"Concerts On The Hill" 39th Season

Relax on the big grassy hill while enjoying a variety of free family entertainment. Enjoy tasty, affordable concessions in a scenic setting along the waterway. Great $2 hot dogs! Picnic baskets welcome. Bring blankets and chairs for hill seating. Free parking. Visit the park’s website for the week’s line-up. Every Thursday night at 6:30pm.

CITY: Joliet

"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

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

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

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 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

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

3rd Annual Mundelein Arts Festival

The weekend long juried event will showcase the talents of exceptional artists and craftspeople in a variety of media. Student artwork from Mundelein and Carmel Catholic High Schools will also be highlighted. Bring the family! Come share a magical day in the park enjoying original artwork, live music, and a tasty assortment of food from local eateries. Music for all ages. Children's craft tent for the young artists. Festival will be held on the grounds of Kracklauer Park.

CITY: Mundelein

59th Art Fair on the Square

Art fair consisting of selected exhibitors' work in a variety of disciplines including: ceramics, digital art, drawing/pastels, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, graphics/printmaking, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture & wood. Silhouetted against classical architecture and stately mature trees, the artists set up their outdoor galleries around historic Market Square. There will also be a children's art tent for the creative little ones.

CITY: Lake Forest

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

8th Annual Kite Festival

In the open area near Evening Island, enjoy soaring stunt kite performances set to music by members of the Chicago Fire Kite Team and members of the Kite Society of Wisconsin & Illinois. The Chicago Fire Kite Team has been competing and demonstrating team sport kite ballet and precision since 1986. Invited to kite festivals around the world, they have flown in front of friendly crowds in England, France, Japan, and Canada as well as the United States. Free.

CITY: Glencoe

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 Christmas Carol

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

CITY: Chicago

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

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

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

Antiques and Modernism Winnetka Show

This spectacular show is a fusion of the former Winnetka Antiques Show, combining a 60-year history and prevailing reputation. Encompassing periods of design ranging from the 17th century to the mid 20th century. Esteemed dealers from across the country will showcase fine examples of American, British, French and Asian antiques, as well as pieces from the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Mid-Century design movements. Offering furniture, silver, ceramics, jewelry, garden antiques, lighting, rugs, fine and folk art, architectural artifacts and even more! Varies; 1-3 day admission tickets.

CITY: Winnetka

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

Art in the Park Fine Art Show & Sale

Art In The Park Fine Art Show and Sale is hosted annually by the Ottawa Art League. It is held during Ottawa's Riverfest Celebration in historic Washington Square Park, site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate on August 21, 1858. Art in the Park is a juried fine art show open to all artists and media. Prizes are awarded. This event has no admission fee and is open to the public. For more information check the Ottawa Art League website: www.ottawaartleague.org or email ottawaartleague@yahoo.com or event chairperson Sharon Danielson at dfarmart@msn.com.

CITY: Ottawa

Artifact Talk: Rescue and Renewal

Grace Cohen Grossman, Curator Emerita, Skirball Museum, Los Angeles, details the history of the JCR & its task at the end of World War II to identify looted, "heirless" Jewish ceremonial objects and books, and to reclaim them for the Jewish people. Over sixty objects were placed in the care of the HTC. On loan to the Museum, these treasured artifacts will now be on display in the Feis Family Lobby. Reservations required; reservations@ilhmec.org. Museum admission.

CITY: Skokie

Artisan Faire

Original art work will include water color and oil paintings, blown and fused glass creations, woodworking, jewelry, hand knits, porcelain paintings and other media.

CITY: Kankakee

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

Autumn in the Park Festival

Autumn in the Park Festival has something for the entire family and then some. Two Chili Cook-Off's, BBQ Rib Competition, entertainment, food, drinks and fun.

CITY: Palos Park

Autumn Pioneer Festival

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

CITY: Belvidere

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

Belvidere Holiday Walk

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

CITY: Belvidere

Belvidere Mopar Happening

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

CITY: Belvidere

Big Bang at Hidden Lake Winery

Dueling piano's. Meal prepared by Winery Chef.

CITY: Aviston

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

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

CITY: Glencoe

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

Bluegrass on the Green Fest

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

CITY: Frankfort

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

Bodeans at Ravinia

Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States with a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer from June to September. A perfect evening - listening to music, drinks and a picnic under the stars on Ravinia's lawn. Pavilion seating also available! Prices vary for lawn and pavillion seats.

CITY: Highland Park

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

Brian Wilson/Al Jardine/David Marks at Ravinia

Concert begins at 7:30pm. Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States with a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer from June to September. A perfect evening - listening to music, drinks and a picnic under the stars on Ravinia's lawn. Pavilion seating also available! Prices vary for lawn and pavilion seats

CITY: Highland Park

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

Bryan Wallick, Piano at Ravinia

Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States with a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer from June to September. A perfect evening - listening to music, drinks and a picnic under the stars on Ravinia's lawn. Pavilion seating also available! Prices vary for lawn and pavilion seats.

CITY: Highland Park

Buddy Guy/George Thorogood and the Destroyers at Ravinia

Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States with a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer from June to September. A perfect evening - listening to music, drinks and a picnic under the stars on Ravinia's lawn. Pavilion seating also available! Prices vary for lawn and pavilion seats.

CITY: Highland Park

Calhoun County Quilt & Church Tour

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

CITY: Brussels

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

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 at Ravinia

Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States with a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer from June to September. A perfect evening - listening to music, drinks and a picnic under the stars on Ravinia's lawn. Pavilion seating also available! Prices vary for lawn and pavilion seats.

CITY: Highland Park

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival

Located on the Esplanade at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden, the Festival features original works for purchase from a select crowd of 80 acclaimed artists. All of the artwork embodies a botanic theme, use, or material. The incredible artwork available at the Festival is rivaled only by the beauty of the setting. Admission is free. Regular parking rates apply.

CITY: Glencoe

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 Jazz Festival

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

CITY: Chicago

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

Christmas in the Village

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

CITY: Cobden

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

Concerts in the Park - Park Ridge

Don’t miss this year’s exciting line-up of FREE outdoor summer concerts in Park Ridge. 2013 marks the 53rd consecutive season that the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society has been bringing top-quality entertainment to the audiences of Park Ridge. Our summer 2013 season features five concerts by Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony, a 50-piece ensemble made up of the finest free-lance professional musicians in the Chicago area, conducted by PRFAS Music Director Barbara Schubert. There will also be two concerts by the Brian Patti Big Band, on July 3 at Maine East High School and August 2 in Hodges Park. PLUS the Rob Parton Big Band on August 9, sponsored by the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District. All concerts are at 8 pm in Hodges Park, in front of Park Ridge City Hall, except July 3.

CITY: Park Ridge

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

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

Cruisin' Lockport Classic Car Show

Sponsored by the City of Lockport, Lockport Township Park District, and Lockport Township Government, the Cruisin’ Into Lockport Classic Car Show will return for our 10th season. Come see the finest classic cars of not only Lockport, but from a tri-county area. There will be a different featured car every week (although all makes and models are welcome). Also, we will have live bands; a clown for face painting and balloons; free snowcones and/or popcorn; an inflated obstacle course for children; food vendors, plus much more. Every Monday night 6:30pm-8:30pm!

CITY: Lockport

CSO/ Itzhak Perlman/Alisa Weilerstein, Cello at Ravinia

Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States with a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer from June to September. A perfect evening - listening to music, drinks and a picnic under the stars on Ravinia's lawn. Pavilion seating also available! Prices vary for lawn and pavilion seats.

CITY: Highland Park

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

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

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

CITY: Crystal Lake

David Byrne & St. Vincent at Ravinia

Concert begins at 7:30pm. Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States with a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer from June to September. A perfect evening - listening to music, drinks and a picnic under the stars on Ravinia's lawn. Pavilion seating also available! Prices vary for lawn and pavilion seats.

CITY: Highland Park

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

Dutch Festival

Your family will enjoy exploring traditional Dutch food, crafts and entertainment at this year's Dutch Festival.

CITY: Palos Heights

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

Effingham Farmer's Market

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

CITY: Effingham

Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival

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

CITY: Evanston

Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival

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

CITY: Evanston

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

Fall Diddley

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

CITY: Belvidere

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

Fall on the Green Festival

The annual Fall on the Green Festival is held the weekend after Labor Day. This family friendly event has everything you look for in a festival, great food, wonderful entertainment, games, and vendors of all types. This event takes place on the village green located at 95th Street & Cook Avenue. There is no charge for admission, parking or rides. The only cost to attendees is the purchase of food and drink.

CITY: Oak Lawn

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