Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival

The stages will be sure to be rocking all day, showcasing our featured Blues bands and singers, featuring such artists as Eric Sardinas, Shirley Johnson, Jerry Lee & the JuJu Kings and Shane Dwight. This street festival also features some the nations top, and award-winning so it will be hard to go home hungry.

CITY: Champaign

Bourbonnais Friendship Festival 2013

During the five days of fun, rides, games, shows, beer garden, parades, teen Idol, baby contest and more. You are bound to see astronauts, Martians, the Jetsons, Buzz Lightyear, Luke Skywalker and more as you orbit the festival grounds.

CITY: Bourbonnais

The Three Musketeers

In pursuit of his dream of becoming a Musketeer, young d’Artagnan travels to Paris, where he befriends the legendary Three Inseparables: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. His acts of bravery catch the eye of King Louis XIII, but ensnare d’Artagnan in the deadly schemes of Cardinal Richelieu and the beautiful, yet depraved, Milady Clarik. When Constance, the love of his life, is kidnapped on the eve of war, d’Artagnan must weigh his loyalties to king and country, comrades-in-arms, and the callings of his heart. Journey from Paris to London, from countryside taverns to glittering palaces, from a humble Gascon farm to the siege of La Rochelle, in an epic tale of passion, intrigue, and adventure.

CITY: Chicago

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

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

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

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

John Deere Green Iron Days

The John Deere Historic Site will be covered in green during the 13th biennial tractor & equipment show. Enjoy the sights & sounds of hundreds of pre-1979 machines. You can also tour the John Deere home, archaeological excavation site of his original blacksmith shop and see a live demonstration of blacksmithing in a replica of his shop.

CITY: Grand Detour

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

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

Blues, Beer and BBQ Festival

Annual Blues, Beer, and BDQ event at Freeport Art Museum. Sample a fine selecion of beer, live blues music and BBQ. 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Members: $20; Non Members: $23; At Door: $25.

CITY: Freeport

Why Do Fools Fall In Love

Millie's getting married and when three of her girlfriends throw her a bachelorette party, the girls end up sharing more than a great time after tequila shots and Snowball sugar highs. Rating: PG

CITY: St. Charles

Cruise Nite and Classic Car Show

One of the largest Cruise Nites in Illinois. This event brings in classic and antique autos for a weekend of fun for the whole family. Watch the cars cruise on Saturday night and then attend the car show on Sunday.

CITY: Jacksonville

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

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

Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival

The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival presented by MasterCard is all about celebrating the world-class Magnificent Mile shopping experience. Shopping Festival attendees receive VIP treatment with exclusive in-store offers and events, celebrity appearances, fashion shows, culinary celebrations, outdoor concerts, fabulous hotel packages, special perks for MasterCard cardholders and much more. The Shopping Festival is the perfect opportunity to book an end-of-summer getaway to The Magnificent Mile to enjoy an unforgettable lineup of events.

CITY: Chicago

Tower Hill Fall Festival

Held in the Village Park. This is the 27th year for the festival which has unique activites such as the Produce "500" which features vehicles made from produce from as small as a grape to as large as a watermelon. It also has a car and motorcycle show, garden tractor pulls, a tractor show, plenty of kids games a parade Saturday at 4:00 pm and entertainment along with the annual demo derby on Sunday.

CITY: Tower Hill

Geneva Arts Fair

The Geneva Arts Fair transforms downtown Geneva into a venue for over 150 esteemed artists and draws a crowd of more than 20,000. The juried show was voted a Top 200 Fine Craft Fair by Art Fair SourceBook and a previous winner of “Best Craft or Art Show” by West Suburban Living magazine. Admission is free and includes a children’s art area with special activities.

CITY: Geneva

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

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

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

Festival of the Horse & Drum

Festival of the Horse & Drum is an equestrian festival with a diverse and exciting twist. American Indian Pow-Wow, Horsemen of Spain, Portugal & Mexico, Tanner & Glaze. Equestrian games, Equine abilities expo & more.

CITY: St. Charles

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

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

Next to Normal

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - We are honored to present the regional premiere of Next To Normal, one of only eight musicals in history to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama. This riveting story is an intricate dissection of a "normal" American family. Driven by an incredible score (which won Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations) the narrative burrows into family secrets long since buried. This is a musical that asks the question: Can the seemingly perfect family survive an insurmountable event and tender the untenable. A story whose mere description would destroy it. See it before anyone reveals its secrets. Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey and Music by Tom Kitt.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Out at Wrigley

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

CITY: Chicago

Cedarville Summer Celebration

The 9th annual Cedarville Summer Celebration is a collaborative effort by the Village of Cedarville, Cedarville Lions Club and RAMP. There will be free hot dogs, chips and soda starting a 5 pm. There will be demonstrations by Cedarville Fire Department, games for kids, a vendor market, pillow bingo and Cake-n-roll with all proceeds to benefit RAMP services. At dusk there will be a huge blowout fireworks display. There is no charge to attend the event, but there will be charges for individual games.

CITY: Cedarville

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

SKETCHBOOK '13 Festival

14 World Premiere Works of Theater. 4 Programs to Choose From. The annual SKETCHBOOK Festival is Collaboraction at its best: breaking down the walls that divide theater, music, visual art, video, and the internet. Selected from hundreds of submissions, SKETCHBOOK once again brings together the collective talents of more than 150 pioneering directors, designers, actors, musicians and artists from Chicago and around the country for a jaw-dropping evening of creativity, experimentation, and celebration.

CITY: Chicago

Taste of Lincoln Avenue

One of the city's largest and most popular summer celebrations, Taste of Lincoln Avenue will be celebrating its BIG 30th in 2013! This iconic event takes place over six city blocks and boasts four music stages, food, a one-block long kids' area, the Lill Street Craft Fair and lots more! Located on N. Lincoln Ave between Fullerton & Wrightwood.

CITY: Chicago

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

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light

Christmas Around the World began in 1942 as a United Nations Day salute to American allies during the war, is now in its 69th year. The exhibit features more than 60 dazzling trees and displays that are decorated by members of Chicago's ethnic communities to reflect holiday customs from around the world. Holidays of Light showcases various global holidays that celebrate light or enlightenment such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Festivities include ethnic dancing and singing, storytellers, and school choir performances.

CITY: Chicago

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

Bike MS Tour De Farms

Thousand of cyclists to participate in Bike MS: Tour De Farms on June 22 & 23, 2013, in DeKalb. Bike MS: Tour de Farms is one of the largest fundraisers of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter. Children under 12 years old are invited to participate in a special Bike MS course exclusively for junior riders, on Saturday, June 22, at 3 p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older and submit a $15 registration fee. Also on Saturday, five Chicago-based bands will perform from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Residents of DeKalb and the surrounding communities are invited to attend. Registration for Bike MS is open to individual riders, teams, volunteers and virtual riders.

CITY: DeKalb

12th Annual Country Youth Classic Golf Tournament

The Country Youth Classic golf tournament, one of the largest youth golf tournaments in the United States, will run June 24-26, 2013 at five Bloomington-Normal courses. The event holds competition in 24 divisions, including 8 special needs divisions. Golfers are offered a practice round and two days of competition along with a Parent-Child Tournament and Country Skills Challenge. Last year’s tournament attracted more than 360 golfers, ranging in age from 3 through 22, including participants from six states and two foreign countries.

CITY: Bloomington

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

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

Ghost Train and Haunted Boxcar

Ride the Ghost Train through Camp Creek Hollow, with a stop at Cemetery Road. Only the brave should walk through the Haunted Boxcar.

CITY: Monticello

Summer Sounds Concert Series

Great live music and drinks every other Friday throughout the summer at Danville's Temple Plaza outdoor stage. Bands include Monkey's X (May 24), Alex Jenkins & The Bombers Blues Band (June 7), Mike Dangeroux Orchestra (June 21), Just Us Band (July 5), Outbound Drive (July 19), and Duke Tomatoe & The Power Trio (August 2).

CITY: Danville

DAR Governor Duncan Mansion Annual Ice Cream Social

Annual Ice Cream and Dessert Social, held on the lawn of the Governor Joseph Duncan Mansion. Presented by the Reverend James Caldwell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Suggested donation includes cake, ice cream and beverage. All proceeds to benefit the renovation of the Duncan Mansion.

CITY: Jacksonville

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

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

Festival of Trees

The annual Festival of Trees welcomes visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holidays! The spectacular Christmas décor, entertainment, and special events will entertain all ages. Come and enjoy a wide variety of custom-designed trees, including a selection of celebrity trees, a gingerbread village, unique centerpieces and festive wreaths. All items are available for bid in a silent auction. The Festival of Trees is in its 20th year as a family-centered community event. Proceeds from the festival benefit The Baby Fold, a local organization serving children and families. For more information, please call 309-454-1770 or visit www.festoftrees.org.

CITY: Bloomington

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

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

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

Taste of Downtown & American Music Show

Two days of eclectic and classic cuisine from 20+ restaurants. Also enjoy great music at the American Music Show, free children's entertainmanet. A fun filled family weekend.

CITY: Springfield

Chinatown Summer Fair

This iconic annual celebration is one of the most ethnically unique outdoor events in the Midwest. Attracting tens of thousands from throughout the region, Chinatown Summer Fair is a true celebration of Far East beauty and culture including food, art and music. Visitors will be amazed by the Lion Dance Procession as well as classical Chinese dance and martial arts demonstrations. There's also Old and New World music acts, kids' activities, artisans, authentic cuisine from neighborhood restaurants and much more.

CITY: Chicago

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

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

9th Annual Midwest Nationals Wrestling Tournament

The Midwest Nationals is organized by the Bloomington-Normal Area Sports Commission, Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association, Wrestling Aids and Illinois Coaches Association. Competitors will be matched by weight class in 7 different age divisions. Weight classes will be determined at the weigh-in on Friday, July 12. Competition will begin Saturday at 9:00 am. Those who are interested in participating have until weigh-in on Friday, July 12, from 5-8 pm to register.

CITY: Bloomington

8 Miles of Ag-tiques

This event begins on Highway 26 north of Orangeville. Each stop will feature different tractors including John Deere, Massey Harris, International Harvester, Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline, Allis Chalmers, and other old machinery from the Good Old Days. There will be food, craft shows, tractor drives on Saturday, lots of talk, and just lots of fun visiting with the guys and their toys...

CITY: Orangeville

Capital City Celebration

How can we celebrate the birth of our nation any other day except July 4? Entertainment starts at noon with local bands, free activities for children. Enjoy food, refreshments and fireworks at dusk.

CITY: Springfield

Rockford City Market

From May through mid-October, the Rockford City Market features local growers and vendors who sell natural products and unique retail items, live music, demonstrations and kids' activities.

CITY: Rockford

44th Annual Threshing Show and Antique Display

This show features over 300 gas tractors, steam engines and horse-powered equipment, antique tractor pulls, and horse pulls, along with exhibitors showing threshing, sawmills, blacksmithing, weaving, spinning and chair caning. The shows special features this year will be Massy Tractors and Equipment, Gasoline Alley will feature Odd Ball & Out of the Ordinary engines. Browse the huge flea market and ride the steam train at the depot.

CITY: Freeport

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

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

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

28th Annual St. Charles Scarecrow Festival

Enjoy more than 100 handcrafted scarecrows on display (vote for your favorite), a huge craft show, carnival, great food, live entertainment and free children's activities, including make-your-own-scarecrow workshops.

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

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

Friday Night LIve

Downtown Champaign is the backdrop for Friday Night Live, a free street-side performance series open to the general public. Held from 6-8pm every Friday from May 31st to August 16th, Friday Night Live includes an eclectic mix of music and street performances including bluegrass, jazz, folk, rock, and blues, along with a cappella, bellydancing, and street magic.

CITY: Champaign

Blessing of the Bikes

Thousands of motorcyclists travel to Bald Knob Mountain, Southern Illinois’ highest point and the site of the Bald Knob Cross of Peace located just outside of Alto Pass, about 10 miles south of Murphysboro on IL-127.

CITY: Alto Pass

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

35th Annual Sunset Concert Series

The weekend begins on Thursday evening in Carbondale during the summer, as hundreds gather to attend the welcoming, relaxing and fun tradition that is the Sunset Concert series. Attendees bring everything from beer-pong tables and barbecue grills to pop-up tents and couches. The concerts rotate between two beautiful venues, with the more contemporary acts on the Steps of Shryock Auditorium and the mellower, more traditional bands playing under the Lenus Turley Park gazebo.

CITY: Carbondale

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

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

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens - Anderson Japanese Gardens

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens is a casual, weeknight opportunity for friends and family to gather and socialize in a truly beautiful and unique setting. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets packed with a light summer supper. Guests are not permitted to carry in their own beverages. There will be local food vendors on site. Bottled water, soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

CITY: Rockford

58th Annual Ice Cream Social

Start your summer in traditional Freeport Style at the Stephenson County Museum's Annual gathering with food, ice cream and pie, musuem tours, and entertainment. Tour the historic arboretum while you enjoy the company of friends. 5 pm - 8 pm. Admission: $5.

CITY: Freeport

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

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

What Lincoln Center is to New Yourk and Kennedy Center is to Washington D.C., Krannert Center is to the Midwest—a magnificent showcase for the performing arts. KCPA is a premier educational and professional performing arts complex and is the setting for over 300 performances each year. A professional laboratory for the University of Illinois dance, theatre, opera and music departments, the Center also hosts internationally famous artists such as Emmy Lou Harris, Herbie Hancock, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mark Morris Dance Group, and is home to the Champaign-Urbana Symphony and Sinfonia de Camera.

CITY: Urbana

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

2013 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

Antique Automobile Exhibit

This outdoor exhibit of vintage automobiles showcases the early history of the car in America and features everything from Model Ts to SmartCars. Held on the grounds of the historic David Davis Mansion in Bloomington.

CITY: Bloomington

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

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

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

State Farm Holiday Classic

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

CITY: Bloomington

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

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

American Indian and Ethnographic Show

Historic artifacts on display.

CITY: Collinsville

River Country Quilt Show

Features quilt displays, contest, vendors and demonstrations.

CITY: Jacksonville

Kane County Flea Market / August 2013

Monthly flea market at the Kane County Fairgrounds. "The Best in the Midwest or Anywhere". Up to 1000 dealers display and sell antiques, collectibles & Fancy Junque. Food served all day.

CITY: St. Charles

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

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

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

Prairieland Chautauqua

15th Annual event, modeled after traditional Chautauquas, featuring musical shows, historical storytellers and reenactments portrayed by professionals and communal suppers.This years theme: "E pluribus unum”.

CITY: Jacksonville

Lincoln/Douglas Debate Commemoration

Annual public ceremony with speakers, marking the 153rd anniversary of the historic, 1858 meeting of Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln in Freeport, Illinois.

CITY: Freeport

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

Shelbyville Festival of Lights

Come to Shelbyville and take a drive through Forest Park as it is lit up for the Holiday season. Different themed areas delight with the centerpiece being a large carousel placed on the Historical Chautauqua Auditorium. These lights are put in place each year by volunteers and new lights and themed areas are added yearly. Candy Cane lane is to honor loved ones. Come enjoy the Victorian Village, Santa's Shop, the North Pole, Bethlehem, and others.

CITY: Shelbyville

Dixon Petunia Festival

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

CITY: Dixon

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

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

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

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