Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum Fall Harvest Demonstrations

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

CITY: Freeport

Fall Art Stroll

For one day each fall downtown Kankakee is transformed into a center for arts and entertainment. The Art Stroll brings together artisans from all over the Midwest, including painters, photographers, jewelry makers, potters, glass makers, and a variety of music and performance artists.

CITY: Kankakee

Fever River Railroad Fall Open House

For model railroad aficionados-and everyone else who ever enjoyed model trains-this model railroad is something to see. The Fever River Railroad is a 103 by 24 foot HO scale model of a hypothetical railroad. The railroad intersects with models of "real" railroads, each of which can be operated independently-up to 20 trains can be operating at one time. Industries along the railroad right-of-way duplicate either actual facilities or are typically correct of the industries that would be found in the Upper Midwest. The scenery represents the geographical area as well. A collection of railroad memorabilia and pictures are on display.

CITY: Freeport

Chicago Botanic Garden- Weekend Family Classes

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

CITY: Glencoe

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

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

CITY: Brookfield

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

Lansing Autumn Festival

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

CITY: Lansing

Clark County Fair

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

CITY: Marshall

Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum Labor Day Celebration

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

CITY: Freeport

Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad Steam Train Rides, Silvercreek Museum Soup Supper

All aboard the antique steam train as a 36 ton 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, and two passenger flatcars for a four mile ride through farmlands and across a bridge 30 feet above Yellow Creek. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Deport, and browse for novelties in the Freight House. Visit the Silver Creek Museum which offers 25 rooms of early Americana. Enjoy homemade soup, sandwiches and deserts served at the Museum.

CITY: Freeport

Kane County Flea Market / November, 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 & Francy Funque. Food served all day.

CITY: St. Charles

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

Pembroke Rodeo

The Pembroke Rodeo is one of the largest traveling rodeo's in Illinois. The rodeo features exciting rodeo events; bare back riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, relay races, barrel racing, flag races and bull riding. Don't miss the extras: down-home eats, fun for the kids and family-friendly atmosphere.

CITY: St. Anne

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

Kane County Flea Market / September 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

Kane County Flea Market / December, 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

Atlanta Fall Festival

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

CITY: Atlanta

Home Garden & Business Expo

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

CITY: Centralia

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

Fall Farm Day

Fall Farm Days in Logan County means a trip to Gail's Pumpkin Patch for pick-your-own pumpkins, farm tours, cider, homegrown honey and other fall treats.

CITY: Beason

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

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

Christmas at the Mansions Tour

Christmas at the Mansions is a community-wide tour of the David Davis Mansion and two Mystery Houses in Bloomington-Normal. You'll see these gorgeous homes decorated in period Christmas finery. Take in the architecture, history, postcard scenes of decorated evergreen trees and Christmas wreaths, poinsettia plants, and even hosts dressed in period costumes, as you walk back in time to the late 1800's and early 1900's. Music and other surprises will complement your tour! Three hour tours are scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central parking and shuttle service is available at the David Davis Mansion or Second Presbyterian Church (313 N. East Street, Bloomington, Illinois).

CITY: Bloomington

Cedarhurst Craft Fair Preview Night

Every year visitors look forward to the Cedarhurst Craft Fair Friday evening preview, featuring jazz, great food and beverages, and first choice among hundreds of vendors' merchandise.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Christmas at the Courthouse

Visit the McLean County Museum of History's annual holiday event! The Christmas at the Courthouse celebration includes musical performances, crafts, homemade goodies and much more! Don't forget to check out all of the exciting exhibits at the museum while you're here!

CITY: Bloomington

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

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

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

Third Sunday Market

Thousands of collectors clear their calendars to shop the Third Sunday Market, an event devoted exclusively to the finest in antiques, collectibles, crafts, and garden. A Bloomington tradition since 1988, the indoor/outdoor sale features more than 450 top dealers, representing 17 states. Whether you’re looking for the finest in antique furniture, Americana, folk art, vintage advertising, sport memorabilia, or antique linens & clothing you’re likely to find it here.

CITY: Bloomington

Mighty Richland Players Theater: "Queen of the Cow Towns"

“Queen of the Cow Towns” at the Mighty Richland Players Dessert Theater. Enjoy this original musical melodrama by Mike Carver. Performances are in dessert theater format. $20. Friday and Saturday: 7:30 pm; Sunday: 2 pm. (Information: 815-819-1310; Tickets: 888-596-1249 or 608-325-5700)

CITY: Orangeville

30th Annual Pilot Home Tour & Tea

Visit beautifully decorated homes, sponsored by the International Pilot Club of Jacksonville.

CITY: Jacksonville

American Thresherman Show

The evening events for this five day steam and antique tractor show will feature a horse pull, antique tractor pull and, on Friday and Saturday nights, Illinois Tractor Pulling Associating pulls. Thursday night, head uptown for the big parade. The day events include plowing with horses, steam engine and tractors and a pedal tractor pull. There will also be demonstrations on sawmills, veneer mills, shingle mills and blacksmiths.

CITY: Pinckneyville

Making God Laugh

Join two empty-nesters as they welcome home their three grown kids for the holidays, a priest, an aspiring actress, and a former star athlete. Don't miss this hilarious performance at the Fox Valley Repertory Theater at Pheasant Run.

CITY: St. Charles

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

Basu Herb Farm Festival

Come see a working farm and learn more about practices like organic farming. Activities will include a farmers market, herb walks, children's games, guest speakers, seminars, drummers, African dancers, positive hip-hop, an open mic and more.

CITY: Pembroke Township

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

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

Music On Chicago

Enjoy Freeport's historic downtown with this music fest featuring two bands, great food and a beer garden. The June concert features 70s music. The July concert features the Blues; and the August concert features Rock n' Roll. Adults: $5; Children 5 and under: Free.

CITY: Freeport

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

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

Festival de La Villita

The largest celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the Midwest takes place in the heart of Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. Celebrating its 24th year in 2013, Festival de La Villita (aka Little Village Festival) is a grand community gala that officially commemorates Mexico's independence from Spanish rule. And on Sunday, the crowds get even bigger as the festival is the end location of the 26th Street Parade—one of the largest in the city.

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

ILGRA Windy City Rodeo

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

CITY: Crete

Taste of Latin America

This truly unique food festival, celebrating its second year is 2013, will be a gala weekend celebration all things Central and South American! Eclectic international cuisine, live music, arts & crafts and much more will be part of this festival's mix that showcases a rich multi-country heritage and Latin culture.

CITY: Chicago

Carbondale Community Friday Night Fair

Enjoy some of the best of what Carbondale has to offer every Friday during the summer, when the arts & entertainment scene unites with local farmers and craftsmen to create a fun, family-friendly festival. Hosted in Carbondale's historic Town Square Pavillion, the fair includes kids activities, a farmer's market, craft vendors, live music and more, all free of charge.

CITY: Carbondale

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

THURSDAY-FRIDAY-SATURDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 8-9-10-11, 2013 Show Hours: Thursday, August 8, 2013 - 12 NOON - 8pm Friday, August 9, 2013 - 12 NOON - 8pm Saturday, August 10, 2013 - 10am - 7pm Sunday, August 11, 2013 - 10am - 5pm All full-price attendees will receive a limited-edition, exclusive cover variant of The Walking Dead #1 by TBD! Artist will be on hand to sign. Extremely limited quantities are available to fans only while supplies last! **Children 10 and under get in FREE when accompanied by a paid adult (Limit 2 Per Paid Adult Tickets). All show tickets will be e-mailed AND available as a pdf file after purchase.**

CITY: Rosemont

Taste of Champaign-Urbana

Find your new favorite restaurant. The one that would make you willingly wait in a long line, travel miles and miles, and create special occasions just to visit. The Taste of Champaign-Urbana will aid you on your adventure to culinary discovery with 25 food vendors to tempt your taste buds. More than that, “Taste of C-U” will entertain you with free live music. It will expand your knowledge of hidden artistry within the Champaign-Urbana community. All this in one whirlwind of a weekend, June 21-23 at West Side Park in Champaign, IL. Come out and join in on the fun!

CITY: Champaign

Pre-War Festival

Downtown Pontiac will step back into time with heritage craft demonstrators, Civil War reenactors, old-time cars, trucks and cycles. The combined festival will be great fun for all ages. Break out your vintage clothing and become part of the excitement.

CITY: Pontiac

Franklin Grove Summer Harvest Festival

The 34th Annual Franklin Grove Summer Harvest Festival is a city-wide celebration of the area's heritage with a wide variety of activities and events for all to enjoy. The festival includes a pancake breakfast, village-wide yard sales, tours of the H.I. Lincoln Building, the Franklin Grove Art & Fiber Festival, the Living History Antique Equipment Show and parade plus tours of the Franklin Creek Grist Mill and Nachusa Grasslands. Many of the Summer Harvest Festival activities and events will take place at Chaplin Creek Village which will also host live blue grass and folk music, draft horse and mule jamboree The Chaplin Creek Muzzle Loaders encampment, 19th century prairie village demonstrations and more.

CITY: Franklin Grove

Super City Blues & Ques

Friday night is the "anything but" competition, with open entries for entrees, sides, sauces and sweets. Each entry is $25, and monetary prizes up to $75 are awarded in each category. Vendors start selling at lunchtime, and live music starts in the afternoon. The beer garden will open in the late afternoon, and will be located next to the stage. Saturday is the Kansas City BBQ Society competition, with the grand champion winning $1000 plus a 6' trophy. Vendors will be selling all day and bands will start in the afternoon and play until 10:00 PM. Also on Saturday, there will be "touch a tractor" for the kids, and an arts and crafts fair for everyone

CITY: Metropolis

Stephenson County Fair

Old fashioned county fair, with livestock shows, home-ec and commercial exhibits, food vendors, and grandstand events including youth night, tractor pulls, FMX Freestyle Motocross, demo derby, musical entertainment. Free on-grounds entertainment including an animal show, wood carver, and other children oriented performers and exhibits. Country Music Entertainer Kellie Pickler will be the headliner on Saturday, July 13 with one show on the Grandstand's main stage. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating, and $12 for Grandstand seating. Tickets go on sale June 10 at 9 am.

CITY: Freeport

Guinness Oyster Fest

Fresh & cooked oysters, great live music and—of course—great autumn beers combine to help kick off the unofficial start of fall at this acclaimed weekend festival held in Chicago’s trendy Roscoe Village neighborhood. Celebrating its 15th year in 2013, this popular fest also features an eclectic music lineup that includes several acclaimed Irish music acts.

CITY: Chicago

HRC Chicago Gala Dinner

The Chicago Gala is a night of excitement honoring HRC’s most significant allies, both inside and outside the LGBT community. It is also a chance to celebrate recent accomplishments and look at future goals that have yet to be conquered. The Chicago Gala is the Human Rights Campaigns’ largest fundraiser in the Midwest, and directly contributes to the work they are doing locally and nationwide.

CITY: Chicago

Harvard Milk Days

Illinois' longest-running festival. Includes a carnival, food, petting zoo, races, fireworks, parade and much more.

CITY: Harvard

DeKalb Corn Fest

Corn Fest is one of the last, free, summer, music festivals among Illinois music and summer festivals in Illinois. Well over 100,000 people from around Illinois and the Midwest attend the music festival over a three day weekend. This festival features a carnival complete with rides and games, food booths, free live music, kiddie korner with large inflatables, family entertainment and much more. Friday night is carnival wristband nights for the kids with unlimited rides from 6-10pm. Festival areas feature food and business vendor booths, and a beer garden The festival hours are: Friday, August 30th, 3pm-11pm, Saturday, August 31st, 11am-11pm, Sunday, September 1st, 11am-6pm.

CITY: DeKalb

Heritage Festival & Duck Race

This festival celebrates the county’s rich heritage and history. The event includes exceptional period entertainment and activities including; 1800’s outdoor play, pageant, quilt show, duck race, area craft and food vendors. Festivities also include a period ball, a Regal Women’s Tea and live entertainment throughout the activities.

CITY: Elizabethtown

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

Wieners & Wine

Sleepy Creek Vineyards will provide a fire, hot dogs, and the fixings! Guests are welcome to bring additional food, but all alcoholic beverages must be purchased through the Vineyard. Drink options include wine, slushies, sangria, beer, soda and bottled water. Seating and service is first come, first serve with no reservations beginnging at 5:00 p.m. Guests may bring their own lawn chairs, and last call is 7:45 p.m. as Sleepy Creek will close at promptly 8:00 p.m.

CITY: Fairmount

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

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

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

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

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

Heritage Tractor Adventure

Save the date! A four day adventure tractor drive combining vintage tractors and displays with a historic ride along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Corridor, Max Armstrong (Famous agriculture reporter), entertainment, great food, and camaraderie. Stops in Streator, Ottawa, Sheridan, Pontiac, and Toluca. Whether a spectator or a participant, everyone in your family will enjoy this family-oriented event.

CITY: Streator

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

Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival

Town-wide activities associated with the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival include hot air balloon launches and glows, teathered balloon rides, giant kite demonstrations, pro wrestling, carnival, live entertainment, Heritage in Flight Museum, bocce ball and bags tournaments, The Art of Wine, KCBS BBQ Contest, food concessions, a beer garden, a Fine Art Fair, a children's art fair, a flea market and craft fair, a used book sale, trolley rides, a vintage car show, a farmer's market and a YMCA Family Bike Ride.

CITY: Lincoln

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

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

Chicago Bears Training Camp

Whether you're a hardcore football nut, or you just want to give the family a Bears experience they'll never forget, Bears training camp in Bourbonnais is the place to be! Every summer the Chicago Bears descend on Olivet Nazarene University for training camp, where fans can attend free family events and meet the players. Please visit the website for dates and times.

CITY: Bourbonnais

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

North Halsted Halloween Parade

This iconic Halloween happening—now in its 17th year—is one of Chicago's largest celebrations of ghosts, goblins and costumes galore! Colorful and festive doesn't start to do justice to this iconic Halloween party that draws thousands of spectators of all ages who line the streets of Halsted to enjoy the evening's festivities. The parade receives widespread media coverage, and one of its highlights is the costume contest that draws scores of outrageously attired parade participants.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Aids Run & Walk

The 12th AIDS Run & Walk will take place in Chicago on Sunday, September 29, 2013. Since its inception in 2001, more than 20,000 participants, raising more than $3.5 million net, have converged in Grant Park to get moving against HIV/AIDS. Join the fight with thousands of others to help more than 36 AIDS service organizations!

CITY: Chicago

Your Normal LGBT Film Festival

Your Normal LGBT Film Festival is sponsored by Prairie Pride Coalition and The Normal Theater. The mission of Your Normal LGBT Film Festival is to create a showcase for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender stories and arts to entertain, inspire and grow the number of central Illinois fans and champions.

CITY: Normal

Civil War Ball, Dinner and Style Show

Logan Rail splitting Association will sponsor its annual Civil War Ball and this year is adding a dinner and style show. Civil War era clothing is encouraged, but dancers are also welcome to come in modern casual attire. Never danced before? Don't worry. Instructors are available to walk newcomers through the dances. All ages welcome.

CITY: Lincoln

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

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

Now celebrating its fourth year, this fest has tapped a new level of popularity among the public for Chicago summer festivals! The crowds are large, the music first-class, and the showcase vendors are among the most acclaimed restaurants and burger hot spots in the city!

CITY: Chicago

Atlanta, IL Electric Vehicle Cruise-in

A free, public Electric Vehicle Cruise-In will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. along the original Mother Road in historic downtown Atlanta. The cruise-in is sponsored by the Atlanta Betterment Fund. Enjoy cool EV cars and a chance to learn more about how the Mother Road is working to give birth to a new travel infrastructure. All electric and hybrid cars are invited to participate in the cruise-in. The event will also feature vintage music, great food, a 50/50 drawing and hourly drawings.

CITY: Atlanta

American Idol

American Idol® Live! returns this summer for another hit tour to showcase the season's talented top Finalists. Come out see the contestants from American Idol perform live.

CITY: Rosemont

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

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

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

St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest

Put on your Lederhosen and get your stein ready for this popular Oktoberfest in Chicago's upscale West Lakeview neighborhood that's celebrating its 13th year in 2013. Attendees can enjoy traditional German foods, great beers, and enjoy an eclectic music lineup on both indoor and outdoor stages with local pop acts and traditional Bavarian bands. An added draw for kids and families is the popular "Kinderfest" on Sunday.

CITY: Chicago

BBQ Fest on the River

A BBQ competition, vendors, beer tent, carnival, kids zone, car show, walk/run, and bean bag tourney. Kicking it off on Friday night Chicago 80’s tribute band Poison d Crue will perform on the Miller stage followed by 80’s rock icons Warrant and Great White who will perform on the Centrue Bank stage. Friday times are 6:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. Saturday’s country day begins at 11:00 a.m. through 12:00 a.m. On this eventful country day we will see local crowd favorites E3PO and Jason Bertrand perform before giving way to The Makena Hartlin Band on the Miller stage. Country stars Emerson Drive and Jack Ingram take over the Centrue Bank stage at 8:00 p.m. Sunday Blue’s lovers will take in the sweet sounds of Larry McCray for only $5. Sunday hours run from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A full listing of activities are available at kvpd.com including the full music lineup, wing eating contest, 5k run+walk/2,013 yard dash, car, truck, & motorcycle show, carnival, police vs. fire tug-of-war, kids zone and of course the BBQ cook-off competition!

CITY: Kankakee

Fleetwood Mac

The Grammy Award-winning group rocked the world of music with the 1977 album, Rumours and on the record's 35th anniversary, they're celebrating with thousands of fans. Don't wait for your chance to hear Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famers, Fleetwood Mac LIVE at Allstate Arena on June 14th at 8pm.

CITY: Rosemont

Genoa Days 2013!

Come enjoy fireworks, great food, live bands & amusement rides at Genoa Days, June 13 - 15. Don't miss the King & Queen Scholarship Contest on Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 at 8:00 PM. Sponsored by Genoa-Kingston Fire Department.

CITY: Genoa

Pretzel City 5K Run

This is a great run whether you are a novice looking to run your first 5K, or a seasoned competitior looking to beat your personal best time. Part of the Rockford Runners Circuit. Krape Park: Registration begins at 7 am, race begins at 8 am. Registration Fee: $30 for all ages.

CITY: Freeport

Fireworks at the MB Financial Park

Come out and enjoy a free fireworks show at the MB Financial Park in Rosemont. Starting 10 PM on June 6th, July 3rd & August 8th.

CITY: Rosemont

Pepper Fest

Celebrate the pepper harvest, a favorite gathering for all chile heads and hot pepper fans. From 11am to 5pm, walk the pepper field and see many varieties of hot peppers in bloom, meet the vendors and see who makes the best hot/spicy food, visit the Pepper Farm Store and select your favorite salsa, jellies, spices and pepper products, relax, visit with friends, enjoy great local music and soak in great southern Illinois pepper heat.

CITY: Cobden

27th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Experience the best of Scotland without leaving Chicago at the 27th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games, June 14-15, 2013 at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca, Illinois. Highland Dance competition, Heavy Athletics, Rugby Exhibition, Friday Night Fling, crowning of the Heather Queen and Court and a Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee), a lively celebration of traditional and contemporary Celtic music. Champion Supreme Piping and Drumming competition; Heavy Athletics U.S. Open Championship featuring traditional Scottish contests including the Caber Toss (flipping 20-foot, 140-pound tree trunk), the 22-pound Hammer Throw, the Sheaf Toss (flipping a bale of hay over a high bar) and the Clachnert (throwing a 16-pound river stone); Highland Dance competition; Rugby Sevens Highland Challenge; Coerver Cup 3v3 youth soccer tournament; Dogs of Scotland and other animal presentations; Genealogy and cultural exhibits; Parade of Clan Tartans; Children's activities including mini golf, crafts and carnival attractions; and attendee competitions including the Kilted Mile Fun Run/Walk, British Car Show, Haggis Hurling Contest for women, Knobbly Knees contest for men, Haggis Eating Contest and Shortbread Contest. Attendees will also enjoy musical performances on the Celtic Rock Stage, Whisky tastings and seminars, traditional Scottish or American cuisine and shopping in the Celtic Marketplace.

CITY: Itasca

Taste of Lombard 2013

Celebrate summer fun and Independence Day with live music, family activities, great food, carnival, arts & crafts fair, and more. Don't miss the fireworks concert on July 4th at approximately 9:30pm.

CITY: Lombard

Brown Bag Concert Series

Grab a lawn chair, pick up lunch from a local eatery and head to the Town Square Pavillion for Carbondale Main Street's Brown Bag Concert! Every Wednesday local musicians come together to put on a free show in the heart of downtown Carbondale. Everyone is welcome, but the event emphasizes a family-friendly atmosphere.

CITY: Carbondale

History Comes Alive

Every day for 12 weeks this summer, you’ll be able to take a step back in time as you participate in a whole array of living history performances and programs that will both delight and educate about the Springfield Abraham Lincoln knew and loved for most of his life. From Civil War encampments to White House kitchen chats with Mr. Lincoln himself, there’s something for everyone. Some event may have fee.

CITY: Springfield

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

Kelloggs's Grove Living History

The Kellogg's Grove Living History will be held at the Black Hawk War Monument, on Monument Road east of Kent. The event will feature period cooking, musket firing demonstrations, milita drills, large Pit Saw Rig, talks and speeches on the Battle of Kellegg's Grove and the Balckhawk War. Author Patrick Jung will be the featured speaker. Jay Castro will be on site displaying his Lincoln statue. Please bring seating and picnic baskets and enjoy a slice of 1830's.

CITY: Kent

Rockford Aviators Professional Baseball - Home Games at Aviators Stadium

The Rockford Aviators are a member of the Frontier League of Professional Baseball, the longest operating independent professional baseball league in the country. Home games are played at Aviators Stadium. Visit the website for the roster and promotions.

CITY: Loves Park