Best time to visit Illinois
8 THINGS TO DO IN ILLINOIS (SEPTEMBER 20 - SEPTEMBER 29)
Chicagohenge
Even the most hurried drivers don't mind stopping to gaze at the unique solar spectacle
Hummingbird Migration
Entice these buzzy flying jewels into your yard
Shawnee National Forest
Let the unforgettable solo and family adventures happen in several jaw-dropping regions of the forest!
Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze
Come out and get lost in the world's largest corn labyrinth
Stargazing
Explore the dark skies over numerous Illinois State Parks
Sandhill Crane Migration
Sandhill cranes make a stop at northern Illinois marshes on their way to Florida
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
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Take in the eastern culture while strolling through this award-winning landscape
60 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Chicago Air and Water Show
out of rangeThe oldest and largest show of this kind in the United States
Chicago Pride Parade & Fest
out of rangeA colorful celebration of freedom, diversity and culture
Chicago Blues Festival
out of rangeThe largest free blues festival in the world and one of the greatest music festivals in Chicago
Chicago Jazz Festival
out of rangeA favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition with great music all over the city
St. Paddy's Day (Green River)
unconfirmedSt. Patrick's Day in Chicago is definitely a party of a lifetime!
Centralia Balloon Fest
out of rangeSave a full weekend in late August to enjoy the unforgettable ballooning experience
Windy City Smokeout
out of rangeStarting as a local barbecue get-together, the Smokeout has become one of the best festivals in town!
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
BMO Harris Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
out of rangeThe holiday spirit takes over the Michigan Avenue on that night
New Year's Eve in Chicago
out of rangeColor blasts illuminate the iconic Chicago skyline
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
Great Galena Balloon Race
out of rangeEnjoy the full weekend of balloon rides, live music, and other entertainment
Spring Awakening Music Festival
out of rangeA summer gathering of leading DJs from all over the world
Chicago Restaurant Week
unconfirmedSo many participating restaurants, so little time
Cherry Blossom
out of rangeCheck out jaw-dropping cherry blossoms in Illinois
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
out of rangeThe most fun fall event loved by kids and adults
Bud Billiken Parade
out of rangeThe largest African American parade in the United States
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
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
Quad Cities Balloon Festival
out of rangeA fun summer weekend in southeastern Iowa
East Peoria Festival of Lights
unconfirmedOne of the biggest and brightest holiday events in Illinois
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)
out of rangeThe biggest geek gathering in the Midwest
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
Lilacia Park
out of rangeDiscover a safe haven abundant with flowers just on the outskirts of the Windy City
Arlington Heights 4th of July Events & Parade
out of rangeFeel the real American patriotism at this Independence Day festival
DuQuoin State Fair
out of rangeOne of the nation's best agricultural events is full of fun experiences
Winter WonderFest
out of rangeBeloved Chicago indoor winter event perfect for frosty days
Balloons Over 66 in Lincoln
out of rangeA new festival in Illinois with over 30 hot air balloons
Fox Lake 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
out of rangeA relaxing Independence Day celebration at The Chain O’Lakes
Morton Pumpkin Festival
out of rangeThe "Pumpkin capital of the world" celebrates the harvest season
Aurora Fireworks 4th of July
out of rangeRejoice in a huge celebration on the 4th of July in Aurora, Illinois
Peoria 4th of July Fireworks
out of rangeRed, White and Boom in the River City
Ice Shards on the Great Lakes
out of rangeThe ice cover gets shattered to knife-sharp pieces as spring takes over winter
Arlington Million
overA perfect opportunity to enjoy live racing, entertainment, and fancy group outings
Chicago Labor Day Weekend
out of rangeWrap up the summer season with a bang
The Morton Arboretum Illumination
unconfirmedAn enchanted forest filled with dazzling projections and interactive trees that respond to touch and voice
Christmas Lights in Illinois
out of rangeLots of Christmassy spots are scattered all over the state, including far beyond Chicago
FOBAB
unconfirmedAmerica's biggest barrel-aged beer festival
Palatine Hometown Fest & Fireworks
out of rangeOne of the best small-town 4th of July celebrations in the greater Chicago area
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
Skiing and Snowboarding in Wisconsin
out of rangeDiscover some of the best ski areas of the Midwest
Halloween Events in Chicago
out of rangeFrom an art parade to booze cruises—Halloween is a great time to explore Chicago
Wheaton 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
out of rangeA community celebration with fireworks in the Chicago suburbs
Evanston 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
out of rangeA historic celebration near Lake Michigan
Oak Lawn 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
out of rangeVisit Oak Lawn for a one-of-a-kind Independence Day celebration
Wheaton Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony
unconfirmedJoin thousands of locals for a traditional Christmas-opening ceremony
Lollapalooza
out of rangeOne of the oldest and most famous alternative music festivals is a must-visit!
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
Allstate Hot Chocolate Run
out of rangeThe sweetest run in the world takes over the United States from coast to coast
Plainfield Fest
out of rangeEnjoy great food, music, and street fun in a suburb of Chicago
Fall Diddley Craft Show
out of rangeA wonderful occasion to do some fine crafts shopping with your family
Fan Expo Chicago
out of rangeThe massive fan gathering which was previously known as Chicago Comic Con
Boone County Fair
out of rangeIllinois' most popular county fair offers traditional entertainment
Illinois Craft Beer Week
out of rangeThe Illinois Craft Brewers Guild organizes the massive 11 days long craft beer event
Redhead Days Chicago
on holdThe largest redhead gathering in the US
Geneva Christmas Walk
out of rangeGet into the holiday season with traditional festivities in Downtown Geneva, IL
