Grafton Riverside Flea Market

From April through October (on the fourth weekend of the month) browse the unique wares for sale at Grafton’s Riverside Flea Market, located in the old Boatworks building on the river. You’ll find a wide selection of antiques and crafts, along with flea market fare.

CITY: Grafton

Mackinaw Music and International Wine and Beer Fest

Tasting all day featuring wines and beers from at least 15 countries. Lots of good food and great entertainment featuring great blues and jazz performers like Sister Groove and the Cross-town Jam.

CITY: Mackinaw

Washington Cherry Festival

Love cherries? Then this is the event for you! This annual festival is held in Washington, IL and is themed around the delicious fruit. Beer tents, classic carnival foods, family events and fireworks are all part of the festivities. Admission is free for those wanting to attend.

CITY: Washington

"Jersey Boys" Peoria Civic Center

The 2006 Tony Award®-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30! Jersey Boys, winner of the 2006 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album and most recently, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

CITY: Peoria

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

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

Gumbo Ya Ya Mardi Gras in the District

The spirit of New Orleans comes up the Mississippi River with a celebration that includes Cajun food, authentic Southern Louisiana music on two stages, Mardi Gras-themed children’s activities, French Quarter marketplace and beads galore.

CITY: Rock Island

Alton Hauntings Tours

Based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor, Alton Hauntings Tours offers an entertaining and spine-tingling trip into the unknown, taking visitors to the most authentic haunted places in Alton. Uncover the eerie folklore, ghostly tales and documented haunted spots on a three-hour walking tour of the city’s most haunted sites. Visitors will see sites that have become nationally known, like the old Alton penitentiary, First Unitarian Church, Enos Sanitarium and many others. The tours have been proven to be popular with ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and nowhere else can you learn as much about the real, haunted history of Alton. Walking tours and bus tours are offered during two touring seasons – Spring & Summer and the Haunted Fall Season. Private tours are also available for groups of 20 or more. Reservations must be made in advance for all tours.

CITY: Alton

Galena Nouveau Wine Festival

Downtown Galena comes alive with the release of Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery's Nouveau Wine. A traditional French stew, paired with Nouveau wine is served at most local restaurants, followed by horse-drawn wagon deliveries down Main Street. Take your choice of various downtown locations for one of the afternoon wine and cheese parties or plan to celebrate with all of them.

CITY: Galena

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

Night of the Luminaria

Be a part of one of the most beautiful and romantic visions of the year. The streets, steps and sidewalks of Galena come alive with nearly 5,000 candle-lit luminaries at dusk. Take a special luminaria trolley ride, be a part of a pub crawl, or just stroll through the streets for this enchanted view.

CITY: Galena

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

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

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

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

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

Country Treasures Craft Show

Freshen up your home and garden for spring! A wide variety of homemade items for sale. Event features holiday items as well.

CITY: Quincy

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

Mt. Carroll Mayfest

Held on the campus of Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies. Continuous headline music on the main stage, juried art show, classic car show, unique art vendors, antique appraisal fair, kids activities & more!

CITY: Mount Carroll

Colona Memorial Day Celebration

Fun begins Thursday on Hennepin Canal Parkway with carnival children’s activities, horseshoe contest, nightly live entertainment in the beer garden and don’t miss the 42nd annual parade starting at 2 p.m on Sunday.

CITY: Colona

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

East West Riverfest

Come to the Quad Cities and join in on a 10-day celebration of arts, culture, history and the Mississippi River during East West Riverfest. The entire Quad Cities will be joining in on the celebration. Enjoy concerts on the riverfront, art fairs & art galleries, live theatre, ballet, museum exhibits, tours, river cruises, cultural festivals, and much, much more. Find out more details at www.eastwestriverfest.com and plan your visit for this first annual, Quad Cities-wide celebration. You can also contact or visit the Quad Cities Visitors Center in Moline for details.

CITY: Moline

7th Annual Galena Oktoberfest

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

CITY: Galena

Elmwood Strawberry Festival

The Elmwood Strawberry Festival will be in downtown Elmwood, IL. Besides strawberry pie, shortcake, pizza, and other strawberry delicacies, the event includes entertainment, food, craft booths, an outdoor volleyball classic, a car show and a motorcycle show.

CITY: Elmwood

Annual Rhubarb Festival

Bake sale features more than 2,000 rhubarb pies and other delicious desserts. In addition, there will be a huge craft show (on Saturday only) and flea market, music, food, trolley tours of the town and shopping in the historic district. If you want to be guaranteed an opportunity to sample the rhubarb you should be there by noon. Events take place in downtown Aledo, Illinois. Free Admission. The festival takes place in Aledo, Illinois Hwy. 67 South and Right on Route 17 Aledo, IL. 61231 Call (309) 582-7241 for more information. Admission is free. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CITY: Aledo

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

Galena Country Fair

With more than 150 vendors selling original, handmade arts, crafts, and fine arts there is something for everyone. Choose from a variety of fair food, enjoy live entertainment, and fresh fruit and vegetables from the local farmers’ markets. Children will enjoy the many games and contests provided to keep them entertained throughout the day.

CITY: Galena

Alton Memorial Day Parade

Celebrate Memorial Day by experiencing the oldest consecutive running parade in the entire nation. This parade began in 1868. Celebrate the history of Pie Town, Upper Alton and those who serve our country.

CITY: Alton

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

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

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

Antique Automobile Club of American Grand National Show

View over 300 antique cars on display in the heart of downtown Moline, Illinois and situated on River Drive by the world-famous John Deere Pavilion. Be sure to bring your camera to capture pictures of one-of-a-kind antique cars. Cars line River Drive and are arranged by year. If you like antique cars, this is a show not to be missed.

CITY: Moline

Ya Maka My Weekend

Ya Maka My Weekend is a celebration of Caribbean culture, the festival brings the islands to the Quad Cities. Featuring nationally known, as well as regional, reggae and steel drum bands. Visit the open-air marketplace offering authentic island wares. Enjoy Caribbean foods, sand volleyball tournaments and a children's craft area. The family area, featuring a pirate costume contest, limbo contests and street performers, is another highlight of this summer festival. Event hours are Friday 5:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. and Saturday, 12 noon - 12:30 a.m. Admission Admission Charged. Call (309)788-6311 for more information

CITY: Rock Island

Native American Prairie Day

Relive life on the prairie as it was 1,000 years ago with guided tours of the buried Indian village and ceremonial mound, demonstrations of an ancient weapon (atlatl thrower), local archeological collections featuring stone tools, arrowhead points, pottery, trade goods, beads, and even a Woolly Mammoth tooth on display. A native American flute-player, indigenous foods, and face-painting will keep everyone entertained.

CITY: Hanover

A Taste of Christmas Progessive Dinner

Select inns will host appetizers, salads, entrees and dessert, with each guest dining at three different Galena bed-and-breakfasts. Tickets are limited to 50.

CITY: Galena

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

American Indian and Ethnographic Show

Historic artifacts on display.

CITY: Collinsville

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

Street Art Festival

Artists transform the streets around the historic downtown square into an outdoor art museum as they create fabulous street paintings in chalk. Visitors amble through the streets watching the artists at work as they enjoy a variety of food and beverages, shop at the local artist's expo and listen to live music.

CITY: Highland

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

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

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

Stockton Civil War Days-Battle Of Morseville

Step back in time with a Civil War reenactment and encampment. There will be a period fashion show, medical scenarios and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

CITY: Stockton

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

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

Alton Little Theater: Sex, Please, We're 60

Mrs. Stancliffe's Rose Cottage Bed & Breakfast has been successful for many years because her guests (nearly all women) return year after year. Her next door neighbor, the elderly, silver-tongued "Bud the Stud" Davis, believes they come to spend time with him in romantic liaisons. The prim and proper Mrs. Stancliffe steadfastly denies this, but reluctantly accepts the fact that "Bud the Stud" is good for business. Her other neighbor and would-be suitor, Henry Mitchell, is a retired chemist who has developed a blue pill called "Venusia" to increase the libido of menopausal women. The pill has not been tested until Bud gets his hands on some and the fun begins. The women mix up Bud's Viagra pills with the Venusia, and we soon discover that it has a strange effect on men: it gives them all the symptoms of menopause, complete with hot flashes, mood swings, weeping and irritability! When the mayhem settles down, all the women find their lives moving in new and surprising directions. This production is scheduled for March 13 - 16 and March 20 - 23, 2014.

CITY: Alton

Midwest Salute to the Arts

Juried art show with more than 100 artists displaying and selling their work in eleven different mediums. The fun fesitval atmosphere includes children's activities, music, food and more!

CITY: Fairview Heights

Patterson Country Opry Show

Head out to the Patterson Community Club on the first Friday of every month (except holidays) for a toe tapping good time for the whole family! The Opry has been a hometown country music show since 1989. Admission is $6 per person. Food is served at 6pm with a concession stand open until after intermission. The country music show begins at 7:30pm. The show features a different guest entertainer each month with the house band.

CITY: Patterson

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

Selmi's Pumpkin World

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

CITY: Rock Falls

Midwest Salute to the Arts

This is a juried art show with more than 100 artists displaying and selling their work in eleven different mediums. There are Children's activities, music, food and a fun, festival atmosphere.

CITY: Fairview Heights

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

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

WGEM Home & Living Show

The area's largest show dedicated to the newest in home and living products at the Oakley Lindsay Center in Quincy.

CITY: Quincy

Black Earth Film Festival

The Black Earth Film Festival seeks to enrich the quality and type of the visual arts available to the people of Galesburg, Knox County and Western Illinois with a film festival that brings the finest in independent films of all varieties to our community at large. This 3 day event is open to people of all ages and highlights between 15 and 18 different films.

CITY: Galesburg

Bootiful Nauvoo

Visit historic downtown Nauvoo for this fun annual Halloween festival. Hundreds of pumpkins carved by local volunteers line Mulholland Street, and festivities include a Halloween parade, fortune teller, haunted house and spooky foods.

CITY: Nauvoo

FAB Weekend Getaway

Enjoy Quincy's best Food, Architecture and bald eagles for the annual FAB weekend getaway held the last weekend in January. The Army Corps of Engineers offer scopes for eagle viewing at Quincy's Lock and Dam 21, partnering with a local Maine Street mansion tour and ending with dining at one of Quincy's Great River Restaurant partners. For more information on the hotel package at Quincy's Microtel Inn & Suites, contact the Quincy Area CVB at 1-800-978-4748.

CITY: Quincy

Cruise Night in Maple City

Cruise Night in the Maple City is put on by the Maple City Street Machines Club and is the biggest car show in the Midwest. There are approximately 2000 cars in the show. The show begins at 6 p.m. but the cars are rolling in all day long. Along with the Cruise Night you will enjoy music, entertainment, food vendors and more.

CITY: Monmouth

Alton Little Theater: Moonlight and Magnolias

Legendry Hollywood producer David O. Selznick has a problem. He has just fired the director of Gone With the Wind and the script is on its umpteenth version. He desperately needs a new director and writer -- immediately! However, the writer he wants, Ben Hecht, has never read the novel and his director of choice, Victor Fleming, is not sold on the success of the storyline; but Selznick believes in this movie so much that he locks the three of them in his office for five days, with bananas and peanuts as their only food, to pull together a new script. As work begins, Selznick and Fleming attempt to act out all the characters in the novel while Hecht types. Take a fun, farcical look at the behind-the-scene birth of one of the most beloved films of all time. This production is scheduled for Jan. 23 - 26 and Jan. 30 - Feb. 2, 2014.

CITY: Alton

Annual Fort de Chartres Rendezvous

The Rendezvous is a re-creation of the traditional French trappers' holiday of the Eighteenth Century, and is one of the oldest and largest events of its kind in the United States. Join with the buckskinners, militiamen, artisans, and entertainer as they celebrate life in the shadows of the great fortress known as Fort de Chartres.

CITY: Prairie du Rocher

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

Red, White & BOOM! Fireworks

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

CITY: Peoria

Old English Faire

The fundraiser for Wildlife Prairie State Park pays tribute to the sights, sounds, aromas, speech and activities of the Middle Ages. Come cheer on sword fighters, jousters and archers as they compete in mock battles.

CITY: Hanna City

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

Alton Little Theater: The Music Man

The 80th season of Alton Little Theater kicks off with The Music Man. In July 1912, a traveling salesman, “Professor” Harold Hill, arrives in River City, Iowa, intrigued by the challenge of swindling the famously stubborn natives of Iowa. Masquerading as a traveling band instructor, Professor Hill plans to con the citizens of River City into paying him to create a boys’ marching band, including instruments, uniforms, and music instruction. Once he has collected the money and the instruments and uniforms have arrived, he will hop the next train out of town, leaving them without their money or a band. It’s all part of a big swindle, but falling in love with the town librarian wasn’t part of the deal. With classic tunes that include the show-stopping “Seventy-Six Trombones,” The Music Man is an irresistible, all-American musical for the entire family!This will be an all-youth production scheduled for July 18-21 and 25-28.

CITY: Alton

Alton Little Theater: THe Haunting of Hill House

Dr. Montague, an anthropologist whose true passion is the supernatural, rents the supposedly cursed titular building in order to investigate the existence of psychic disturbances. His guests are the house's heir and two women with previous experience of the paranormal. The group bonds almost immediately, but fear is a corrosive emotion and the house's manifestations soon cause cracks to appear. The horror inherent in the play does not lie in Hill House (monsterous though it is) or the events that take place within it, but in the unexplored recesses or its characters' (and its audiences') minds. This is perhaps why it remains the definitive haunted house story. This mystery is scheduled for Oct. 24 - 27 and Oct. 31 - Nov. 3.

CITY: Alton

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

Towboat Festival

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

CITY: Grafton

Alton Little Theater: 9 to 5: The Musical

9 to 5: The Musical is based on the 1980s hit movie Nine to Five. Pushed to the boiling point by their boss, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. They conspire to take control of their company and learn there's nothing they can't do - even in a man's world. Set in the late 1970's, 9 to 5: The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic, 9 to 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business. This production is scheduled for July 24 - 27 and July 31 - Aug. 3, 2014.

CITY: Alton

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

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

Alton Little Theater: The Drowsy Chaperone

The curtain rises on a present-day musical theatre fanatic eager to tell you about his favorite Broadway musical - The Drowsy Chaperone. As he begins listening to the rare cast recording, the show cleverly blooms to life, telling the hilarious tale of a pampered Broadway starlet and her debonair fiance, an overzealous producer, a dizzy chorine, the Latin lover, and a couple of bumbling gangsters. Ruses are played. Hi-jinks occur. And the plot spins everyone into musica comedy euphoria. This production will Sept. 12 - 15 and Sept. 19 - 22.

CITY: Alton

Whiteside County Barn Tour

Now in its 6th year, the 2013 tour of historic barns will take place in the southwestern area of Whiteside County, starting at RK Riewerts Landscaping, 9585 Henry Rd, Morrison. Admission is $20 per vehicle, includes tour book and map. Cookout by the Whiteside County Cattlemen's Association.

CITY: Morrison

Alton Little Theater: Hallelujah Girls

Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. The action in this rollicking Southern comedy by the authors of Southern Hospitality takes place in SPA-DE-DAH!, the abandoned church-turned-day-spa where this group of friends gathers every Friday afternoon. After the loss of a dear friend, the women realize time is precious; and if they're going to change their lives and achieve their dreams, they have to do it now! But Sugar Lee, their high-spirited, determined leader, has her hands full keeping the women motivated. The comic tension mounts when a sexy ex-boyfriend shows up unexpectedly, a marriage proposal comes from an unlikely suitor, and Sugar Lee's archrival vows she'll stop at nothing to steal the spa away from her. By the time the women rally together to overcome these obstacls and launch their new, improved lives, you've got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout "Hallelujah!" This production is scheduled for May 1 - 4 and 8 - 11, 2014.

CITY: Alton

$5 Friday Summer Concerts: Changes in Latitudes

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

CITY: Alton

Sawyer Brown at Riverfront Amphitheater

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

CITY: Alton

Country Antique Market, Bishop Hill

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

CITY: Bishop Hill

8 Seasons in Sapmi Exhibit

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

CITY: Bishop Hill

A Hog in Dog Heaven - Celebrating 20 Years of Walldogs

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

CITY: Kewanee

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

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

Bluegrass Festival

Rives Lake in Greenfield is a beautiful backdrop to enjoy the bluegrass music at this annual festival. Bands play Friday night and twice on Saturday. Food vendors will be on site. A church service will be held Sunday. Camping is available. Follow signs from the town square to Lake Rives.

CITY: Greenfield

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

Jersey County Fair

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

CITY: Jerseyville

Brown County Fair

Fun and entertainment for all. Events include Little Mr. & Miss and Queen Pageants, horse races, tractor pull, demo derby, food, carnival rides, livestock, and expo building displays. The Whistle Stop Depot Museum and Ferguson School will be open each evening.

CITY: Mount Sterling

Lincoln Days Civil War Re-Enactment

Civil War Re-Enactment held at the Pittsfield City Lake. Featuring a parade, military drills, soldier camps, Living History Lectures, music, period food, vendors and artisans. Step back in time to historic Pittsfield as Union and Confederate forces prepare for battle.

CITY: Pittsfield

Alton/Godfrey Fireworks on the Mississippi

Alton's spectacular fireworks display are a must see in Alton! With the Clark Bridge as a backdrop over the Mississippi River, this fireworks show is always a crowd pleaser. For more information, call (618) 465-6676.

CITY: Alton

Burgoo and Bluegrass at the Reservoir

Join us at the Roodhouse Community Park Reservoir for some great music. Don't miss out on the food including burgoo, fried chicken, and buffalo fish.

CITY: Roodhouse

Schuyler County Fair

Join us at the fair for the talent contest, Little Miss & Mr. and Queen pageants, kiddie tractor pull, tractor pull, harness races, demo derby, livestock shows, food and much more! And make sure to get tickets for Friday, July 6 at 9pm, for the live performance by Florida Georgia Line.

CITY: Rushville

Alton Summer Concert Series

Summer is here, and the sounds of summer will be bouncing off the Mississippi River during the “Five Dollar Friday” Summer Concert Series at the Alton Riverfront Amphitheater. The first concert of the season on June 14 will feature Changes in Latitude - a tribute to Jimmy Buffett . The second concert will feature Think Floyd USA - a tribute to Pink Floyd, June 21. The third concert will feature Street Fighters - a tribute to the Rolling Stones, Aug 16. The final concert of the season will feature House of the Holy - a tribute to Led Zeppelin on Aug 30.

CITY: Alton

Chestnut Twilight Snowshoe Hike

Experience the glowing wood lined trails at dusk as you join our small group on a leisurely 1.5 hour snowshoe hike through the Trails at Chestnut Mountain. We’ll end the hike at a toasty bonfire overlooking the Mississippi at the south point. Headlamps optional. Hike starts at 4:30pm and costs $48 Adult/$25 kids, includes snowshoe rental. Advanced reservations required.

CITY: Galena

Grafton Rendezvous

Join us for the return of the Grafton Rendezvous on the banks of the Illinois River. See pre-1840 history come to life and experience what a busy river port was like during that period. Traders will demonstrate candle and rope making, bead working, wood carving, metal working and leather crafting. There will be tomahawk and knife throwing and much more. Bring the family and enjoy the fun.

CITY: Grafton

Alton Block Party

Third Street in downtown Alton is the place to be for live music, food and dancing in the streets, held on the third Saturday of each month from June to August. Family activities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the band to begin thereafter.

CITY: Alton

Arrival at Camp River Dubois

Come celebrate the arrival of Lewis and Clark at Camp River Dubois. This annual event commemorates December 12, the day William Clark and the men of the detachment arrived at the confluence of the Riviere a Dubois, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The event will include members of the detachment portraying military life, re-enactors recreating the civilian population and demonstrations.

CITY: Hartford

Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market

The Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market is held at the corner of Piasa and 9th streets beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at noon on Saturdays. There will be an abundance of delicious fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, plants & flowers, locally-raised hormone-free meat, handmade soaps, jewelry, artwork, pottery, art demonstrations and more at the Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market. Have breakfast at the market – coffee and breakfast items are available.

CITY: Alton

Calhoun County Quilt & Church Tour

Over 200 quilts, old to new, more hand stitched than machine stitched, are displayed in historic churches across Calhoun County. Visitors can also take part in quilt demonstrations, quilt appraisals, supplies, sales & raffels.

CITY: Brussels