Best time to visit
37 things to do in Illinois
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
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
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
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!
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