114th Infantry Regiment Flag Lowering Ceremony

The Regiment, in authentic Civil War uniforms, demonstrates drill movements and performs a beautiful flag-lowering ceremony in front of the Lincoln Tomb. The flag is presented to a member of the audience. Ceremony every Tuesday evening.

CITY: Springfield

2013 Bald Eagle Bus Tours

Guided, four-hour tours of bald eagle, wintering communities. View and learn about the bald eagle's habits, life history, preservation efforts and threats to its future. Reservations required. Bus departs from Stoney Creek Inn.

CITY: Galena

44th Annual Threshing Show and Antique Display

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

CITY: Freeport

A Day in Eagle Country

The limestone bluffs and woodlands that line the Mississippi River Valley offer the American bald eagle an ideal winter roosting site. We invite you to come view the magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Take a day long adventure of eagle and wildlife spotting with Bluff City Tours. The tour includes: transportation by motorcoach or trolley, professional tour guide, continental breakfast and lunch at Pere Marquette. All tours depart from and return to the Upper Level Parking Lot at Alton Square Mall off Homer Adams Parkway in Alton. These tours are scheduled on Wednesdays & Saturdays in January & February.

CITY: Alton

Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America Exhibit

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

CITY: Grayslake

Alton-Audubon Eagle Festival

Join us for the kick-off of the eagle watching season. Activities include: live eagle meet & greet, preview of events at the Eagle Watching Hot Spots, kid's activities, crafts and eagle viewing walks. Learn about eagle watching - how to spot eagles, where to look and what brings the eagles here each winter. Then, head across the river to Downtown Alton for ice sculpting on the streets.

CITY: Alton

Alton/Godfrey Fireworks on the Mississippi

Alton's spectacular fireworks display are a must see in Alton! With the Clark Bridge as a backdrop over the Mississippi River, this fireworks show is always a crowd pleaser. For more information, call (618) 465-6676.

CITY: Alton

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

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

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

Bald Eagle Watching in the Cache River Wetlands

The Cache River Wetlands offers great opportunities for eagle watching, as well as spotting other birds. The Cache River Wetland Center provides resource and identification materials to help you spot eagles and other birds in the area and along the rivers. They will provide maps and directions to the viewing station for the nest just off Illinois Route 37 off Perks road and south of the visitor's center.

CITY: Cypress

Bike MS Tour De Farms

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

CITY: DeKalb

Binny's Taste at the Track

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

CITY: Arlington Heights

Bloomington Gold Corvette Show

Bloomington Gold is not only the longest running national Corvette event, but also is noted for innovations that have been commonly copied by many other automotive events. Corvette auctions, swap meets, certification, SURVIVOR®, educational seminars and special museum-type displays all began at Bloomington Gold. Over 4,000 Corvettes will descend on Champaign County for the first time and over 1,00 0 are expected to take part in the Gold Tour, showcasing the open roads.

CITY: Champaign

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

Candlelight Tour of New Salem

Bring the family to experience New Salem village after dark. Interpreters in period clothing will welcome you into the reconstructed log homes of the historic village where Abraham Lincoln lived for six years.

CITY: Petersburg

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

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

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

DeKalb Kite Fest

Looking for a fun family day out? The DeKalb Kite Fest is great fun for the whole family whether you choose to make, fly, or just watch the kites fly. There are lots of large beautiful kites that fill the sky. Location: Corner of Lucinda and Kishwaukee Drive DeKalb Kite Fest WhenSunday, Sep 8, 2013 WhereCorner of Lucinda Ave and Kishwaukee Drive, DeKalb (map) DescriptionCorner of Lucinda and Kishwaukee Drive, NIU Campus. Stunt kites, dancing kites, food, and activities for the kids & family. dekalbcountycvb.com

CITY: DeKalb

Eagle Days

Held in January, Eagle Days includes educational eagle programs presented on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge with viewing scopes set up for watching the regal birds in flight.

CITY: Madison

Eagle Meet and Greet

Come see live eagle demonstrations by the World Bird Sanctuary. See a live bald eagle up close and personal! Ask and learn about their species and habitats. Then, grab your official All Around Alton Eagle Watcher's Guide as you journey out along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway to see eagles in their natural habitat. FREE. For more information, call 1-800-ALTON-IL or go to www.VisitAlton.com.

CITY: Alton

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

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

Effingham County Fair

The annual county fair offers a variety of events for residents and visitors. 4-H and open shows of agricultural products and animals, Queen pageants, horse racing, talent contests, rodeo, demo derby, tractor pulls, and professional entertainment are some of the events you can enjoy while at the County Fair.

CITY: Altamont

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

Festival of the Vine

Geneva restaurants create an array of specialties under an outdoor tent at the “Flavor Fare” partnered with wine and live musical entertainment. The Fall Harvest Market offers food and floral demos, unique displays plus Kid’s Patch activities. An arts and crafts show, flower market, horse-drawn carriage rides and several exceptional wine tasting and dinner events also take place around the historic downtown.

CITY: Geneva

Galena Nouveau Wine Festival

Downtown Galena comes alive with the release of Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery's Nouveau Wine. A traditional French stew, paired with Nouveau wine is served at most local restaurants, followed by horse-drawn wagon deliveries down Main Street. Take your choice of various downtown locations for one of the afternoon wine and cheese parties or plan to celebrate with all of them.

CITY: Galena

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

I&I Antique Tractor Historic Farm Days

Relive historic farming days at this annual four-day event. Plow and tillage field demonstrations, model gas and steam engines, horse and tractor demos, daily antique tractor pulls and country cooking you won’t want to miss. For more information, call 217-351-4133 or visit www.antiquefarm.org.

CITY: Penfield

Illinois State HOG Rally

Come join us for a ride through roughly 250 miles of majestic Illinois scenery. The journey begins in the "Gem City" of Illinois, Quincy and follows the mighty Mississippi down to a city voted "the most haunted city in America", Alton. After a pit stop in Alton, the journey continues down Old U.S. Highway 40 passing through Vandalia, Illinois' first capitol, and ending in "The Crossroads of Opportunity", Effingham. The Effingham stop will feature a biker blessing, poker stops, a Moonshine run, a ride-in bike show, and to cap it all off, a "Legacy Bash," Saturday evening. Come out to Legacy Harley Davidson to join in all the fun!

CITY: Effingham

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

John Deere Green Iron Days

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

CITY: Grand Detour

Kansas City Barbeque Society Cook-Off

This fun state-sanctioned cook-off has now become a great annual event! The BBQ Pros will compete for a $6,000 pay out. Come and enjoy great BBQ, drinks and live music every night!!

CITY: Effingham

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

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

Lincoln/Douglas Debate Commemoration

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

CITY: Freeport

Lincoln’s Bloomington Festival and Civil War Days

The McLean County Museum of History, David Davis Mansion, and other sites will host Civil War re-enactors, traditional craft demonstrations, children’s activities, musical performances, talks and tours.

CITY: Bloomington

Mackinaw Music and International Wine and Beer Fest

Tasting all day featuring wines and beers from at least 15 countries. Lots of good food and great entertainment featuring great blues and jazz performers like Sister Groove and the Cross-town Jam.

CITY: Mackinaw

Masters of the Sky

Witness the "Masters of the Sky" birds of prey demonstration. Come see eagles, falcons, owls and other birds of prey at this educational and informational program presented by the World Bird Sanctuary. Show times at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission fee: $5 for Adults; $3 for children 12 and under; 3 and under are free. Only 10 tickets per person. Also, there will be a free eagle display at noon and 2 p.m. for 30 minutes in the gallery on Feb. 16 - 18. For more information, call the National Great Rivers Museum at (877) 462-6979.

CITY: Alton

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

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

Proud to Run 5k & 10k

Proud To Run is a 10K run, 5K run or walk that celebrates LGBT pride during Chicago's Pride weekend. Proud To Run 2013 will raise funds for TPAN, The Night Ministry, and LINKS- Pride Youth Program. It is presented in association with Frontrunners Chicago. This will be the 32nd annual event.

CITY: Chicago

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

Ravinia Festival 2013

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

CITY: Highland Park

Sawyer Brown at Riverfront Amphitheater

Watch nationally-known country band Sawyer Brown at the beautiful Alton Riverfront Amphitheater. Borderline will also be performing. Gates open at 7 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m. Admission is $20. To order tickets, go to http://www.tacopresents.ticketfly.com/.

CITY: Alton

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

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

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

Stockton Civil War Days-Battle Of Morseville

Step back in time with a Civil War reenactment and encampment. There will be a period fashion show, medical scenarios and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

CITY: Stockton

Sycamore's Turning Back Time

Join us Friday night for Summer on State, free outdoor movie for the whole family. Saturday night is Cruise Night, presented by Auto Meter Products, from 3-11pm. Bringing back the sounds of the 50’s and 60’s, Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones will take the stage from 7-10pm. Discover Sycamore’s Cruise Night will also include a Classic Car Cruise Parade, beer garden, Disc Jockey, food vendors and more! Sunday, July 28th brings the 14th Annual Fizz Ehrler Memorial Car Show to downtown Sycamore. Help the Turning Back Time Car Club reach their goal of 1,000 car show registrations. Registration will take place from 8am until noon with the award presentation at 3:30pm sharp. Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of Turning Back Time specials at downtown merchants and restaurants.

CITY: Sycamore

Tempel Lipizzans Performances

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

CITY: Wadsworth

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