Antioch's Taste of Summer

Antioch’s huge summer festival will celebrate its 23rd year in Downtown Antioch offering food, entertainment, carnival, sidewalk sales, and many other activities that make up a great 4 day family fun festival. Dine in the relaxing sunshine, or under the "Big Top" while listening to top entertainment from the Brook Bandshell. Food booths will offer the consumer a fantastic array of foods and drinks featuring Mexican, Chinese, American, BBQ, Italian and many others that will delight people with discriminating tastes. Then stroll through the town for the best sidewalk sales in the area. This year's Taste will offer a section of exhibitors new to Antioch's Taste of Summer! Visit website for more information.

CITY: Antioch

Arlington Million

The Arlington Million brings together horses, owners, trainers, jockeys and fans from every corner of the world. Immerse yourself in the Arlington Million experience... history and tradition, special performances, fashionable apparel, and delectable cuisine.

CITY: Arlington Heights

Binny's Taste at the Track

The Biggest and Best Wine Event of the Spring Season is Back! You’re invited to join us to watch and wager on the heart pounding sport of Thoroughbred horse racing while enjoying a sampling of over 400 domestic and international wines from Binny’s. Plus, top Chicagoland restaurants will be providing a sampling of signature dishes to pair with your favorite wine. This ticketed event includes general admission to Arlington Park, entrance into the exclusive Taste at the Track event in the Park, a Govino wine glass and wine tastings, and three food sample tickets. In addition to your sample tasting options, you’ll also enjoy chef demonstrations and delicious small plate offerings available for purchase. You MUST be 21+ to enter the exclusive Taste at the Track event. Be sure to get your tickets early as they will sell out! For more information visit the Binny's Taste at the Track ticket page.

CITY: Arlington Heights

Barrington Art Festival

Amdur Productions proudly kicks off its 30th season with the Barrington Art Festival on Memorial Day weekend. Free and open to the public, the Barrington Art Festival will offer the work of 120 juried artists from around the world in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, photography, watercolors, wood and more. In addition to the incredible artwork available for purchase at the festival, guests will be able to enjoy live music throughout the weekend.

CITY: Barrington

The 12th Annual Buffalo Grove Invitational Art Festival

The festival, held at the Buffalo Grove Town Center Corner of Lake Cook Road and Route 83, boasts exceptional artwork, live music, great festival food and fun art activities for kids! Now rated as one of the top 50 shows in the United States by Sunshine Artist magazine, this stellar art festival takes has a rich history of great sales. Buffalo Grove is home to more than 44,000 loyal festival supporters and some of the most reputable business organizations in the Midwest. The festival offers ample artist, free admission and free patron parking.

CITY: Buffalo Grove

Deerfield's Annual Fine Arts Festival

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

CITY: Deerfield

Des Plaines Summer Fling

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

CITY: Des Plaines

Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove

Prestigious Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Designation. Athletes from around the world come to compete in the tour. Includes some of the richest pro cycling purses in the world. Food, exhibits, cycling vendors, & entertainment.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

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

8th Annual Kite Festival

In the open area near Evening Island, enjoy soaring stunt kite performances set to music by members of the Chicago Fire Kite Team and members of the Kite Society of Wisconsin & Illinois. The Chicago Fire Kite Team has been competing and demonstrating team sport kite ballet and precision since 1986. Invited to kite festivals around the world, they have flown in front of friendly crowds in England, France, Japan, and Canada as well as the United States. Free.

CITY: Glencoe

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival

Located on the Esplanade at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden, the Festival features original works for purchase from a select crowd of 80 acclaimed artists. All of the artwork embodies a botanic theme, use, or material. The incredible artwork available at the Festival is rivaled only by the beauty of the setting. Admission is free. Regular parking rates apply.

CITY: Glencoe

Yellow Moon

Writers’ Theatre continues its season with Yellow Moon, by David Greig and directed by Associate Artistic Director Stuart Carden. This is the ballad of Leila and Lee—a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde who learn that they aren’t alone in the world the night that they discover each other. Their wild ramble across the Scottish highlands in search of an absent father is told in a series of lyrical narratives that will immerse audiences in the action, forging a breathless drama of beauty in the darkness.

CITY: Glencoe

The Liar

Writers’ Theatre concludes its 2012-2013 Season with The Liar, by David Ives, sdapted from the comedy by Pierre Corneille, and directed by William Brown. Hours after arriving in Paris, charismatic scoundrel Dorante is smitten by a pair of comely young ladies and confounded by a case of mistaken identity. Not to worry, Dorante is handsome, charming—and a pathological liar. He wins admirers wherever he goes…so long as he never has to tell the truth! Misunderstandings, secret agendas, and witty wordplay abound in this ingenious and irreverent update of a classic French romp.

CITY: Glencoe

The Old Man and The Old Moon

Writers’ Theatre will open its 2013-2014 Season with the Midwest Premiere of The Old Man and The Old Moon, A New Play With Music by PigPen Theatre Co., directed by Associate Artistic Director Stuart Carden and PigPen Theatre Co. The Old Man and the Old Moon creates an epic new mythology, centered on a man whose job is to collect spilled light to refill the leaking moon. When his wife unexpectedly leaves home in pursuit of much-needed adventure, he abandons his post to follow her, throwing the world into chaos as he searches for his lost love, his fading memory and, ultimately, himself. A blend of resonant storytelling, spirited indie-folk music and inventive puppetry creates a theatrical experience that will win audiences over with its wit, style and depth of emotion. Writers’ Theatre is thrilled to collaborate with the young men of PigPen Theatre Co., who bring the story of The Old Man and the Old Moon to such brilliant, vibrant life that its New York production earned a coveted spot on multiple “Best of the Year” lists.

CITY: Glencoe

Port Authority

Acclaimed playwright Conor McPherson (The Seafarer, Shining City, Dublin Carol) crafts a series of interconnected monologues that explore the heart and soul of three generations of Irishmen. A young man escapes his parents’ house to share digs with two alcohol-soaked friends and a mesmerizing young woman; a middle-aged laborer lands a dream job that he’s not remotely qualified for; and a widower receives a mysterious package that touches a hidden part of his memory. The lightly interlocking stories of these three men at three different stages of life weave together a tale that is both spirited and moving in its portrait of ordinary lives. Directed by Writers’ Theatre favorite William Brown (A Little Night Music, Heartbreak House), Port Authority revels in the rough lyricism of McPherson’s language and the poignancy of these stories of lost love, big dreams and the consequences of even our smallest choices.

CITY: Glencoe

Chicago Botanic Garden Farmer's Market

First and third Sundays of the month (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Gather seasonal produce, flowers, herbs, and other local, sustainable products at this bimonthly Garden event that is held rain or shine. Talk with vendors and sample fresh fare. Visitors may purchase a special market bag from the Garden Shop to carry their purchases home. Free admission; $25 per car (includes tax) .

CITY: Glencoe

Dancin' Sprouts at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Dancin Sprouts features a fun evening full of free music for the Gardens youngest visitors every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through late August. Children may get up, dance, and sing during these lively evenings created just for them. Take advantage of extended hours at the Model Railroad Garden, which is open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, June 5 - August 28. These evenings reflect the Gardens role in the Chicago Wilderness Consortium to Leave No Child Inside. Picnicking is permitted during this event on the Esplanade only. Free Admission (does not include parking fees).

CITY: Glencoe

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

Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America Exhibit

The Grayslake Heritage Center will become one of only 11 places in the nation to host this traveling exhibition about Abraham Lincoln. This exhibition features high-quality reproductions of items ranging from Lincoln's surveying instruments to the gloves he wore on the night he was assassinated at Ford's Theater. Discover a wonderful overview of his life from boyhood to his years as President and Emancipator. The Heritage Center will be open six days a week with evening hours added to increase accessibility. No admission fee, but donations are accepted.

CITY: Grayslake

Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor 2013

Six Flags Great America is fun for the whole family with 14 heart-pounding roller coasters, a free water park with over 30 heart pounding water slides, spectacular shows and parades, family rides and big pint-sized fun for the kids with children's areas and over 35 rides for the little ones. New for 2013 is the igNIGHT - Grand Finale, a mesmerizing and vibrant nighttime spectacle bursting with energy, vivid colors, brilliant visual effects, lively performances, fascinating imagery, and pure imagination. Riptide Bay, the newly expanded water park that boasts more slides and attractions was added in Hurricane Harbor in 2011! Catch a wave at the only place to surf on Lake Michigan.

CITY: Gurnee

Six Flags Great America FrightFest

It's Thrills by Day, Chills by Night at Fright Fest Presented by Snickers®. Six Flags Great America will be totally transformed into a Halloween playground, Fridays - Sundays. Have a ghoulish good time with hair-raising shows, electrifying street entertainment and thrilling haunted houses. Plus, experience all the rides in the dark. There will also be a special trick-or-treat trail just for kids.

CITY: Gurnee

Rink Side's 14th Annual Summer Chiller Event

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

CITY: Gurnee

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

Ravinia Festival 2013

Another exciting year of entertainment at the Ravinia Festival. With a variety of performances, there is something for everyone. Choose from artists like Journey, Sheryl Crow, Alabama, Seal, Tony Bennett, Steely Dan, BoDeans, Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty and many more. Please visit our website for a complete schedule and to purchase tickets. Bring a picnic or pick up a complete picnic spread at one of the on-site restaurants or kiosks and sit back and enjoy the show.

CITY: Highland Park

Highland Park's Art Center's Festival of Fine Craft

The Highland Park Festival of Fine Craft is a two-day outdoor celebration of the visual arts. A longstanding community tradition, the Festival of Fine Craft attracts a loyal audience of art lovers who patron the show annually. Hosted on the beautiful tree lined streets of Downtown Highland Park, the show emphasizes fine craft including glass, wood, ceramics, fiber, jewelry and more. Fun art activities for children and families, as well as live entertainment and tasty festival treats. Art enthusiasts will get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making these masterpieces with live art demos taking place all weekend long. Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm and admission is free.

CITY: Highland Park

The Inside Art Show

A select group of artists showcase their artwork at the festival, which takes place indoors at the Highland Park Country Club located 1201 Park Ave West in Highland Park, just before Thanksgiving. Artwork of all mediums is welcome, with an emphasis on fine art for the home and jewelry for holiday gift giving. Come and enjoy the show Friday from 4pm-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. Admission and parking are free.

CITY: Highland Park

Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Ravinia

Tickets are on sale now for the highly anticipated return of the 360-voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir, joined by the Orchestra at Temple Square. This is only the second Ravinia appearance of the group Ronald Reagan dubbed Americas choir, which sold out its debut performance at the festival in 2007. Reserved pavilion seats to the June 15 concert are $95, each and lawn tickets are $17.

CITY: Highland Park

Sting at Ravinia

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

CITY: Highland Park

Celtic Woman at Ravinia

This group of ladies have been described as being "Riverdance for the voice." The group has undertaken a number of world tours. Cumulatively, albums by Celtic Woman have sold over 6 million records worldwide. With such a variety of music and so much talent this is sure to be a great show.

CITY: Highland Park

Highwood Last Call Art Fair

All of the artwork featured at this outdoor festival will be high quality and affordable. This festival gives art lovers the opportunity to purchase extraordinary pieces of all kinds at end-of-season discounted prices. The fair is located along Sheridan Road, the main downtown street near all the great restaurants. There will be free hands on art projects for children. In addition to great art at great prices, the festival features live music all weekend long. Delicious food from local restaurants will be available for festival-goers to enjoy while perusing and purchasing artwork. Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. Free admission.

CITY: Highwood

Our Quilts in Bloom - NSQG Quilt Show 2013

Stroll through a cotton botanical garden of over 300 quilts created by the Northwest Suburban Quilters Guild on display at the Prairie Stone Sports & Wellness Center in Hoffman Estates on September 20-21, 2013. Judge and admire quilts of all sizes, shapes and techniques. NSQG is one of the oldest and largest quilt guilds in Northern Illinois. Hours: Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. AND Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission: $7.00, $1.00 off coupon available on our website. Children under 17 free with adult.

CITY: Hoffman Estates

BMW Championship 2013

Lake County and Conway Farms are pleased to host the BMW Championship for 2013. Spectators can purchase tickets to watch the greatest of all players compete for the title. Players like Tiger Woods, Rory Mcllroy, Phil Mickelson, Nick Watney and many more will be playing for a chance at the trophy. Please visit our website for more information. To book a hotel room of 10 or more please contact Teresa@lakecounty.org or call Visit Lake County at (800)525-3669.

CITY: Lake Forest

The 13th Annual Celebration of Summer at Lehmann Park

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

CITY: Lake Villa

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

12th Annual Taste of Lincolnshire

Bring family, friends and co-workers to sample food from top local restaurants without paying high prices this summer. Enjoy live entertainment all day long in the wonderful Village Green setting. There's something for everyone and lots of free parking! For more information please call (847)793-2409 or visit the website at http://lincolnshirechamber.org/.

CITY: Lincolnshire

The 16th Annual Lincolnshire Art Festival

The Lincolnshire Art Festival proudly celebrates its 16th year as a fine arts institution this summer. This Art Festival is currently ranked as one of the top 100 art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine. Located in one of Chicago's most prosperous suburbs, this popular art festival draws crowds from near and far. Live music and entertainment. Art activities for kids make the festival a destination for art lovers of all ages.

CITY: Lincolnshire

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

Fall head over heels for this hilarious musical comedy about that terribly wonderful, simply complex thing called love. From dressing for a first date, marriage and babies, in-laws and the injustice of long lines for the ladies room, this musical romp through the everyday relationships will have everyone rolling in the aisles with laughter.

CITY: Lincolnshire

9 to 5

This hilarious new musical from Grammy Award-winner Dolly Parton features the hit title song and Tony Award-nominated score. 9 to 5 is the hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the rolodex era. When three unlikely friends take control of the office and put their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss in his place, they learn there is nothing they can't do, even in a man's world.

CITY: Lincolnshire

Mary Poppins

The world's favorite nanny arrives on the Marriott stage! Mary Poppins, based on P.L. Travers' beloved stories and the classic Disney film, features a magical score and thrilling dancing with "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Chim Chim Cher-ee,""Feed the Birds" and "Let's Go Fly a Kite" coming to life in front of your eyes for the very first time. So bring the whole family and spend a Jolly Holiday with Mary and an irresistible cast of characters.

CITY: Lincolnshire

South Pacific

Rodgers and Hammerstein's “South Pacific,” awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is considered one of the greatest musicals of all time. Based on James Michener's “Tales of the South Pacific,” the ground-breaking story follows U.S. nurse Nellie Forbush, a cockeyed optimist, who falls in love with a French plantation owner yet struggles to accept his past. The legendary score includes "Some Enchanted Evening," "Younger Than Springtime" and the haunting "Bali Ha'i."

CITY: Lincolnshire

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

Long Grove's Annual Strawberry Festival

The pleasures of summer are celebrated with “berry” wonderful strawberry-inspired treats. Strawberry lovers of all ages flock to Long Grove’s renown fest to enjoy chocolate covered strawberries, fruit smoothies, and other strawberry drinks, ice creams, strawberry donuts, baked goods and, of course, the farm-fresh berries themselves. There is free live entertainment all three days at venues all over town and most of Long Grove’s many shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants offer variations of strawberry-themed foods, drinks, and merchandise. Fun for All Ages Strawberry Fest features plenty of activities and fun for children, including a variety of kiddie rides, face painting and outdoor activities and tents full of family and education-oriented products.

CITY: Long Grove

Septemberfest

Free, multi-day festival - one of Chicagoland’s biggest - featuring a parade, nationally known entertainment, arts & crafts, bingo tent, carnival rides, games, Taste of Schaumburg, demonstrations and fireworks.

CITY: Schaumburg

LEGO Star Wars MINILAND Model Displey

Young Padawans will learn to harness the Force in LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago’s first-ever LEGO Star Wars Miniland – a large-scale, interactive LEGO model display, chronicling the adventures of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Take part in a thrilling Podrace through treacherous terrain on the planet Tatooine, and help defeat the evil Droid Army on the rolling plains of Naboo.

CITY: Schaumburg

Character Caravan

Free Event. Bringing the best of Chicago's Northwest area attractions to you! Meet, greet, and play with Chicagoland's most lovable attraction mascots during Character Caravan! This one-of-a-kind free event lets you discover some of Chicagoland's best attractions. Games, prizes, face painting, goodie bags, and photos with your favorite Characters. Rain or Shine! Registration is required to receive goodie bag, limited to the first 500 registered children. Deadline for registration is May 31, 2013.

CITY: Schaumburg

Vernon Hills Summer Celebration 2013

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

CITY: Vernon Hills

Tempel Lipizzans Performances

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

CITY: Wadsworth

22nd Annual Civil War Days

Make plans to attend the Northern Illinois' largest Civil War reenactment. The Lake County Discovery Museum is proud to present the 22nd annual Civil War Days encampment. The event features infantry, cavalry and artillery reenactors, as well as musicians, sutlers, medical personnel and civilians. A large-scale battle reenactment, ongoing drills, kids' activities, and Civil War era shopping are available both days. Please call (847) 968-3400 or visit our website for more information.

CITY: Wauconda

Mucha: Expanding Art Nouveau Exhibit

Alphonse Mucha brought the elegance of the Art Nouveau movement to everyday and commercial objects through his designs for posters, magazines, jewelry and much more. Featuring objects from the John High Collection, one of the world's leading collections of Mucha postcards, from the Lake County Discovery Museum. Exhibit is free with museum admission.

CITY: Wauconda

14th Annual Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival

This is Waukegan's 14th Annual Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival! Artists, Music, Dance and Drum Circle "As Waukegan Grows" This event is sponsored by the City of Waukegan and the Waukegan Park District. Come and enjoy this one-of -a-kind festival.

CITY: Waukegan

Zion's 27th Nostalgia Days

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

CITY: Zion