Home
United States

Illinois

© sepavone / Depositphotos

Best time to visit

73
37
54
64
76
49
67
63
60
92
54
100
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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.

84 things to do in Illinois

Windy City Smokeout

July 11-14, 2024 Event

Starting as a local barbecue get-together, the Smokeout has become one of the best festivals in town!

Chicago Air and Water Show

August 10–11, 2024 Event

The oldest and largest show of this kind in the United States

Chicagohenge

March 20–23 | September 22–25 Nature

Even the most hurried drivers don't mind stopping to gaze at the unique solar spectacle

Illinois Craft Beer Week

May 3-10, 2024 Event

The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild organizes the massive 11 days long craft beer event

Bike the Drive

September 1, 2024 Event

Once in a year a lakefront road is closed for cars and open for the cyclists!

Lollapalooza

August 1-4, 2024 Event

One of the oldest and most famous alternative music festivals is a must-visit!

Total Solar Eclipse

April 8, 2024 Event

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

November 15, 2024–January 5, 2025 Activity

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)

March 16–17, 2024 Event

St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is definitely a party of a lifetime!

Chicago Restaurant Week

January 19-February 4, 2025 Event

So many participating restaurants, so little time

Chicago Jazz Festival

August 29-September 1, 2024 Event

A favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition with great music all over the city

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

November 23, 2024 Event

The holiday spirit takes over the Michigan Avenue on that night

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

October 19, 2024 Event

The most fun fall event loved by kids and adults

Chicago Pride Parade & Fest

June 22–23, 2024 (Fest) | June 30, 2024 (Parade) Event

A colorful celebration of freedom, diversity and culture

Chicago Blues Festival

June 6–9, 2024 Event

The largest free blues festival in the world and one of the greatest music festivals in Chicago

Illinois State Fair

August 8–18, 2024 Event

Nothing can beat a good ol' fair in the Midwest

DuQuoin State Fair

August 23–September 2, 2024 Event

One of the nation's best agricultural events is full of fun experiences

The Morton Arboretum Illumination

November 16, 2024–January 4, 2025 Event

An enchanted forest filled with dazzling projections and interactive trees that respond to touch and voice

East Peoria Festival of Lights

November 23, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

One of the biggest and brightest holiday events in Illinois

Light Up The Lake (Winter WonderFest)

mid-November–late December 2024 Event

Beloved Chicago indoor winter event perfect for frosty days

Riot Fest

September 20-22, 2024 Event

A legendary rock music event held in Chicago

Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2024 Event

Drink lots of margaritas and cerveza celebrating the Mexican national holiday

Morton Pumpkin Festival

September 11–14, 2024 Event

The "Pumpkin capital of the world" celebrates the harvest season

Spring Awakening Music Festival

July 9–10, 2023 Event

A summer gathering of leading DJs from all over the world

Redhead Days Chicago

October 26, 2019 Event

The largest redhead gathering in the US

Pierogi Fest

July 26-28, 2024 Event

Great food and some wacky fun in just 30 minutes from Chicago

Arlington Million

August 14, 2021 Event

A perfect opportunity to enjoy live racing, entertainment, and fancy group outings

Bud Billiken Parade

August 10, 2024 Event

The largest African American parade in the United States

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

June–August Activity

Find out if Windy Сity is made for wind sports

Naperville Ale Fest

February 24, 2024 Event

The only outdoor winter and summer beer festival of Midwest

Allstate Hot Chocolate Run

November 3, 2024 Event

The sweetest run in the world takes over the United States from coast to coast

Ice Shards on the Great Lakes

mid–February–late March Nature

The ice cover gets shattered to knife-sharp pieces as spring takes over winter

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

Chicago Labor Day Weekend

August 31–September 2, 2024 Event

Wrap up the summer season with a bang

Illinois Fall Colors

October Nature

Enjoy the best fall colors across the state

Anderson Japanese Gardens

May–October 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

Skiing and Snowboarding in Wisconsin

December–March Activity

Discover some of the best ski areas of the Midwest

New Year's Eve in Chicago

December 31 Event

Color blasts illuminate the iconic Chicago skyline

Hummingbird Migration

May–September Nature

Entice these buzzy flying jewels into your yard

Sandhill Crane Migration in Illinois

mid-September–mid-November Nature

Sandhill cranes make a stop at northern Illinois marshes on their way to Florida

Halloween in Chicago: Events, Parades & Activities

October 16–31, 2024 Event

From an art parade to booze cruises—Halloween is a great time to explore Chicago

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

Quad Cities Balloon Festival

August 9–10, 2024 Event

A fun summer weekend in southeastern Iowa

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

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)

April 11-13, 2025 Event

The biggest geek gathering in the Midwest

Fan Expo Chicago

August 16–18, 2024 Event

The massive fan gathering which was previously known as Chicago Comic Con

Stargazing

all year round (best in September–May) Nature

Explore the dark skies over numerous Illinois State Parks

FOBAB

November 22–23, 2024 Event

America's biggest barrel-aged beer festival

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

Palatine Hometown Fireworks, Festivals & Shows

July 3–7, 2024 Event

One of the best small-town 4th of July celebrations in the greater Chicago area

Wheaton 4th of July Fireworks, Parade & Shows

June 29–July 4, 2024 Event

A community celebration with fireworks in the Chicago suburbs

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

Evanston 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

July 4 Event

A historic celebration near Lake Michigan

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!

Lincoln Square Apple Fest

October 5–6, 2024 Event

A beloved community event on the North side of Chicago

Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

October 4-6, 2024 Event

Take in pumpkins galore and explore the town invaded by hundreds of skeletons!

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

Last updated:

Nearby destinations

United States
Chicago
United States
Midwest
United States
Kentucky
United States
Kansas City, MO-KS
United States
Cincinnati, OH
United States
Nashville, TN
United States
Wisconsin
United States
Michigan
United States
Tennessee
United States
Ann Arbor, MI