"Jersey Boys" Peoria Civic Center

The 2006 Tony Award®-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30! Jersey Boys, winner of the 2006 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album and most recently, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

CITY: Peoria

$5 Friday Summer Concerts: Changes in Latitudes

The first concert of the season will feature Changes in Latitude - a tribute to Jimmy Buffett. 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

14th Annual Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival

This is Waukegan's 14th Annual Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival! Artists, Music, Dance and Drum Circle "As Waukegan Grows" This event is sponsored by the City of Waukegan and the Waukegan Park District. Come and enjoy this one-of -a-kind festival.

CITY: Waukegan

15th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow

Held at the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park, the Intertribal Pow Wow has something for the whole family to experience! There will be dancing, handmade jewelry, native crafts, children’s activities, food and viewing of the buffalo herd! This outdoor event is held rain or shine. Don’t forget your lawn chairs. Camping in tents or tipis is welcome.

CITY: Le Roy

15th Annual Route 66 Festival

The second weekend of June every year, the Edwardsville Route 66 Festival welcomes 100-150 classic cars touring the state as part of the annual Illinois Route 66 Association Motor Tour. The two day event includes food entertainment, classic car show, children's area with inflatables and activities, beer tent, bike ramble, 10K run and more!

CITY: Edwardsville

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

22nd Annual Chicago Railroad Collectibles and Model Train Show

The last Chicago Railroad Collectibles Show before Christmas! Now with model trains and operating layouts. Collectibles include items used by railroads such as: lanterns, china, silverware, keys, locks, timetables, train parts and maps as well as books, photographs and DVDs on railroads.

CITY: St. Charles

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

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

37th Annual Kane County Railroad Collectibles & Model Train Show

One of two Annual Railroad Collectible Shows in Chicago with model trains and operating layouts. Railroad collectibles include items used by railroads such as lanterns, china, silverware, keys, locks, timetables, train parts and maps as well as books, photographs and DVDs on railroad topics.

CITY: St. Charles

39th Fall Fox Valley Antique Show

Antiques are exhibited indoors at the bright and spacious Kane County Fairgrounds. Catered lunch is available and there is free parking. Admission $8 benefits local historical and educational endeavors. For information, visit csada.com.

CITY: St. Charles

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

52nd Annual International Carillon Festival

Longest running carillon festival in the world! Carillonneurs from several countries will perform on this world class instrument. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the beautiful music of the bells at this family event.

CITY: Springfield

8 Miles of Ag-tiques

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

CITY: Orangeville

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

9 to 5

This hilarious new musical from Grammy Award-winner Dolly Parton features the hit title song and Tony Award-nominated score. 9 to 5 is the hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the rolodex era. When three unlikely friends take control of the office and put their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss in his place, they learn there is nothing they can't do, even in a man's world.

CITY: Lincolnshire

A Hog in Dog Heaven - Celebrating 20 Years of Walldogs

The Walldogs, a group of wall muralists and sign painters from around the globe, are celebrating their 20th birthday. We invite you to join in the celebration this summer in Kewanee, Illinois during this five day event. Watch over 190 artists paint 15 historical murals on downtown buildings. Be part of history and join in the fun!

CITY: Kewanee

ABBA the Concert at Rosemont Theatre

Come out and enjoy the amazing sounds of ABBA at the Rosemont Theatre. Saturday, July 20th at 7:30 PM. The producers have had to cancel the April leg of the US Tour, but we are pleased to announce a new show for Saturday, July 20th at 7:30PM at the Rosemont Theatre! The Music of Abba is considered to be the finest Abba show in the world and is direct from Sweden!

CITY: Rosemont

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 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

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 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: 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

American Indian and Ethnographic Show

Historic artifacts on display.

CITY: Collinsville

American Thresherman Show

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

CITY: Pinckneyville

Andersonville Midsommarfest

Midsommarfest is Andersonville's annual summer street festival, now entering its 48th year. Each year, nearly 50,000 people throng Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa for two days of music, dancing, kids' entertainment, and delicious food. Vendors from around the region sell their wares to passers-by, while ethnic dance troupes and cutting-edge bands keep the party going.

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

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

Annual St. Charles Fine Art Show

Located along the banks of the Fox River, this juried art show features 100 fine artists, live music, demonstrations and artists’ awards.

CITY: St. Charles

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

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

B.B. King Blues Festival

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer B.B. King with opening act, The Stone Electric, will be performing live at the Effingham Performance Center! The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Get your tickets today and take a trip down memory lane with the legendary blues man himself!

CITY: Effingham

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

Barrington Art Festival

Amdur Productions proudly kicks off its 30th season with the Barrington Art Festival on Memorial Day weekend. Free and open to the public, the Barrington Art Festival will offer the work of 120 juried artists from around the world in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, photography, watercolors, wood and more. In addition to the incredible artwork available for purchase at the festival, guests will be able to enjoy live music throughout the weekend.

CITY: Barrington

Big Bang at Hidden Lake Winery

Dueling piano's. Meal prepared by Winery Chef.

CITY: Aviston

Big Love

The term “battle of the sexes” gets a whole new meaning when a group of brides-to-be on the run from the altar face down their jilted grooms at an Italian villa. Strawdog Artistic Associate Matt Hawkins, director of The House Theatre’s Cyrano and Strawdog’s award winning smash hit Red Noses returns (triumphantly) to the mainstage with Mee’s poetic, madcap riff on love, violence and gender roles. Produced by the Strawdog Theatre Company.

CITY: Chicago

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

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

Blues on the Fox

The 17th Annual Blues on the Fox is the City of Aurora's annual festival that celebrates the city's rich history of the Blues. In the late 1930's literally hundred's of Blues recordings were made in Aurora's downtown at the Sky Club at the top of the Leland Hotel. Join us at RiverEdge Park to experience six amazing blues music acts over one incredible weekend.

CITY: Aurora

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

Boeing, Boeing

Boeing, Boeing was revived in 2007 after an undeniably successful seven-year run in the West End. The Wall Street Journal hailed Boeing-Boeing as one of "the funniest plays to hit Broadway in ages" and The Daily Telegraph said it was "the funniest show on the London stage." This charming revival focuses on Bernard, a jet setting architect living in Paris. He has been successfully juggling three flight attendant fiancés with the help of his reluctant housekeeper who keeps track of everyone's comings and goings. Mayhem follows soon after the arrival of an old college pal as flights are delayed, schedules change and chaos ensues. The laughs come fast and furious when Bernard finds himself struggling to keep up with his overwhelming amorous lies. Audiences will have to fasten their seat belts for a roaring ride that will take them up, up and away!

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Breakfast with Santa

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

CITY: Decatur

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

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

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

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

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

Cedarhurst Craft Fair Preview Night

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

CITY: Mount Vernon

Celtic Woman at Ravinia

This group of ladies have been described as being "Riverdance for the voice." The group has undertaken a number of world tours. Cumulatively, albums by Celtic Woman have sold over 6 million records worldwide. With such a variety of music and so much talent this is sure to be a great show.

CITY: Highland Park

Champagne British Car Festival

Get Your Kicks on Route 66 at the Champagne British Car Festival! Our 22nd anniversary will take place on the tree-lined grounds of the beautiful David Davis Mansion in Bloomington on June 2, 2013. View approximately 130 cars by Jaguar, Lotus, MG, Triumph, Aston Martin, Bentley, Austin Healey and others!

CITY: Bloomington

Champaign-Urbana Folk & Roots Festival

The fifth annual Champaign-Urbana Folk and Roots Festival will be held throughout downtown Urbana on November 1st and 2nd, 2013. This all-volunteer-run, grassroots festival will present over 80 free and low-cost all-ages/abilities participatory activities and high-quality folk performances running continuously in businesses, cultural institutions and arts centers. The festival will include dances, instructional sessions, jams, song-circles, storytelling and hands-on workshops. The festival delights in presenting unique and cutting-edge forms of folk art and music, especially those that break down the barrier between audience and performer and increase the accessibility of that form. At the same time, the festival also provides the occasion to preserve local traditions and histories through thoughtful collaborations with existing area folk arts organizations, cultural institutions, arts organizations and the University of Illinois.

CITY: Urbana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cocoa & Cookies with Santa

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

CITY: Decatur

Colona Memorial Day Celebration

Fun begins Thursday on Hennepin Canal Parkway with carnival children’s activities, horseshoe contest, nightly live entertainment in the beer garden and don’t miss the 42nd annual parade starting at 2 p.m on Sunday.

CITY: Colona

Country Folk Art Festival 31st year

31st year. Extraordinary handmade arts and crafts made by award winning artisans, many whose work has been featured in magazines! Reproductions of antique American furniture, historic crafts, folk art, primitives and unique Halloween and Christmas creations! Also some original antiques!

CITY: St. Charles

Country Treasures Craft Show

Freshen up your home and garden for spring! A wide variety of homemade items for sale. Event features holiday items as well.

CITY: Quincy

Creditors

Before The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, before Ingmar Bergman, before even the phrase "Swedish noir," came Creditors, a sexy, twisting tale of psychological manipulation and revenge. Strindberg saw the play as comedy, but it is humor as dark as midwinter Sweden.

CITY: Chicago

Cruise Night in Maple City

Cruise Night in the Maple City is put on by the Maple City Street Machines Club and is the biggest car show in the Midwest. There are approximately 2000 cars in the show. The show begins at 6 p.m. but the cars are rolling in all day long. Along with the Cruise Night you will enjoy music, entertainment, food vendors and more.

CITY: Monmouth

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

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

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

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

East West Riverfest

Come to the Quad Cities and join in on a 10-day celebration of arts, culture, history and the Mississippi River during East West Riverfest. The entire Quad Cities will be joining in on the celebration. Enjoy concerts on the riverfront, art fairs & art galleries, live theatre, ballet, museum exhibits, tours, river cruises, cultural festivals, and much, much more. Find out more details at www.eastwestriverfest.com and plan your visit for this first annual, Quad Cities-wide celebration. You can also contact or visit the Quad Cities Visitors Center in Moline for details.

CITY: Moline

EXPO CHICAGO

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

CITY: Chicago

FAB Weekend Getaway

Enjoy Quincy's best Food, Architecture and bald eagles for the annual FAB weekend getaway held the last weekend in January. The Army Corps of Engineers offer scopes for eagle viewing at Quincy's Lock and Dam 21, partnering with a local Maine Street mansion tour and ending with dining at one of Quincy's Great River Restaurant partners. For more information on the hotel package at Quincy's Microtel Inn & Suites, contact the Quincy Area CVB at 1-800-978-4748.

CITY: Quincy

Fall Art Stroll

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

CITY: Kankakee

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

Festival of the Horse & Drum

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

CITY: St. Charles

Fight Girl Battle World

From the team that brought you the hit production of Nguyen’s Soul Samurai, comes an action-packed sci-fi saga that blends video projection, puppetry, stage combat, parody and much more into one delicious mix. Set in a futuristic universe where humanity is nearly non-existent, Fight Girl revolves around E-V, a hardnosed prizefighter and the last known female human in the galaxy as she battles to survive. Produced by InFusion Theatre Co.

CITY: Chicago

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

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

Funfest for Air-cooled VW

This FunFest is Mid America Motorworks way of saying "Thank You" to all VW enthusiasts. The three-day event is the best Air-Cooled enthusiasts party anywhere. Expect to see more than 1,000 VWs and 8,000 enthusiasts. This is not your typical car show. With non-juried fun judging, one of a kind expert seminars and a guest list including some of the best-known names in the VW world, it's no wonder that Funfest has become a must-attend event.

CITY: Effingham

Gaelic Park Irish Fest

Irish Fest brings together the best in Irish music from America, Canada and Europe. In addition to all of the music, there will be Irish sports, dancing, theater & story-telling, a petting zoo, Irish dogs and ponies, and Irish import stories. For the little people, there are magicians, puppets, jugglers, and clowns, and most importantly, unlimited carnival rides are included in the admission price in addition to free parking.

CITY: Oak Forest

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

Glorious Garden Festival

The Glorious Garden Festival offers self-guided tours through eight incredibly diverse, high-quality private gardens in the Bloomington-Normal community, along with guided tours of Sarah Davis’s heirloom garden at the David Davis Mansion. These gardens provide solitude and sanctuary, where one can soothe the spirit while enjoying the quiet pleasures of an outdoor retreat. The walk begins on the grounds of the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site where walkers pick up their maps and programs. The Garden Walk is held rain or shine.

CITY: Bloomington

Great River Eagle Days

To celebrate the return of our National bird, the great Bald Eagle, the Standing Bear Council, the US Army Corp of Engineers and the Quincy Area CVB host Great River Eagle Days at the Oakley Lindsay Center and Lock & Dam 21 for viewing. The public is invited to the free activities at the civic center, Black Fox Singers, Native American dancers, vendors, food, live raptors and an eagle watch.

CITY: Quincy

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

Hamlet

What do you get when you combine the ghost of a murdered king, his ambitious brother-in-law, a betrayed lover, and a prince hell-bent on revenge? Hamlet. Come celebrate the tenth anniversary of Moraine Valley's "Shakespeare Under the Stars" with our ambitious and creative interpretation of Shakespeare's masterpiece. Bring your picnic dinner and beach chairs to the Gateway Arch and experience our production of what many critics believe to be the greatest play ever written. Free admission. Thursday, August 1-Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013.

CITY: Palos Hills

Hello, Dolly!

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Hello, Dolly! has become one of the most enduring musical theater hits, enjoying three Broadway revivals and international success that included being made into the film that was nominated for seven Academy Awards. Hello, Dolly! is the story of turn-of-the-century widowed matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi, who, after cunningly negotiating marriages for others through a series of comic romantic entanglements, ultimately finds her own match. Hello, Dolly! is a magical piece of musical theater filled with memorable songs such as "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," "Before the Parade Passes By," and "It Only Takes A Moment." Show-stopping dance numbers like "Dancing" and "The Waiter's Gallop" are combined with beautiful turn-of-the-century costumes to create a musical the whole family will enjoy.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Heritage Festival

This annual festival held the first weekend in October celebrates pioneer life with demonstrations, crafts and food. Features a blue grass band, cemetery walk, and a church service at the historic Mt. Olive Church. Free admission!

CITY: Mount Vernon

Herrinfesta

Annual week-long festival recognizing the Italian heritage of the town of Herrin. This festival has nightly concerts, contests, parade and carnival.

CITY: Herrin

Highland Park's Art Center's Festival of Fine Craft

The Highland Park Festival of Fine Craft is a two-day outdoor celebration of the visual arts. A longstanding community tradition, the Festival of Fine Craft attracts a loyal audience of art lovers who patron the show annually. Hosted on the beautiful tree lined streets of Downtown Highland Park, the show emphasizes fine craft including glass, wood, ceramics, fiber, jewelry and more. Fun art activities for children and families, as well as live entertainment and tasty festival treats. Art enthusiasts will get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making these masterpieces with live art demos taking place all weekend long. Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm and admission is free.

CITY: Highland Park

Highwood Last Call Art Fair

All of the artwork featured at this outdoor festival will be high quality and affordable. This festival gives art lovers the opportunity to purchase extraordinary pieces of all kinds at end-of-season discounted prices. The fair is located along Sheridan Road, the main downtown street near all the great restaurants. There will be free hands on art projects for children. In addition to great art at great prices, the festival features live music all weekend long. Delicious food from local restaurants will be available for festival-goers to enjoy while perusing and purchasing artwork. Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. Free admission.

CITY: Highwood

History Comes Alive

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

CITY: Springfield

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

Fall head over heels for this hilarious musical comedy about that terribly wonderful, simply complex thing called love. From dressing for a first date, marriage and babies, in-laws and the injustice of long lines for the ladies room, this musical romp through the everyday relationships will have everyone rolling in the aisles with laughter.

CITY: Lincolnshire

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

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

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