Chicago Cubs Opening Day

Celebrate the unofficial start to spring with the Chicago Cubs home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers. First pitch is at 1:20pm at the historic Wrigley Field.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago White Sox Opening Day

Celebrate the unofficial start to spring with the Chicago White Sox home opener against the Kansas City Royals. First pitch is at 3:10pm at US Cellular Field.

CITY: Chicago

White Hall Drag-O-Way Fifth Friday Cruise-In

Burn rubber to White Hall in your vintage wheels or hot rod to show off your ride at the Fifth Friday Cruise-In. No entry fee, no "judging," just a bunch of car folks who like to drive their cars and get together with like-minded enthusiasts. Show starts at 4pm. Enjoy a meal while you’re there, as the event takes place at the San Jose Restaurant’s parking lot – if it's warm enough, there will be hand-dipped ice cream available. So stop by with your vintage wheels or just come out to admire the sweet rides.

CITY: White Hall

Rock Island Grand Prix

The world's best drivers come to compete for one of go-karting's largest cash purses with payouts through ninth place. Last year attracted more than 30,000 spectators to the two days of racing. Festival week includes nightly outdoor concerts, driver's parade, fan autograph session and special Sunday post-race awards ceremony. There are also food and merchandise booths, kid's activities and other race-related activities. Free admission.

CITY: Rock Island

Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Shows

Enjoy this professional water ski team as they perform on the Rock River with jumps,human pyramids and more. Great fun for all ages and admission is free. Shows are offered every Wednesday and Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day beginning at 6:30pm.

CITY: Rock Island

Funfest for Air-cooled VW

This FunFest is Mid America Motorworks way of saying "Thank You" to all VW enthusiasts. The three-day event is the best Air-Cooled enthusiasts party anywhere. Expect to see more than 1,000 VWs and 8,000 enthusiasts. This is not your typical car show. With non-juried fun judging, one of a kind expert seminars and a guest list including some of the best-known names in the VW world, it's no wonder that Funfest has become a must-attend event.

CITY: Effingham

Tri-Shark Triathlon Classic

Do you have what it takes? The Tri-Shark Triathalon is Central Illinois' most acclaimed triathlons. This is a 600yd / 13 miles / 5K triathlon in Comlara County Park in Hudson. The race is directed by Tri-Mom Events, LLC.

CITY: Hudson

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

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

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

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

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

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

State Farm Holiday Classic

Witness America's largest co-ed high school basketball tournament at four venues across Bloomington-Normal: Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center, the U.S. Cellular Coliseum, Normal Community High School and Normal West High School.

CITY: Bloomington

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

1st Annual Mud Run

1st Annual Mud Run sponsored by assault and Abuse Services features a 5K run over obstables and through water and mud. Obstables are of varing difficulties and offers fun for the whole family.

CITY: Freeport

Tempel Lipizzans Performances

Witness artistry and history come to life as the Tempel Lipizzan stallions enchant audiences with their power, intelligence and grace. From the play of newborn foals to the leaps of athletic stallions, the Tempel Lipizzans are an experience for the entire family. This unique performance set to music has become a Lake County favorite. Evening performances are scheduled 6pm for Saturdays June 8, 15, 22, July 6, 13, 20, August 3, 10, 17 and 5pm on September 14. Evening Toast and Performance held on June 8th and September 14th to celebrate the beginning and end of the season with advance tickets only. Matinee performances are scheduled for 1pm Sundays and Wednesdays, June 30, July 24, 28, August 21 and 25 and September 8 and 22.

CITY: Wadsworth

Illinois Wesleyan University Homecoming

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

CITY: Bloomington

Kankakee Regatta

Experience power boat racing from both sides of the beautiful Kankakee River, then enjoy entertainment, food and festivities along its banks. Get an autograph at one of the meet and greets with the drivers, view the antique boats or sit back and enjoy the racing from the hospitality tent.

CITY: Kankakee

State Farm Illinois Collegiate Softball Championship

The Bloomington-Normal Area Sports Commission presents the 6th annual, State Farm Illinois Collegiate Softball Championship on September 21-22, 2012 at Champion Fields in Normal. There will be 24 games played over the two days. The tournament is hosted by the Bloomington-Normal Area Sports Commission and Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, with cooperation of the Town of Normal Parks and Recreation Department and Illinois State University Athletics. State Farm serves as the title sponsor. To view a schedule of day one match-ups, visit the website.

CITY: Normal

Gus Macker Max Hoopster 3on3 Basketball Tournament

Gus Macker Basketball Tournament is a tournament designed by players for players, entertaining for the spectators and a wholesome, family event. Teams of 4 (3 players, 1 sub) compete in this competition. Cost is $132 per team.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Out at Wrigley

The nation's largest annual LGBT sporting event is growing even more this year, adding a special prize for a finalist of the annual national anthem contest and adding the induction of the new National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame to create a weekend-long LGBT sports event. The weekend kicks off at the Center on Halsted at 6:00 on Friday, August 2nd.

CITY: Chicago

Dixon Petunia Festival

Come to Dixon, the Petunia Capitol of Illinois, for the 49th annual celebration in the Hometown of President Ronald Reagan. Headline entertainment will be The Spin Doctors and a new family event will be the Brush, Bloom and Boom painting competition for all ages. In addition to a kids carnival every day, there will be fireworks on the 4th, a parade, 14th annual Reagan 5K run, the men’s garden club pancake breakfast, bags tournament, Elks Lodge poker tournament, Dixon Municipal Band concert, community worship service, a fishing derby and an art show.

CITY: Dixon

American Thresherman Show

The evening events for this five day steam and antique tractor show will feature a horse pull, antique tractor pull and, on Friday and Saturday nights, Illinois Tractor Pulling Associating pulls. Thursday night, head uptown for the big parade. The day events include plowing with horses, steam engine and tractors and a pedal tractor pull. There will also be demonstrations on sawmills, veneer mills, shingle mills and blacksmiths.

CITY: Pinckneyville

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

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

Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove

This 8th annual cycling event in northwest suburban Elk Grove Village will again draw large crowds over its 3-day run as it offers up one of the largest cash purses for cycling in North America. In addition to top-name international and domestic riders, the event (sanctioned by the International Cycling Union!) attracts thousands spectators from upscale local residents to Midwest sports enthusiasts as well as families and children. The event is also rebroadcast on Comcast Sports Net both locally and nationally.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

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

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

Chicago Aids Run & Walk

The 12th AIDS Run & Walk will take place in Chicago on Sunday, September 29, 2013. Since its inception in 2001, more than 20,000 participants, raising more than $3.5 million net, have converged in Grant Park to get moving against HIV/AIDS. Join the fight with thousands of others to help more than 36 AIDS service organizations!

CITY: Chicago

Rink Side's 14th Annual Summer Chiller Event

Come out for the annual Chiller event at Rink Side. Enjoy watching the ice skating competition Pre-Alpha through Freestyle 10 events will be offer for skaters 3 to adult. Entertaining performances throughout the day. Free admission. Also enjoy couples spotlight, hockey events for age 3-12, open freestyle events and tot events for tots ages 3- 5.

CITY: Gurnee

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

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

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

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

Southern Illinois Boat & Fishing Show

A weekend long event sponsored by the Youth Outdoor Education Foundation and the Williamson County Tourism Bureau. The show features boats, trailers, trucks, ATVs, fishing tackle, live entertainment and more. Admission and parking is free. Great fun for all ages.

CITY: Marion

Cruise into Main Street 5/K Run, Heatlh Expo and Family Entertainment

A winning combination of race, medals, blood pressure checks, fitness demonstrations, live entertainment, antique cars, amazing prizes and much more await participants and the general public alike as they take part in the Cruise into Main Street 5K and Health Expo. Runners and walkers of all ages are encouraged to participate in the race which will route you through the streets of Lincoln ending at our downtown Center Stage where live entertainment will be provided by a variety of musicians from as far away as Chicago and Nashville. As you enjoy the music visit the Health Expo and get to know the businesses and organizations that will be there to showcase health-related goods and services that they provide to the community. If you’re a car enthusiast, the Railsplitter Antique Auto Club will have a number of classic cars available for viewing. Early bird registration for the Cruise into Main Street 5K ends on May 25th. Public events are free of charge. A registration fee will be charged for the 5/K Run.

CITY: Lincoln

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NIU Footbal - Akron vs NIU Huskies Homecoming Game!

Cheer on NIU Footbal at the Akron* vs NIU Huskies Homecoming Game! Saturday, October 12th at NIU, Mid-American Conference Game.

CITY: DeKalb

Street Machine Nationals

The grounds will swell with beautiful, high-performance street machines, hot rods and street trucks from across nation. Plus, witness the tuned-up Performance Marketplace for the latest aftermarket parts, burnout competition, dyno challenge, meet the editors of Car Craft, Miss Street Machine contest and more.

CITY: Du Quoin