2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 289 items
3 - 4
"Family Fiesta" by Joliet's Spanish Center
Celebrate Spanish heritage with a wide variety of entertainment, food and activities for all ages. For event details, visit the Spanish Center’s website. Hours: Saturday 1:00pm- 11:00pm & Sunday 1:00pm- 10:00pm.
CITY: Joliet
"Nuts on Clark"
For 35 years world famous Chicago icon offering popcorn, nuts & fine chocolate. Also located at O'Hare & Midway airport & Union Station. Order online.
CITY: Chicago
21 - 22
19th Annual Native American Pow Wow
Enjoy our Native American heritage through dancing, drumming, cultural displays, art and craft vendors and native food! Highlights include a special Veterans honoring, childrens crafts and games, bird of prey exhibit, native flute player and a tipi and elm bark wigwam. Tour the Naper Settlement and its buildings from 1:00-4:00pm daily. Discount prices available online. Visit our website for latest updates.
CITY: Naperville
14
2013 Celtic Fest
Come to Will County for a day of celebrating Celtic tradition! There will be food, games, crafts and a step dancing competition! The event runs from 9:00am - 10:00pm and costs $5 for adults and children over 12.
CITY: Joliet
26 - 28
2013 Taste of Lincolnshire
Bring family, friends and co-workers to sample food from top local restaurants without paying high prices this summer. Enjoy live entertainment all day long in the wonderful Village Green setting. There's something for everyone and lots of free parking! For more information please call (847)793-2409 or visit the website at http://lincolnshirechamber.org/.
CITY: Lincolnshire
11 - 13
28th Annual St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
Enjoy more than 100 handcrafted scarecrows on display (vote for your favorite), a huge craft show, carnival, great food, live entertainment and free children's activities, including make-your-own-scarecrow workshops.
CITY: St. Charles
17
2nd Annual Inferno Fest
Inferno Fest is the hottest challenge for bold and daring foods enthusiasts. The action-packed event will feature an official flag retirement,"burning ceremony, cooking demonstrations, 'fire-off' contests, sampling of the hottest foods and drinks around, live music, lots of milk to cool the tastebuds and more. Come out to City Hall Park and and enjoy the heat.
CITY: Highwood
1 - 2
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
17
3rd Annual DownTown District MidSummer Madness
Visit participating Downtown businesses to qualify for fabulous raffle prizes. Free event! Food, fun & super goodie bags to first 100 attendees!
CITY: Park Forest
2 - 4
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
20
58th Annual Ice Cream Social
Start your summer in traditional Freeport Style at the Stephenson County Museum's Annual gathering with food, ice cream and pie, musuem tours, and entertainment. Tour the historic arboretum while you enjoy the company of friends. 5 pm - 8 pm. Admission: $5.
CITY: Freeport
5
7th Annual Galena Oktoberfest
Annual German celebration featuring live music, kids games, wiener dog races and lots of food and beverage.
CITY: Galena
24 - 28
85th Annual Lake County Fair
Join in the fun with the annual Lake County Fair! Motocross, pro rodeo, monster trucks, demo derby, carnival, games, live entertainment, queen pageants and lots of food. Fun for the whole family! Unlimited ride wristband specials. Military visitors in uniform will receive free admission (without uniform $5.00.)
CITY: Grayslake
A Hundred Acres Orchard and Market
A fun-filled orchard featuring apples, berries, melons. The indoor market is filled with jams, jellies, sauces, dips, salsas, candy and homemade "take n bake" pies. Also unique is the Krazy Kernel Kettle Korn, produced right in Princeton! Specialty cheeses, such as Antonella, Buffalo Wing Jack, and Tomato Basil Yellow Cheddar are also available. Pair these cheeses with some of the wines that are sold in the new wine shop, or enjoy your purchase on the newly constructed outdoor patio area. The Cider Mill banquet room has been expanded to accommodate 200 guests, so plan your wedding, reception, party, or reunion here!
CITY: Princeton
7
A Taste of Christmas Progessive Dinner
Select inns will host appetizers, salads, entrees and dessert, with each guest dining at three different Galena bed-and-breakfasts. Tickets are limited to 50.
CITY: Galena
Ackerman Farms
Ackerman Farms, celebrating over 100 years as a working family farm, invites everyone to join us from the 3rd week in August through the 3rd week in December. We feature over 150 different varieties of pumpkins and squash in all shapes and sizes, over 25 varieties of beautiful hardy mums, and over 15 varieties of apples from our orchard - everything you need for your fall decorations and for your table. Plan to spend the afternoon with us in our family friendly corn maze, ride a hay rack, browse the gift shop and visit our friendly farm animals. At Christmas, join us for hot cider by a cozy fire and leisurely shop our wonderful Christmas selection of gifts and decor. Don't forget to call us to schedule birthday parties or class field trips.
CITY: Morton
Adagio Teas
Whether you are new to tea or far along on your journey, you will enjoy discovering farm-fresh teas at Adagio Teas. Come to experience a fresh and flavorful selection from around the world. Tea, tea-to-go, teaware, and tea classes.
CITY: Skokie
Aerie's Riverview Winery
The view is incredible and the wine selection is unbeatable every season of the year on top of the bluffs at Aerie's Winery. During the spring and summer, the outdoor deck offers a breathtaking view of recreation on the river. As the temperatures cool, you can lounge inside next to the fireplace. Aerie's also offers cottages and a lodge to accommodate the needs of overnight guests, all within walking distance of the winery. Seasonally, check our calendar for live music on the decks Wine, cheese, sausages and pizza are available.
CITY: Grafton
2 - 4
Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove
Prestigious Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Designation. Athletes from around the world come to compete in the tour. Includes some of the richest pro cycling purses in the world. Food, exhibits, cycling vendors, & entertainment.
CITY: Elk Grove Village
Alto Vineyards - Alto Pass
This award-winning winery's original Shawnee Hills Wine Trail location (Alto also has a Champaign outpost) offers free wine tasting and a gift shop, in addition to spring, summer and fall festivals with music and food.
CITY: Alto Pass
Alto Vineyards Tasting Room
Alto Vineyards' retail wine shop and tasting room offers custom gift baskets, gourmet foods and local artwork. Indoor and outdoor seating offers a place to relax with a glass of Alto's finest. Alto's original location is situated in Alto Pass, on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
CITY: Champaign
30
Alto Wine Fest - Dawg Daze of Summer
What’s summer in Southern Illinois without festivities! Join Alto Vineyards in celebrating the summer with music from Whistle Pigs, Bone Dry River Band and the Rural Kings. Local art and wines; along with food, games, great friends and family-fun! From noon to 6pm
CITY: Alto Pass
Aug 17
Alton Block Party
Third Street in downtown Alton is the place to be for live music, food and dancing in the streets, held on the third Saturday of each month from June to August. Family activities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the band to begin thereafter.
CITY: Alton
Alton Square Mall
Anchored by JCPenney and Macy's, Alton Square Mall is the area's regional mall destination. A full-service food court, U.S. Post Office, satellite city library and Christian Science Reading Room are also featured at the mall. Hours: Sunday, noon - 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
CITY: Alton
America's Historic Roundhouse
Originally constructed in 1855-1865, the roundhouse was renovated and now houses Illinois' largest microbrewery and brewpub.
CITY: Aurora
13
Annual Ribfest
Get your rib cookers out to the 8th Annual Ribfest for a rib cook-off or simply enjoy the rib dinner that evening! Live music also is a big part of this event, featuring Swamp Daddies, Hudson and the Hoodoo Cats, and the Funky Butt Brass Band. Held at Downtown Staunton on Main Street.
CITY: Staunton
18 - 21
Antioch's Taste of Summer
Antioch’s huge summer festival will celebrate its 23rd year in Downtown Antioch offering food, entertainment, carnival, sidewalk sales, and many other activities that make up a great 4 day family fun festival. Dine in the relaxing sunshine, or under the "Big Top" while listening to top entertainment from the Brook Bandshell. Food booths will offer the consumer a fantastic array of foods and drinks featuring Mexican, Chinese, American, BBQ, Italian and many others that will delight people with discriminating tastes. Then stroll through the town for the best sidewalk sales in the area. This year's Taste will offer a section of exhibitors new to Antioch's Taste of Summer! Visit website for more information.
CITY: Antioch
Apple Basket Farms
Enjoy one of the areas last remaining commercial fruit orchards. Pick apples & pumpkins. Feed animals at the petting zoo, stroll through Farmer Jack's corn maze.
CITY: Barry
Apple Branch Orchard
This orchard offers apples, jellies, honey, jams and many other fruits for sale.
CITY: Lawrenceville
17
Arlington Million
The Arlington Million brings together horses, owners, trainers, jockeys and fans from every corner of the world. Immerse yourself in the Arlington Million experience... history and tradition, special performances, fashionable apparel, and delectable cuisine.
CITY: Arlington Heights
1
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
Sep 2
Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival
This outdoor street festival features free cheese giveaways, wagon and pony rides, a petting zoo, kiddie tractor pull, cheese-eating and curling contests, free entertainment, a fireman's breakfast, ham and bean lunch, ice cream social, crafts, a flea market, car show and more. Win a national title at the National Cheese Eating Championships or a a World title in the International Cheese Curling Championships. Family and kid divisions for each event.
CITY: Arthur
5 - 7
Atlanta Fall Festival
Atlanta Fall Festival includes food, a carnival, a parade, children's activities and local royalty.
CITY: Atlanta
August Hill Winery
Visit the August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Co. tasting room and experience locally-made handcrafted wines. Wine tastings and flights, wine gifts & accessories, gallery of local art, outdoor patio, private events. Open Monday - Thursday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM & Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
CITY: Utica
27 - 28
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
Backwoods Berry Farm
Pick up fruits of the season from the roadside stand or head to the fields to pick your own strawberries, black raspberries or asparagus.
CITY: Hettick
16 - 18
Balloon Fest
A fun filled family weekend featuring over 40 hot air balloons, balloon glows Friday and Saturday, entertainment throughout each day, fireworks, car show, craft fair, children's activity area and more.
CITY: Centralia
Baxter's Vineyard and Winery
Baxter's Winery is the oldest winery in Illinois. Homemade arts and crafts, wine tastings, Carol's Pies and tours are available at Baxter's.
CITY: Nauvoo
12 - 14
BBQ Fest on the River
A BBQ competition, vendors, beer tent, carnival, kids zone, car show, walk/run, and bean bag tourney. Kicking it off on Friday night Chicago 80’s tribute band Poison d Crue will perform on the Miller stage followed by 80’s rock icons Warrant and Great White who will perform on the Centrue Bank stage. Friday times are 6:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. Saturday’s country day begins at 11:00 a.m. through 12:00 a.m. On this eventful country day we will see local crowd favorites E3PO and Jason Bertrand perform before giving way to The Makena Hartlin Band on the Miller stage. Country stars Emerson Drive and Jack Ingram take over the Centrue Bank stage at 8:00 p.m. Sunday Blue’s lovers will take in the sweet sounds of Larry McCray for only $5. Sunday hours run from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A full listing of activities are available at kvpd.com including the full music lineup, wing eating contest, 5k run+walk/2,013 yard dash, car, truck, & motorcycle show, carnival, police vs. fire tug-of-war, kids zone and of course the BBQ cook-off competition!
CITY: Kankakee
Bengston Pumpkin Farm
The fall fun here includes tractor-pulled hayrack rides, a haunted barn, pig races, train rides, a petting zoo, kiddie rides, a three-acre corn maze, a Halloween shop, food and pumpkins.
CITY: Homer Glen
Bent River Brewery
Great beer brewed on site and a delicious menu with sandwiches, soups, pastas, tacos, salads and more. All prepared with little twist and great seasonings. Enjoy live music on the weekends! Be sure to try their Mississippi Blonde beer if you like a lighter micro-brewed beer. They also offer stouts, ales and more.
CITY: Moline
Black Diamond Vineyards
This winery offers a quiet, relaxing setting and great wine. Be sure to check out the gift shop that features handmade truffles by Heavenly Sweets, lotions, oils and candles. Special events are held throughout the year.
CITY: Nashville
Blackhawk Chocolate Trail
A delicious mixture of cocoa is found every which way along the Blackhawk Chocolate Trail in the four-county area of Northwest Illinois. Enjoy visiting candy stores, bed and breakfasts with special chocolate-themed packages, gift shops and old-fashioned soda fountains.
CITY: Polo
Blind Pig Brewery
Located in downtown Champaign, Blind Pig brews its own craft beers. With its beautiful wood interior, casks full of local brews and friendly locals, this bar is a must-see. When the weather is nice, venture outside and enjoy the large outdoor beer garden.
CITY: Champaign
Block 37
This landmark development on State St. features first-to-Chicago retailers, signature dining and entertainment venues within a five-story atrium. The center has direct access to the CTA Red and Blue Lines as well as Chicago's extensive pedway system.
CITY: Chicago
Blue Cat Brew Pub
Enjoy this micro brewery and restaurant situated in the downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District. The Blue Cat Brew Pub is a locally owned establishment that creates fine food and handcrafted ales and lagers for first hand sampling. Menu features homemade recipes and specials. A place to meet - friends, family, business partners, and whatever combination there may be. A place where the staff love to meet people and make new friends from around the country. Shoot some pool, throw some darts, or just hang out and relax.
CITY: Rock Island
Blue Sky Vineyard
Along the majestic Shawnee Hills Wine Trail you’ll find Blue Sky Vineyard—a stunning Tuscan-inspired winery and vineyard. Stroll through the vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and relax on the outdoor terrace with the rolling countryside as your tapestry.
CITY: Makanda
16
Blues & BBQ
Enjoy a live blues performance by BMR4 & Toronzo Cannon! Lynnie Ques BBQ will be available for purchase. Don't forget your blanket or lawn chair.
CITY: Lansing
3
Blues, Beer and BBQ Festival
Annual Blues, Beer, and BDQ event at Freeport Art Museum. Sample a fine selecion of beer, live blues music and BBQ. 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Members: $20; Non Members: $23; At Door: $25.
CITY: Freeport
28 - 29
Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival
The stages will be sure to be rocking all day, showcasing our featured Blues bands and singers, featuring such artists as Eric Sardinas, Shirley Johnson, Jerry Lee & the JuJu Kings and Shane Dwight. This street festival also features some the nations top, and award-winning so it will be hard to go home hungry.
CITY: Champaign
21
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
26 - 30
Bourbonnais Friendship Festival 2013
During the five days of fun, rides, games, shows, beer garden, parades, teen Idol, baby contest and more. You are bound to see astronauts, Martians, the Jetsons, Buzz Lightyear, Luke Skywalker and more as you orbit the festival grounds.
CITY: Bourbonnais
Brans Nut Company Factory Store
Fresh roasted nuts of all kinds, 30 flavors of Jelly Belly jellybeans, chocolates and chocolate-covered nuts. Stop in for a bag or a gift tin. We roast on site! Open every day 9-5.
CITY: Wauconda
Brickstone Restaurant and Brewery
Relax in the warm, comfortable atmosphere and try beers made on-site at Brickstone. Their ample menu includes pub favorites and full meals. During the warmer months enjoy your brew on their outdoor patio.
CITY: Bourbonnais
30 - 31
Budweiser Illinois Blues Fest
Can't wait to see you all at the 25th annual Budweiser Illinois Blues Festival August 30 & 31, 2013. Featuring great blues entertainment on three stages on the beautiful Peoria Riverfront! Considered one of the top blues festivals in the Midwest, the Budweiser Illinois Blues Festival comprises two days of internationally known Blues artists and workshops. For more information, please visit http://www.illinoisbluesfestival.com
CITY: Peoria
12 - 14
ByronFest
ByronFest, one of the finest family festivals in Northern Illinois, offers a wide variety of music, kid-friendly events, sports competitions, food booths and more! The main stage venues are located in Byron's downtown area and additional events are held in other venues throughout the city.
CITY: Byron
Cameo Vineyards
This family-owned winery manages seven acres of French-American hybrid grapevines and makes eight different wines, including reds, whites and blushes. A gift shop, and complimentary tastings and tours, are available.
CITY: Greenup
3 - 4
Capital City Celebration
How can we celebrate the birth of our nation any other day except July 4? Entertainment starts at noon with local bands, free activities for children. Enjoy food, refreshments and fireworks at dusk.
CITY: Springfield
Jun 28
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
Carlyle Brewing Company
Enjoy the taste of quality, handcrafted beer in the atmosphere of a true European-style ale house in the Rockford Region's premiere microbrewery. Ten to twelve styles of ales and lagers are on tap at any time, chosen from more than 30 styles of beer brewed on-site throughout the year. Sandwiches, bratwurst, pretzels and great thin-crust pizza are available. For a real treat for the beer lover, try the sampler tray of current beers.
CITY: Rockford
7 - 8
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
6
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
29
Cedarville Summer Celebration
The 9th annual Cedarville Summer Celebration is a collaborative effort by the Village of Cedarville, Cedarville Lions Club and RAMP. There will be free hot dogs, chips and soda starting a 5 pm. There will be demonstrations by Cedarville Fire Department, games for kids, a vendor market, pillow bingo and Cake-n-roll with all proceeds to benefit RAMP services. At dusk there will be a huge blowout fireworks display. There is no charge to attend the event, but there will be charges for individual games.
CITY: Cedarville
3 - 4
Charleston Red, White & Blue Days
The 23rd annual community celebration features a concert by X-factor winner Tate Stevens with The Lemon Brothers for a free show on July 3rd. Also part of the fun is bingo, family activities, games, food, all you can eat ice cream, free entertainment, parade & fireworks! Located at Morton Park in Charleston.
CITY: Charleston
Cheese Market
This cheese shop features a wide variety of cheese, as well as local artisan cheese, sausages, Amish salsas, jams and local vegetables. Open: Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm; Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm; S: 9 am - 6 pm.
CITY: Freeport
Oct 20
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
Chicago French Market
Come visit Chicago's first and only year-round, indoor marketplace providing you with permanent, convenient and personal access to local artisans and purveyors.Featuring nearly 30 individual specialty vendors, Chicago French Market offers fresh ingredients for cooking at home, delicious grab-and-go options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, light snacks, picnics, easy party planning for home and office settings, plus meaningful gift ideas, all in one convenient location.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Premium Outlets
Welcome to Chicago Premium Outlets®. With 120 stores, it is a true bargain hunter's haven. You'll find impressive savings of 25% to 65% every day from leading designers and name brands including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, DKNY, Elie Tahari, Giorgio Armani, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Nike, OshKosh B'gosh, Reebok, Salvatore Ferragamo, St. John, TAG Heuer, Theory and many more.
CITY: Aurora
21 - 23
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
30
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
Chocolate Air
Imagine a store filled with chocolate - chocolate turtles, carmels, cupcakes and tiered cakes. Add in a dash of antiques and collectibles and you have Chocolate Air in Godfrey. This homey store makes all its chocolate creations from scratch so they are sure to delight. Don't leave without trying their three signature confections: Turtles, Chocolate Covered Bacon and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
CITY: Godfrey
9 - 14
Christian County Agricultural Fair
Fun for everyone, this fair has an FFA show, livestock shows, agricultural products expo, horse shows, demolition derby, MMA fights, talent show, truck & tractor pull, 4-wheeler races, carnival rides and queen pageant. Live music by Brushfire band.
CITY: Taylorville
Dec 24
Christkindlmarket
The Christkindlmarket is a four-week, open-air market modeled after the famous Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545. The market offers shopping opportunities and serves as a winter wonderland meeting place for family and friends. Plus, enjoy German delicacies like brats, goulash and potato pancakes while you’re there.
CITY: Chicago
2 - 3
Christmas Craft and Wine Fair
The Pavilion of the City of Marion holds the Annual Christmas Craft and Wine Fair to showcase the homemade area crafts and local wines. This 2 day event brings crafters together with wine tasting in a wonderful event for the Christmas season. Sales from Local Wineries will be available. We have a variety of unique crafters to find that perfect gift. There will be door prizes, giveaways, Christmas music and more. You may even catch a glimpse of Santa or Mrs. Claus if you attend.
CITY: Marion
Dec 27
Christmas Wonderland
Begin your holiday celebration escaping from the chaos of the season and experiencing the enchantment of Christmas at the "Christmas Wonderland" holiday light display. The "Grandpa Gang" has been at it again transforming Rock Springs Park in Alton, Illinois into a Winter Wonderland. Visitors can drive through the park to view more than 2 million lights, cascading waterfalls of lights, lighted trees and displays, and visit Santa Claus in the Enchanted Forest. Christmas Wonderland 2009 will be open from November 27th through December 27th. The suggested donation is $7 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people. Carriage rides will be available with advanced reservations by calling Greatting Horse Farm at 618-458-6986. For more information about Christmas Wonderland, call 1-866-465-7890.
CITY: Alton
City of Lake Forest Farmer's Market
Find local produce featuring seasonal fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy products and more sold directly off the trucks. Also, the market will feature local chefs and specialists selling a variety of treats including swirl cupcakes, pies, ice pops, cookies and sweets, appetizers, dips, salsas, homemade granola, croutons, homemade lemonade, ice tea and a variety of cold drinks, caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce and homemade marshmallows. The market is held at the East Lake Forest Train Station, located at 691 N. Western Avenue in Lake Forest. Open Saturdays, June 22 through October 12.
CITY: Lake Forest
20
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
2 - 3
Cobden Peach Festival
Celebrate the local peach harvest, sponsored by the Cobden Lions Club. Join us for fresh peaches from local orchards, carnival rides and games, crowning of ‘Miss Peach Queen’, homemade food and peach cobbler & pie with a 5K run/walk and parade on Saturday. Free admission.
CITY: Cobden
Collver Family Winery
Family-owned winery that features unique wines, great food, and hilarious dinner theater productions.
CITY: Barry
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Experience Cooper's Hawk... a modern, casual restaurant with a menu created with our own handcrafted wines in mind. Start in our Napa-style tasting room, where you can view our wineries and sample our winemaker's latest creations. Shop in our gift store for unique food or wine related gifts.
CITY: South Barrington
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Experience Cooper's Hawk... a modern, casual restaurant with a menu created with their own handcrafted wines in mind. Start in their Napa-style tasting room, where you can view their wineries and sample the winemaker's latest creations. Shop in the gift store for unique food or wine-related gifts.
CITY: Burr Ridge
13
Cortland Fall Fest
The 32nd Annual Cortland Fall Festival and Parade will feature local bands, a parade, a "Mutt Strutt", and an Apple Cook-Off Contest. Dress up your pooch for the parade, start perfecting your favorite apple dish or simply just come as you are and enjoy the day!
CITY: Cortland
9 - 10
Cortland Summer Fest!
Join us for the 2013 Cortland Summer Fest! Local bands, food vendors, and more surprises all weekend! The Cortland Library will host games and activities for kids on Saturday. Cruzin’ Wheels will have a beautiful car show display on Saturday. Come join us for another fabulous year!
CITY: Cortland
Country Corner Farm Market
Country Corner is a full service AgriTourism farm market. Build a family farm tradition – offering a wide variety of farm experiences to enjoy. Locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables picked at the peak of ripeness, purchased right on the farm. Festival weekends May through October. Shaded picnic grounds with play animals and barnyard animals. In the fall, enjoy a U-pick Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze & Haunted Maze. Also offering a community supported agriculture (CSA) Program.
CITY: Alpha
Country Corner Farm Market & Pumpkin Patch
Explore acres of pumpkins, a giant corn maze, farm-fresh produce, a petting zoo, craft barn, tree house and playground. Hayrack and pony rides, a carnival and concessions are also offered.
CITY: Alpha
Crooked Creek Winery
Enjoy fine handcrafted Illinois wines served with a personal touch in a relaxing country atmosphere. Experience the outdoor beauty of Southwestern Illinois' rolling farmland or sip wine indoors by a cozy fire.
CITY: Centralia
10
Cruise Night
Join in an old-fashioned cruise through downtown Freeport. There will be live music , a food court offering a variety of tasty choices, and three contests: the Soundwerks and Tailor Made Autoworks Sound Off Contest, the Gary's Collision & Customs Muffler rapping Contest, and the Dan's Route 66 Service Burn Out Contest. There will be a lot filled with antique cars, Hot Rod Alley and two main parking lots for the classic cars, and cruising all night long. Reserved Parking: $12; Non-Reserved Parking: $10; Cruise Only: Free.
CITY: Freeport
17 - 18
Cultural Festival
Now in its 34th year, the Cultural Festival continues to provide a wide variety of live entertainment and mouth-watering food in a festive family atmosphere. This event draws nearly 15,000 to Bloomington-Normal each August.
CITY: Bloomington
Oct 18
Daley Plaza Farmers Market
The Daley Plaza Farmers Market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and other items every Thursday from May 24th until October 18th. Every Thursday, 7 am - 3 pm.
CITY: Chicago
16 - 18
Danvers Days
Danvers Days takes place each August in the Danvers Village Park, featuring entertainment, food, raffles, kids games, Bingo and Tug of War. Attendees also enjoy a carnival, craft show, community auction, and the biggest parade in Central Illinois.
CITY: Danvers
22 - 23
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
2
DAR Governor Duncan Mansion Annual Ice Cream Social
Annual Ice Cream and Dessert Social, held on the lawn of the Governor Joseph Duncan Mansion. Presented by the Reverend James Caldwell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Suggested donation includes cake, ice cream and beverage. All proceeds to benefit the renovation of the Duncan Mansion.
CITY: Jacksonville
Sep 1
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
Del's Popcorn
Multitudes of flavors of popcorn and ice cream as a tasty stop on your visit.
CITY: Springfield
