Best time to visit Illinois
7 THINGS TO DO IN ILLINOIS (SEPTEMBER 22 - OCTOBER 01)
Chicagohenge
Even the most hurried drivers don't mind stopping to gaze at the unique solar spectacle
Shawnee National Forest
Let the unforgettable solo and family adventures happen in several jaw-dropping regions of the forest!
Hummingbird Migration
Entice these buzzy flying jewels into your yard
Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze
Come out and get lost in the world's largest corn labyrinth
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
Sandhill Crane Migration
Sandhill cranes make a stop at northern Illinois marshes on their way to Florida
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Take in the eastern culture while strolling through this award-winning landscape
44 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Chicago Air and Water Show
on holdThe oldest and largest show of this kind in the United States
Windy City Smokeout
out of rangeStarting as a local barbecue get-together, the Smokeout has become one of the best festivals in town!
St. Paddy's Day (Green River)
unconfirmedSt. Patrick's Day in Chicago is definitely a party of a lifetime!
Chicago Jazz Festival
unconfirmedA favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition with great music all over the city
BMO Harris Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
out of rangeThe holiday spirit takes over the Michigan Avenue on that night
Centralia Balloon Fest
unconfirmedSave a full weekend in late August to enjoy the unforgettable ballooning experience
New Year's Eve in Chicago
out of rangeColor blasts illuminate the iconic Chicago skyline
Chicago Pride Parade & Fest
out of rangeA colorful celebration of freedom, diversity and culture
Spring Awakening Music Festival
out of rangeA summer gathering of leading DJs from all over the world
Chicago Restaurant Week
out of rangeSo many participating restaurants, so little time
Great Galena Balloon Race
out of rangeEnjoy the full weekend of balloon rides, live music, and other entertainment
Chicago Blues Festival
unconfirmedThe largest free blues festival in the world and one of the greatest music festivals in Chicago
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
out of rangeThe most fun fall event loved by kids and adults
Naperville Ale Fest
out of rangeThe only outdoor winter and summer beer festival of Midwest
Illinois Fall Colors
out of rangeEnjoy the best fall colors across the state
Total Solar Eclipse
out of rangeSome 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
Balloons Over Vermilion
out of rangeA popular ballooning gathering in Illinois
Illinois State Fair
out of rangeNothing can beat a good ol' fair in the Midwest
East Peoria Festival of Lights
unconfirmedOne of the biggest and brightest holiday events in Illinois
Winter WonderFest
out of rangeBeloved Chicago indoor winter event perfect for frosty days
Bud Billiken Parade
unconfirmedThe largest African American parade in the United States
DuQuoin State Fair
out of rangeOne of the nation's best agricultural events is full of fun experiences
Pierogi Fest
out of rangeGreat food and some wacky fun in just 30 minutes from Chicago
Cinco de Mayo
unconfirmedDrink lots of margaritas and cerveza celebrating the Mexican national holiday
Ice Shards on the Great Lakes
out of rangeThe ice cover gets shattered to knife-sharp pieces as spring takes over winter
Morton Pumpkin Festival
out of rangeThe "Pumpkin capital of the world" celebrates the harvest season
Arlington Million
overA perfect opportunity to enjoy live racing, entertainment, and fancy group outings
Chicago Labor Day Weekend
unconfirmedWrap up the summer season with a bang
Christmas Lights in Illinois
out of rangeLots of Christmassy spots are scattered all over the state, including far beyond Chicago
Skiing and Snowboarding in Wisconsin
out of rangeDiscover some of the best ski areas of the Midwest
Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival
unconfirmedRejoice in a massive family-friendly event with amazing hot air balloon shows, balloon rides, and many other ground-based activities
Cherry Blossom
out of rangeCheck out jaw-dropping cherry blossoms in Illinois
ZooLights
unconfirmedLinkoln Park Zoo is not only one of the biggest and oldest zoos in the USA, but it also boasts some perfect winter scenery
Halloween Events in Chicago
out of rangeFrom an art parade to booze cruises—Halloween is a great time to explore Chicago
Riot Fest
out of rangeA legendary rock music event held in Chicago
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
out of rangeFind out if Windy Сity is made for wind sports
Lilacia Park
out of rangeDiscover a safe haven abundant with flowers just on the outskirts of the Windy City
Quad Cities Balloon Festival
out of rangeA fun summer weekend in southeastern Iowa
Illinois Craft Beer Week
on holdThe Illinois Craft Brewers Guild organizes the massive 11 days long craft beer event
Lollapalooza
out of rangeOne of the oldest and most famous alternative music festivals is a must-visit!
The Morton Arboretum Illumination
out of rangeAn enchanted forest filled with dazzling projections and interactive trees that respond to touch and voice
Balloons Over 66 in Lincoln
out of rangeA new festival in Illinois with over 30 hot air balloons
Redhead Days Chicago
on holdThe largest redhead gathering in the US
Allstate Hot Chocolate Run
out of rangeThe sweetest run in the world takes over the United States from coast to coast
