Bob Saget Live

The legendary Bob Saget, best known for playing Danny Tanner on "Full House," and hosting America's Funniest Home Videos, will be performing an "R" rated stand-up act at the Effingham Performance Center at 8 p.m. on Friday June 21. Don't forget to buy tickets and enjoy a night of raunchy comedy!

CITY: Effingham

Fishing For Freedom

The Quincy area hosts Veterans from the War on Terrorism for a weekend of fishing the Mississippi River with a volunteer boater to take part in a bass and catfish tournament on Sunday. The public is invited to the Saturday evening banquet at 6pm at the Oakley Lindsay Center, with comedian Longhorn, silent auction and meal for $10. Spectators can enjoy the big fish weigh in on Sunday in Clat Adams Park along with entertainment and vendors.

CITY: Quincy

Malta Days!

Malta Days Festival! Come share the family fun! June 7th,8th, & 9th in downtown Malta, Illinois. You'll find something for everyone, including a carnival, food booths, crafters, business booths, sound stage, pancake breakfast, a car ahow, 5K walk/run, auction and a beer garden. Free stage entertainment all weekend!

CITY: Malta

Bike MS Tour De Farms

Thousand of cyclists to participate in Bike MS: Tour De Farms on June 22 & 23, 2013, in DeKalb. Bike MS: Tour de Farms is one of the largest fundraisers of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter. Children under 12 years old are invited to participate in a special Bike MS course exclusively for junior riders, on Saturday, June 22, at 3 p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older and submit a $15 registration fee. Also on Saturday, five Chicago-based bands will perform from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Residents of DeKalb and the surrounding communities are invited to attend. Registration for Bike MS is open to individual riders, teams, volunteers and virtual riders.

CITY: DeKalb

Stang Arts Studio & Gallery

Stang Arts Studio & Gallery features art classes for both children and adults, along with holding various events throughout the year. The artist, Jamie Stang, also specializes in "paint parties." These parties are great for a group, as they feature great food, drinks, music and art. Jamie helps visitors discover their inner-artist while relaxing in a chic studio-style atmosphere. Check out her gallery while you're there too.

CITY: Effingham

Kansas City Barbeque Society Cook-Off

This fun state-sanctioned cook-off has now become a great annual event! The BBQ Pros will compete for a $6,000 pay out. Come and enjoy great BBQ, drinks and live music every night!!

CITY: Effingham

Effingham County Fair

The annual county fair offers a variety of events for residents and visitors. 4-H and open shows of agricultural products and animals, Queen pageants, horse racing, talent contests, rodeo, demo derby, tractor pulls, and professional entertainment are some of the events you can enjoy while at the County Fair.

CITY: Altamont

A Hog in Dog Heaven - Celebrating 20 Years of Walldogs

The Walldogs, a group of wall muralists and sign painters from around the globe, are celebrating their 20th birthday. We invite you to join in the celebration this summer in Kewanee, Illinois during this five day event. Watch over 190 artists paint 15 historical murals on downtown buildings. Be part of history and join in the fun!

CITY: Kewanee

8 Seasons in Sapmi Exhibit

Step into the northernmost reaches of Europe! The indigenous Sápmi are a people whose nation spans Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. The Sapmi heritage is explored through their artwork and artifacts, and photographs of their traditionally nomadic lifestyle. We invite you to view garments, jewelry, musical instruments and more. Take the back roads this summer and experience our Utopian on the Prairie, Bishop Hill.

CITY: Bishop Hill

Northern Illinois Art Show

Kishwaukee Valley Art League is proud to present the 42nd Annual Northern Illinois Art Show, located on the DeKalb County Courthouse Lawn. You'll find ceramics, fine art, folk art, jewelry, leather crafts, mixed media, oils/acrylics paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture, textiles and woodworking.

CITY: Sycamore

Blacksmith Demonstrations and Tours

Live blacksmith demonstrations and tours at the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead June 9th and 23rd from Noon to 4:00 pm. and on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

CITY: DeKalb

$5 Friday Summer Concerts: Changes in Latitudes

The first concert of the season will feature Changes in Latitude - a tribute to Jimmy Buffett. Tickets are $5 per person. Changes in Latitude is known as one of the country’s premier tribute bands to Jimmy Buffett. The band has 10 members including Steve Kareta (vocals, guitars), Allen Stevens (guitars/vocals), Amy Sullivan (vocals, Jon Berman (saxophone), Clark Seibold (drums), Bob Casinghino (keyboard/vocals), Brandon Marger (percussion), Jason Roseman (steel pan drums) Mark Neveu (bass) and Don Hemmer (pedal steel guitar). For more information call (800) 258-6645 or visit www.riverfrontamphitheater.com.

CITY: Alton

Southern Illinois Music Festival

The 9th annual Southern Illinois Music Festival features over three-dozen performances in venues all over the Southern Illinois region. In addition to the New Chicago Chamber Orchestra, musicians from throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia perform orchestral music, chamber music, opera, ballet, and jazz in an informal and inviting atmosphere. This year’s Festival, titled “Swarm of B's,” runs June 3-23 and features some of our favorite composers that start with the letter "B"—Bach, Brahms, Barber, Bartok and Beethoven to name a few.

CITY: Carbondale

B.B. King Blues Festival

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer B.B. King with opening act, The Stone Electric, will be performing live at the Effingham Performance Center! The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Get your tickets today and take a trip down memory lane with the legendary blues man himself!

CITY: Effingham

Illinois State HOG Rally

Come join us for a ride through roughly 250 miles of majestic Illinois scenery. The journey begins in the "Gem City" of Illinois, Quincy and follows the mighty Mississippi down to a city voted "the most haunted city in America", Alton. After a pit stop in Alton, the journey continues down Old U.S. Highway 40 passing through Vandalia, Illinois' first capitol, and ending in "The Crossroads of Opportunity", Effingham. The Effingham stop will feature a biker blessing, poker stops, a Moonshine run, a ride-in bike show, and to cap it all off, a "Legacy Bash," Saturday evening. Come out to Legacy Harley Davidson to join in all the fun!

CITY: Effingham

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

Old Capitol Blues & BBQs

Two days of award-winning BBQ with local and national Blues talent. Free childrens activities, come to watch the IL Central Blues Club Challenge. An entertainment filled weekend for everyone.

CITY: Springfield

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

Half Century of Progress

Static displays, parts vendors, flea market and of course the nearly 200 acres of cropland to be harvested and tilled during the Half Century of Progress make this a show that has to be seen! Nowhere else can you see vintage machines strut their stuff in real life field conditions as they were built to do, and not just for a few minutes at a time. From the earliest days of tractor power to the horsepower explosion of the 1970's, it will all be represented here and at work in the field, not just sitting and looking pretty.

CITY: Rantoul

Say Cheese Tour

Enjoy a leisurely drive through the rolling hills of Stephenson County and stop at local cheese stores, cheese plants and a winery. Participants include the Cheese Market, Freeport; Miller's Country Cheese, Inc. and Wengers Springbrook Cheese in Davis; Torkelson Cheese Co. in Lena and Famous Fossil Winery in Cedarville. Visit all five locations for a chance to win some great prizes (drawing will be held at 4 pm at Famous Fossil). Stop in at the Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center for your map.

CITY: Freeport

Galesburg Railroad Days

The 36th annual celebration of railroad history in downtown Galesburg. There are several events including a carnival for the kids, rail yard tours, rib cook-off, the Blick 5K & 10K run, plus so much more!

CITY: Galesburg

I&I Antique Tractor Historic Farm Days

Relive historic farming days at this annual four-day event. Plow and tillage field demonstrations, model gas and steam engines, horse and tractor demos, daily antique tractor pulls and country cooking you won’t want to miss. For more information, call 217-351-4133 or visit www.antiquefarm.org.

CITY: Penfield

Country Antique Market, Bishop Hill

Join in the gathering of 60 exceptional proprietors showing and selling their wares on the Colony School lawn. Look and peruse through a vast variety of hard to find specialty collectibles and antiques from early country, primitives, folk art, pottery and textiles. This market is the the place you are longing to explore.

CITY: Bishop Hill

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

Kingston Fest & Kardboard Boat Regatta!

Kingston Fest is a craft and vendor fair, live music and games in the shady Kingston Township Park. Bring your swimsuit and try the new dual slide Water Slide. Race your friends on two huge obstacle courses! Kiddie Bouncer and slide combo are $1 for tickets, 25 cents for other children’s games. Community games will be at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30. There will be horseshoe, bags and softball tournaments. The Kardboard Boat Regatta is always great family fun, watch boats made out of cardboard race on the Kishwaukee River.

CITY: Kingston

Sawyer Brown at Riverfront Amphitheater

Watch nationally-known country band Sawyer Brown at the beautiful Alton Riverfront Amphitheater. Borderline will also be performing. Gates open at 7 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m. Admission is $20. To order tickets, go to http://www.tacopresents.ticketfly.com/.

CITY: Alton

Jersey County Fair

Food, merchandise, vendors and more. A week-long annual county fair offering rare glimpses of livestock, agriculture competitions mixed with nightly entertainment. Don't miss the NTPA tractor and truck pulls, a monster truck challenge, demo derby and Queen competitions. General admission is $2 per person, children under 13 free. Separate pricing for grandstand events.

CITY: Jerseyville

Brown Bag Concert Series

Grab a lawn chair, pick up lunch from a local eatery and head to the Town Square Pavillion for Carbondale Main Street's Brown Bag Concert! Every Wednesday local musicians come together to put on a free show in the heart of downtown Carbondale. Everyone is welcome, but the event emphasizes a family-friendly atmosphere.

CITY: Carbondale

History Comes Alive

Every day for 12 weeks this summer, you’ll be able to take a step back in time as you participate in a whole array of living history performances and programs that will both delight and educate about the Springfield Abraham Lincoln knew and loved for most of his life. From Civil War encampments to White House kitchen chats with Mr. Lincoln himself, there’s something for everyone. Some event may have fee.

CITY: Springfield

Capital City Celebration

How can we celebrate the birth of our nation any other day except July 4? Entertainment starts at noon with local bands, free activities for children. Enjoy food, refreshments and fireworks at dusk.

CITY: Springfield

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

25th Annual Open Horseshoe Tournament

The Danville Horseshoe Club hosts its 25th Annual Open Horseshoe Tournament at Douglas Park with competitors from across the country participating. Registration is $25.00 per person and can be completed by visiting http://www.active.com/miscellaneous-tournament/danville-il/danville-il-25th-annual-open-horseshoe-tournament-2013. Registration must be received no later than Friday, June 29. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories.

CITY: Danville

New Kids on the Block

Come out and see the New Kids on the Block perform live at Rosemont's Allstate Arena. Thursday, July 18th at 7:30 PM and Friday, July 19th at 7:30 PM.

CITY: Rosemont

The National Sports Collectors Convention 2013

Activities include VIP Reception, an Autograph Pavilion, hosted by Tristar Productions Inc, with 70+ athletes. Other activities to be announced. The National offers a full range of sports, entertainment and gaming cards and collectibles, toys, event-used equipment and sports & entertainment autographs. The event is open to the general public July 31-Aug 4, 2013.

CITY: Rosemont

Towboat Festival

Experience "Life on the Mississippi River" at this annual festival. Take free tours of working towboats on the Mississippi River. Enjoy live music, special deals, giveaways and much more. For more information, call (618) 786-7678.

CITY: Grafton

Taste of Downtown & American Music Show

Two days of eclectic and classic cuisine from 20+ restaurants. Also enjoy great music at the American Music Show, free children's entertainmanet. A fun filled family weekend.

CITY: Springfield

Cody Simpson

Come out and see the amazing Cody Simpson, Australian pop singer from Gold Coast, Queensland, live at the Rosemont Theatre Friday, July 5th at 7 PM.

CITY: Rosemont

Danville Dans Baseball

The Danville Dans are a collegiate summer league baseball team which hosts players from around the country! Don't miss one of their 30 home games this year (late May through early August) which are played at historic Danville Stadium. Check their webpage for information on special events happening throughout the season!

CITY: Danville

31st Annual Midwest Heritage Quilt Show

Beautiful quilts, some nearly 100 years old, will be on display at the Vermilion County Museum throughout the month of July. Awards will be given in 9 categories including bed quilts, purses and clothing, and wall hangings.

CITY: Danville

Bloomington Gold Corvette Show

Bloomington Gold is not only the longest running national Corvette event, but also is noted for innovations that have been commonly copied by many other automotive events. Corvette auctions, swap meets, certification, SURVIVOR®, educational seminars and special museum-type displays all began at Bloomington Gold. Over 4,000 Corvettes will descend on Champaign County for the first time and over 1,00 0 are expected to take part in the Gold Tour, showcasing the open roads.

CITY: Champaign

DeKalb Kite Fest

Looking for a fun family day out? The DeKalb Kite Fest is great fun for the whole family whether you choose to make, fly, or just watch the kites fly. There are lots of large beautiful kites that fill the sky. Location: Corner of Lucinda and Kishwaukee Drive DeKalb Kite Fest WhenSunday, Sep 8, 2013 WhereCorner of Lucinda Ave and Kishwaukee Drive, DeKalb (map) DescriptionCorner of Lucinda and Kishwaukee Drive, NIU Campus. Stunt kites, dancing kites, food, and activities for the kids & family. dekalbcountycvb.com

CITY: DeKalb

Genoa Days 2013!

Come enjoy fireworks, great food, live bands & amusement rides at Genoa Days, June 13 - 15. Don't miss the King & Queen Scholarship Contest on Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 at 8:00 PM. Sponsored by Genoa-Kingston Fire Department.

CITY: Genoa

Herscher Labor Day Celebration

Now in its 93rd year, express your patriotism at this three-day event that features a grand parade, sporting events, entertainment, live bands and down home cooking.

CITY: Herscher

Strawberry Jazz Festival

This free event will feature more than 60 arts-and-crafts artisans displaying handmade items, a wide variety of food vendors and continuous entertainment. The festival has grown so large that it now utilizes the entire park. Guests may browse through displays around the grounds and in the Dr. A.L. Small Home, Civic Auditorium and Kankakee County Museum. They also may visit the Old Taylor School House and then stroll through both of the park’s beautiful gardens.

CITY: Kankakee

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

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

Summer Sounds Concert Series

Great live music and drinks every other Friday throughout the summer at Danville's Temple Plaza outdoor stage. Bands include Monkey's X (May 24), Alex Jenkins & The Bombers Blues Band (June 7), Mike Dangeroux Orchestra (June 21), Just Us Band (July 5), Outbound Drive (July 19), and Duke Tomatoe & The Power Trio (August 2).

CITY: Danville

Wieners & Wine

Sleepy Creek Vineyards will provide a fire, hot dogs, and the fixings! Guests are welcome to bring additional food, but all alcoholic beverages must be purchased through the Vineyard. Drink options include wine, slushies, sangria, beer, soda and bottled water. Seating and service is first come, first serve with no reservations beginnging at 5:00 p.m. Guests may bring their own lawn chairs, and last call is 7:45 p.m. as Sleepy Creek will close at promptly 8:00 p.m.

CITY: Fairmount

Kankakee River Fishing Derby

Join us for the Annual Kankakee River Valley Fishing Derby! The Kankakee is a clean river that is a popular destination for recreational canoeing and fishing for warm-water species such as smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye and northern pike. Our fishing derby is a ten-day event providing exciting fun for the whole family and cash prizes are awarded for tagged fish.

CITY: Kankakee

Murphysboro Apple Festival

The Murphysboro Apple Festival is the oldest and largest, alcohol-free festival in southern Illinois. Over 45,000 people attend the festival each year. During the five days of the Apple Festival, there are numerous activities drawing large crowds such as evening stage shows, carnival/concessions, Queen Contest, Prince and Princess Contest, contests from apple pie eating to apple core throwing, firefighters' water fights, marching band competition, car shows, Appletime 5K Walk/Run and much more. In addition, the festival's Grand Parade is one of the largest parade in Southern Illinois. The parade features an average of about 160 total units, 25 of those marching bands, and a variety of groups and organizations.

CITY: Murphysboro

Merchant Street Music Festival

Merchant Street MusicFest brings together an eclectic range of music, artists, food and people to celebrate diversity throughout the community. Merchant Street MusicFest is a FREE two-day music and arts festival at the historic downtown train depot located at 199 S East Avenue in Kankakee, IL. The event is a community celebration featuring local, regional, and national musical talent on 3 stages, fine and folk art vendors and great food and drink. Tempt your tastebuds with our local food vendors' best offerings or just sit back with a cold one and let the melodic sounds wash over you.

CITY: Kankakee

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

Stephenson County Ag Breakfast

A farm breakfast showcasing Stephenson County agriculture producers with a menu of orange juice, coffee cake, scrambled eggs, whole hog sausage, beef bacon, cheese, milk, coffee and ice cream. Additional activities include entertainment, a petting zoo, craft show, games and more as we salute and share the story of Stephenson County agriculture. Adults: $4; Children 5 and under: Free

CITY: Freeport

Walleye Contest Weekend!

Shabbona has a potential state record walleye swimming around! Over the years we have heard several unverified reports of 10 plus pound Walleye. 1st Place winner will receive their choice of $100 gift certificate at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental or an all-day weekday Pontoon or all day weekday Bass Boat Rental. 2nd place has their choice of $50 gift certificate at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental or an all-day weekday Motor Boat Rental. 3rd place receives their choice of $25 gift certificate at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental or an all-day Weekday Kayak or Canoe Rental. Come on out and enjoy the fun!

CITY: Shabbona

Vermilion County Fair

Favorite carnival rides and fair food will be available all week, along with grandstand events including tractor pulls, a demo derby, queen and little miss pageants, and flat track racing!

CITY: Oakwood

Rockford Aviators Professional Baseball - Home Games at Aviators Stadium

The Rockford Aviators are a member of the Frontier League of Professional Baseball, the longest operating independent professional baseball league in the country. Home games are played at Aviators Stadium. Visit the website for the roster and promotions.

CITY: Loves Park

Thee Old Time Farm Show

Stroll down the rows of old tractors and equipment, visit the operating exhibits of old gas engines, steam engines, the sawmill, threshing and corn shelling. Ask the operators to explain their exhibits and learn about the agricultural equipment that is "Part of America's Heritage". On July 7 come and cheer on the second annual antique tractor pull after the Parade of Power.

CITY: Bradley

July 4th Concert and Fireworks

Kankakee Community College will host a pops concert and fireworks show in celebration of July 4th. The Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk.

CITY: Kankakee

Middletown Homecoming

Middletown's second annual homecoming will include antiques, autos, music of all genres, food, local royalty, a parade, crafts, kids' games, raffles, cash drawings, fireworks, a community church service and a quarter raffle.

CITY: Middletown

Acting Out Theatre Company presents "Chicago"

Acting Out Theatre Co. is producing the widely popular Broadway show, Chicago, the Musical, on July 26, 27, and 28, 2013 in downtown Momence. Chicago is a universal tale of fame, fortune, and “All That Jazz” that is full of one show-stopping song after another and “Razzle Dazzle” dance numbers. This popular sensation has been honored with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and thousands of standing ovations! We will build a temporary stage in the middle of Washington Street to perform this musical and in keeping with the era, will feature a “speakeasy” each night before show time. The speakeasy will feature food and drink of that roaring era gone by. “Rouge your knew and grab you buckle shoes” and we will see you in Momence! Tickets available June 1.

CITY: Momence

Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival

The stages will be sure to be rocking all day, showcasing our featured Blues bands and singers, featuring such artists as Eric Sardinas, Shirley Johnson, Jerry Lee & the JuJu Kings and Shane Dwight. This street festival also features some the nations top, and award-winning so it will be hard to go home hungry.

CITY: Champaign

Kelloggs's Grove Living History

The Kellogg's Grove Living History will be held at the Black Hawk War Monument, on Monument Road east of Kent. The event will feature period cooking, musket firing demonstrations, milita drills, large Pit Saw Rig, talks and speeches on the Battle of Kellegg's Grove and the Balckhawk War. Author Patrick Jung will be the featured speaker. Jay Castro will be on site displaying his Lincoln statue. Please bring seating and picnic baskets and enjoy a slice of 1830's.

CITY: Kent

BBQ Fest on the River

A BBQ competition, vendors, beer tent, carnival, kids zone, car show, walk/run, and bean bag tourney. Kicking it off on Friday night Chicago 80’s tribute band Poison d Crue will perform on the Miller stage followed by 80’s rock icons Warrant and Great White who will perform on the Centrue Bank stage. Friday times are 6:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. Saturday’s country day begins at 11:00 a.m. through 12:00 a.m. On this eventful country day we will see local crowd favorites E3PO and Jason Bertrand perform before giving way to The Makena Hartlin Band on the Miller stage. Country stars Emerson Drive and Jack Ingram take over the Centrue Bank stage at 8:00 p.m. Sunday Blue’s lovers will take in the sweet sounds of Larry McCray for only $5. Sunday hours run from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A full listing of activities are available at kvpd.com including the full music lineup, wing eating contest, 5k run+walk/2,013 yard dash, car, truck, & motorcycle show, carnival, police vs. fire tug-of-war, kids zone and of course the BBQ cook-off competition!

CITY: Kankakee

Chicago Bears Training Camp

Whether you're a hardcore football nut, or you just want to give the family a Bears experience they'll never forget, Bears training camp in Bourbonnais is the place to be! Every summer the Chicago Bears descend on Olivet Nazarene University for training camp, where fans can attend free family events and meet the players. Please visit the website for dates and times.

CITY: Bourbonnais

Fireworks at the MB Financial Park

Come out and enjoy a free fireworks show at the MB Financial Park in Rosemont. Starting 10 PM on June 6th, July 3rd & August 8th.

CITY: Rosemont

Pepper Fest

Celebrate the pepper harvest, a favorite gathering for all chile heads and hot pepper fans. From 11am to 5pm, walk the pepper field and see many varieties of hot peppers in bloom, meet the vendors and see who makes the best hot/spicy food, visit the Pepper Farm Store and select your favorite salsa, jellies, spices and pepper products, relax, visit with friends, enjoy great local music and soak in great southern Illinois pepper heat.

CITY: Cobden

Bourbonnais Friendship Festival 2013

During the five days of fun, rides, games, shows, beer garden, parades, teen Idol, baby contest and more. You are bound to see astronauts, Martians, the Jetsons, Buzz Lightyear, Luke Skywalker and more as you orbit the festival grounds.

CITY: Bourbonnais

Celtic Woman at Ravinia

This group of ladies have been described as being "Riverdance for the voice." The group has undertaken a number of world tours. Cumulatively, albums by Celtic Woman have sold over 6 million records worldwide. With such a variety of music and so much talent this is sure to be a great show.

CITY: Highland Park

Pretzel City 5K Run

This is a great run whether you are a novice looking to run your first 5K, or a seasoned competitior looking to beat your personal best time. Part of the Rockford Runners Circuit. Krape Park: Registration begins at 7 am, race begins at 8 am. Registration Fee: $30 for all ages.

CITY: Freeport

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens - Anderson Japanese Gardens

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens is a casual, weeknight opportunity for friends and family to gather and socialize in a truly beautiful and unique setting. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets packed with a light summer supper. Guests are not permitted to carry in their own beverages. There will be local food vendors on site. Bottled water, soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

CITY: Rockford

American Idol

American Idol® Live! returns this summer for another hit tour to showcase the season's talented top Finalists. Come out see the contestants from American Idol perform live.

CITY: Rosemont

Arlington Million

The Arlington Million brings together horses, owners, trainers, jockeys and fans from every corner of the world. Immerse yourself in the Arlington Million experience... history and tradition, special performances, fashionable apparel, and delectable cuisine.

CITY: Arlington Heights

Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor 2013

Six Flags Great America is fun for the whole family with 14 heart-pounding roller coasters, a free water park with over 30 heart pounding water slides, spectacular shows and parades, family rides and big pint-sized fun for the kids with children's areas and over 35 rides for the little ones. New for 2013 is the igNIGHT - Grand Finale, a mesmerizing and vibrant nighttime spectacle bursting with energy, vivid colors, brilliant visual effects, lively performances, fascinating imagery, and pure imagination. Riptide Bay, the newly expanded water park that boasts more slides and attractions was added in Hurricane Harbor in 2011! Catch a wave at the only place to surf on Lake Michigan.

CITY: Gurnee

Red, White & BOOM! Fireworks

Join us for the 4th of July on the Riverfront for one of the biggest fireworks show in the country! Activities and prime viewing space for "Methodist Red, White and BOOM!" will be plentiful along Peoria's and East Peoria's Riverfront.....from open grass area near the Riverplex to Liberty Park, you'll find food and beverage vendors, live entertainment, radio station remote broadcasts and much more. For more information please visit our website.

CITY: Peoria

Fleetwood Mac

The Grammy Award-winning group rocked the world of music with the 1977 album, Rumours and on the record's 35th anniversary, they're celebrating with thousands of fans. Don't wait for your chance to hear Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famers, Fleetwood Mac LIVE at Allstate Arena on June 14th at 8pm.

CITY: Rosemont

Rockford City Market

From May through mid-October, the Rockford City Market features local growers and vendors who sell natural products and unique retail items, live music, demonstrations and kids' activities.

CITY: Rockford

Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival

Town-wide activities associated with the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival include hot air balloon launches and glows, teathered balloon rides, giant kite demonstrations, pro wrestling, carnival, live entertainment, Heritage in Flight Museum, bocce ball and bags tournaments, The Art of Wine, KCBS BBQ Contest, food concessions, a beer garden, a Fine Art Fair, a children's art fair, a flea market and craft fair, a used book sale, trolley rides, a vintage car show, a farmer's market and a YMCA Family Bike Ride.

CITY: Lincoln

Super City Blues & Ques

Friday night is the "anything but" competition, with open entries for entrees, sides, sauces and sweets. Each entry is $25, and monetary prizes up to $75 are awarded in each category. Vendors start selling at lunchtime, and live music starts in the afternoon. The beer garden will open in the late afternoon, and will be located next to the stage. Saturday is the Kansas City BBQ Society competition, with the grand champion winning $1000 plus a 6' trophy. Vendors will be selling all day and bands will start in the afternoon and play until 10:00 PM. Also on Saturday, there will be "touch a tractor" for the kids, and an arts and crafts fair for everyone

CITY: Metropolis

Carbondale Community Friday Night Fair

Enjoy some of the best of what Carbondale has to offer every Friday during the summer, when the arts & entertainment scene unites with local farmers and craftsmen to create a fun, family-friendly festival. Hosted in Carbondale's historic Town Square Pavillion, the fair includes kids activities, a farmer's market, craft vendors, live music and more, all free of charge.

CITY: Carbondale

Harvard Milk Days

Illinois' longest-running festival. Includes a carnival, food, petting zoo, races, fireworks, parade and much more.

CITY: Harvard

DeKalb Corn Fest

Corn Fest is one of the last, free, summer, music festivals among Illinois music and summer festivals in Illinois. Well over 100,000 people from around Illinois and the Midwest attend the music festival over a three day weekend. This festival features a carnival complete with rides and games, food booths, free live music, kiddie korner with large inflatables, family entertainment and much more. Friday night is carnival wristband nights for the kids with unlimited rides from 6-10pm. Festival areas feature food and business vendor booths, and a beer garden The festival hours are: Friday, August 30th, 3pm-11pm, Saturday, August 31st, 11am-11pm, Sunday, September 1st, 11am-6pm.

CITY: DeKalb

Stephenson County Fair

Old fashioned county fair, with livestock shows, home-ec and commercial exhibits, food vendors, and grandstand events including youth night, tractor pulls, FMX Freestyle Motocross, demo derby, musical entertainment. Free on-grounds entertainment including an animal show, wood carver, and other children oriented performers and exhibits. Country Music Entertainer Kellie Pickler will be the headliner on Saturday, July 13 with one show on the Grandstand's main stage. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating, and $12 for Grandstand seating. Tickets go on sale June 10 at 9 am.

CITY: Freeport

Taste of Champaign-Urbana

Find your new favorite restaurant. The one that would make you willingly wait in a long line, travel miles and miles, and create special occasions just to visit. The Taste of Champaign-Urbana will aid you on your adventure to culinary discovery with 25 food vendors to tempt your taste buds. More than that, “Taste of C-U” will entertain you with free live music. It will expand your knowledge of hidden artistry within the Champaign-Urbana community. All this in one whirlwind of a weekend, June 21-23 at West Side Park in Champaign, IL. Come out and join in on the fun!

CITY: Champaign

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

THURSDAY-FRIDAY-SATURDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 8-9-10-11, 2013 Show Hours: Thursday, August 8, 2013 - 12 NOON - 8pm Friday, August 9, 2013 - 12 NOON - 8pm Saturday, August 10, 2013 - 10am - 7pm Sunday, August 11, 2013 - 10am - 5pm All full-price attendees will receive a limited-edition, exclusive cover variant of The Walking Dead #1 by TBD! Artist will be on hand to sign. Extremely limited quantities are available to fans only while supplies last! **Children 10 and under get in FREE when accompanied by a paid adult (Limit 2 Per Paid Adult Tickets). All show tickets will be e-mailed AND available as a pdf file after purchase.**

CITY: Rosemont