Best time to visit
84 things to do in Illinois
Windy City Smokeout
Starting as a local barbecue get-together, the Smokeout has become one of the best festivals in town!
Chicago Air and Water Show
The oldest and largest show of this kind in the United States
Chicagohenge
Even the most hurried drivers don't mind stopping to gaze at the unique solar spectacle
Illinois Craft Beer Week
The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild organizes the massive 11 days long craft beer event
Bike the Drive
Once in a year a lakefront road is closed for cars and open for the cyclists!
Lollapalooza
One of the oldest and most famous alternative music festivals is a must-visit!
Total Solar Eclipse
Some spots on Earth wait for the moment of solar totality for hundreds or even thousands of years. To capture a spectacle, you have to be truly lucky
Chicago ZooLights
Linkoln Park Zoo is not only one of the biggest and oldest zoos in the USA, but it also boasts some perfect winter scenery
St. Paddy's Day (Green River)
St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is definitely a party of a lifetime!
Chicago Restaurant Week
So many participating restaurants, so little time
Chicago Jazz Festival
A favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition with great music all over the city
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The holiday spirit takes over the Michigan Avenue on that night
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
The most fun fall event loved by kids and adults
Chicago Pride Parade & Fest
A colorful celebration of freedom, diversity and culture
Chicago Blues Festival
The largest free blues festival in the world and one of the greatest music festivals in Chicago
DuQuoin State Fair
One of the nation's best agricultural events is full of fun experiences
The Morton Arboretum Illumination
An enchanted forest filled with dazzling projections and interactive trees that respond to touch and voice
East Peoria Festival of Lights
One of the biggest and brightest holiday events in Illinois
Light Up The Lake (Winter WonderFest)
Beloved Chicago indoor winter event perfect for frosty days
Cinco de Mayo
Drink lots of margaritas and cerveza celebrating the Mexican national holiday
Morton Pumpkin Festival
The "Pumpkin capital of the world" celebrates the harvest season
Spring Awakening Music Festival
A summer gathering of leading DJs from all over the world
Arlington Million
A perfect opportunity to enjoy live racing, entertainment, and fancy group outings
Allstate Hot Chocolate Run
The sweetest run in the world takes over the United States from coast to coast
Ice Shards on the Great Lakes
The ice cover gets shattered to knife-sharp pieces as spring takes over winter
Starved Rock State Park
Witness the fascinating rock formations brought to the surface after being deposited in a huge shallow inland sea around 425 million years ago
Centralia Balloon Festival
Enjoy the sky filled up with hot air balloons in Centralia, Illinois
Great Galena Balloon Race
Enjoy the full weekend of balloon rides, live music, and other entertainment
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Take in the eastern culture while strolling through this award-winning landscape
Shawnee National Forest
Let the unforgettable solo and family adventures happen in several jaw-dropping regions of the forest!
Lilacia Park
Discover a safe haven abundant with flowers just on the outskirts of the Windy City
Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze
Come out and get lost in the world's largest corn labyrinth
Skiing and Snowboarding in Wisconsin
Discover some of the best ski areas of the Midwest
Sandhill Crane Migration in Illinois
Sandhill cranes make a stop at northern Illinois marshes on their way to Florida
Halloween in Chicago: Events, Parades & Activities
From an art parade to booze cruises—Halloween is a great time to explore Chicago
Christmas Lights in Illinois
Lots of Christmassy spots are scattered all over the state, including far beyond Chicago
Balloons Over 66 in Lincoln
A new festival in Illinois with over 30 hot air balloons
Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival
Rejoice in a massive family-friendly event with amazing hot air balloon shows, balloon rides, and many other ground-based activities
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)
The biggest geek gathering in the Midwest
Fan Expo Chicago
The massive fan gathering which was previously known as Chicago Comic Con
Stargazing
Explore the dark skies over numerous Illinois State Parks
Fox Lake 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
A relaxing Independence Day celebration at The Chain O’Lakes
Palatine Hometown Fireworks, Festivals & Shows
One of the best small-town 4th of July celebrations in the greater Chicago area
Wheaton 4th of July Fireworks, Parade & Shows
A community celebration with fireworks in the Chicago suburbs
Aurora 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
Rejoice in a huge celebration on the 4th of July in Aurora, Illinois
Arlington Heights 4th of July Parades, Events & Festival
Feel the real American patriotism at this Independence Day festival
Oak Lawn 4th of July Fireworks Show & Parade
Visit Oak Lawn for a one-of-a-kind Independence Day celebration
Boone County Fair
Illinois' most popular county fair offers traditional entertainment
Fall Diddley Craft Show
A wonderful occasion to do some fine crafts shopping with your family
Geneva Christmas Walk
Get into the holiday season with traditional festivities in Downtown Geneva, IL
Wheaton Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony
Join thousands of locals for a traditional Christmas-opening ceremony
Fox Lake Festival of Lights
Start the holiday season with a vibrant parade, holiday market, and the annual Christmas tree lighting
Great Balloon Race in Galesburg, IL
Visit a free balloon festival on the last full weekend of July
Scott AFB Air Show
The annual showcase at a historic Scott Air Force Base, which is over 100 years old
TBM Avenger Reunion
Expect TBM Avengers, warbirds, aerobatic performers, a veterans parade, fireworks, and lots of impressions!
Northwest Illinois Airshow
Get ready for an exciting aviation Saturday in September
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Two days of sheer jazz, delicious food, and various vendors
Long Grove Apple Fest
Celebrate the beauty of fall at this annual apple festival!
Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival
Take in pumpkins galore and explore the town invaded by hundreds of skeletons!
Apple 'n Pork Festival
Believe it or not, apples and pork go really well together!
International Horseradish Festival
Spice up your summer in the Horseradish Capital of the World
Naperville Memorial Day Weekend Parade & Events
Pay tribute to the heroes during Naperville's Memorial Day events
Scarecrow Weekend Fest
Celebrate the fall season with scarecrow displays and a weekend of family fun