Alton Little Theater: The Drowsy Chaperone

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

CITY: Alton

Alton Little Theater: The Music Man

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

CITY: Alton

Alton Little Theater: THe Haunting of Hill House

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

CITY: Alton

Alton Little Theater: 9 to 5: The Musical

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

CITY: Alton

Friday Summer Concerts: Changes in Latitudes

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

CITY: Alton

Aurora Puerto Rican Heritage Festival

This festival is more than music and food, it is the celebration of Puerto Rican heritage. Traditional Puerto Rican music attracts island traditionalists, while the more modern music entertains the youth. The festival is a family event providing a social atmosphere for families to mingle and enjoy authentic foods while allowing time for the kids to play games. The main focus is the parade which provides an opportunity for the Puerto Rican community and friends to celebrate its culture.

CITY: Aurora

Big Bang at Hidden Lake Winery

Dueling piano's. Meal prepared by Winery Chef.

CITY: Aviston

Windmill City Festival

Windmill City Festival has long been a staple of the community and has become a tradition for many families. This 3 day event includes a carnival, 5k race, pet parade, and an ice cream eating contest. Every member of the family is sure to find a new favorite activity! This year's festival will be held Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14 at the Riverwalk in downtown Batavia. Admission is free.

CITY: Batavia

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

Belvidere Holiday Walk

Travel back in time for a glimpse of holidays in seasons past. Luminaries will light the way to our log cabins where pioneer families will be celebrating. They might even be serving holiday goodies! Stop by and share your holiday wishes with a Civil War era Santa. Enjoy freshly popped corn along the way and come inside the Nature Center to listen to the sound of music. Held on the Festival Grounds in Spencer Conservation Area.

CITY: Belvidere

Belvidere Mopar Happening

Illinois' best car club show! Family-friendly activities include the car show, a swap meet and car sale corral. Car display and swap meet Saturday; car-show and swap Sunday. Enjoy music all weekend by Dave Palmer with 3-D Sound, with food vendors to fill you up. Held at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

CITY: Belvidere

Autumn Pioneer Festival

Annual family-friendly event. See what life was like on the prairie, with period re-enactors, exhibitors, food, homemade root beer and much more. Travel back to the 1800's for a look at the lifestyles and crafts of the day. Talk to a flint knapper, watch a gunsmith, eat buffalo stew, pioneer fries, sample bean soup and apple butter. Visit the harvest table to purchase fresh vegetables or just wander through the 5 ethnic gardens, the voyagers' encampment, and 2 historic log cabins.

CITY: Belvidere

Hometown Christmas

Celebrate the Christmas season with a parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, food, crafts, music, storytellers, a petting zoo, and children's activities at the Apollo Theater and Fire House on State Street. Seasonal vendors and a Christmas tree display are featured at the Community Building Complex.

CITY: Belvidere

Fall Diddley

This annual craft show features the works of more than 300 crafters and artists displayed in booths, buildings and tents at the Boone County Fairgrounds. It is a great time to grab those gifts for your Christmas shopping list.

CITY: Belvidere

8 Seasons in Sapmi Exhibit

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

CITY: Bishop Hill

Illinois Shakespeare Festival

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival exemplifies a long-established tradition of professional theatre devoted to performing the plays of William Shakespeare. The festival has been named one of the ten best theatre festivals anywhere by National Geographic. In addition to the mainstage show, theatre-goers can also enjoy behind the scenes tours, live jazz music, nightly Green Shows, fine art fairs and ice cream socials with the cast and crew. Spend a pleasant summer’s evening on the grassy lawn of the Festival grounds with a picnic basket, bottle of wine and great friends before the show.

CITY: Bloomington

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

Calhoun County Quilt & Church Tour

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

CITY: Brussels

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

McLeod Summer Playhouse

Enjoy your favorite plays right here in Carbondale with the McLeod Summer Playhouse series. In the past classic performances such as Chicago, Cinderella and Steel Magnolias have graced the stage, and this year's line-up is just as a impressive. Don't miss Hair, Guys & Dolls, and Annie, three incredible shows.

CITY: Carbondale

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

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

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

Southern Illinois Music Festival

The 9th annual Southern Illinois Music Festival features over three-dozen performances in venues all over the Southern Illinois region. In addition to the New Chicago Chamber Orchestra, musicians from throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia perform orchestral music, chamber music, opera, ballet, and jazz in an informal and inviting atmosphere. This year’s Festival, titled “Swarm of B's,” runs June 3-23 and features some of our favorite composers that start with the letter "B"—Bach, Brahms, Barber, Bartok and Beethoven to name a few.

CITY: Carbondale

Carbondale Rocks Revival

Musicians from all over the country come together for a weekend concert series spanning over 30 Carbondale venues. Whether you're into bluegrass, blues, country or hard rock, you're certain to find a concert to enjoy.

CITY: Carbondale

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

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

Lollapalooza

Join thousands of music fans in Chicago’s Grant Park for the summer’s biggest music festival. This three-day gathering features 70 acts on five stages, giving you a chance to see everything from hip hop and heavy metal to punk and alternative rock.

CITY: Chicago

Taste of Chicago

Taste of Chicago is the nation's premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community. The delicious array of food served at Taste of Chicago is complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family. Every summer since 1980, Chicago's beautiful Grant Park on the city's magnificent lakefront has been home to the world's largest food festival.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Jazz Festival

The longest running of the city's lakefront music festivals, the Chicago Jazz Festival has been a Labor Day weekend tradition for the past three decades. See some of the biggest names in jazz, along with local talent.

CITY: Chicago

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

Animal Inside Out, a Body Worlds production

This spring and summer, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) will offer the unique chance to explore the intricate biology and physiology of some of the world’s most spectacular creatures in “Animal Inside Out, a Body Worlds production.” The exhibition showcases more than 100 animal specimens that have been preserved through the process of plastination. From goats to giraffes and octopuses to ostriches, guests will see the inner workings of some of the world's most impressive animals and better understand the evolution of animals and the natural world.

CITY: Chicago

Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity

Were the Impressionists fashionistas? At a time in France when designers like Charles Frederick Worth changed how clothing was made and marketed into the first manifestations of the modern fashion industry, artists were using fashion to communicate modernity as an idea. The Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity exhibit at The Art Institute of Chicago covers this period between the 1860s and 1880s that saw not only the rise of the department store and the proliferation of fashion magazines but also serious interests among an artistic and literary elite in the ephemeral and constantly innovative qualities of fashion as a means of discovering new visual and verbal expressions.

CITY: Chicago

A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption comes to life in an enchanting 35th anniversary production that promises more magic and merriment than ever before. Join us as we celebrate three and a half decades of the beloved holiday tradition, and experience the electrifying arrival of the ghosts, the jubilant musical numbers, the “Bah Humbugs” and Scrooge’s joyful discovery of life and love.

CITY: Chicago

The Book of Mormon

Nine 2011 Tony Awards® say it's the Best Musical of the Year. Vogue says, "It's the best musical of the last 25 years." And The New York Times says, "It's the best musical of this century." It's THE BOOK OF MORMON, the Broadway phenomenon from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez. The Daily Show's Jon Stewart calls it "A crowning achievement. So good, it makes me angry." Contains explicit language.

CITY: Chicago

EXPO CHICAGO

Set to occur on Chicago's historic Navy Pier, Expo Chicago - the inaugural international exposition of contemporary & modern art.

CITY: Chicago

Carousel @ The Annoyance Theatre

Carousel is a revolving door of improv groups, showcasing Annoyance students and performers in their most creative ensembles. Tuesday nights at 8pm. Admission is $8.

CITY: Chicago

TNT (Tuesday Night Thing)

An Explosion of Improv Talent! You want to see some of the best of the best improvisers in the city of Chicago, in one night, in one place in one show?? THIS IS IT. Seriously. You don't get much better than these folks... Tuesday nights at 9:30pm. Admission is $8.

CITY: Chicago

Annoyance House Ensemble in Fire & Beer

Cast and directed by Mick Napier, the Annoyance House Ensemble is a collection of some of the best emerging talent in Chicago. Friday nights at 10 pm. Admission is $10.

CITY: Chicago

Smokey Joe’s Café – The Songs of Leiber and Stoller

Smokey Joe’s Café, originally presented, in it’s pre-Broadway engagement as Baby That’s Rock n Roll, the Songs of Leiber and Stoller at The Royal George Theatre in 1994, returns to its roots at The Royal George with the 2012 critically acclaimed Theo Ubique Cabaret production. The original Broadway presentation had a successful five-year run with 2,036 performances at the Virginia Theatre. Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock ‘n’ roll, and now their songs provide the basis for an electrifying entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s Smokey Joe’s Café – The Songs of Leiber and Stoller’s features nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, covering the classic themes of love won, lost and imagined blend with hilarious set-pieces and slice-of-life emotions, such as “Hound Dog,” “Love Potion #9,” “Yakety Yak,” “Charlie Brown,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” and with a cast of nine plus a four piece band, the return of this hit production is sure to bring sold out crowds to their feet once again.

CITY: Chicago

The Electric Baby

When a young man is killed in a car accident, a group of fractured souls come together to care for a magical glowing baby. Folk tales and folklore weave throughout this story of sad endings, strange beginnings and the unlikely people that get you from one place to the next. This powerful and moving new play received it’s world premiere last spring at Pittsburgh’s Quantam Theatre and was hailed by the critics as “Enthralling” “Eloquent” And “Glowing.”

CITY: Chicago

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

Chicago Pride Fest

It's all about GLBT pride at Chicago Pride Fest®! One week before Chicago's iconic Pride Parade on June 30 – this festive two-day event marks the first official party of summer. Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance,this crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcases an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago's fine performers in the gay community. Stay tuned for this year's stage lineup!

CITY: Chicago

Improv All-Stars

See Chicago’s finest improvisers under the direction of the legendary Mick Napier in an evening of unscripted and unequaled improvisational comedy. This show is highly interactive, hilarious and thoroughly original. The Chicago Tribune calls it "a slick and entertaining show!" Mondays at 8pm.

CITY: Chicago

What The Tour Guide Didn't Tell You: A Chicago Revue

The Second City does The Second City in this hilarious hometown revue that pulls from 52 years of classic scenes and songs that lovingly make fun of the city we call home. Whether its wholesale political corruption or a hapless ball club on the north side of town, "What the Tour Guide Didn't Tell You" is a great way to get a laugh filled look at the Windy City. Tuesdays at 8pm. Saturday & Sundays at 4pm.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Pride Parade

The Chicago 44th Annual Pride Parade will showcase GLBT Pride with over 850,000 participants and spectators.The parade contains over 200 registered entries that includes floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands and walking groups.

CITY: Chicago

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

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

Backlot Bash

Back Lot Bash is the hottest, most rockin’ and most attended outdoor women’s festival taking place every Pride Weekend in Chicago. Each day showcases a different mix of music and entertainment for the entire community.

CITY: Chicago

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

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

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

Dave Foley at UP Comedy

Join us for a night of stand-up with Kids in the Hall alum, Dave Foley. After the successful television run of Kids in the Hall, Dave signed onto the long running NBC series, Newsradio. In between seasons, he forged a feature film career that is still very active today. In addition to his comedic work, Foley has also been seen in HBO’s critically-acclaimed mini-series From the Earth to the Moon.

CITY: Chicago

Tony Rock at UP Comedy

American actor and stand-up comic Tony Rock, the younger brother of actor Chris Rock, grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant, one of the toughest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. His first big break came when he booked some comedy gigs in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and soon after he was named one of the hot young talents to come out of New York in 'The Hollywood Reporter.' In April 2001, he starred in the pilot for the ABC series "Me and My Needs" and later he got a job hosting the short-lived game show "Can You Tell?" Tony has lent his voice to the show "Battle Bots," and he is best known for his role as Dirk Black in the CW series "All Of Us."

CITY: Chicago

Ian Bagg at UP Comedy

Do not miss your chance to see Ian. After moving to New York City, he quickly became a regular at all the major comedy clubs. After a short three years in New York, Ian had made three appearances on NBC’s “The Conan O’Brien Show”, rocked HBO’s “Aspen Comedy Festival”, and destroyed “Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival”. He has worked as a correspondent for MySpace, hosted Ripe TV’s “The Hollywood Burn” and even had his own live talk show “The Ian Bagg Show”. He’s added credits like NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, CBS’s “Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn” and CBS’s “The Craig Ferguson Show”. He was able to be apart of a half hour comedy special, “A Comic’s Climb” from HBO and “Comedy Central Presents Ian Bagg." In love with the art of stand up, he was thrilled when The History Channel asked him to be a part of their special, “The History of the Joke”.

CITY: Chicago

Christopher Titus at UP Comedy

Employing what he’s labeled “hard funny,” Christopher Titus has released three comedy albums in as many years and has had three one-hour comedy specials on Comedy Central. After years of experimentation with dark and personal storytelling, he debuted his one-man show “Norman Rockwell is Bleeding” at the Hudson Theater in Los Angeles. It was from this performance that the dark comedy, “Titus,” was born on Fox. The show earned Titus a Writer’s Guild nomination as well as an Emmy nomination, and Newsday called him “TV’s most original voice since Seinfeld.” After watching Christopher Titus perform live, there is no doubt that he is one of the best comics working today. With the complete package of comedy, acting and writing, there hasn’t been someone like him in a long time.

CITY: Chicago

Loni Love at UP Comedy

Just how funny is comedian and actress Loni Love? Ask both Variety and Comedy Central, both of which have named her among their Top 10 Comics to Watch, or Campus Activity magazine, which honored her as its Hot Comic for 2009. Love is not only one of the most hilarious and lovable comics performing stand-up on the comedy club and college circuits but also a busy TV host, guest and actress who has also appeared in films and dramatic plays. Love starred in her own half-hour special for Comedy Central in 2007 and has also been seen on the channel’s “Premium Blend,” “Weekends at the DL” and “Chocolate News”. Her many television appearances include “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn,” “The Best Damn Sports Show Period”, VH1's “I Love the 70's/80's/90's,” “Vh1's The Great Debate” and “Comics Unleashed” among numerous others.

CITY: Chicago

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

Maz Jobrani at UP Comedy

Maz Jobrani is a founding member of The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, which aired on Comedy Central in 2007. He has had two Showtime comedy specials, I Come In Peace and Brown and Friendly, and performs stand-up comedy around the world, including the Middle East where he performed in front of the King of Jordan. Maz starred in the films Friday After Next, 13 Going on 30, and The Interpreter. On TV he was a regular on ABC's Knights of Prosperity and FOX's Life on a Stick. He also recurred on ABC's Better Off Ted. Maz has guest starred on Curb Your Enthusiasm, 24, ER, NYPD Blue, Traffic Light, Man Up, Men at Work, and most recently Whitney. He has performed his standup on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and Lopez Tonight. He has been featured on NPR, CNN, The BBC and in print in The New York Times, Time Magazine, and Newsweek. Maz also co-hosts a popular podcast about fatherhood called “Minivan Men,” and currently is gearing up to shoot JIMMY VESTVOOD: AMERIKAN HERO, a feature which he co-wrote and is starring in.

CITY: Chicago

Kyle Kinane at UP Comedy

Kyle Kinane has been up and at it for almost half his life, mostly searching for what "it" might be. In 1999, Kyle realized there might be something more to it all than pulling nights at a suburban gas station. "Something more" has taken him to comedy festivals across the US, Canada, and England. He has performed in the Leicester, Vancouver, Washington DC, Portland, Just For Laughs/Chicago, and the USCAF/Aspen comedy festivals, and his nights are now occupied with performances at popular venues such as the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre in Los Angeles and the national chain of Improv comedy clubs. He has been on the TV via "Last Call with Carson Daly," "The Very Funny Show" on TBS, "The World Stands Up" on the BBC and the Judd Apatow production Funny People. He was called "bleak and misanthropic" by the London Evening Standard, which he still feels may be a compliment. He is a regular opener for headliners such as Patton Oswalt and Brian Posehn. Askmen.com rated him #5 on their top 10 list of upcoming comedians.

CITY: Chicago

Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest

The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest (GAAF) is a free, weekend-long event, drawing approximately 10,000 visitors per day, celebrating its 12th Anniversary. The Fest includes a street art fair, indoor art displays, and live entertainment on three outdoor stages featuring 48 acts. Experience art, theater, music, as well as food and drink, on the brick-laid streets of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District in Chicago’s historic Rogers Park neighborhood. The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest takes place in the Glenwood Avenue Arts District on Chicago’s North Side, in the heart of Rogers Park, on Glenwood Ave., 6900–7000 North (between Farwell and Lunt) and the 1400 block of Morse Avenue, steps from the Morse Ave stop on the CTA Red Line. The Outdoor Fest and many art studios are ADA accessible.

CITY: Chicago

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts

The festival, which will be in its ninth year and attracts more than 40,000 people, will take place in Lakeview, a dynamic and diversified neighborhood community rich in culture, history and the arts, on Broadway Ave., from Belmont Ave. to Roscoe Street. The 2013 Lakeview East Festival of the Arts will showcase more than 175-juried artists featuring world-class original paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry and more. In addition to the artists’ booths, the Festival features two live music tents featuring some of Chicago’s favorite performers, a beer and wine garden, a landscape garden oasis, interactive children’s area and much more. The Lakeview East Festival of the Arts is a free outdoor event and hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Saturday) and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Sunday). Artists in almost every medium are represented including photography, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, clay, collage, fiber, glass, sculpture, furniture and more. Unique and original artwork is for sale in all price ranges.

CITY: Chicago

Wavefront Beachside Music Festival

Wavefront Music Festival is a three-day electronic dance music festival returning to Chicago's Montrose Beach on July 5th, 6th, & 7th, 2013 and follows in the tradition of the great summer fests in Chicago, taking advantage of the warm weather and the city as a destination for thrill seekers nationwide. What makes Wavefront Music Festival unique - the best Electronic Dance Music the world has to offer, and Montrose Beach as its location.

CITY: Chicago

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

Christmas in the Village

Spend the day in downtown Cobden, where you can enjoy fresh-roasted nuts while listening to strolling Victorian carolers and madrigal players, take an old-fashioned horse-drawn surrey or wagon ride around the village, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Feed Store, where handcrafted wreaths and gingerbread houses will be on display.

CITY: Cobden

American Indian and Ethnographic Show

Historic artifacts on display.

CITY: Collinsville

Dave Wickerham & Dick Kroeckel at The Sanfilippo "Place de la Musique" Summer Concert

An evening of Ragtime and Tin Pan Alley Music with arguably one of the finest theater organists in the World, Dave Wickerham, and one of the finest ragtime pianists, Dick Kroeckel, in duets, solo pieces and, of course, the unexpected! The Sanfilippo Mighty Wurlitzer and our 1927 Knabe Concert Grand will release the creativity in these two fine gentleman and give us all a mind-blowing evening of music. It's 88-keys and 8,000 pipes in our acoustically perfect theater and you won't want to miss it. This is what the Sanfilippo theater was made for!

CITY: Crystal Lake

Danville Arts In The Park

Featuring over 75 regional artists and performing art groups set up under the oaks. Continuous on-site entertainment with food and drinks are also available.

CITY: Danville

31st Annual Midwest Heritage Quilt Show

Beautiful quilts, some nearly 100 years old, will be on display at the Vermilion County Museum throughout the month of July. Awards will be given in 9 categories including bed quilts, purses and clothing, and wall hangings.

CITY: Danville

Festival of Trees "Wishes Come True"

The annual Festival of Trees is the premiere community event in the Danville area. Each year, more than 1,500 volunteers and designers, generous sponsors, a steering committee and Foundation staff make this multi-day event a terrific fundraiser and affordable family holiday experience. Annually, more than 14,000 visitors stream through the Arena to see beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, participate in activities and entertainment, special events, and sounds and tastes of the holidays. Proceeds from the Festival of Trees fund our outreach programs that give back to the greater Danville community.

CITY: Danville

Cocoa & Cookies with Santa

Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies with Santa and also make a holiday craft!

CITY: Decatur

Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus and make a holiday craft!

CITY: Decatur

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

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

Petunia City Quilters Fall Show

The Petunia City Quilters will be displaying their quilts during "Quiltapalooza" at the Northside Baptist Church in Dixon. This event will also feature vendors, raffle baskets, appraisals, bake sale, raffle quilt, handcrafted items and a Pink Breast Cancer Challenge by members.

CITY: Dixon

Sculptures on the Avenue

Come explore the sculptures that have transformed the City of Effingham's avenues into an art gallery. Over 30 sculptures created by some of the Midwest's best known and unknown sculptors bring life to the streets of Effingham as part of the annual "Sculptures on the Avenues" outdoor exhibition. Sculptures on the Avenues is a self-guided walking tour that begins at City Hall, located at 201 E. Jefferson Ave. From there, the exhibition winds in and out of Downtown Effingham. An informative guide, which facilitates a walking tour, is available at the Effingham Visitors Center or City Hall.

CITY: Effingham

Bob Saget Live

The legendary Bob Saget, best known for playing Danny Tanner on "Full House," and hosting America's Funniest Home Videos, will be performing an "R" rated stand-up act at the Effingham Performance Center at 8 p.m. on Friday June 21. Don't forget to buy tickets and enjoy a night of raunchy comedy!

CITY: Effingham

Effingham Farmer's Market

Effingham Farmer's Market provides our community with fresh, locally-grown food, art, live music and quality artisan goods, produced right here in downtown Effingham, on the Courthouse Museum lawn. Come on out and support our community and your health! The market will continue every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. from June to October.

CITY: Effingham

Fountain Square

Now celebrating its 34th year, Fountain Square Art Festival is the largest and oldest fine arts fair on Chicago's majestic North Shore. Featuring the eclectic works of more than 225 juried artists, this sprawling art showcase epitomizes words like "cosmopolitan” and "sophistication." The festival takes place in downtown Evanston, just steps from the eponymous Fountain Square. It also features a popular children's art tent with fun activities overseen by the acclaimed Evanston Art Center, food, and a soothing jazz-centric music lineup.

CITY: Evanston

Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival

Surrounded by the flags of more than 100 nations honoring the diversity of our planet. There is live music, art and craft work of juried artists and a poetry tent. People can also learn the folk dance of a far-away country and explore the intriguing spices and seasonings of new ethnic foods. Free.

CITY: Evanston

Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival

Since 1973, the Lakeshore Arts Festival has taken place the first weekend in August on Evanston’s stunning, historic lakefront. The festival showcases live jazz and classical music, a silent art auction, and the popular Children’s Craft Tent. The festival hosts a dozen restaurants serving a variety of culinary delights. Free parking is available at the Northwestern University parking lot. Free.

CITY: Evanston

Midwest Salute to the Arts

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

CITY: Fairview Heights

Midwest Salute to the Arts

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

CITY: Fairview Heights

Bluegrass on the Green Fest

The Frankfort Bluegrass Fest is a free 2 day event for the whole family highlighting national touring and regional bluegrass bands performing this great style of acoustic American music. Vendors, kids activities, food & more.

CITY: Frankfort

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

Music Under the Stars

Enjoy music under the stars while the Freeport Concert Band performs at the Koenig Outdoor Performance Amphitheater in lovely Krape Park. Sunday nights: June 16, 23, 30,July: 7, 14, and 21.

CITY: Freeport

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

Art in the Park

Join us in Krape Park along with the Freeport Art Museum and the Freeport Park District as we welcome back Art in the Park. This fine arts festival celebrates the visual and performing arts of Illinois. Featured are dozens of fine art booths, performing artists, demonstrations of various art mediums and art activities for shildren. Food will be available.

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

Black Earth Film Festival

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

CITY: Galesburg

Galesburg Railroad Days

The 36th annual celebration of railroad history in downtown Galesburg. There are several events including a carnival for the kids, rail yard tours, rib cook-off, the Blick 5K & 10K run, plus so much more!

CITY: Galesburg

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

37th Annual Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival

Eight stages in 13 acre Island Park on the Fox River present over 30 artists from all over the country with 2 days of folk music, storytelling, folk dance concerts andfolk arts. Sunday eve bard dance & ghost stories. On Sunday Only, from 6 to 7:30 PM, is our Old-Time Community Barn Dance and from 7:30 to 10 PM there will be "Ghost Stories" in the main music stage tent.

CITY: Geneva

Geneva's Classic Car Shows

Geneva has a long history of presenting car shows on Thursday nights in July and August. It's an organized but casual opportunity for collectors to gather together and show their cars. The audience comes from near and far to stroll the grounds of the historic Kane County Courthouse, have something to eat, tap your feet to the fabulous music of the 50’s and vote for your favorite model and make of car.

CITY: Geneva

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

Biz! Bam! Bugs! Family Program at Chicago Botanic Garden

Join forces with award-winning childrens author and educator, Patricia J. Murphy, for a hands-on reading, writing, art and science exploration of the SUPERHEROES of natureBUGS! Help spread the word why bugs are SUPER and how we can save them and their habitats! Children ages 4 -10 and their families design a poster, take home a plant, and go on a tour of our exhibition, Butterflies & Blooms! Choose either 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. session. Adult must accompany children. Limit of three children per adult. $30 nonmember per child; Members receive 20% discount.

CITY: Glencoe