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
Sandhill Crane Migration
Sandhill cranes make a stop at northern Illinois marshes on their way to Florida
Stargazing
Explore the dark skies over numerous Illinois State Parks
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
64 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 Blues Festival
unconfirmedThe largest free blues festival in the world and one of the greatest music festivals in Chicago
Chicago Pride Parade & Fest
out of rangeA colorful celebration of freedom, diversity and culture
New Year's Eve in Chicago
out of rangeColor blasts illuminate the iconic Chicago skyline
St. Paddy's Day (Green River)
out of rangeSt. Patrick's Day in Chicago is definitely a party of a lifetime!
Chicago Jazz Festival
out of rangeA favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition with great music all over the city
Centralia Balloon Fest
out of rangeSave a full weekend in late August to enjoy the unforgettable ballooning experience
Chicago Restaurant Week
out of rangeSo many participating restaurants, so little time
BMO Harris Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
out of rangeThe holiday spirit takes over the Michigan Avenue on that night
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
Great Galena Balloon Race
unconfirmedEnjoy the full weekend of balloon rides, live music, and other entertainment
Balloons Over Vermilion
out of rangeA popular ballooning gathering in Illinois
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
out of rangeThe most fun fall event loved by kids and adults
Illinois State Fair
out of rangeNothing can beat a good ol' fair in the Midwest
Spring Awakening Music Festival
out of rangeA summer gathering of leading DJs from all over the world
Light Up The Lake (Winter WonderFest)
out of rangeBeloved Chicago indoor winter event perfect for frosty days
Illinois Fall Colors
out of rangeEnjoy the best fall colors across the state
Cherry Blossom
out of rangeCheck out jaw-dropping cherry blossoms in Illinois
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
Bud Billiken Parade
out of rangeThe largest African American parade in the United States
East Peoria Festival of Lights
out of rangeOne of the biggest and brightest holiday events in Illinois
Naperville Ale Fest
out of rangeThe only outdoor winter and summer beer festival of Midwest
Balloons Over 66 in Lincoln
out of rangeA new festival in Illinois with over 30 hot air balloons
Pierogi Fest
unconfirmedGreat food and some wacky fun in just 30 minutes from Chicago
Quad Cities Balloon Festival
out of rangeA fun summer weekend in southeastern Iowa
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)
out of rangeThe biggest geek gathering in the Midwest
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
unconfirmedFeel 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
Fall Diddley Craft Show
out of rangeA wonderful occasion to do some fine crafts shopping with your family
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
Halloween Events in Chicago
out of rangeFrom an art parade to booze cruises—Halloween is a great time to explore Chicago
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
Wheaton Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony
out of rangeJoin thousands of locals for a traditional Christmas-opening ceremony
Navy Pier Winterfest
out of rangeFeel the Chicago holiday vibe at this authentic winter festival
The Morton Arboretum Illumination
out of rangeAn enchanted forest filled with dazzling projections and interactive trees that respond to touch and voice
Ice Shards on the Great Lakes
out of rangeThe ice cover gets shattered to knife-sharp pieces as spring takes over winter
Chicago Labor Day Weekend
out of rangeWrap 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
ZooLights
out of rangeLinkoln Park Zoo is not only one of the biggest and oldest zoos in the USA, but it also boasts some perfect winter scenery
Arlington Million
overA perfect opportunity to enjoy live racing, entertainment, and fancy group outings
Palatine Hometown Fest & Fireworks
unconfirmedOne of the best small-town 4th of July celebrations in the greater Chicago area
FOBAB
out of rangeAmerica's biggest barrel-aged beer festival
Skiing and Snowboarding in Wisconsin
out of rangeDiscover some of the best ski areas of the Midwest
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
Allstate Hot Chocolate Run
out of rangeThe sweetest run in the world takes over the United States from coast to coast
Illinois Craft Beer Week
unconfirmedThe 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!
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
Plainfield Fest
out of rangeEnjoy great food, music, and street fun in a suburb of Chicago
Geneva Christmas Walk
out of rangeGet into the holiday season with traditional festivities in Downtown Geneva, IL
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
Fox Lake Festival of Lights
out of rangeStart the holiday season with a vibrant parade, holiday market, and the annual Christmas tree lighting
Balloons Over Marine
unconfirmedA hot air balloon glow and other popular events
Redhead Days Chicago
on holdThe largest redhead gathering in the US
Great Balloon Race in Galesburg, IL
out of rangeVisit a free balloon festival on the last full weekend of July
