Waterfall and Canyons Tour

Mondays at 11:00a.m., Saturdays 9:00 and 11:00a.m. Experience the fun of outdoor adventure at Starved Rock State Park with a guided walk to 3 spectacular waterfalls and canyons. We will plan to visit French, St. Louis and Ottawa Canyons. The tour will also include your selection from our Special Lunch Menu and a relaxing historical trolley ride. $31.00 adult, $26.00 children. For reservations, please call 815-220-7386.

CITY: Utica

Chicago Blues Festival

Sweet Home Chicago has never been better, as the Chicago Blues Festival takes in Grant Park. The largest free admission Blues festival in the world, the three-day festival offers the best in national, international and local blues entertainment on five stages, with Mavis Staples headlining this year.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Air and Water Show

This summertime favorite brings approximately two million people to the lakefront each year to witness the many feats that will be attempted and performed both in water and air. Civilian and military air crafts perform at soaring heights, while parachute teams and flying aerobatic acts entertain the audience below.

CITY: Chicago

Lambs Farm Famous Farmyard

The Lambs Farm Farmyard will open on daily March through October and weekends only in November. Come and enjoy Lambs Farm's famous Farmyard. Meet Miss Wiggles, the 450-pound pig with an affinity for Bavarian Crème donuts and Oreo Cookies® and meet all of the new miniature animals, including Levi the miniature horse. Climb into the petting zoo with goats, sheep and lambs. Check out the llamas, alpacas, cows, horses, ducks and more. Enjoy a ride on the old-fashion carousel or the train. Then challenge your friends and family to a round of mini golf! Farmyard memberships are available. Day passes for all activities available for $8 for adults and $12 for children 2-12.

CITY: Libertyville

Canine Cruise

Chicago’s ONLY Canine Cruise welcomes well-behaved and leashed canines and families aboard Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline for a 90-minute lake and river sightseeing boat ride with lively commentary about dog-friendly Chicago.

CITY: Chicago

Dinosaurs Alive!

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

CITY: Brookfield

Eagle Watching at Starved Rock State Park

You don’t have to travel north to see these majestic birds of prey. Thousands of eagles migrate south from Canada during the winter and Illinois is one of the homes of the greatest population of wintering bald eagles. The Starved Rock Lodge in Utica offers a “Bald Eagle Trolley Tour” in January and February on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Viewing birds from the Veranda at the Starved Rock Lodge is good as well. Dress warmly though. This great viewing spot is right outside the doors of the Great Room. If you’d like some exercise, take a hike on one of the trails at the Starved Rock State Park. One trail begins right at the Veranda. For a birds eye view, hike to the top of the Rock. Another popular event is "Eagle Watch Weekend" with activites both at the Starved Rock Lodge and the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center.

CITY: Oglesby

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Kick off the holiday season and create your special memories on The Magnificent Mile in 2013! The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, the nation’s largest evening holiday celebration, jump starts the holiday season on Saturday, November 23 with a full day of family friendly activities, concerts by top musical artists and the best holiday shopping. The day’s excitement culminates with a grand evening parade down Michigan Avenue marshaled by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, illuminating one million lights on 200 trees. The parade concludes with a grand finale fireworks show over the Chicago River.

CITY: Chicago

Eagle Watching in Alton

Illinois boasts the largest concentration of wintering American bald eagles in the continental U.S., and the Alton area is a great place to see them. Mingle with a live eagle at the National Great Rivers Museum. Get a bird’s-eye view from eight stories high as majestic eagles soar along the Mississippi River at the adjacent Melvin Price Locks & Dam. Or drive along on an exciting eagle-watching expedition with a nature expert at Pere Marquette State Park during Bald Eagle Days, held from late December through early March.

CITY: Alton

Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest

Come and enjoy watching as these balloons are filled and then take off for various areas. Friday night is a launch from Forest Park, Saturday morning, they will launch from various locations and try to hit their targets as they float through the air. There will be a Balloon glow and basket burn at the Dam Spillway area Saturday night with food and entertainment. You can meet the pilots on Friday evening. Sunday morning will be another opportunity to watch. These colorful balloons will be launched daily (weather permitting) and you can watch as they fly and do tasks around the Lake Shelbyville area.

CITY: Shelbyville

Red, White & BBQ Festival

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

CITY: Westmont

Quad Cities Hot Air Balloon Fest

Red, yellow and orange-hued leaves aren’t the only colors to view in Western Illinois’ skies this fall. At Moline’s annual Quad Cities Hot Air Balloon Fest, a myriad of hot air balloons take off throughout the weekend and glow high above the town after dark.

CITY: Moline

Great Galena Balloon Race

A spectacular three-day event with more than 20 hot air balloons. Observe the balloons taking flight in two balloon races and lighting up the night with glow extravaganzas. Stroll through a car show, enjoy live music, and participate in activities for the whole family. The Friday night Alefest boasts more than two hundred varieties of Ales and spirits.

CITY: Galena

Christkindlmarket

The Christkindlmarket is a four-week, open-air market modeled after the famous Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545. The market offers shopping opportunities and serves as a winter wonderland meeting place for family and friends. Plus, enjoy German delicacies like brats, goulash and potato pancakes while you’re there.

CITY: Chicago

Bald Eagle Trolley Tours

In January and February ride the trolley from Starved Rock Lodge to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center for bald eagle viewing and an educational program. Includes lunch during the week and brunch on Sunday in the Main Dining Room.

CITY: Utica

Chicago Pride Fest

It's all about GLBT pride at Chicago Pride Fest®! One week before Chicago's iconic Pride Parade on June 30 – this festive two-day event marks the first official party of summer. Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance,this crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcases an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago's fine performers in the gay community. Stay tuned for this year's stage lineup!

CITY: Chicago

East Peoria Festival of Lights & Folepi's Winter Wonderland

Light up your night at the East Peoria Festival of Lights (FOLEPI)! The annual Festival of Lights is a one-of-a-kind holiday spectacular. With more than two million lights in the festival, the beauty will be sure to mesmerize you and your family.

CITY: East Peoria

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by the laughter of children and more than one million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One. This holiday classic has become one of the Windy City’s must-see seasonal events. Watch live ice carving then escape Jack Frost with an exotic trip past crocodiles, pygmy hippos and meerkats at the Regenstein African Journey. Animal exhibits stay open late as guests roam taking in the lights, music and taking photos with Santa. Prepare holiday crafts and enjoy the zoo’s incredible animals immersed in an atmosphere unlike any other.

CITY: Chicago

Bald Eagle Safari

Get an up close view on a Bald Eagle Safari with Bob Motz. He provides spotting scopes that magnify 15 to 45 times and mount on the car window frame for good viewing of eagles in trees. You can see the yellow of their eye, the nostrils in the beak, and the black talons of their feet. Binoculars are also provided to see eagles in flight. The safaris make good birthday and anniversary gifts. Cost is $20 per hour for one to four people. Two or three-hour safaris are recommended. Call Bob at 309-788-8389 or email him at eaglemotz@aol.com to arrange a safari.

CITY: Rock Island

German Valley Days

This 39th annual hometown festival offers a car show, 5KRun/Walk, parade, stage entertainment, pig scramble, kiddie tractor pull, pork chop barbecue, pancake breakfast, water fights, inflatable rides, bingo, fireworks, contests, concession and more!

CITY: German Valley

64th Annual Midsommar Swedish Days Festival

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

CITY: Geneva

Cache River Nature Festival

Enjoy the area’s rich bird life and wetland habitat. A 12-minute orientation film gives a wonderful overview and introduction of the watershed, explaining the unique bio-diversity of the flora and fauna that can be experienced here. Visitors can also acquaint themselves with the area by exploring an interactive diorama of a bald cypress-water tupelo swamp, area state champion tree information and changing landscape displays. Activities include guided field trips, canoe tours, live bird demonstrations and various exhibits from 8am to 4pm.

CITY: Cypress

Pride of the Fox Riverfest

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

CITY: St. Charles

Boo! at the Zoo

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

CITY: Brookfield

Lollapalooza

Join thousands of music fans in Chicago’s Grant Park for the summer’s biggest music festival. This three-day gathering features 70 acts on five stages, giving you a chance to see everything from hip hop and heavy metal to punk and alternative rock.

CITY: Chicago

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

Bald Eagle Watching in the Cache River Wetlands

The Cache River Wetlands offers great opportunities for eagle watching, as well as spotting other birds. The Cache River Wetland Center provides resource and identification materials to help you spot eagles and other birds in the area and along the rivers. They will provide maps and directions to the viewing station for the nest just off Illinois Route 37 off Perks road and south of the visitor's center.

CITY: Cypress

Windsor Harvest Picnic

Come and enjoy this family-friendly festival which is in its 117th year. Entertainment comes to you in gospel, country and rock, with entertainers from as far away as Australia and Country Star "Eddie Raven". Fountain City Amusements provide a carnival atmosphere with plenty of food served by various organizations as well as the Ice Cream Social. There is also a 5K run/walk, a pedal tractor pull, parade, and a raffle drawing.

CITY: Windsor

Blaze Memorial Day Classic

Blaze Memorial Day Classic is a youth soccer game that is held outdoors at McClallen Park. Boys and girls ages 5 -15 will be playing in this tournament. Come out and help cheer these kids on as they play.

CITY: Morton

Illinois State Fair

Make plans now to bring the entire family for adventure, thrills, top name entertainment and the best agriculture exhibition in the country! Each August, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Springfield for the Illinois State Fair. Enjoy 10 days of Illinois excitement and entertainment, with everything from top name stars to carnival rides, food, contests, concerts, livestock shows and auto racing.

CITY: Springfield

Danvers Days

Danvers Days takes place each August in the Danvers Village Park, featuring entertainment, food, raffles, kids games, Bingo and Tug of War. Attendees also enjoy a carnival, craft show, community auction, and the biggest parade in Central Illinois.

CITY: Danvers

7th Annual Galena Oktoberfest

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

CITY: Galena

Quad Cities Criterium Professional Bike Races

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

CITY: Rock Island

85th Annual Lake County Fair

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

CITY: Grayslake

Annual Iris Walk

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

CITY: Wayne City

Ropp Road Round-Up Festival

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

CITY: Normal

Blossoms at Butterworth - Deere Family Mansions

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

CITY: Moline

McLean County Fair

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

CITY: Bloomington

2013 Bald Eagle Bus Tours

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

CITY: Galena

Hummingbird Festival & Pollination Celebration

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

CITY: McLean

Stanford Good Old Days Festival

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

CITY: Stanford

Pleasant Hill Celebration

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

CITY: Pleasant Hill

ByronFest

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

CITY: Byron

Warrenville Holly Days

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

CITY: Warrenville

The Great River Tug Fest

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

CITY: Port Byron

Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette

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

CITY: Grafton

Long Grove's 21st Annual Apple Festival

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

CITY: Long Grove

Morgan County Fair

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

CITY: Jacksonville

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival

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

CITY: Glencoe

Mt. Vernon Fall Festival

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

CITY: Mount Vernon

Masters of the Sky

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

CITY: Alton

A Day in Eagle Country

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

CITY: Alton

Kane County Fair

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

CITY: St. Charles

Scarecrow Daze Festival

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

CITY: Shelbyville

Way of Lights

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

CITY: Belleville

Shelby County 4H & Jr. Fair

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

CITY: Shelbyville

Holiday Lights Train

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

CITY: Waterman

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

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

CITY: Moline

Salute to Freedom

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

CITY: Mount Vernon

Eagle Meet and Greet

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

CITY: Alton

Spring Equinox Sunrise Observance at Reconstructed Woodhenge

Meet at the reconstructed Woodhenge to hear an explanation of the discovery, form end function of this post-circle sun calendar. Arrive by 6:45 a.m.

CITY: Collinsville

Cedarhurst Craft Fair

More than 160 exhibitors from throughout the country show and sell diverse craft items. Includes continuous entertainment, children's activities, and a variety of food.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Annual Lights Fantastic Activities & Parade

Take pictures with Santa’s reindeer in Carbondale's Town Square, stop by the Polar Express Station (the Old Train Depot) for candy cane treats, and enjoy the Holiday Cookie Walk, where downtown businesses offer cookies and refreshments. The Lights Fantastic Parade kicks off at 6pm.

CITY: Carbondale

Alton-Audubon Eagle Festival

Join us for the kick-off of the eagle watching season. Activities include: live eagle meet & greet, preview of events at the Eagle Watching Hot Spots, kid's activities, crafts and eagle viewing walks. Learn about eagle watching - how to spot eagles, where to look and what brings the eagles here each winter. Then, head across the river to Downtown Alton for ice sculpting on the streets.

CITY: Alton

Mattoon Lightworks

Enjoy the lights of the season in beautiful Peterson Park. Over 50 magnificent light displays, many of which are animated. Definitely a site to see! Drive through at your leisure evenings starting at 5pm. Over 15,000 visitors each year see this great display of holiday lights. Admission is free, donations accepted.

CITY: Mattoon

Eagles Over the Confluence

Come to the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower on Saturdays in January and February for eagle activities - wood carvers, ice sculptors, photography, kid's activities and more. Or, just stop in to enjoy the view from the platforms at 50, 100 and 150 feet in the air. There is no better place for a bird's eye view of the region and the eagles migrating along the Mississippi River. Bring your binoculars!

CITY: Hartford

Mallardfest

This fun fest includes a parade, beer/wine garden, food booths, children's games, pontoon rides, music, a duck calling contest, fireworks and more.

CITY: Hanover

Cobden Peach Festival

Celebrate the local peach harvest, sponsored by the Cobden Lions Club. Join us for fresh peaches from local orchards, carnival rides and games, crowning of ‘Miss Peach Queen’, homemade food and peach cobbler & pie with a 5K run/walk and parade on Saturday. Free admission.

CITY: Cobden

Holiday Lights at Bunker Hill

Historic buildings at Kennekuk County Park's "Bunker Hill Historic Area" will be lit for the occasion and decorated for the holidays. Continuing throughout the holiday season, the holiday lights will be displayed weekends from 5-8 p.m.

CITY: Danville

Avenue of Lights

Avenue of Lights is a two-mile holiday display of animated lights at Moorman/Wavering Park in Quincy. It runs from Thanksgiving until New Years, nightly from 6-9:30pm. A staple attraction of Quincy during the holiday season.

CITY: Quincy

Kankakee County Fair

In addition to the time-honored livestock shows at the fair, there are games, contests, exciting live entertainment, a carnival, fair food and a demolition derby.

CITY: Kankakee

Gardens United Garden Walk

Some of the finest gardens in the Freeport area are opened for touring. The gardeners generously present their creative efforts for the pleasure of the public. Walk through the gardens and enjoy the colorful scenery. Plus a silent auction and a large variety of garden art items will be offered at one garden. Gardeners will be on site to answer questions and to talk about plants and their gardens. Master Gardeners will also be available to advise on garden questions. Gardens United benefits the Assault and Abuse Services of Stephenson County. Call for tickets and map, or drop by the Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center, 4596 US Route 20 East, Freeport) to purchase your ticket.

CITY: Freeport

John Deere Classic PGA Tour Event

This is the 41st year for this official event on the PGA Tour. Monday and Tuesday are professional practice rounds with free admission all day. Wednesday is the Pro-am. Thursday through Sunday is the official tournament rounds. For ticket information visit the website or call. Don't miss the exciting action of this PGA Tour event played at the Tournament Players Club Deere Run in the Quad Cities. For more information visit www.johndeereclassic.com or call 800-336-4655 or 309-796-6000.

CITY: Silvis

Selmi's Pumpkin World

Pumpkins, haunted house, little spooks house, corn maze, animals, and much more.

CITY: Rock Falls

Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show

Don't miss the Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Illinois. The show is heralded as the largest event in the Midwest dedicated to the United States' national symbol of freedom. The three-day event includes live eagle, hawk, owl and vulture flying demonstrations along with educational programs by the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, Missouri. Also enjoy over 200 fun and informative exhibits. Free parking is available at the show. Hours are Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $4 for adults, $1 for children 6-15, free for children 5 and under. The event takes place at the QCCA Expo Center at 2621 4th Avenue Rock Island, IL. 61201 Call (309) 788-2543 for more information.

CITY: Rock Island

Train of Terror

All aboard the Train of Terror for a thrilling and chilling, four-mile ride with a variety of spooky scenes along the route. Buy tickets at the Silver Creek Depot and Freight House. Food and beverages are available. All Tickets: $8.00

CITY: Freeport

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

Little Egypt Fly-In & Veterans Reunion

War birds and aircrafts will fill the runways of the Mt. Vernon Airport, along with many other prestigious models. There will also be field activities, including entertainment and concessions throughout the day.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Massey Harris Illinois State Show 2013

In conjunction with "8 Miles of Ag-Tiques," this event is on Highway 26 at the junction of 26 and High Street in Orangeville. This State Show features Massey-Harris/Massey-Ferguson and related equipment and is the Illinois State Massey show for 2013.

CITY: Orangeville

Downtown Car Show/Cruise Night

Downtown Car Show / Mt. Vernon Cruise Night - The Car Show will be located on 9th Street between Harrison and Jordan. Features cruise night, car, truck, and motorcycle show; entertainment, food, demonstrations, and a 50/50 drawing. The Car Show will have various models from "Classics" to "Modern".

CITY: Mount Vernon

Jacksonville Main Street's Pumpkin Fest

Join us for a weekend of free family fun! Children and adult costume contest, pet costume contest, pumpkin decorating, food, games and entertainment.

CITY: Jacksonville

Du Quoin Annual Holiday Lights Fair

Starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through the month of December. Come experience Du Quoin Tourism’s transformation of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds into a magical place with lights and decorations. The event features a 1 1/2-mile drive through over $250,000 worth of lighted displays as well as decorated trees, entertainment, food, crafts and visits with Santa in the Expo Hall. The light trail opens nightly from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., and the Expo Hall will be open on the second and third weekends in December from 5:30 — 9:30 p.m. The Expo Hall features Santa’s train ride and Santa’s Workshop.

CITY: Du Quoin

Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum Fall Harvest Demonstrations

All aboard as a 36-ton 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses for a four-mile ride through farmlands. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts, and browse the Freight House Gift Shop and Silvercreek Museum. Weather permitting, there will be fall harvest demonstrations with horses and tractors. The museum will feature sauerkraut, brats, hot dogs, chili and dessert.

CITY: Freeport

Chicago Botanic Garden- Weekend Family Classes

Together, adults and children can explore cool things about how plants connect to science, art, history, and culture. Each program includes a variety of hands-on activities and projects, as well as opportunities to bring the Garden home. Programs run from November through April on Saturdays.

CITY: Glencoe

42nd Annual Northern Illinois Art Show

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

CITY: Sycamore

Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum Labor Day Celebration

All aboard the antique steam train as a 36 ton 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, and two passenger flatcars for a four mile ride through farmlands and across a bridge 30 feet above Yellow Creek. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts. Browse for novelties in the Freight House and visit the Silvercreek Museum which offers 25 rooms of early Americana, a display of antique machinery, Henney Motor Company vehicles which were manufactured in Freeport, and the operating Cooper-Corliss engine, a giant 130 ton steam engine. The Silvercreek Museum will be serving sandwiches and deserts.

CITY: Freeport

Clark County Fair

The annual Clark County Fair features everything from Beauty pagents, harness racing, running races, lawnmower derby, truck pulls, demolition derby and carnival rides. Free to enter the gates. Grandstand acts $5-$10 per person.

CITY: Marshall

Home Garden & Business Expo

Annual Home Garden & Business Expo featuring over 40 exhibitors and 2 full days of "How To" demonstrations. Breakfast and lunch available, hourly door prizes, blood screenings on site and register for the "Grand Prize!"

CITY: Centralia

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

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

CITY: Brookfield

Atlanta Fall Festival

Atlanta Fall Festival includes food, a carnival, a parade, children's activities and local royalty.

CITY: Atlanta

Proud to Run 5k & 10k

Proud To Run is a 10K run, 5K run or walk that celebrates LGBT pride during Chicago's Pride weekend. Proud To Run 2013 will raise funds for TPAN, The Night Ministry, and LINKS- Pride Youth Program. It is presented in association with Frontrunners Chicago. This will be the 32nd annual event.

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

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

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

Out in the Park

A spectacular night at Six Flags Great America of amusement and entertainment to help benefit Chicago House. Featuring live musical performances by Jess Goodwin and Eli Lieb.

CITY: Gurnee

Mt. Pulaski Town-wide Garage Sale

Town-wide garage sales are a July Fourth tradition in this historic Logan County community and, weather permitting, the day of shopping will end with a fantastic fireworks display at dusk.

CITY: Mount Pulaski