Fairs, festivals, concerts, markets, and family days across Illinois.
The Lizard y El Sol returns to Chicago Parks this summer! ¡El Lagarto y El Sol regresa los Parques de Chicago este verano! July 22 - August….
The new public art exhibit We the People: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Beauty in Greektown Chicago celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration….
The new public art exhibit We the People: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Beauty in Greektown Chicago celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration….
Kidzapalooza is a family-oriented festival within a festival, most famously known as the dedicated kids' zone at Lollapalooza.
Jeff Fest has rebranded as Chicago Italian Beef Fest! Families can still enjoy music, food, and kids' entertainment at Jefferson Memorial Park at this annual neighborhood festival.
Run Mahomet offers USATF Certified Courses for the 5k, 10k, and the ½ Marathon. Chip timing is provided by It’s Race Time, Inc. for in person runners. Course is primarily flat and considered fast.
Back in the early 1900s, Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to Chicago—and from their kitchens came a masterpiece now beloved across the city: the Italian Beef Sandwich.
PERFS: One: Aug 1 7pm BB, BR, SB, TD, SW, CBR, CGBKR $500 adm - $80 EF - TR $1,000 adm - $100 EF - Total $4,500.
Low, Slow, and High-Class in River Grove! Get ready for a day of incredible artistry and classic steel!
Phyllis Yvonne Stickney is scheduled at City Winery - Chicago. Confirm the showtime, age rules, and entry details before you go.
The Homewood Flossmoor Community Running Club challenges all Chicagoland Clubs to compete in the annual South-Southwest Suburban Club Challenge.
T.K. Kirkland is scheduled at City Winery - Chicago. Confirm the showtime, age rules, and entry details before you go.
The Williamson County Fair Car Show invites all classics, customs, and hot rods to a spectacular display at the Williamson County Fairgrounds! Early birds can grab one of 50 free dash plaques.
Race To Stop Hunger 5K is an inspiring race that has already funded 376,000 life-saving meals, nourishing over 34,000 children annually. 100% of the race proceeds will feed children globally and locally.
Howl at the Moon 8 Hour Ultra participants run or walk as many miles as possible on a 3.5 mile mixed surface loop. Personal scorers count each lap. A great event for first timers.
The Watershed Endurance 6Hr & 3Hr Run is a timed event to challenge an individual’s physical abilities.
The Butterfly Cold Brew Spirits RunAugust 8, 2026 • 9:00 AM Social Butterfly Coffee • Joliet, Illinois Start your morning with wings, caffeine, and community at the Butterfly Cold Brew Spirits Run - a light, untimed.
Welcome to the Seventh Annual My BFF 5K/8.13K Walk supporting My Best Friends Foundation. This event raises money to support Friends fighting cancer and families who've lost someone to it.
Not to brag, but we’re located next to some of the best peach orchards around! Why not celebrate!
The Illinois State Fair brings agriculture, rides, food, exhibits, competitions, and Grandstand entertainment to Springfield.
PERFS: Two: Aug 14-15 7pm BB, BR, SB, TD, SW, CBR, CGBKR $2,000 adm - $120 EF - TR $4,000 adm - $120 EF - Total $18,000.
Competition and Fun that makes a difference! What better way to end your summer than getting out for some family-friendly competition (for those who want to be competitive) in downtown Rockford.
PERFS: Two: Aug 15 3pm Aug 15 7pm BB, BR, SB, TD, SW, CBR, CGBKR $1,500 adm - $110 EF - TR $3,000 adm - $125 EF - Total $13,500.
Experience the Hot August Night Benefit Car Show at Woodstock Square. See classic cars, custom builds, trucks, and motorcycles in Woodstock, Illinois. Enjoy music and a lively community atmosphere at this annual summer tradition.
Midwest Thunder's 26th Annual Benefit Car Motorcycle Truck Show roars into Chautauqua Park in Pontiac, Illinois on Sunday, August 16!
Rodz n Ribs Car Show in conjunction with the Shrine Club Smoke N For the Kids BBQ Competition.
Get ready for an awesome evening of beautiful builds and family fun! The Palatine Area Chamber Of Commerce is hosting its Classic Car Show right in the heart of Palatine.
Christian Johnson is scheduled at City Winery - Chicago. Confirm the showtime, age rules, and entry details before you go.
Friday Open 4D with $250 minimum added. Saturday Open 4D with $500 minimum added. Sunday Open 4D with $250 minimum added. Office Fee $10/rider/day. Co-Approved with Southeastern Circuit.
One of the world’s largest and most accessible triathlons. From first-timers to seasoned veterans, kids to grandparents, age-group competitors to paratriathletes, the Chicago Triathlon has an experience for everyone on the.
Camp Ondessonk, in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, will play host to the Shawnee Hills Trail Races.
Demolition Derby is scheduled at Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Confirm the start time, registration, and entry details before you go.
Join the inaugural Razom Freedom Run 5K in Chicago! Hosted by Ukrainian Running Club Chicago in partnership with Protez Foundation to raise funds for prosthetic care and rehabilitation for Ukrainians affected by war.
The Summer Trail Classic is the third of four events of the Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Race Series.
More details to follow. 171st Bureau County Fair! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
Featured Speaker: Raymond Torres. Bureau County Tribute to Veterans with Flags of Freedom & Quilts of Valor takes place at Exhibit Hall #2. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. 171st Bureau County Fair! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. 171st Bureau County Fair! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
Celebrate 36 Years of Hellenic Pride at Taste of Greektown!
The St. Walter School 1st Annual Car Show is a community evening event open to all families, friends, and alumni in Roselle, IL!
More details to follow. 171st Bureau County Fair! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
The Aledo Antiques Day Car Show rolls into Aledo, IL on August 29, 2026, presented by the Mercer County Auto Restoration Program!
Get ready for one of the most exciting events of the summer! 📢 The countdown is officially ON for an incredible afternoon of amazing custom builds, lowrider culture, and high-flying action at the car hop!
More details to follow. 171st Bureau County Fair! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
Join us for the annual Summer Sizzler 5k/10k/15k at Waubonsie Lake Park! A fun summer event that is perfect for the whole family.
PERFS: One: Aug 30 2pm BB, BR, SB, TD, SW, CBR, CGBKR $500 adm - $80 EF - TR $1,000 adm - $100 EF - Total $4,500.
Location: Boone Co. Faigrounds (8791 St. Rte. 76 - Enter at McKinley Road Gate 6 Belvidere, IL) One Performance: 9/4 7:30 PM Events: BB, BR, SB, TD, SW, CBR, TR, CGBKR ($1000 ADM; $8000 TOTAL ADM) Novice Events: BB, SB, BR.
The Naperville Trails Half Marathon & 10K feature a beautiful, crushed limestone course. This event is chip timed. The timing chip is disposable and is integrated with the bib number.
The Temptation 200 is a grassroots ultramarathon in one of the most unique natural areas in central Illinois. This race is made to test you physically, mentally, maybe even spiritually. Are you strong enough to endure?
WELCOME to the annual Crystal Lake Half Marathon & 12K this September! The Half Marathon starts at Main Beach and the 12K starts just up a few yards from the half start.
BQ.2 Marathon Races are specifically scheduled and designed to be your best chance to qualify for Boston at 1 minutes under your standard to get you to the starting line in Hopkinton.
All Rock Cut Hobo races are run on the scenic trails in Rock Cut State Park.
Join us for the Tails Humane Society Mutt Strut, where every step you take makes a difference for homeless pets in need!
Explore Chicago's Magnificent Mile® like never before at the Run Mag Mile® 5K and 10K! Join thousands of runners at the ONLY race that shuts down the Magnificent Mile®.
Get ready to lace up your running shoes because the Fox River Grove Memorial Library Running Club is back with an exhilarating in-person race!
View Flyer Details Call 815-866-3606 for registration.
An outdoor event at Richard E Johns Park in Glenview. The organizer has the latest start time and weather updates.
The Run for Ukraine returns this September, and you're invited to be part of something meaningful.
This fall, history and celebration come together at the 2nd annual Old Town Oktoberfest, happening Friday to Sunday, September 18-20.
Clearbrook's annual Step It Up 5K run/1 mile walk returns! This event is fun for the whole family. Join us for a 5k walk or run, or a 1 mile walk or run. We also offer a short kids dash option. Want an official time?
Join the Divas Chicago Half Marathon and 5K this September at Soldier Field for a women empowerment race (men welcome!), fabulous swag, and fierce fun!
In partnership with Carlyle Lake, the City of Carlyle, IL, and the US Army Corps of Engineers, MSE Racing is proud to bring to you the annual Carlyle Lake Triathlon.
The mobile pantry will begin distribution at 10 a.m. at the fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton. Registration is from 9:15 to 10 a.m. Those using the pantry should arrive [...].
St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest Chicago – Where Beer, Brats, and Bavarian Fun Collide! Get ready to raise your steins and don your dirndls—St.
FREE Admission and raffles US/World Coins, currency, gold & silver. Contacts - Jim 708-670-3469 or Chris 815-326-3748.
INCROWD815 MASKED KARAOKE TRIVIA CONTEST Version 5.0 takes place at Tebala Event Center. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
Cider n' Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair takes place at Edgebrook. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
E(ART)H: A Land Art Exhibit takes place at Nature At The Confluence. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
Chris Klemens is scheduled at City Winery - Chicago. Confirm the showtime, age rules, and entry details before you go.
Get ready to raise a glass 🍷 — the Lincoln Park Wine Fest is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary 🎉 this year in the heart of Chicago’s Jonquil Park.
Brick Convention is scheduled at Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Confirm the showtime, age rules, and entry details before you go.
BRICK CONVENTION | LEGO Fan Expo | Springfield, IL | Saturday, Oct 10, 2026, 10:00 AM | Illinois State Fairgrounds Il State Fair, Springfield.
Worlds Collide Book Fair - Spooky Edition takes place at Urban Forest Craft Brewing. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
Come join the fun! Register to participate by emailing [email protected].
Davide De Pierro is scheduled at City Winery - Chicago. Confirm the showtime, age rules, and entry details before you go.
Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Gun Show This Princeton gun show is held at Bureau County Fairgrounds and hosted by Sauk Trail Gun Collectors. For info call Danny 309-689-1934. All federal [...].
Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Gun Show This Princeton gun show is held at Bureau County Fairgrounds and hosted by Sauk Trail Gun Collectors. For info call Danny 309-689-1934. All federal [...].
More details to follow. Winter Storage: Boats & Campers! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. Huge Winter Garage Sale takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
All kinds of great things can be found HERE!!! Grab all that old stuff sitting in the garage, and come out to Walneck's motorcycle swap meet. $10 admission. Vending is [...].
More details to follow. National Modena Pigeon Show takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
East Peoria Festival of Lights Enchanted Forest & Drive-Through Display fireworks show in East Peoria, Illinois.
NEW & USED & ANTIQUE TRAINS AND TOYS Space Available for Train Layouts Vendors Wanted with all scales of trains - HO, N, O, G, Thomas, Lionel, Marx plus accessories; [...].
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Gun Show This Princeton gun show is held at Bureau County Fairgrounds and hosted by Sauk Trail Gun Collectors. For info call Danny 309-689-1934. All federal [...].
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Gun Show This Princeton gun show is held at Bureau County Fairgrounds and hosted by Sauk Trail Gun Collectors. For info call Danny 309-689-1934. All federal [...].
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
The mobile pantry will begin distribution at 10 a.m. at the fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton. Registration is from 9:15 to 10 a.m. Those using the pantry should arrive [...].
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. Xmas Craft and Vendor Show & Christmas Gift Sale! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
D.L. Hughley is scheduled at City Winery - Chicago. Confirm the showtime, age rules, and entry details before you go.
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
More details to follow. Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-thru!! takes place at Bureau County Fairgrounds. Check the organizer page for final hours and entry details.
The Brew Run Virtual Race is on Wednesday July 1, 2026 to Thursday December 31, 2026.
Save $5 w/code RACERAVE5 *** Ahoy Matey! This NEW USATF certified, chip-timed race runs along the beautiful, shaded Fox River Trail. Participants receive a custom finisher medal, tech shirt, and a bountiful after party.
If you are new to Chicago, IL, start with the kind of day you want instead of a giant list: family-easy, adult/date, group-friendly, or weather-safe.
Family plans should be easy to enter, easy to leave, and clear about bathrooms, food, weather, and parking.
Adult plans work best with one timed anchor and a nearby place for food or a walk.
Groups need one clear meet-up point and a plan that still works if people arrive late.
Weather-safe plans should stay close to the original area so the day does not fall apart.
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