Balloon Fest

A fun filled family weekend featuring over 40 hot air balloons, balloon glows Friday and Saturday, entertainment throughout each day, fireworks, car show, craft fair, children's activity area and more.

CITY: Centralia

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

Deerfield's Annual Fine Arts Festival

Fun for the whole family featuring art from across the U.S., live music, catered festival food, kid's art activities and more! Artists representing media such as painting, photography, jewelry, fiber, sculpture, mixed media and ceramics hail from 20 states will be exhibiting. New this year will be Dancing in the Streets with the Big Band Sound of Deerfield, featuring Bob Gand, followed by Blue Road Band, featuring Special Guest Shirley King.

CITY: Deerfield

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

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

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

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

Pork Day U.S.A.

The day includes a colorful parade in the morning followed by entertainment, pageants, drawings for pork products, games, kids tractor pull, contests, raffles and vendors. The best traditional food: pork burgers, barbecue pork, bratwurst, pork chops, chicken and more to help stave off the hunger!

CITY: Albion

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

15th Annual Route 66 Festival

The second weekend of June every year, the Edwardsville Route 66 Festival welcomes 100-150 classic cars touring the state as part of the annual Illinois Route 66 Association Motor Tour. The two day event includes food entertainment, classic car show, children's area with inflatables and activities, beer tent, bike ramble, 10K run and more!

CITY: Edwardsville

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

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

July 4th Celebration

Bring the family and enjoy the best views of the fireworks over the Mississippi River at this family-friendly event. There will be magicians, jugglers, face painters and more on hand to entertain. This is a no-alcohol event with 24 hours security.

CITY: East St. Louis

National Road Music Festival

Pretend you're on a train going from California to New York. Along the way, you'll hear music from Rock n' Roll to Country to Gospel...and that's exactly what will happen at this festival in Historic Downtown Vandalia. Both days, there will be craft and food vendors of all kinds and constant entertainment.

CITY: Vandalia

Greenville Graffiti Car Show

The Greenville Graffiti Car Show is a nostalgic day of classic cars, Hollywood stars, oldies music, and great food. Donna Douglas, who played Elly Mae Clampett on "The Beverly Hillbillies," one of the most popular television series in the 1960s, is the featured celebrity at this year's event. She will sign autographs, participate in a special question and answer session with fans and serve as a celebrity judge. The car show (open to 1985 and older cars and trucks), features a variety of contests, food and fun. Also appearing is Ronnie Rice, lead singer of the group New Colony Sic. The group was founded in Chicago and went on to success when they signed with Mercury Records.

CITY: Greenville

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

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

Greene County Fair

Join us at the fair, June 15 - 23. This traditional county fair has been around since 1856 and continues to provide fun for the whole family! Don't miss the great food, entertainment, the annual Queen and Little Miss pageants, carnival rides, animal judging, demolition derby, harness racing, commercial vendors, and live music! Admission fee is collected at the gate.

CITY: Carrollton

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mendota Sweet Corn Festival

The Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the gigantic undertaking of hosting over 60,000 visitors, who consume nearly 50 tons of sweet corn during the festival weekend. Free musical entertainment is in abundance. The Crafters Market Place and flea market features over 200 dealers in hand made crafts and unique merchandise. There is a Queen Pageant, beer garden with live bands, grand parade and a carnival with rides and games for both adults and children, plus much more. The midways are lined with food booths, featuring a multitude of ethnic, regional and festival foods, but the "BIG EVENT" is the serving of the free Del Monte sweet corn on Sunday afternoon. For over 60 years, it has been cooked to its golden goodness with the help of a vintage steam engine. The good times are waiting, the welcome mat is out, come to Mendota for one of the Midwest's oldest and largest harvest festivals, the 66th annual Sweet Corn Festival.

CITY: Mendota

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heritage Tractor Adventure

Save the date! A four day adventure tractor drive combining vintage tractors and displays with a historic ride along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Corridor, Max Armstrong (Famous agriculture reporter), entertainment, great food, and camaraderie. Stops in Streator, Ottawa, Sheridan, Pontiac, and Toluca. Whether a spectator or a participant, everyone in your family will enjoy this family-oriented event.

CITY: Streator

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

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

Zion's 27th Nostalgia Days

Come out and enjoy the 27th Annual Nostalgia Days Carnival and Car Show. Listen to live music and DJ's, play our trivia games to win great prizes. Antique and Custom car show and cruise. Dance at 6:30pm on Friday night with outdoor movies following. Carnival rides, food vendors, lawn mower races, climbing wall, games and fun for everyone.

CITY: Zion

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

Christmas Wonderland

Begin your holiday celebration escaping from the chaos of the season and experiencing the enchantment of Christmas at the "Christmas Wonderland" holiday light display. The "Grandpa Gang" has been at it again transforming Rock Springs Park in Alton, Illinois into a Winter Wonderland. Visitors can drive through the park to view more than 2 million lights, cascading waterfalls of lights, lighted trees and displays, and visit Santa Claus in the Enchanted Forest. Christmas Wonderland 2009 will be open from November 27th through December 27th. The suggested donation is $7 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people. Carriage rides will be available with advanced reservations by calling Greatting Horse Farm at 618-458-6986. For more information about Christmas Wonderland, call 1-866-465-7890.

CITY: Alton

Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame Banquet

The goals of the Route 66 Association of Illinois are to preserve, promote, educate and enjoy Route 66 in Illinois. Each year, the association honors people who have helped to make the Mother Road what it is today. The association's annual Hall of Fame Banquet will honor the accomplishments of past Hall of Fame inductees and introduce 2013 inductees and their accomplishments. Members of the annual auto tour will overnight in Lincoln as they make their way across Illinois on the famous highway.

CITY: Lincoln

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

Mount Pulaski Fall Festival

Mount Pulaski Fall Festival is held on the downtown square, around the original courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. Activities include food, a carnival, a parade, a local history museum, children's activities and local royalty. Visitors can also enjoy murals that highlight the town's history.

CITY: Mount Pulaski

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

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

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

Crappie Contest Weekend!

We are in a cycle of very large Crappie in Shabbona Lake. This should be an outstanding event, with some very hefty weights being recorded. Crappie have to be a minimum of 12" to qualify for a weigh in, and there should be several!!! May 18th & 19th are the dates for the Crappie Contest Weekend at Shabbona Lake. This is not an event you will want to miss. Prizes: 1st Place – 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 - Choice of $50 gift certificate at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental or an all-day weekday Motor Boat Rental. 3rd Place - Choice of $25 gift certificate at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental or an all-day Weekday Kayak or Canoe Rental. For more information, please visit our website. Sponsored by Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental

CITY: Shabbona

The 13th Annual Celebration of Summer at Lehmann Park

Come join us in celebrating summer. Thursday there will be a "A Play in the Park". Friday night will be Teen Night for ages 11-16 and will be well supervised. The fun continues Saturday with carnival rides, music and a free fireworks show. Sunday brings Kroozers' car show, carnival rides, games and cardboard boat races.

CITY: Lake Villa

St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest

Put on your Lederhosen and get your stein ready for this popular Oktoberfest in Chicago's upscale West Lakeview neighborhood that's celebrating its 13th year in 2013. Attendees can enjoy traditional German foods, great beers, and enjoy an eclectic music lineup on both indoor and outdoor stages with local pop acts and traditional Bavarian bands. An added draw for kids and families is the popular "Kinderfest" on Sunday.

CITY: Chicago

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

Music On Chicago

Enjoy Freeport's historic downtown with this music fest featuring two bands, great food and a beer garden. The June concert features 70s music. The July concert features the Blues; and the August concert features Rock n' Roll. Adults: $5; Children 5 and under: Free.

CITY: Freeport

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

Basu Herb Farm Festival

Come see a working farm and learn more about practices like organic farming. Activities will include a farmers market, herb walks, children's games, guest speakers, seminars, drummers, African dancers, positive hip-hop, an open mic and more.

CITY: Pembroke Township

Great River Eagle Days

To celebrate the return of our National bird, the great Bald Eagle, the Standing Bear Council, the US Army Corp of Engineers and the Quincy Area CVB host Great River Eagle Days at the Oakley Lindsay Center and Lock & Dam 21 for viewing. The public is invited to the free activities at the civic center, Black Fox Singers, Native American dancers, vendors, food, live raptors and an eagle watch.

CITY: Quincy

Guinness Oyster Fest

Fresh & cooked oysters, great live music and—of course—great autumn beers combine to help kick off the unofficial start of fall at this acclaimed weekend festival held in Chicago’s trendy Roscoe Village neighborhood. Celebrating its 15th year in 2013, this popular fest also features an eclectic music lineup that includes several acclaimed Irish music acts.

CITY: Chicago

Civil War Ball, Dinner and Style Show

Logan Rail splitting Association will sponsor its annual Civil War Ball and this year is adding a dinner and style show. Civil War era clothing is encouraged, but dancers are also welcome to come in modern casual attire. Never danced before? Don't worry. Instructors are available to walk newcomers through the dances. All ages welcome.

CITY: Lincoln

Des Plaines Summer Fling

It's a weekend-long shindig for both the community and its neighbors when Des Plaines Summer Fling returns for its second year to the near-northwest suburb. Back again will be a non-stop music lineup, arts & craft vendors, kids' activities (including pony rides and a petting zoo), food vendors and carnival rides (which kick off the weekend early on Thursday, July 18). Among the music performers in 2012 are '60s/'70s pop legends the Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik and '70s pop/teen idol David Cassidy.

CITY: Des Plaines

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

Now celebrating its fourth year, this fest has tapped a new level of popularity among the public for Chicago summer festivals! The crowds are large, the music first-class, and the showcase vendors are among the most acclaimed restaurants and burger hot spots in the city!

CITY: Chicago

Atlanta, IL Electric Vehicle Cruise-in

A free, public Electric Vehicle Cruise-In will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. along the original Mother Road in historic downtown Atlanta. The cruise-in is sponsored by the Atlanta Betterment Fund. Enjoy cool EV cars and a chance to learn more about how the Mother Road is working to give birth to a new travel infrastructure. All electric and hybrid cars are invited to participate in the cruise-in. The event will also feature vintage music, great food, a 50/50 drawing and hourly drawings.

CITY: Atlanta

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

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

HRC Chicago Gala Dinner

The Chicago Gala is a night of excitement honoring HRC’s most significant allies, both inside and outside the LGBT community. It is also a chance to celebrate recent accomplishments and look at future goals that have yet to be conquered. The Chicago Gala is the Human Rights Campaigns’ largest fundraiser in the Midwest, and directly contributes to the work they are doing locally and nationwide.

CITY: Chicago

Harvard Milk Days

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

CITY: Harvard

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

Festival de La Villita

The largest celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the Midwest takes place in the heart of Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. Celebrating its 24th year in 2013, Festival de La Villita (aka Little Village Festival) is a grand community gala that officially commemorates Mexico's independence from Spanish rule. And on Sunday, the crowds get even bigger as the festival is the end location of the 26th Street Parade—one of the largest in the city.

CITY: Chicago

Pembroke Rodeo

The Pembroke Rodeo is one of the largest traveling rodeo's in Illinois. The rodeo features exciting rodeo events; bare back riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, relay races, barrel racing, flag races and bull riding. Don't miss the extras: down-home eats, fun for the kids and family-friendly atmosphere.

CITY: St. Anne

Budweiser Illinois Blues Fest

Can't wait to see you all at the 25th annual Budweiser Illinois Blues Festival August 30 & 31, 2013. Featuring great blues entertainment on three stages on the beautiful Peoria Riverfront! Considered one of the top blues festivals in the Midwest, the Budweiser Illinois Blues Festival comprises two days of internationally known Blues artists and workshops. For more information, please visit http://www.illinoisbluesfestival.com

CITY: Peoria

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

Carbondale Downtown Art & Wine Fair

The Downtown Art & Wine Fair is a super-cool downtown festival that combines local and regional art, music, wine and of course, fun! From 3-9 pm, you can tap your toes to jazz and blues, view and buy art and crafts from over 30 vendors, sample and purchase wine, and a have a unique, awesome experience!

CITY: Carbondale

Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival

The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival presented by MasterCard is all about celebrating the world-class Magnificent Mile shopping experience. Shopping Festival attendees receive VIP treatment with exclusive in-store offers and events, celebrity appearances, fashion shows, culinary celebrations, outdoor concerts, fabulous hotel packages, special perks for MasterCard cardholders and much more. The Shopping Festival is the perfect opportunity to book an end-of-summer getaway to The Magnificent Mile to enjoy an unforgettable lineup of events.

CITY: Chicago

Franklin Grove Summer Harvest Festival

The 34th Annual Franklin Grove Summer Harvest Festival is a city-wide celebration of the area's heritage with a wide variety of activities and events for all to enjoy. The festival includes a pancake breakfast, village-wide yard sales, tours of the H.I. Lincoln Building, the Franklin Grove Art & Fiber Festival, the Living History Antique Equipment Show and parade plus tours of the Franklin Creek Grist Mill and Nachusa Grasslands. Many of the Summer Harvest Festival activities and events will take place at Chaplin Creek Village which will also host live blue grass and folk music, draft horse and mule jamboree The Chaplin Creek Muzzle Loaders encampment, 19th century prairie village demonstrations and more.

CITY: Franklin Grove

Steamboat Festival and Classic

Taking place on the Riverfront in downtown Peoria, the 42nd annual Steamboat Days Festival combines a bigger, better carnival, delicious food and drinks, great musical entertainment and more in a family-friendly atmosphere! Don't miss the return of the All American Lumberjack Show, great regional and local bands, and many other activities and attractions. The Steamboat Classic is regarded as the "World's Fastest Four Miles," "Illinois Toughest 15k" and "Peoria's Easiest 4K," these running events are open and cater to runners and walkers of all ability levels. Put on by the Illinois Valley Striders.

CITY: Peoria

Ottawa 2Rivers Wine and Jazz Fest

Wine - Food - Jazz - and Lobster! Join the city of Ottawa for this splendid summer festival featuring over 20 Illinois wineries, food demonstrations, and live jazz music! Wine will be sold by the glass and bottle. Wristbands will be available. Live Fresh Main Lobsters available with advance purchase. Don't forget to check out the antiques market on Main St and the Garden and botanical arts vendors on Court St. For more information, please visit our website.

CITY: Ottawa

World Environment Day

Support your local planet: a day to take action. Conservation is a big term that covers a lot of ground: that’s why Chicago Botanic Garden set aside a full day to explore conservation and sustainability on World Environment Day, Saturday, June 1. It’s a day to learn about topics large and small, from climate change to backyard composting.

CITY: Glencoe

Sting at Ravinia

Tickets go on sale in the spring for this don't-want-to-miss show. As a solo musician and member of The Police, Sting has received 16 Grammy Awards for his work, three Brit Awards, winning Best British Male in 1994, a Golden Globe, an Emmy Award, and several Oscar nominations for Best Original Song. He is a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

CITY: Highland Park

Taste of Latin America

This truly unique food festival, celebrating its second year is 2013, will be a gala weekend celebration all things Central and South American! Eclectic international cuisine, live music, arts & crafts and much more will be part of this festival's mix that showcases a rich multi-country heritage and Latin culture.

CITY: Chicago

Fall Farm Day

Fall Farm Days in Logan County means a trip to Gail's Pumpkin Patch for pick-your-own pumpkins, farm tours, cider, homegrown honey and other fall treats.

CITY: Beason

Vernon Hills Summer Celebration 2013

Join in the fun for 4 days of food, carnival rides, bingo, children's activities and free entertainment and a huge beer tent. Bring a blanket but leave the coolers home; no alcohol can be brought into the park. Please visit the website for a complete lineup of live entertainment.

CITY: Vernon Hills