Lincoln's Ghost Walks - Legends and Lore

Take a 90-minute nighttime tour of sites throughout Springfield that are linked to spirited stories about Lincoln’s life and death. Founder Garret Moffett based the tour partly on local lore about Lincoln’s visions and dreams, as well as on reported ghost sightings.

CITY: Springfield

Lambs Farm Famous Farmyard

The Lambs Farm Farmyard will open on daily March through October and weekends only in November. Come and enjoy Lambs Farm's famous Farmyard. Meet Miss Wiggles, the 450-pound pig with an affinity for Bavarian Crème donuts and Oreo Cookies® and meet all of the new miniature animals, including Levi the miniature horse. Climb into the petting zoo with goats, sheep and lambs. Check out the llamas, alpacas, cows, horses, ducks and more. Enjoy a ride on the old-fashion carousel or the train. Then challenge your friends and family to a round of mini golf! Farmyard memberships are available. Day passes for all activities available for $8 for adults and $12 for children 2-12.

CITY: Libertyville

Gumbo Ya Ya Mardi Gras in the District

The spirit of New Orleans comes up the Mississippi River with a celebration that includes Cajun food, authentic Southern Louisiana music on two stages, Mardi Gras-themed children’s activities, French Quarter marketplace and beads galore.

CITY: Rock Island

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

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

Gaelic Park Irish Fest

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

CITY: Oak Forest

Cultural Festival

Now in its 34th year, the Cultural Festival continues to provide a wide variety of live entertainment, mouth-watering food and community services in a festival and family atmosphere. This event draws nearly 15,000 to Bloomington-Normal each August.

CITY: Bloomington

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

Illinois State Fair

Make plans now to bring the entire family for adventure, thrills, top name entertainment and the best agriculture exhibition in the country! Each August, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Springfield for the Illinois State Fair. Enjoy 10 days of Illinois excitement and entertainment, with everything from top name stars to carnival rides, food, contests, concerts, livestock shows and auto racing.

CITY: Springfield

Herrinfesta

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

CITY: Herrin

7th Annual Galena Oktoberfest

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

CITY: Galena

15th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow

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

CITY: Le Roy

Andersonville Midsommarfest

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

CITY: Chicago

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

Ya Maka My Weekend

Ya Maka My Weekend is a celebration of Caribbean culture, the festival brings the islands to the Quad Cities. Featuring nationally known, as well as regional, reggae and steel drum bands. Visit the open-air marketplace offering authentic island wares. Enjoy Caribbean foods, sand volleyball tournaments and a children's craft area. The family area, featuring a pirate costume contest, limbo contests and street performers, is another highlight of this summer festival. Event hours are Friday 5:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. and Saturday, 12 noon - 12:30 a.m. Admission Admission Charged. Call (309)788-6311 for more information

CITY: Rock Island

Annual St. Charles Fine Art Show

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

CITY: St. Charles

Native American Prairie Day

Relive life on the prairie as it was 1,000 years ago with guided tours of the buried Indian village and ceremonial mound, demonstrations of an ancient weapon (atlatl thrower), local archeological collections featuring stone tools, arrowhead points, pottery, trade goods, beads, and even a Woolly Mammoth tooth on display. A native American flute-player, indigenous foods, and face-painting will keep everyone entertained.

CITY: Hanover

John Deere Green Iron Days

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

CITY: Grand Detour

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

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

Tempel Lipizzans Performances

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

CITY: Wadsworth

Superman Celebration

Metropolis, Home of Superman, holds a celebration the second weekend in June each year celebrating the 'Man of Steel'. A Superman Drama kicks off the weekend of contests, music, food and fun, as well as a comic book & artist show, fan films, street vendors, a carnival, costume contest and a Super Car Show.

CITY: Metropolis

Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum Fall Harvest Demonstrations

All aboard as a 36-ton 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses for a four-mile ride through farmlands. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts, and browse the Freight House Gift Shop and Silvercreek Museum. Weather permitting, there will be fall harvest demonstrations with horses and tractors. The museum will feature sauerkraut, brats, hot dogs, chili and dessert.

CITY: Freeport

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

Oregon Trail Days

Celebration of our American Indian and Western heritage with a variety of live entertainment including cowboys on horses, Annie Oakley, The Whip Guy and authentic American Indian dancing and drumming. Pioneer gathering with log cabin, art show, vendors and food court. Lots of children's activities and tours of the Black Hawk Statue. Live country music entertainment, including a Johnny Cash Tribute.

CITY: Oregon

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

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

World Environment Day

Support your local planet: a day to take action. Conservation is a big term that covers a lot of ground: that’s why Chicago Botanic Garden set aside a full day to explore conservation and sustainability on World Environment Day, Saturday, June 1. It’s a day to learn about topics large and small, from climate change to backyard composting.

CITY: Glencoe

Basu Herb Farm Festival

Come see a working farm and learn more about practices like organic farming. Activities will include a farmers market, herb walks, children's games, guest speakers, seminars, drummers, African dancers, positive hip-hop, an open mic and more.

CITY: Pembroke Township

Taste of Latin America

This truly unique food festival, celebrating its second year is 2013, will be a gala weekend celebration all things Central and South American! Eclectic international cuisine, live music, arts & crafts and much more will be part of this festival's mix that showcases a rich multi-country heritage and Latin culture.

CITY: Chicago

Franklin Grove Summer Harvest Festival

The 34th Annual Franklin Grove Summer Harvest Festival is a city-wide celebration of the area's heritage with a wide variety of activities and events for all to enjoy. The festival includes a pancake breakfast, village-wide yard sales, tours of the H.I. Lincoln Building, the Franklin Grove Art & Fiber Festival, the Living History Antique Equipment Show and parade plus tours of the Franklin Creek Grist Mill and Nachusa Grasslands. Many of the Summer Harvest Festival activities and events will take place at Chaplin Creek Village which will also host live blue grass and folk music, draft horse and mule jamboree The Chaplin Creek Muzzle Loaders encampment, 19th century prairie village demonstrations and more.

CITY: Franklin Grove

Heritage Festival & Duck Race

This festival celebrates the county’s rich heritage and history. The event includes exceptional period entertainment and activities including; 1800’s outdoor play, pageant, quilt show, duck race, area craft and food vendors. Festivities also include a period ball, a Regal Women’s Tea and live entertainment throughout the activities.

CITY: Elizabethtown

Pre-War Festival

Downtown Pontiac will step back into time with heritage craft demonstrators, Civil War reenactors, old-time cars, trucks and cycles. The combined festival will be great fun for all ages. Break out your vintage clothing and become part of the excitement.

CITY: Pontiac

Great River Eagle Days

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

CITY: Quincy

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens - Anderson Japanese Gardens

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens is a casual, weeknight opportunity for friends and family to gather and socialize in a truly beautiful and unique setting. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets packed with a light summer supper. Guests are not permitted to carry in their own beverages. There will be local food vendors on site. Bottled water, soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

CITY: Rockford

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

St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest

Put on your Lederhosen and get your stein ready for this popular Oktoberfest in Chicago's upscale West Lakeview neighborhood that's celebrating its 13th year in 2013. Attendees can enjoy traditional German foods, great beers, and enjoy an eclectic music lineup on both indoor and outdoor stages with local pop acts and traditional Bavarian bands. An added draw for kids and families is the popular "Kinderfest" on Sunday.

CITY: Chicago

Old English Faire

The fundraiser for Wildlife Prairie State Park pays tribute to the sights, sounds, aromas, speech and activities of the Middle Ages. Come cheer on sword fighters, jousters and archers as they compete in mock battles.

CITY: Hanna City

Annual Fort de Chartres Rendezvous

The Rendezvous is a re-creation of the traditional French trappers' holiday of the Eighteenth Century, and is one of the oldest and largest events of its kind in the United States. Join with the buckskinners, militiamen, artisans, and entertainer as they celebrate life in the shadows of the great fortress known as Fort de Chartres.

CITY: Prairie du Rocher

Thee Old Time Farm Show

Stroll down the rows of old tractors and equipment, visit the operating exhibits of old gas engines, steam engines, the sawmill, threshing and corn shelling. Ask the operators to explain their exhibits and learn about the agricultural equipment that is "Part of America's Heritage". On July 7 come and cheer on the second annual antique tractor pull after the Parade of Power.

CITY: Bradley

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

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

CITY: Waukegan

Kelloggs's Grove Living History

The Kellogg's Grove Living History will be held at the Black Hawk War Monument, on Monument Road east of Kent. The event will feature period cooking, musket firing demonstrations, milita drills, large Pit Saw Rig, talks and speeches on the Battle of Kellegg's Grove and the Balckhawk War. Author Patrick Jung will be the featured speaker. Jay Castro will be on site displaying his Lincoln statue. Please bring seating and picnic baskets and enjoy a slice of 1830's.

CITY: Kent

Mount Pulaski Fall Festival

Mount Pulaski Fall Festival is held on the downtown square, around the original courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. Activities include food, a carnival, a parade, a local history museum, children's activities and local royalty. Visitors can also enjoy murals that highlight the town's history.

CITY: Mount Pulaski

Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame Banquet

The goals of the Route 66 Association of Illinois are to preserve, promote, educate and enjoy Route 66 in Illinois. Each year, the association honors people who have helped to make the Mother Road what it is today. The association's annual Hall of Fame Banquet will honor the accomplishments of past Hall of Fame inductees and introduce 2013 inductees and their accomplishments. Members of the annual auto tour will overnight in Lincoln as they make their way across Illinois on the famous highway.

CITY: Lincoln

Stephenson County Barn Tour

Spend a leisurely fall afternoon in the country exploring five of Stephenson County's unique barns and learn the stories behind their distinctive charm.

CITY: Freeport

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

Middletown Homecoming

Middletown's second annual homecoming will include antiques, autos, music of all genres, food, local royalty, a parade, crafts, kids' games, raffles, cash drawings, fireworks, a community church service and a quarter raffle.

CITY: Middletown

Stephenson County Ag Breakfast

A farm breakfast showcasing Stephenson County agriculture producers with a menu of orange juice, coffee cake, scrambled eggs, whole hog sausage, beef bacon, cheese, milk, coffee and ice cream. Additional activities include entertainment, a petting zoo, craft show, games and more as we salute and share the story of Stephenson County agriculture. Adults: $4; Children 5 and under: Free

CITY: Freeport

27th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Experience the best of Scotland without leaving Chicago at the 27th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games, June 14-15, 2013 at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca, Illinois. Highland Dance competition, Heavy Athletics, Rugby Exhibition, Friday Night Fling, crowning of the Heather Queen and Court and a Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee), a lively celebration of traditional and contemporary Celtic music. Champion Supreme Piping and Drumming competition; Heavy Athletics U.S. Open Championship featuring traditional Scottish contests including the Caber Toss (flipping 20-foot, 140-pound tree trunk), the 22-pound Hammer Throw, the Sheaf Toss (flipping a bale of hay over a high bar) and the Clachnert (throwing a 16-pound river stone); Highland Dance competition; Rugby Sevens Highland Challenge; Coerver Cup 3v3 youth soccer tournament; Dogs of Scotland and other animal presentations; Genealogy and cultural exhibits; Parade of Clan Tartans; Children's activities including mini golf, crafts and carnival attractions; and attendee competitions including the Kilted Mile Fun Run/Walk, British Car Show, Haggis Hurling Contest for women, Knobbly Knees contest for men, Haggis Eating Contest and Shortbread Contest. Attendees will also enjoy musical performances on the Celtic Rock Stage, Whisky tastings and seminars, traditional Scottish or American cuisine and shopping in the Celtic Marketplace.

CITY: Itasca

Whiteside County Barn Tour

Now in its 6th year, the 2013 tour of historic barns will take place in the southwestern area of Whiteside County, starting at RK Riewerts Landscaping, 9585 Henry Rd, Morrison. Admission is $20 per vehicle, includes tour book and map. Cookout by the Whiteside County Cattlemen's Association.

CITY: Morrison

Festa Italiana

Festa Italiana is the second largest festival in Rockford. For one very special weekend each year, everyone who passes through the gates is an "Honorary Italian." Bring your family for great Italian food and pastries, continuous entertainment, Italian cultural exhibit, souvenirs, Bocce tournaments, carnival rides, children's crafts and much more. The festival is held on the grounds at Boylan High School.

CITY: Rockford

15th Annual Route 66 Festival

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

CITY: Edwardsville

Galesburg Railroad Days

The 36th annual celebration of railroad history in downtown Galesburg. There are several events including a carnival for the kids, rail yard tours, rib cook-off, the Blick 5K & 10K run, plus so much more!

CITY: Galesburg

Sycamore's Steam Show and Threshing Bee

For the last 56 years, the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club has sponsored the Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee the second Thursday in August. The event starts at 6:00 a.m. with breakfast and is then followed by a church service, the National Anthem, and the Raising of the Flag. The afternoon is filled with threshing of steam engines and tractors and spotlights a 1:30 p.m. parade of old steam engines, tractors, cars and other antique machines. Activities for kids, a petting zoo, bake sale and flea market all take place on the fairgrounds as well. OPEN DAILY 7 AM TO 6 PM. FREE PARKING. Admission: Adults $6, Children under 12 Free. Thursday Senior Citizens $3

CITY: Sycamore

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

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

Blacksmith Demonstrations and Tours

Live blacksmith demonstrations and tours at the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead June 9th and 23rd from Noon to 4:00 pm. and on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

CITY: DeKalb

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

Greenville Graffiti Car Show

The Greenville Graffiti Car Show is a nostalgic day of classic cars, Hollywood stars, oldies music, and great food. Donna Douglas, who played Elly Mae Clampett on "The Beverly Hillbillies," one of the most popular television series in the 1960s, is the featured celebrity at this year's event. She will sign autographs, participate in a special question and answer session with fans and serve as a celebrity judge. The car show (open to 1985 and older cars and trucks), features a variety of contests, food and fun. Also appearing is Ronnie Rice, lead singer of the group New Colony Sic. The group was founded in Chicago and went on to success when they signed with Mercury Records.

CITY: Greenville