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

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

Matteson Family Days

The Village of Matteson is proud to present the 29th Annual Matteson Family Days. The event will take place over a 2 day period on Friday from 5pm – 10pm & Saturday from 1pm – 10pm. Matteson Family Days will be an extravaganza of music, food and entertainment for people of all ages. The event will provide the community with family entertainment, activities for children, appetizing food and much more.

CITY: Matteson

Sapphire and Crystal Exhibition and Opening Reception

An exhibition of artworks by Chicago area African-American women artists who are members of Sapphire and Crystals, including Joyce owens, Felicia Grant Preston, and Pearlie Taylor. Show includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, mixed media works. Artists will be present at reception.

CITY: Chicago Heights

3rd Annual DownTown District MidSummer Madness

Visit participating Downtown businesses to qualify for fabulous raffle prizes. Free event! Food, fun & super goodie bags to first 100 attendees!

CITY: Park Forest

Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm

You'll experience hours of enjoyment including a relaxing tractor pulled hayrack ride, pumpkins of course, a completely animated haunted barn and a giggling animated fun barn, the famous action packed pig races (running 10x a day on the 1/2 hour), an adorable petting & feeding zoo, the giant crazy corn maizey and pony rides. Enjoy a variety of entertaining animation throughout the barnyard and farm.

CITY: Homer Glen

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

Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers-Summer Patriotic Concert

The Moraine Chorale celebrates its 15th season performing five themed concerts, including Broadway music, operatic, patriotic, and holiday selections with a small chamber orchestra. The Chorale is a community-based choir with more than 60 members. The Chamber Singers is an ensemble featuring Moraine Valley students.

CITY: Palos Hills

ILGRA Windy City Rodeo

The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) is an organization comprised of numerous regional Gay Rodeo Associations from across the United States and Canada. Illinois has a chapter and is hosting the Windy City Rodeo in Create, IL.

CITY: Crete

Hamlet

What do you get when you combine the ghost of a murdered king, his ambitious brother-in-law, a betrayed lover, and a prince hell-bent on revenge? Hamlet. Come celebrate the tenth anniversary of Moraine Valley's "Shakespeare Under the Stars" with our ambitious and creative interpretation of Shakespeare's masterpiece. Bring your picnic dinner and beach chairs to the Gateway Arch and experience our production of what many critics believe to be the greatest play ever written. Free admission. Thursday, August 1-Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013.

CITY: Palos Hills

Lansing Autumn Festival

Join us for this annual event where we bring the "hometown back to downtown!" Invite your family & friends! Oktoberfest: A family-friendly event. Friday: brats, burgers, beer & bands; Saturday & Sunday: arts & crafts, bands, bingo, car show, children's activities, food vendors, hayrides & more. For more information or to be a sponsor or vendor, contact: Lansing autumn fest committee, P.O. Box 176, Lansing, IL 60438; lansingautumnfest@comcast.net

CITY: Lansing

"Concerts On The Hill" 39th Season

Relax on the big grassy hill while enjoying a variety of free family entertainment. Enjoy tasty, affordable concessions in a scenic setting along the waterway. Great $2 hot dogs! Picnic baskets welcome. Bring blankets and chairs for hill seating. Free parking. Visit the park’s website for the week’s line-up. Every Thursday night at 6:30pm.

CITY: Joliet

Kidzfest

Kidzfest is held on the first Saturday of August from 10am until 3pm each year. The event includes many types of interactive, educational and fun activities sponsored by a variety of vendors, i.e. Lewis University Kids Campus, Joliet Park District, Rialto Square Theatre, the Library, the Forest Preserve District and numerous other vendors planning special activities for kids. Food and entertainment provided.

CITY: Joliet

Acting Out Theatre Company presents "Chicago"

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

CITY: Momence

Cruisin' Lockport Classic Car Show

Sponsored by the City of Lockport, Lockport Township Park District, and Lockport Township Government, the Cruisin’ Into Lockport Classic Car Show will return for our 10th season. Come see the finest classic cars of not only Lockport, but from a tri-county area. There will be a different featured car every week (although all makes and models are welcome). Also, we will have live bands; a clown for face painting and balloons; free snowcones and/or popcorn; an inflated obstacle course for children; food vendors, plus much more. Every Monday night 6:30pm-8:30pm!

CITY: Lockport

Hickory Hills Street Fair and Concert

The Hickory Hills Street Fair has been an annual event for over 26 years. It includes a beer tent with entertainment; food booths and craft fair. There are also bingo and rides for the kids - something for everyone.

CITY: Hickory Hills

7th Annual Kops N Kidz Day

Tons of activities! Tons of fun! Event starts at Timberline Park with a bike parade to Lemont Park District. Activities and refreshments follow at Centennial Park, Lemont Park District. For more information, call the Lemont Police Department at (630) 257-2229.

CITY: Lemont

Homer Community Festival

The 3rd Annual Homer Community Festival is a 4 day event featuring a huge outdoor carnival, beer tent, live bands, great food and a bean bag tournament. Great family entertainment and free parking!

CITY: Homer Glen

"Family Fiesta" by Joliet's Spanish Center

Celebrate Spanish heritage with a wide variety of entertainment, food and activities for all ages. For event details, visit the Spanish Center’s website. Hours: Saturday 1:00pm- 11:00pm & Sunday 1:00pm- 10:00pm.

CITY: Joliet

Antique Tractor and Steam Engine Show

This mid-July gathering commemorates Will County's agricultural heritage and the tradition of neighbors gathering to thresh wheat after harvest. Those who attend the Will County Threshermen's Association Show can expect to be transported back to yesteryear. Steam engines, antique gasoline tractors, gas engines, antique automobiles, and other machines provide a working testimonial to the genius of previous generations. Visitors can also view live demonstrations of: an antique, steam-powered sawmill, antique plowing demonstrations, wheat threshing, corn shelling, and a tractor parade and tractor pull. Food is available for purchase and there is an on-site flea market.

CITY: Manhattan

Bluegrass on the Green Fest

The Frankfort Bluegrass Fest is a free 2 day event for the whole family highlighting national touring and regional bluegrass bands performing this great style of acoustic American music. Vendors, kids activities, food & more.

CITY: Frankfort

2013 Celtic Fest

Come to Will County for a day of celebrating Celtic tradition! There will be food, games, crafts and a step dancing competition! The event runs from 9:00am - 10:00pm and costs $5 for adults and children over 12.

CITY: Joliet

Mokena Food & Wine Festival

Join us for our 10th Annual Festival of Food and Wine on the grounds of historic McGovney-Yunker Farm. Taste a variety of wines specially paired with dishes from local restaurants. Enjoy the festival atmosphere, browse the artisan booths and listen to live performances. Ages 21 and over only. All ticket sales final. (This is an outdoor event. For your comfort please dress accordingly).

CITY: Mokena

Bug-A-Palooza 10

All VW's are welcome to our 10th anniversary show at D'Arcy VW. Attendees are free. You can enter your VW in our show for only $15.00. The first 120 entrants will recieve an event T shirt, dash plaque and Goody Bag. Awards will be given for the Best of Show, Top 15, Best Paint, Engine, Interior, Rust Bucket, and Sponsor's Choice. Kids will enjoy the free Jumper, and writting on the Chalk-a-Bug. Great door prizes, 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will go to support Gigi's Playhouse, a Down syndrome awareness center in Aurora.

CITY: Joliet

Discovery Dinner

Dr. Dennis Cremin, Associate Professor of History at Lewis University, will present his new historical work, "Grant Park: The Evolution of Chicago’s Front Yard." Discovery Dinners are held periodically on the 2nd Thursday of selected months in The Gaylord Building. Doors open at 5:45pm with a cash bar reception. The full service dinner begins at 6:15pm with the lecture following at 7:00pm. Discovery Dinners conclude with book signings, providing guests with a chance to get up-close and personal with presenters.

CITY: Lockport

76th Annual Glad Fest Remember the Year

On the agenda for the Gladiolus Festival are the Coronation of the Princess and Queen, plus numerous parades, carnival and giant flea, swap, and craft market.

CITY: Momence

Main Street Nights

The Village of Park Forest hosts free entertainment in it's downtown center. The family oriented Main Street Nights features local and regional entertainers on stage in the Village Green located at Cunningham and Victory Boulevard. Vendors include civic groups selling snacks and beverages. So grab a blanket or grab a lawn chair and enjoy the free entertainment under the stars!

CITY: Park Forest

Blues & BBQ

Enjoy a live blues performance by BMR4 & Toronzo Cannon! Lynnie Ques BBQ will be available for purchase. Don't forget your blanket or lawn chair.

CITY: Lansing

An Evening of Midsummer Magic

Enjoy children's carnival games, a bounce house, a coloring/activity station, and a live performance by Magician Michael Darnell!

CITY: Lansing

Community Conversations: The Future of Libraries in America

The Future of Libraries in America will examine the role of public libraries in the United States with a “paperless society” that continues to evolve in our age of electronic media. Presenters include Scott Pointon, Executive Director of the White Oak Library District; Paul Mills, Director of Fountaindale Public Library District; and Jennie Mills, Director of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District. Admission: $10 per person.

CITY: Lockport

Frankfort Fall Fest

Each year over Labor Day weekend, over 250,000 visitors flock to the charming village of Frankfort to enjoy the Frankfort fall festival. With over 300 (from 30 different states) participating artisans, unlimited entertainment & food options; the festival continues to thrive and grow. The Festival has received continued recognition for the “Best shows in the United States” by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Throughout fall festival weekend you won’t want to miss the special events sponsored by many of our local civic and community organizations. This includes an entertainment tent with dance area, a food court offering a wide assortment of refreshments and live stage entertainment. This annual fall fest provides a chance for visitors to enjoy one of the region’s most charming and distinctive communities. Wander our streets, parks and businesses. Enjoy the warm hospitality that our community extends to each & every guest that visits our village.

CITY: Frankfort

Heritage Village Fest

This event takes place on I & M Canal trail path between Lincoln Landing, 9th Street and Heritage Village (HV)Park, 2nd Street in Lockport. Various historical societies from Wll County will be represented, along with free hot dogs and chips for all, musical events, HV park tour, buggy rides, children's activities and much more.

CITY: Lockport

Fall on the Green Festival

The annual Fall on the Green Festival is held the weekend after Labor Day. This family friendly event has everything you look for in a festival, great food, wonderful entertainment, games, and vendors of all types. This event takes place on the village green located at 95th Street & Cook Avenue. There is no charge for admission, parking or rides. The only cost to attendees is the purchase of food and drink.

CITY: Oak Lawn

Geico 400

The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will begin at Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday, September 15. Last year, Brad Keselowski won this race, which catapulted his Chase run to help him win the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup. Who will win this year? Find out. Join us for the 2013 Geico 400! The race is from 1:00pm-11:00pm. Tickets start at $55.

CITY: Joliet

Lemont's 23rd Annual Heritage Fest

Outdoor Street Festival. Food, music and tons of family fun in Historic Downtown Lemont! For more information, please contact the Lemont Village Hall at (630) 243-2700. Hours: 1:00pm- 11:00pm

CITY: Lemont

Hoop It Up Chicago

The world's largest 3 on 3 basketball tour! For all ages and skill levels. Awards for 1st and 2nd place for each division; Minimum of 3 games: t-shirt and swag bag, free samples, prizes and shooting contests for players and spectators; Invitation to play in the Hoop It Up World Championship and a chance for Top Gun and u18 division winners to represent USA Basketball in FIBA International Tournaments

CITY: Matteson

Dutch Festival

Your family will enjoy exploring traditional Dutch food, crafts and entertainment at this year's Dutch Festival.

CITY: Palos Heights

Autumn in the Park Festival

Autumn in the Park Festival has something for the entire family and then some. Two Chili Cook-Off's, BBQ Rib Competition, entertainment, food, drinks and fun.

CITY: Palos Park

Hickory Hills Pumpkin Fest

Rides, games, music, face painting, balloon animals, pony rides, candy and much more all at our annual Pumpkin Fest in Hickory Hills.

CITY: Hickory Hills

Homer Harvest Days

The event will feature food, live music, old-fashioned entertainment and games, children's activities, living history and pioneer demonstrations, a petting zoo, pony rides, antique tractors, hay rides, artisan & unique craft vendors, and other amusements and diversions from a simpler and more rural era.

CITY: Homer Glen

Manteno Oktoberfest

The festivities include village garage sale days, carnival, craft show, live entertainment, food and street vendors, bean bag tournament and the premier lighted parade, plus much more.

CITY: Manteno

1st Annual Summer Pow-wow

Come join the American Indian Center and enjoy a day out in the country air. Learn about the Native American Indians and their culture. There will be dancers, drummers, music, elder story telling and archery training. We will also have plenty of food to eat. This will be fun for the whole family. Admission is $10 per Adult $7.50 per Children 2 and under are free.

CITY: Crest Hill