the Visitors Center there are tree & wreath displays, an interactive children's village, choir performances, live animals, camel rides and an indoor laser show making this an evening to remember.

CITY: Belleville

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

South Pacific

Rodgers and Hammerstein's “South Pacific,” awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is considered one of the greatest musicals of all time. Based on James Michener's “Tales of the South Pacific,” the ground-breaking story follows U.S. nurse Nellie Forbush, a cockeyed optimist, who falls in love with a French plantation owner yet struggles to accept his past. The legendary score includes "Some Enchanted Evening," "Younger Than Springtime" and the haunting "Bali Ha'i."

CITY: Lincolnshire

19th Century Christmas at Deere-Wiman House & Butterworth Center

Don't miss these two beautifully decorated Deere family mansions during the holiday season. The 19th Century Christmas features the interiors of the homes decorated for the holidays; along with living-history volunteers, Choir performances, Santa Claus, music, and make-and-take activities for the children. These homes once belonged to the John Deere family and are now operated by the William Butterworth Memorial Trust. Open noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

CITY: Moline

Salute to Freedom

Come to the huge fireworks display at the Mt. Vernon Airport for July 4th. This event also includes live entertainment, children's area, food vendors, and much more!

CITY: Mount Vernon

Eagle Meet and Greet

Come see live eagle demonstrations by the World Bird Sanctuary. See a live bald eagle up close and personal! Ask and learn about their species and habitats. Then, grab your official All Around Alton Eagle Watcher's Guide as you journey out along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway to see eagles in their natural habitat. FREE. For more information, call 1-800-ALTON-IL or go to www.VisitAlton.com.

CITY: Alton

NCAA Men’s & Women’s 2013 National Tennis Championships

Get ready for the thrill of the match as the best collegiate tennis teams and student-athletes from across the country will be in Urbana to showcase their talents and compete for national titles. Sixteen men's and women's teams will compete for the first six days of the tournament to claim the team titles, while a 64-singles player bracket and a 32-doubles team bracket will be played out in the final six days of competition for both men and women.

CITY: Urbana

The Silent Language

The Silent Language, a U.S. premiere, by Serbian playwright Miodrag Stanisavljevic, translated by Zoran Paunovic, is a highly musical and darkly comedic fairy tale. Written in the 1981, The Silent Language is an adaptation of an old Serbian folk tale originally called Nemusti Jezik. It follows the journey of a young village servant named Poor Gasho as he gains the ability to understand the “the silent language.” As defined in this story, it is the language that only animals can speak and understand. On a larger scale, the script also speaks to the things we see and hear in everyday life, but fail to recognize due to our inabilities to listen and focus on details.

CITY: Chicago