It's Memorial Day Weekend in Illinois

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The recent Illinois summer warmth has paved the way for the unofficial start of the season: Memorial Day Weekend.

To say Illinoisans are eager to get outside is an understatement! Luckily, residents have plenty of events and activities like festivals, parades, fireworks, and reopened beaches from all around the state.

Here are the top events and activities happening Memorial Day Weekend 2022 across Illinois:

Trails to Adventure

HerrinFesta Italiana: Celebrate Italian heritage at HerrinFesta Italiana, which offers fun for the whole family including food, contests, a carnival, and even a bocce tournament.
Fallen Soldier Veterans Memorial: This statue and memorial wall, adorned with the names of local fallen heroes, reminds us of the sacrifice made by many soldiers during times of war. A Memorial Day celebration is held at Fallen Soldier Veterans Memorial in Johnston City every year.
Market Days Flea Market & Vendor Fair: Check out Mt. Vernon’s ever-growing Market Days Flea Market & Vendor Fair where you can find antiques, collectables, handmade items, jewelry, baked goods, kettle corn, concessions and more!

Land of Lincoln

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie: In Wilmington, get some fresh air and check out roaming bison at the largest open space in northeastern Illinois.
Effingham County Veterans Memorial: Dedicated to the men and women who served from all five branches of the armed forces, the Effingham County Veterans Memorial is an ongoing memorial that honors names from both past and present.
Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Located in Springfield, the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the almost 3,000 Illinoisans killed or listed as missing during the Vietnam War. The center of the Memorial features an eternal flame supported by five vertical gray granite walls, each representing a branch of the armed services. It’s also the site of an annual Memorial Day service.
Finders Market: Decatur’s Finders Market is an indoor and outdoor marketplace filled with vintage handmade goods, boutique apparel, repurposed and reclaimed items, home & garden decor, handcrafted furniture and more!
Skid Row & Warrant at The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater: Catch Skid Row & Warrant on tour this summer in Decatur—refusing to get old, Skid Row’s combination of classic dual-guitars, charismatic vocals and “us-against-them” mentality helped propel the band to lasting heights from the late 80’s to today.

Great Rivers Country

Mound City Memorial Day Service: The Mound City National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony is one of the oldest in the region, dating to the years right after the Civil War.
Mount Carroll Mayfest: Mount Carroll Mayfest has been a staple of Northwest Illinois culture for 40 years. Along with live music, there will be crafters and artisans, beer and wine tents, food booths, an art show, kids activities, 5K run, a classic car show and more.
Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks in Collinsville: Kick off summer with a bang at Collinsville's Fireworks Festival with live music, children's activities, vendors, food trucks, and fireworks!
Mercado on Fifth: Come celebrate Hispanic culture with entertainment from local musicians, dance groups, artists, food trucks, drinks, craft and retail vendors, and family-friendly activities at East Moline’s Mercado on Fifth.

Chicago

Mole de Mayo Festival: Chicago’s Mole de Mayo Festival, a one-of-a kind outdoor mole cook-off event celebrating Latino culture and Mexican cuisine, will feature over 20 participating local restaurants and popular food vendors. Contestants will face off for top awards, such as “Best Mole” and “People’s Choice.”
Navy Pier: Visit the iconic Chicago attraction, where you’ll find no shortage of fun activities, from live music and dance performances to an artisan market. Plus, the seasonal favorite Summer Fireworks begins Memorial Day weekend.
Citywide: All 22 of Chicago’s public beaches will be open starting Memorial Day Weekend!
Downtown: Escape into Lurie Garden within Millennium Park for a moment of zen amongst the city.
Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field: This weekend the Cubs and White Sox will go head to head for games at Guaranteed Rate Field. Check out the neighborhood vibe on gameday or score tickets to a game.

Beyond Chicago

DuPage Community Arts Festival: The DuPage Community Arts Festival is where the community celebrates culture and culture supports the community. The festival will feature three stages with live musical acts, along with food trucks and a beer tent, and local community artists will be showcasing and selling their work throughout the festival.
Prairie Fine Arts Festival: The 33rd annual Prairie Fine Arts Festival in Schaumburg returns outdoors to showcase 120 painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, and potters. Plus, you’ll find live entertainment on three stages, food trucks and children's art activities.
St. Charles Fine Art Show: The 24th Annual St. Charles Fine Art Show showcases the original works of fine artists in mediums like clay, ceramics, digital art, drawing, jewelry, photography, mixed media, painting, sculpture and more.
Pembroke Rodeo: Giddy up towards the Pembroke Rodeo for live entertainment the whole family will enjoy this Memorial Day Weekend in Pembroke Township.
Oregon Ganymedes Vintage Baseball Games: The Oregon Ganymedes Vintage Base Ball Club starts their 17th season this summer. The team plays by the early rules of 1858 through 1867 base ball (it was two words then!) and plays against other vintage teams representing historic small towns and museums all over Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and beyond.
The Journey Back: A VR Experience at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center: In Skokie, experience the first-in-the-world virtual reality exhibition, The Journey Back, which applies 360 degree cutting-edge technology to visitors on a journey as they walk through concentration camps with Holocaust Survivors who experienced them.
Rock of Ages at Paramount Theatre: Step back into the iconic music era of the 80’s, where rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies into reality at Rock of Ages at Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

Looking to book a last-minute overnight stay or multi-day trip? Browse some of Illinois' top places to stay.

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