Summer Solstice Indie Music and Craft Beer Festival

"Summer Solstice", the ultimate pairing of ground to glass brewed beverages and independent minded musicians on the cusp of greatness. The scenic Fox River will serve as the backdrop for this unique event in historic downtown Yorkville.

CITY: Yorkville

Windsor Harvest Picnic

Come and enjoy this family-friendly festival which is in its 117th year. Entertainment comes to you in gospel, country and rock, with entertainers from as far away as Australia and Country Star "Eddie Raven". Fountain City Amusements provide a carnival atmosphere with plenty of food served by various organizations as well as the Ice Cream Social. There is also a 5K run/walk, a pedal tractor pull, parade, and a raffle drawing.

CITY: Windsor

Red, White & BBQ Festival

A weekend of tasty barbecue, music and fun at Ty Warner Park in Westmont. Start off the summer with great food, live music, and an all-ages carnival, and observe some of the best BBQ experts compete to win prize money, learn BBQ tips, and enjoy Ty Warner Park!

CITY: Westmont

Annual Iris Walk

Walk through fields of irises during the spring time. At peak bloom, the Iris Farm is expecting acres of flowers at their new location. Photographers, day-trippers, weekenders and families are welcome. When it's closer to bloom time, a peak bloom report will be recorded on the phone's answering service.

CITY: Wayne City

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

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

Bald Eagle Trolley Tours

In January and February ride the trolley from Starved Rock Lodge to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center for bald eagle viewing and an educational program. Includes lunch during the week and brunch on Sunday in the Main Dining Room.

CITY: Utica

Waterfall and Canyons Tour

Mondays at 11:00a.m., Saturdays 9:00 and 11:00a.m. Experience the fun of outdoor adventure at Starved Rock State Park with a guided walk to 3 spectacular waterfalls and canyons. We will plan to visit French, St. Louis and Ottawa Canyons. The tour will also include your selection from our Special Lunch Menu and a relaxing historical trolley ride. $31.00 adult, $26.00 children. For reservations, please call 815-220-7386.

CITY: Utica

Sycamore's Steam Show and Threshing Bee

For the last 56 years, the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club has sponsored the Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee the second Thursday in August. The event starts at 6:00 a.m. with breakfast and is then followed by a church service, the National Anthem, and the Raising of the Flag. The afternoon is filled with threshing of steam engines and tractors and spotlights a 1:30 p.m. parade of old steam engines, tractors, cars and other antique machines. Activities for kids, a petting zoo, bake sale and flea market all take place on the fairgrounds as well. OPEN DAILY 7 AM TO 6 PM. FREE PARKING. Admission: Adults $6, Children under 12 Free. Thursday Senior Citizens $3

CITY: Sycamore

42nd Annual Northern Illinois Art Show

The Kishwaukee Valley Art League is proud to bring its annual Northern Illinois Art Show to the public. Held each spring in Sycamore, Illinois on the Dekalb County Courthouse lawn and now in its 42nd year, the Northern Illinois Art Show features the work of artists in fine arts and fine crafts from across the Midwest. This show is an outstanding opportunity for fine artists to reach a wide audience and a great place for shoppers to find unique gifts. Easily accessible and highly publicized, the Northern Illinois Art Show attracts artists, residents, and tourists from across Northern Illinois and beyond. Applications to the show from artists will be accepted through April 12. Accepted artists will be contacted directly by KVAL. Applications are available on their website. Admission: Free for visitors

CITY: Sycamore

Sycamore Pumpkin Fest

2013 is the 52nd Annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival downtown. Back in 1956, Wally Thurow, who is known as Sycamore’s "Mr. Pumpkin", began what was to become the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival when he displayed a few decorated pumpkins on his front lawn to turn Halloween into a time of fun and creativity. In 1962, through the efforts of Mr. Pumpkin and the Sycamore Lions Club, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival became an official celebration in Sycamore. The Courthouse lawn is the center of activities, including thousands of decorated pumpkins on display, there are also art and craft shows, a house walk, a pie eating contest, a carnival, a fun fair, a race and other events. The festival is concluded by a giant parade on Sunday afternoon.

CITY: Sycamore

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

Stanford Good Old Days Festival

Come see the biggest small-town fireworks at the Stanford Good Old Days Festival. The festival includes a fish fry, music and vendors on Friday night; a 5K run/walk, kids games, raffle, vendors, kiddie tractor pull, garden tractor rodeo, parade, car show, live music and fireworks on Saturday; and an antique engine show and tractor pull on Sunday.

CITY: Stanford

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

Pride of the Fox Riverfest

Unique among Chicagoland festivals, Riverfest features the annual running of the ancient sport of dragon boat racing, a 40-ton Fantasy Sand Sculpture, water ski shows, and an assortment of events and entertainment for all ages.

CITY: St. Charles

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

Illinois State Fair

Make plans now to bring the entire family for adventure, thrills, top name entertainment and the best agriculture exhibition in the country! Each August, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Springfield for the Illinois State Fair. Enjoy 10 days of Illinois excitement and entertainment, with everything from top name stars to carnival rides, food, contests, concerts, livestock shows and auto racing.

CITY: Springfield

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

Old Capitol Blues & BBQs

Two days of award-winning BBQ with local and national Blues talent. Free childrens activities, come to watch the IL Central Blues Club Challenge. An entertainment filled weekend for everyone.

CITY: Springfield

John Deere Classic PGA Tour Event

This is the 41st year for this official event on the PGA Tour. Monday and Tuesday are professional practice rounds with free admission all day. Wednesday is the Pro-am. Thursday through Sunday is the official tournament rounds. For ticket information visit the website or call. Don't miss the exciting action of this PGA Tour event played at the Tournament Players Club Deere Run in the Quad Cities. For more information visit www.johndeereclassic.com or call 800-336-4655 or 309-796-6000.

CITY: Silvis

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

Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest

Come and enjoy watching as these balloons are filled and then take off for various areas. Friday night is a launch from Forest Park, Saturday morning, they will launch from various locations and try to hit their targets as they float through the air. There will be a Balloon glow and basket burn at the Dam Spillway area Saturday night with food and entertainment. You can meet the pilots on Friday evening. Sunday morning will be another opportunity to watch. These colorful balloons will be launched daily (weather permitting) and you can watch as they fly and do tasks around the Lake Shelbyville area.

CITY: Shelbyville

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

Walleye Contest Weekend!

Shabbona has a potential state record walleye swimming around! Over the years we have heard several unverified reports of 10 plus pound Walleye. 1st Place winner will receive their choice of $100 gift certificate at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental or an all-day weekday Pontoon or all day weekday Bass Boat Rental. 2nd place has their choice of $50 gift certificate at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental or an all-day weekday Motor Boat Rental. 3rd place receives their choice of $25 gift certificate at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental or an all-day Weekday Kayak or Canoe Rental. Come on out and enjoy the fun!

CITY: Shabbona

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

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

The Stadium at the Ballpark

Seventy-mile per hour riseballs, 240-foot frozen ropes, soft hands and lightning-quick reactions all wound into seven feverish innings of gritty, gutsy, fast-paced action. Welcome to hard-hittin', fast-pitchin', affordable family fun. Welcome to National Pro Fastpitch! Come out and chear on the teams!

CITY: Rosemont

National Pro Fastpitch Championship Series

Seventy-mile per hour riseballs, 240-foot frozen ropes, soft hands and lightning-quick reactions all wound into seven feverish innings of gritty, gutsy, fast-paced action. Welcome to hard-hittin', fast-pitchin', affordable family fun. Welcome to National Pro Fastpitch! (NPF)

CITY: Rosemont

Rockin in the Park

After last year’s successful inaugural celebration, the Village of Rosemont announces the return of their free summer concert series, ‘Rockin’ in The Park.’ Expanding upon last year’s series, the 2013 festival will be a summer-long concert series, beginning on Thursday, June 6 and continuing through Thursday, August 15. The festival, sponsored by WXRT, will feature eleven live bands, fireworks and food and beverage tents on the great lawn in the center of new MB Financial Park at Rosemont, located at 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Throughout June, July, and August, there will be a variety of live music including 7th Heaven, Hi Infidelity, Kashmir, Spazmatics, Arra, Libido, Funk Circus, 16 Candles, American English, Modern Day Romeos, Infinity and Breakfast Club. Admission is free, parking is free with validation and outside coolers cannot be brought into the park.

CITY: Rosemont

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

Bald Eagle Safari

Get an up close view on a Bald Eagle Safari with Bob Motz. He provides spotting scopes that magnify 15 to 45 times and mount on the car window frame for good viewing of eagles in trees. You can see the yellow of their eye, the nostrils in the beak, and the black talons of their feet. Binoculars are also provided to see eagles in flight. The safaris make good birthday and anniversary gifts. Cost is $20 per hour for one to four people. Two or three-hour safaris are recommended. Call Bob at 309-788-8389 or email him at eaglemotz@aol.com to arrange a safari.

CITY: Rock Island

Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show

Don't miss the Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Illinois. The show is heralded as the largest event in the Midwest dedicated to the United States' national symbol of freedom. The three-day event includes live eagle, hawk, owl and vulture flying demonstrations along with educational programs by the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, Missouri. Also enjoy over 200 fun and informative exhibits. Free parking is available at the show. Hours are Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $4 for adults, $1 for children 6-15, free for children 5 and under. The event takes place at the QCCA Expo Center at 2621 4th Avenue Rock Island, IL. 61201 Call (309) 788-2543 for more information.

CITY: Rock Island

Quad Cities Criterium Professional Bike Races

Over 500 cyclists from throughout the United States will participate in the Quad Cities Bicycle Club's 46th Criterium. Don't miss the excitement of these professional bike races that attract spectators from across the United States. A great Memorial Day weekend event for the entire family. All events take place in downtown Rock Island 3rd Avenue & 18th Street Rock Island, IL. Call (309)788-6311 for more information.

CITY: Rock Island

Selmi's Pumpkin World

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

CITY: Rock Falls

Avenue of Lights

Avenue of Lights is a two-mile holiday display of animated lights at Moorman/Wavering Park in Quincy. It runs from Thanksgiving until New Years, nightly from 6-9:30pm. A staple attraction of Quincy during the holiday season.

CITY: Quincy

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

Pleasant Hill Celebration

A great way to celebrate Independence Day with the family! The fireworks display can be seen for miles around. Check back for more details as the weekend approaches.

CITY: Pleasant Hill

Smallville Superfest

This festival celebrates the spirit of everyone's favorite SuperHero and what he stands for. Warner Brothers and DC Comics chose Plano, IL to represent “Smallville” in the 2013 Superman movie "Man of Steel", a special place where a certain “super hero” came to Earth and spent his childhood days. It was here in Smallville that a “mild-mannered” boy learned the value of Truth, Justice, and the American Way.

CITY: Plano

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

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

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

Massey Harris Illinois State Show 2013

In conjunction with "8 Miles of Ag-Tiques," this event is on Highway 26 at the junction of 26 and High Street in Orangeville. This State Show features Massey-Harris/Massey-Ferguson and related equipment and is the Illinois State Massey show for 2013.

CITY: Orangeville

Eagle Watching at Starved Rock State Park

You don’t have to travel north to see these majestic birds of prey. Thousands of eagles migrate south from Canada during the winter and Illinois is one of the homes of the greatest population of wintering bald eagles. The Starved Rock Lodge in Utica offers a “Bald Eagle Trolley Tour” in January and February on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Viewing birds from the Veranda at the Starved Rock Lodge is good as well. Dress warmly though. This great viewing spot is right outside the doors of the Great Room. If you’d like some exercise, take a hike on one of the trails at the Starved Rock State Park. One trail begins right at the Veranda. For a birds eye view, hike to the top of the Rock. Another popular event is "Eagle Watch Weekend" with activites both at the Starved Rock Lodge and the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center.

CITY: Oglesby

The Amazing Race – Starved Rock Style

Fans of reality television are probably familiar with the format of the Amazing Race, but Starved Rock Lodge has taken that format and given it their own touch by integrating the historic charm of Starved Rock State Park, Lodge and the surrounding area. The Amazing Race – Starved Rock Lodge Style will be run on select Sundays from May through September. Choose from May 26, June 2 or 23, July 7 or 21, Aug. 4 or 25, and Sept. 1 or 15 as a race date. Advance reservations are required for the race, and an overnight stay package is also available. Racers should contact the activities department at 815-220-7386 to book a team’s place in the race!

CITY: Oglesby

Vermilion County Fair

Favorite carnival rides and fair food will be available all week, along with grandstand events including tractor pulls, a demo derby, queen and little miss pageants, and flat track racing!

CITY: Oakwood

Oak Brook Polo

Polo has been played for more than 80 years at the historic Oak Brook Polo Grounds and everyone is invited to come out and watch the exciting "game of kings!" Polo is an exciting team sport played on a large grass field. Players on horseback attempt to score by driving a small ball into the opposing team's goal using a long-handled wooden mallet. The Oak Brook Polo Club has six match dates scheduled for 2013.

CITY: Oak Brook

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

Murphysboro Apple Festival

The Murphysboro Apple Festival is the oldest and largest, alcohol-free festival in southern Illinois. Over 45,000 people attend the festival each year. During the five days of the Apple Festival, there are numerous activities drawing large crowds such as evening stage shows, carnival/concessions, Queen Contest, Prince and Princess Contest, contests from apple pie eating to apple core throwing, firefighters' water fights, marching band competition, car shows, Appletime 5K Walk/Run and much more. In addition, the festival's Grand Parade is one of the largest parade in Southern Illinois. The parade features an average of about 160 total units, 25 of those marching bands, and a variety of groups and organizations.

CITY: Murphysboro

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

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

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

Downtown Car Show/Cruise Night

Downtown Car Show / Mt. Vernon Cruise Night - The Car Show will be located on 9th Street between Harrison and Jordan. Features cruise night, car, truck, and motorcycle show; entertainment, food, demonstrations, and a 50/50 drawing. The Car Show will have various models from "Classics" to "Modern".

CITY: Mount Vernon

Little Egypt Fly-In & Veterans Reunion

War birds and aircrafts will fill the runways of the Mt. Vernon Airport, along with many other prestigious models. There will also be field activities, including entertainment and concessions throughout the day.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Mount Pulaski Fall Festival

Mount Pulaski Fall Festival is held on the downtown square, around the original courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. Activities include food, a carnival, a parade, a local history museum, children's activities and local royalty. Visitors can also enjoy murals that highlight the town's history.

CITY: Mount Pulaski

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

Blaze Memorial Day Classic

Blaze Memorial Day Classic is a youth soccer game that is held outdoors at McClallen Park. Boys and girls ages 5 -15 will be playing in this tournament. Come out and help cheer these kids on as they play.

CITY: Morton

Blossoms at Butterworth - Deere Family Mansions

Each June visitors enjoy the splendor of the Butterworth Center's impressive gardens while participating in several exciting activities; including old-fashioned music, games of the 1800s, jugglers, a scavenger hunt, an antique auto show, tours and refreshments. Come and see these Deere family home gardens at the Butterworth Center & Deere Wiman House.

CITY: Moline

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

Quad Cities Hot Air Balloon Fest

Red, yellow and orange-hued leaves aren’t the only colors to view in Western Illinois’ skies this fall. At Moline’s annual Quad Cities Hot Air Balloon Fest, a myriad of hot air balloons take off throughout the weekend and glow high above the town after dark.

CITY: Moline

Middletown Homecoming

Middletown's second annual homecoming will include antiques, autos, music of all genres, food, local royalty, a parade, crafts, kids' games, raffles, cash drawings, fireworks, a community church service and a quarter raffle.

CITY: Middletown

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

Mendota Sweet Corn Festival

The Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the gigantic undertaking of hosting over 60,000 visitors, who consume nearly 50 tons of sweet corn during the festival weekend. Free musical entertainment is in abundance. The Crafters Market Place and flea market features over 200 dealers in hand made crafts and unique merchandise. There is a Queen Pageant, beer garden with live bands, grand parade and a carnival with rides and games for both adults and children, plus much more. The midways are lined with food booths, featuring a multitude of ethnic, regional and festival foods, but the "BIG EVENT" is the serving of the free Del Monte sweet corn on Sunday afternoon. For over 60 years, it has been cooked to its golden goodness with the help of a vintage steam engine. The good times are waiting, the welcome mat is out, come to Mendota for one of the Midwest's oldest and largest harvest festivals, the 66th annual Sweet Corn Festival.

CITY: Mendota

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

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

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

Southern Illinois Boat & Fishing Show

A weekend long event sponsored by the Youth Outdoor Education Foundation and the Williamson County Tourism Bureau. The show features boats, trailers, trucks, ATVs, fishing tackle, live entertainment and more. Admission and parking is free. Great fun for all ages.

CITY: Marion

Malta Days!

Malta Days Festival! Come share the family fun! June 7th,8th, & 9th in downtown Malta, Illinois. You'll find something for everyone, including a carnival, food booths, crafters, business booths, sound stage, pancake breakfast, a car ahow, 5K walk/run, auction and a beer garden. Free stage entertainment all weekend!

CITY: Malta

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

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

1800's Craft Fair

The Postville Courthouse will once again host its 1800's Craft Fair on the final day of the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival. The Public is invited to come and see 19th century crafters, music and other entertainment.

CITY: Lincoln

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

Cruise into Main Street 5/K Run, Health Expo and Family Entertainment

A winning combination of race, medals, blood pressure checks, fitness demonstrations, live entertainment, antique cars, amazing prizes and much more await participants and the general public alike as they take part in the Cruise into Main Street 5K and Health Expo. Runners and walkers of all ages are encouraged to participate in the race which will route you through the streets of Lincoln ending at our downtown Center Stage where live entertainment will be provided by a variety of musicians from as far away as Chicago and Nashville. As you enjoy the music visit the Health Expo and get to know the businesses and organizations that will be there to showcase health-related goods and services that they provide to the community. If you’re a car enthusiast, the Railsplitter Antique Auto Club will have a number of classic cars available for viewing. Early bird registration for the Cruise into Main Street 5K ends on May 25th. Public events are free of charge. A registration fee will be charged for the 5/K Run.

CITY: Lincoln

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

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

Kingston Fest & Kardboard Boat Regatta!

Kingston Fest is a craft and vendor fair, live music and games in the shady Kingston Township Park. Bring your swimsuit and try the new dual slide Water Slide. Race your friends on two huge obstacle courses! Kiddie Bouncer and slide combo are $1 for tickets, 25 cents for other children’s games. Community games will be at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30. There will be horseshoe, bags and softball tournaments. The Kardboard Boat Regatta is always great family fun, watch boats made out of cardboard race on the Kishwaukee River.

CITY: Kingston

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

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

Kankakee River Fishing Derby

Join us for the Annual Kankakee River Valley Fishing Derby! The Kankakee is a clean river that is a popular destination for recreational canoeing and fishing for warm-water species such as smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye and northern pike. Our fishing derby is a ten-day event providing exciting fun for the whole family and cash prizes are awarded for tagged fish.

CITY: Kankakee

Kankakee County Fair

In addition to the time-honored livestock shows at the fair, there are games, contests, exciting live entertainment, a carnival, fair food and a demolition derby.

CITY: Kankakee

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

Kidzfest

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

CITY: Joliet

Jersey County Fair

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

CITY: Jerseyville

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

Jacksonville Main Street's Pumpkin Fest

Join us for a weekend of free family fun! Children and adult costume contest, pet costume contest, pumpkin decorating, food, games and entertainment.

CITY: Jacksonville

Harvard Milk Days

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

CITY: Harvard

Eagles Over the Confluence

Come to the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower on Saturdays in January and February for eagle activities - wood carvers, ice sculptors, photography, kid's activities and more. Or, just stop in to enjoy the view from the platforms at 50, 100 and 150 feet in the air. There is no better place for a bird's eye view of the region and the eagles migrating along the Mississippi River. Bring your binoculars!

CITY: Hartford

Mallardfest

This fun fest includes a parade, beer/wine garden, food booths, children's games, pontoon rides, music, a duck calling contest, fireworks and more.

CITY: Hanover

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

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

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

Greenville Graffiti Car Show

The Greenville Graffiti Car Show is a nostalgic day of classic cars, Hollywood stars, oldies music, and great food. Donna Douglas, who played Elly Mae Clampett on "The Beverly Hillbillies," one of the most popular television series in the 1960s, is the featured celebrity at this year's event. She will sign autographs, participate in a special question and answer session with fans and serve as a celebrity judge. The car show (open to 1985 and older cars and trucks), features a variety of contests, food and fun. Also appearing is Ronnie Rice, lead singer of the group New Colony Sic. The group was founded in Chicago and went on to success when they signed with Mercury Records.

CITY: Greenville

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

Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette

Scott Isringhausen, site interpreter at Pere Marquette State Park, will be presenting informative programs about bald eagles this winter. Visitors will learn to distinguish between immature and mature bald eagles, what eagles eat, why they spend winter months in the area and much more. All programs will begin at the park's visitor center at 8:30 a.m. Reservations are required. There will be a short video presentation followed by an observational drive to view the wintering bald eagles. Please dress warmly and have a full tank of gas. For more information or reservations, call 618-786-3323.

CITY: Grafton

Towboat Festival

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

CITY: Grafton

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

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival

The Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival is returning to the Garden. Guests can stroll and shop among the 80 juried artists on the Esplanade who will be selling photography, paintings, ceramics, cement, metal, fiber, wood, jewelry, and much more, all with a botanic theme or made from plant materials. Artists will give interactive demonstrations and booth chats throughout the weekend. Also featured at the Art Festival will be family activities. Admission is free, regular parking fees apply.

CITY: Glencoe