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 Galena Triathlon & Duathlon

Ranked by USAT as one of the top 10 sprint distance triathlons in the United States, this challenging multi-sport event offers unique terrain and beautiful scenery, beginning at Nixon Beach on Apple Canyon Lake.

CITY: Apple River

19th Century Christmas at Deere-Wiman House & Butterworth Center

Don't miss these two beautifully decorated Deere family mansions during the holiday season. The 19th Century Christmas features the interiors of the homes decorated for the holidays; along with living-history volunteers, Choir performances, Santa Claus, music, and make-and-take activities for the children. These homes once belonged to the John Deere family and are now operated by the William Butterworth Memorial Trust. Open noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

CITY: Moline

2013 Bald Eagle Bus Tours

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

CITY: Galena

2013 Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival

Come out to the Logan County Airport to experience awesome hot air balloon launches and evening balloon glows. Downtown, enjoy musical entertainment, food, an art and craft show, the Art of Wine, and much more.

CITY: Lincoln

2013 Nielsen USTA Pro Tennis Championship

This one of a kind event attracts some of the finest tennis players in the world drawing local, national and international attention. We invite you to come out with your family and friends to experience the event for yourself, or consider partnering with the Nielsen Pro Tennis Championship as a valued sponsor. Net proceeds from this event benefit the North Suburban Recreation Association (NSSRA).

CITY: Winnetka

25th Annual Open Horseshoe Tournament

The Danville Horseshoe Club hosts its 25th Annual Open Horseshoe Tournament at Douglas Park with competitors from across the country participating. Registration is $25.00 per person and can be completed by visiting http://www.active.com/miscellaneous-tournament/danville-il/danville-il-25th-annual-open-horseshoe-tournament-2013. Registration must be received no later than Friday, June 29. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories.

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

64th Annual Midsommar Swedish Days Festival

This “Granddaddy” of Illinois festivals features a host of family-friendly activities with live musical entertainment, a carnival, Rosemaling show, pet parade, Kids’ Day fun, Grand Parade, the state’s largest Music Competition, multi-ethnic food plus great shopping in our historic downtown. Geneva’s train station is located just blocks from the festivities.

CITY: Geneva

7th Annual Galena Oktoberfest

Annual German celebration featuring live music, kids games, wiener dog races and lots of food and beverage.

CITY: Galena

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

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

A Day in Eagle Country

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

CITY: Alton

Alabama 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

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 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

Alton-Audubon Eagle Festival

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

CITY: Alton

Alton/Godfrey Fireworks on the Mississippi

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

CITY: Alton

An Evening of Midsummer Magic

Enjoy children's carnival games, a bounce house, a coloring/activity station, and a live performance by Magician Michael Darnell!

CITY: Lansing

Anita Baker 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 pavillion seats

CITY: Highland Park

Annual 5K Freedom Fun Run

Run or walk the 5K through the scenic landscape of Lake Lou Yaeger at Litchfield. Event begins at Picnic Area #3 and winds around the picturesque area. Open to all ages. There will be one water stop and a course marshall at the intersections.

CITY: Litchfield

Annual Casey Popcorn Festival

Some call it an end-of-summer festival; others think of it as the beginning of the fall season. Casey residents will tell you the Casey Popcorn Festival is just good old-fashioned family fun! Located in the century-old Fairview Park, the Casey Popcorn Festival has earned its reputation as the Premier Family Festival in a two-state area. Music fills the air almost continuously as live bands offer oldies, classic rock, country, and southern Gospel. Kids entertainers such as magicians and animal shows are featured, as well as a huge carnival, more than 60 craft booths, a car show, festival food, and free popcorn, the official snack food of Illinois.

CITY: Casey

Annual Lights Fantastic Activities & Parade

Take pictures with Santa’s reindeer in Carbondale's Town Square, stop by the Polar Express Station (the Old Train Depot) for candy cane treats, and enjoy the Holiday Cookie Walk, where downtown businesses offer cookies and refreshments. The Lights Fantastic Parade kicks off at 6pm.

CITY: Carbondale

Antique Tractor and Steam Engine Show

This mid-July gathering commemorates Will County's agricultural heritage and the tradition of neighbors gathering to thresh wheat after harvest. Those who attend the Will County Threshermen's Association Show can expect to be transported back to yesteryear. Steam engines, antique gasoline tractors, gas engines, antique automobiles, and other machines provide a working testimonial to the genius of previous generations. Visitors can also view live demonstrations of: an antique, steam-powered sawmill, antique plowing demonstrations, wheat threshing, corn shelling, and a tractor parade and tractor pull. Food is available for purchase and there is an on-site flea market.

CITY: Manhattan

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

Arrival at Camp River Dubois

Come celebrate the arrival of Lewis and Clark at Camp River Dubois. This annual event commemorates December 12, the day William Clark and the men of the detachment arrived at the confluence of the Riviere a Dubois, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The event will include members of the detachment portraying military life, re-enactors recreating the civilian population and demonstrations.

CITY: Hartford

Art at the Glen Festival

One of the TOP 12 shows in the country! From opening until shows end, the streets at this free festival are flooded each day by an enormous crowd bustling to get their hands on the work of the 175 juried artists participating. Located on the former site of the Glenview Naval Air Station and its historic Hangar One, the Glen Town Center is home to some of the finest stores in the Midwest and is an enduring reminder of the community’s role in aviation history. Free.

CITY: Glenview

ASA Pro/Am Archery Tournament

Archery Shooters Association's Illinois Championship 3-D Archery Tournament for men, women and Children. Archers from all over North America visit Metropolis for one week in June to compete for cash and prizes and the title of Illinois Champion.

CITY: Metropolis

Atlanta Fall Festival

Atlanta Fall Festival includes food, a carnival, a parade, children's activities and local royalty.

CITY: Atlanta

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

Avenue of Lights

Avenue of Lights is a two-mile holiday display of animated lights at Moorman/Wavering Park in Quincy. It runs from Thanksgiving until New Years, nightly from 6-9:30pm. A staple attraction of Quincy during the holiday season.

CITY: Quincy

Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show

Don't miss the Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Illinois. The show is heralded as the largest event in the Midwest dedicated to the United States' national symbol of freedom. The three-day event includes live eagle, hawk, owl and vulture flying demonstrations along with educational programs by the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, Missouri. Also enjoy over 200 fun and informative exhibits. Free parking is available at the show. Hours are Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $4 for adults, $1 for children 6-15, free for children 5 and under. The event takes place at the QCCA Expo Center at 2621 4th Avenue Rock Island, IL. 61201 Call (309) 788-2543 for more information.

CITY: Rock Island

Bald Eagle Safari

Get an up close view on a Bald Eagle Safari with Bob Motz. He provides spotting scopes that magnify 15 to 45 times and mount on the car window frame for good viewing of eagles in trees. You can see the yellow of their eye, the nostrils in the beak, and the black talons of their feet. Binoculars are also provided to see eagles in flight. The safaris make good birthday and anniversary gifts. Cost is $20 per hour for one to four people. Two or three-hour safaris are recommended. Call Bob at 309-788-8389 or email him at eaglemotz@aol.com to arrange a safari.

CITY: Rock Island

Bald Eagle Trolley Tours

In January and February ride the trolley from Starved Rock Lodge to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center for bald eagle viewing and an educational program. Includes lunch during the week and brunch on Sunday in the Main Dining Room.

CITY: Oglesby

Bald Eagle Watching in the Cache River Wetlands

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

CITY: Cypress

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

Battle of the Bulls

Held at Midway Trailer Sales, this event features Bucking Bulls and professional bull riding from Shop Creek Cattle Company. The event is sanctioned through national bull riding entities.

CITY: Litchfield

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

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

Bike MS Tour De Farms

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

CITY: DeKalb

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

Blessing of the Bikes

Thousands of motorcyclists travel to Bald Knob Mountain, Southern Illinois’ highest point and the site of the Bald Knob Cross of Peace located just outside of Alto Pass, about 10 miles south of Murphysboro on IL-127.

CITY: Alto Pass

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 in the Gardens

Rockome Gardens hosts its annual bluegrass music event with some of the Midwest’s most talented bands. The 20-acre theme park is an ideal setting for great music, and also offers the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center, a cheese factory, candy shop, bakery, ice cream shop, snack shack, general store and beautiful flower gardens.

CITY: Arcola

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

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

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

Boo! at the Zoo

Halloween fun awaits families at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo celebration. The popular daytime event, presented by Fisher-Price, features a Costume Parade, Costume Showcase, professional pumpkin-carving demonstrations, not-so-scary games and activities, special animal Zoo Chats, and haunted hayrides. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000.

CITY: Brookfield

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

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

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

Cabela's King Kat Tournament Trail

This catfish tournement will be held at Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis. Bring a rod & reel and enter to win prizes and cash. A $500 big fish award will be given. A kids tournament is also planned.

CITY: Metropolis

Cache River Days

This fun fest includes a flea market, parade, softball tournament, yard sales, BBQ and music.

CITY: Ullin

Cache River Nature Festival

Enjoy the area’s rich bird life and wetland habitat. A 12-minute orientation film gives a wonderful overview and introduction of the watershed, explaining the unique bio-diversity of the flora and fauna that can be experienced here. Visitors can also acquaint themselves with the area by exploring an interactive diorama of a bald cypress-water tupelo swamp, area state champion tree information and changing landscape displays. Activities include guided field trips, canoe tours, live bird demonstrations and various exhibits from 8am to 4pm.

CITY: Cypress

Canine Cruise

Chicago’s ONLY Canine Cruise welcomes well-behaved and leashed canines and families aboard Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline for a 90-minute lake and river sightseeing boat ride with lively commentary about dog-friendly Chicago.

CITY: Chicago

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

Casey Corner Car Show

This 8th annual event is presented by car enthusiast Bobby Staley and features Best of Show, Best Paint and Best Engine categories. Over 100 entries in 19 categories. Local charitable groups will have food stands. The is a vehicle registration fee (proceeds to local charities) but admission is free. Located at corner of US 40 and IL 49.

CITY: Casey

Cave-In-Rock Frontier Days

Cave-In-Rock Frontier Festival is held on the banks of the beautiful Ohio River. The festival, which commemorates the extensive and colorful history connected to Cave-In-Rock and the surrounding community, is an entertaining and fun filled community event. First held in the 1960’s, the celebration includes a parade, carnival, various entertainment held in the Old Opry House, food and craft vendors. A Little Miss and Mister Frontier Days and Frontier Queen pageant is a highlight as well as various other activities. Come join the festivities for a weekend of fun and entertainment. Contact Information: Perry Foster 618-289-3369

CITY: Cave In Rock

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

Central States Threshermen's Reunion

The Nation's second oldest gathering of antique and heritage steam and gasoline powered farm equipment. Horse shows, tractor pulls, live entertainment, daily parade of power, and lots of things for the kids. This year will feature Case and Caterpiller manufactured tractors. Come see and experience traditional events including rock crushing, threshing, sheep shearing, tractor pulls, and a variety of country music shows. Daily attractions include the general store, 1900 country school house, Singer saw mill, 1910 era blacksmith shop, 1920 Conoco Gas Station, craft show, and flea market.

CITY: Pontiac

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

Chestnut Mountain Open House & Ski Swap

This ski resort's open house includes hayrides, chairlift rides, resort tours, refreshments, and a ski swap with both new and used equipment available.

CITY: Galena

Chestnut Twilight Snowshoe Hike

Experience the glowing wood lined trails at dusk as you join our small group on a leisurely 1.5 hour snowshoe hike through the Trails at Chestnut Mountain. We’ll end the hike at a toasty bonfire overlooking the Mississippi at the south point. Headlamps optional. Hike starts at 4:30pm and costs $48 Adult/$25 kids, includes snowshoe rental. Advanced reservations required.

CITY: Galena

Chicago Air and Water Show

This summertime favorite brings approximately two million people to the lakefront each year to witness the many feats that will be attempted and performed both in water and air. Civilian and military air crafts perform at soaring heights, while parachute teams and flying aerobatic acts entertain the audience below.

CITY: Chicago

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 Botanic Garden- Weekend Family Classes

Together, adults and children can explore cool things about how plants connect to science, art, history, and culture. Each program includes a variety of hands-on activities and projects, as well as opportunities to bring the Garden home. Programs run from November through April on Saturdays.

CITY: Glencoe

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

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

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

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

Clark County Fair

The annual Clark County Fair features everything from Beauty pagents, harness racing, running races, lawnmower derby, truck pulls, demolition derby and carnival rides. Free to enter the gates. Grandstand acts $5-$10 per person.

CITY: Marshall

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

Coles County Air Show

Show includes air performers, military vehicles, helicopter rides, variety of food vendors and family fun!

CITY: Mattoon

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

Cool Cars Under the Stars 2013

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Wednesday nights, head to Elmhurst City Centre for Cool Cars Under the Stars. Every week is a different theme, including Ford Night, military, and so much more. Rev up your engines, and cruise into the heart of downtown Elmhurst for this family-friendly, weekly classic car show featuring some of the hottest wheels in town.

CITY: Elmhurst

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

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

Cowden Pioneer Days

This family friendly festival is set in the city park with plenty of carnival rides, craft vendors, flea market, foods, etc. There is also an IPRA sanctioned rodeo that takes place Friday and Saturday. A demolition derby takes place on Sunday. You can also enjoy the Horseshoe tournament or the arm wrestling. There will also be a large parade Saturday morning. Tour the historical cabins set in the park along with collections.

CITY: Cowden

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

Dancin

Dancin Sprouts features a fun evening full of free music for the Gardens youngest visitors every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through late August. Children may get up, dance, and sing during these lively evenings created just for them. Take advantage of extended hours at the Model Railroad Garden, which is open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, June 5 - August 28. These evenings reflect the Gardens role in the Chicago Wilderness Consortium to Leave No Child Inside. Picnicking is permitted during this event on the Esplanade only. Free Admission (does not include parking fees).

CITY: Glencoe

Dancin' Sprouts at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Dancin Sprouts features a fun evening full of free music for the Gardens youngest visitors every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through late August. Children may get up, dance, and sing during these lively evenings created just for them. Take advantage of extended hours at the Model Railroad Garden, which is open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, June 5 - August 28. These evenings reflect the Gardens role in the Chicago Wilderness Consortium to Leave No Child Inside. Picnicking is permitted during this event on the Esplanade only. Free Admission (does not include parking fees).

CITY: Glencoe

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

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

DeKalb Corn Fest

Corn Fest is one of the last, free, summer, music festivals among Illinois music and summer festivals in Illinois. Well over 100,000 people from around Illinois and the Midwest attend the music festival over a three day weekend. This festival features a carnival complete with rides and games, food booths, free live music, kiddie korner with large inflatables, family entertainment and much more. Friday night is carnival wristband nights for the kids with unlimited rides from 6-10pm. Festival areas feature food and business vendor booths, and a beer garden The festival hours are: Friday, August 30th, 3pm-11pm, Saturday, August 31st, 11am-11pm, Sunday, September 1st, 11am-6pm.

CITY: DeKalb

DeKalb Kite Fest

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

CITY: DeKalb

Dinosaurs Alive!

Dinosaurs Alive! They're back at Brookfield Zoo, and they're bigger and better than before. Some favorites are returning but many are new! Brookfield Zoo guests can take a trip back millions of years and experience Dinosaurs Alive!, presented by Dominicks. Come and enjoy this unique, fun, and educational exhibit of Tyrannosaurus proportions that will feature supersized animatronic dinosaurs, including favorites like Stegosaurus and Triceratops, as well as obscure dinosaur species with unusual characteristics, like feathers.

CITY: Brookfield

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

Du Quoin Annual Holiday Lights Fair

Starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through the month of December. Come experience Du Quoin Tourism’s transformation of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds into a magical place with lights and decorations. The event features a 1 1/2-mile drive through over $250,000 worth of lighted displays as well as decorated trees, entertainment, food, crafts and visits with Santa in the Expo Hall. The light trail opens nightly from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., and the Expo Hall will be open on the second and third weekends in December from 5:30 — 9:30 p.m. The Expo Hall features Santa’s train ride and Santa’s Workshop.

CITY: Du Quoin

Eagle Watching at Starved Rock State Park

You don’t have to travel north to see these majestic birds of prey. Thousands of eagles migrate south from Canada during the winter and Illinois is one of the homes of the greatest population of wintering bald eagles. The Starved Rock Lodge in Utica offers a “Bald Eagle Trolley Tour” in January and February on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Viewing birds from the Veranda at the Starved Rock Lodge is good as well. Dress warmly though. This great viewing spot is right outside the doors of the Great Room. If you’d like some exercise, take a hike on one of the trails at the Starved Rock State Park. One trail begins right at the Veranda. For a birds eye view, hike to the top of the Rock. Another popular event is "Eagle Watch Weekend" with activites both at the Starved Rock Lodge and the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center.

CITY: Oglesby

Eagle Watching in Alton

Illinois boasts the largest concentration of wintering American bald eagles in the continental U.S., and the Alton area is a great place to see them. Mingle with a live eagle at the National Great Rivers Museum. Get a bird’s-eye view from eight stories high as majestic eagles soar along the Mississippi River at the adjacent Melvin Price Locks & Dam. Or drive along on an exciting eagle-watching expedition with a nature expert at Pere Marquette State Park during Bald Eagle Days, held from late December through early March.

CITY: Alton

East Peoria Festival of Lights & Folepi's Winter Wonderland

Light up your night at the East Peoria Festival of Lights (FOLEPI)! The annual Festival of Lights is a one-of-a-kind holiday spectacular. With more than two million lights in the festival, the beauty will be sure to mesmerize you and your family.

CITY: East Peoria