Best time to visit Illinois

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Illinois

9 THINGS TO DO IN ILLINOIS (JUNE 05 - JUNE 14)

Chicago Blues Festival

Chicago Blues Festival

unconfirmedJune 2024 • event

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

Balloons Over Vermilion

Balloons Over Vermilion

unconfirmedearly June, 2024 • event

A popular ballooning gathering in Illinois

Hummingbird Migration

Hummingbird Migration

May–September • nature

Entice these buzzy flying jewels into your yard

Shawnee National Forest

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!

Stargazing

Stargazing

all year round (best in September–May) • nature

Explore the dark skies over numerous Illinois State Parks

Starved Rock State Park

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

Anderson Japanese Gardens

Anderson Japanese Gardens

May–October • nature

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

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

June–August • activity

Find out if Windy Сity is made for wind sports

International Horseradish Festival

International Horseradish Festival

unconfirmedJune 7–8, 2024 • event

Spice up your summer in the Horseradish Capital of the World

73 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Chicago Air and Water Show

Chicago Air and Water Show

out of rangeAugust 10-11, 2024 • event

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

Chicagohenge

Chicagohenge

out of rangeMarch 20–23 | September 22–25 • nature

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

Chicago Pride Parade & Fest

Chicago Pride Parade & Fest

out of rangeJune 22–23, 2024 (Fest) | June 30, 2024 (Parade) • event

A colorful celebration of freedom, diversity and culture

Chicago Jazz Festival

Chicago Jazz Festival

out of rangeAugust 29-September 1, 2024 • event

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

Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival

Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival

overpermanently canceled • event

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

New Year's Eve in Chicago

New Year's Eve in Chicago

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Color blasts illuminate the iconic Chicago skyline

St. Paddy's Day (Green River)

St. Paddy's Day (Green River)

out of rangeMarch 16–17, 2024 • event

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

Centralia Balloon Festival

Centralia Balloon Festival

out of rangeAugust 16–18, 2024 • event

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

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

out of rangeNovember 18, 2023 • event

The holiday spirit takes over the Michigan Avenue on that night

Great Galena Balloon Race

Great Galena Balloon Race

unconfirmedmid-June 2023 • event

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

Windy City Smokeout

Windy City Smokeout

out of rangeJuly 11-14, 2024 • event

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

Illinois State Fair

Illinois State Fair

out of rangeAugust 10–20, 2023 • event

Nothing can beat a good ol' fair in the Midwest

Chicago Restaurant Week

Chicago Restaurant Week

out of rangeJanuary 19 - February 03 • event

So many participating restaurants, so little time

Light Up The Lake (Winter WonderFest)

Light Up The Lake (Winter WonderFest)

out of rangeNovember 24–December 31, 2023 • event

Beloved Chicago indoor winter event perfect for frosty days

Quad Cities Balloon Festival

Quad Cities Balloon Festival

out of rangeAugust 9–10, 2024 • event

A fun summer weekend in southeastern Iowa

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

out of rangeOctober 21, 2023 • event

The most fun fall event loved by kids and adults

Spring Awakening Music Festival

Spring Awakening Music Festival

out of rangeJuly 9–10, 2023 • event

A summer gathering of leading DJs from all over the world

Fan Expo Chicago

Fan Expo Chicago

out of rangeAugust 10–13, 2023 • event

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

Balloons Over 66 in Lincoln

Balloons Over 66 in Lincoln

out of rangeAugust 26, 2023 • event

A new festival in Illinois with over 30 hot air balloons

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom

out of rangeApril–May • nature

Check out jaw-dropping cherry blossoms in Illinois

Bud Billiken Parade

Bud Billiken Parade

out of rangeAugust 10, 2024 • event

The largest African American parade in the United States

Illinois Fall Colors

Illinois Fall Colors

out of rangeOctober • nature

Enjoy the best fall colors across the state

Fall Diddley Craft Show

Fall Diddley Craft Show

out of rangeOctober 12-13, 2024 • event

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

Pierogi Fest

Pierogi Fest

out of rangeJuly 26-28, 2024 • event

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

Total Solar Eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse

out of rangeApril 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

Great Balloon Race in Galesburg, IL

Great Balloon Race in Galesburg, IL

out of rangeJuly 26–28, 2024 • event

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

Apple 'n Pork Festival

Apple 'n Pork Festival

out of rangeSeptember 28-29, 2024 • event

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

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo

out of rangeMay 5, 2024 • event

Drink lots of margaritas and cerveza celebrating the Mexican national holiday

East Peoria Festival of Lights

East Peoria Festival of Lights

out of rangeNovember 24, 2023–January 1, 2024 • event

One of the biggest and brightest holiday events in Illinois

Lilacia Park

Lilacia Park

out of rangelate April–mid-May • nature

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

Naperville Ale Fest

Naperville Ale Fest

out of rangeFebruary 24, 2024 • event

The only outdoor winter and summer beer festival of Midwest

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)

out of rangeApril 26-28, 2024 • event

The biggest geek gathering in the Midwest

Sandhill Crane Migration

Sandhill Crane Migration

out of rangemid-September–mid-November • nature

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

Arlington Heights 4th of July Parade, Events & Festival

Arlington Heights 4th of July Parade, Events & Festival

out of rangeJuly 3–7, 2024 • event

Feel the real American patriotism at this Independence Day festival

Palatine Hometown Fireworks, Festivals & Shows

Palatine Hometown Fireworks, Festivals & Shows

out of rangeJuly 3–7, 2024 • event

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

Fox Lake 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

Fox Lake 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

out of rangeJune 29, 2024 • event

A relaxing Independence Day celebration at The Chain O’Lakes

ZooLights

ZooLights

out of rangeNovember 17, 2023–January 7, 2024 • 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

DuQuoin State Fair

DuQuoin State Fair

out of rangeAugust 25–September 4, 2023 • event

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

Chicago Labor Day Weekend

Chicago Labor Day Weekend

out of rangeSeptember 1–4, 2023 • event

Wrap up the summer season with a bang

Peoria 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

Peoria 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

Red, White and Boom in the River City

Evanston 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

Evanston 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

A historic celebration near Lake Michigan

Long Grove Apple Fest

Long Grove Apple Fest

out of rangeSeptember 22–24, 2023 • event

Celebrate the beauty of fall at this annual apple festival!

Wheaton 4th of July Fireworks, Parade & Shows

Wheaton 4th of July Fireworks, Parade & Shows

out of rangeJuly 3–4, 2024 • event

A community celebration with fireworks in the Chicago suburbs

Lincoln Square Apple Fest

Lincoln Square Apple Fest

out of rangeSeptember 30–October 1, 2023 • event

A beloved community event on the North side of Chicago

Redhead Days Chicago

Redhead Days Chicago

on holdAugust 25–27, 2023 • event

The largest redhead gathering in the US

Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze

Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze

out of rangeSeptember–October  • activity

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

Halloween Events in Chicago

Halloween Events in Chicago

out of rangeOctober 11–31, 2023 • event

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

Aurora 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

Aurora 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

out of rangeJuly 3–4, 2024 • event

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

Scott AFB Air Show

Scott AFB Air Show

out of rangeMay 13–14, 2023 • event

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

Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

out of rangeOctober 4-6, 2024 • event

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

Morton Pumpkin Festival

Morton Pumpkin Festival

out of rangeSeptember 13–16, 2023 • event

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

Wheaton Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony

Wheaton Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony

out of rangeNovember 24, 2023 • event

Join thousands of locals for a traditional Christmas-opening ceremony

The Morton Arboretum Illumination

The Morton Arboretum Illumination

out of rangeNovember 18, 2023–January 6, 2024 • event

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

Christmas Lights in Illinois

Christmas Lights in Illinois

out of rangelate November–early January • event

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

FOBAB

FOBAB

out of rangeNovember 3–4, 2023 • event

America's biggest barrel-aged beer festival

Hyde Park Jazz Festival

Hyde Park Jazz Festival

out of rangeSeptember 28-29, 2024 • event

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

Ice Shards on the Great Lakes

Ice Shards on the Great Lakes

out of rangemid–February–late March • nature

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

Plainfield Fest

Plainfield Fest

out of rangeJune 28-30, 2024 • event

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

Northwest Illinois Airshow

Northwest Illinois Airshow

out of rangeSeptember 21, 2024 • event

Get ready for an exciting aviation Saturday in September

Arlington Million

Arlington Million

overAugust 14, 2021 • event

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

Oak Lawn 4th of July Fireworks Show & Parade

Oak Lawn 4th of July Fireworks Show & Parade

out of rangeJune 29–July 4, 2024 • event

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

TBM Avenger Reunion

TBM Avenger Reunion

out of rangeMay 17-18, 2024 • event

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

Allstate Hot Chocolate Run

Allstate Hot Chocolate Run

out of rangeNovember 3, 2024 • event

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

Skiing and Snowboarding in Wisconsin

Skiing and Snowboarding in Wisconsin

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

Discover some of the best ski areas of the Midwest

Boone County Fair

Boone County Fair

out of rangeAugust 6-11, 2024 • event

Illinois' most popular county fair offers traditional entertainment

Naperville Memorial Day Weekend Parade & Events

Naperville Memorial Day Weekend Parade & Events

out of rangeMay 27, 2024 • event

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

Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza

out of rangeAugust 1-4, 2024 • event

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

Illinois Craft Beer Week

Illinois Craft Beer Week

out of rangeMay 3-10, 2024 • event

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

Riot Fest

Riot Fest

out of rangeSeptember 20-22, 2024 • event

A legendary rock music event held in Chicago

Geneva Christmas Walk

Geneva Christmas Walk

out of rangeDecember 01 • event

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

Balloons Over Marine

Balloons Over Marine

unconfirmedSeptember 22–23, 2023 • event

A hot air balloon glow and other popular events

Fox Lake Festival of Lights

Fox Lake Festival of Lights

out of rangeNovember 25, 2023 • event

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

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