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Best time to visit

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If your main goal is to enjoy pleasant weather during your visit, the best time to travel to Illinois is from April to May and between September and October. With temperatures ranging from 15 to 30°C and occasional rain from June through August, the weather remains warm enough to enjoy outdoor adventures and appreciate the state's scenic beauty. The same is true for one of the most popular destinations of the state—Chicago. During spring's and fall's warm weather, a variety of festivals take place, and the crowds are more manageable. Summer marks Chicago's peak tourist season, drawing visitors from around the country. If you're in Illinois at the end of spring, beyond various activities and events, be sure to enjoy the lilacs in full bloom and the cherry blossoms. Early autumn offers apple and balloon festivals, music events, and, of course, unforgettable fall foliage.

37 things to do in Illinois

Naperville Ale Fest

February 12, 2025 Event

The only outdoor winter and summer beer festival of Midwest

Starved Rock State Park

all year round Nature

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

August 16–18, 2024 Event

Enjoy the sky filled up with hot air balloons in Centralia, Illinois

Balloons Over Vermilion

July 12–13, 2024 Event

A popular ballooning gathering in Illinois

Great Galena Balloon Race

June 21-23, 2024 Event

Enjoy the full weekend of balloon rides, live music, and other entertainment

Illinois Fall Colors

October Nature

Enjoy the best fall colors across the state

Anderson Japanese Gardens

May –middle of November Nature

Take in the eastern culture while strolling through this award-winning landscape

Shawnee National Forest

all year round (best time: March–May | September–November) Nature

Let the unforgettable solo and family adventures happen in several jaw-dropping regions of the forest!

Lilacia Park

late April–mid-May Nature

Discover a safe haven abundant with flowers just on the outskirts of the Windy City

Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze

September–October Activity

Come out and get lost in the world's largest corn labyrinth

Christmas Lights in Illinois

late November–early January Event

Lots of Christmassy spots are scattered all over the state, including far beyond Chicago

Balloons Over 66 in Lincoln

August 23–25, 2024 Event

A new festival in Illinois with over 30 hot air balloons

Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival

permanently canceled Event

Rejoice in a massive family-friendly event with amazing hot air balloon shows, balloon rides, and many other ground-based activities

Cherry Blossom

April–May Nature

Check out jaw-dropping cherry blossoms in Illinois

Stargazing

all year round (best in September–May) Nature

Explore the dark skies over numerous Illinois State Parks

Plainfield Fest

June 28-30, 2024 Event

Enjoy great food, music, and street fun in a suburb of Chicago

Fox Lake 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

June 29, 2024 Event

A relaxing Independence Day celebration at The Chain O’Lakes

Aurora 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

July 3–4, 2024 Event

Rejoice in a huge celebration on the 4th of July in Aurora, Illinois

Peoria 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

July 4 Event

Red, White and Boom in the River City

Arlington Heights 4th of July Parades, Events & Festival

July 3–7, 2024 Event

Feel the real American patriotism at this Independence Day festival

Oak Lawn 4th of July Fireworks Show & Parade

June 29–July 4, 2024 Event

Visit Oak Lawn for a one-of-a-kind Independence Day celebration

Boone County Fair

August 6-11, 2024 Event

Illinois' most popular county fair offers traditional entertainment

Fall Diddley Craft Show

October 12-13, 2024 Event

A wonderful occasion to do some fine crafts shopping with your family

Geneva Christmas Walk

December 6, 2024 Event

Get into the holiday season with traditional festivities in Downtown Geneva, IL

Wheaton Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony

November 29, 2024 Event

Join thousands of locals for a traditional Christmas-opening ceremony

Fox Lake Festival of Lights

November 30, 2024 Event

Start the holiday season with a vibrant parade, holiday market, and the annual Christmas tree lighting

Great Balloon Race in Galesburg, IL

July 26-28, 2024 Event

Visit a free balloon festival on the last full weekend of July

Balloons Over Marine

September 27–28, 2024 Event

A hot air balloon glow and other popular events

Scott AFB Air Show

May 13–14, 2023 Event

The annual showcase at a historic Scott Air Force Base, which is over 100 years old

TBM Avenger Reunion

May 17-18, 2024 Event

Expect TBM Avengers, warbirds, aerobatic performers, a veterans parade, fireworks, and lots of impressions!

Northwest Illinois Airshow

September 21, 2024 Event

Get ready for an exciting aviation Saturday in September

Hyde Park Jazz Festival

September 28-29, 2024 Event

Two days of sheer jazz, delicious food, and various vendors

Long Grove Apple Fest

September 20–22, 2024 Event

Celebrate the beauty of fall at this annual apple festival!

Apple 'n Pork Festival

September 28-29, 2024 Event

Believe it or not, apples and pork go really well together!

International Horseradish Festival

June 7–8, 2024 Event

Spice up your summer in the Horseradish Capital of the World

Naperville Memorial Day Weekend Parade & Events

May 27, 2024 Event

Pay tribute to the heroes during Naperville's Memorial Day events

Scarecrow Weekend Fest

October 11–13, 2024 Event

Celebrate the fall season with scarecrow displays and a weekend of family fun

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