23 Festivals In ILLINOIS (Engrossing, Engaging & Fun)
Get yourself out of the couch and live a fun and more fulfilling life!
Explore and discover the fun side of this dull world and make happy memories.
If you feel lonely and too steady, you should have fun at festivals!
Festivals bring a sense of belonging and joy.
In attending festivals, you will get the opportunity to explore, discover, and appreciate man’s works, such as art, music, and food.
This is also a great way to gain insight into your roots or other people’s cultures and traditions.
Furthermore, your social battery will be complete as you interact with people with similar or diverse interests.
With that said, here are 23 Festivals in Illinois you can look forward to:
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Farmers Markets in Illinois.
Festivals in Arthur, Illinois
1. Arthur Strawberry Jam Festival (Strawberry Delights)
Be invested in this event filled with strawberry surprises!
The Arthur Strawberry Jam Festival will aid your long-time carvings for the best strawberry-flavored jam.
Annually, the festival is held in Arthur, Illinois, usually on the first weekend in June, so remember this month as your strawberry jam month!
The festival’s primary goal is to mark the beginning of the local strawberry season.
Strawberry jam, shortcake, and lemonade are just some foods and beverages available.
The celebration includes a parade, live music, carnival games, and carnival rides.
Visitors may look around vendor booths offering jewelry, homemade crafts, and other goods.
Furthermore, the strawberry recipe contest, strawberry pie eating competition, and strawberry jam auction, where visitors can bid on jars of homemade jam created by locals, are some of the festival’s most well-liked activities.
Address: Downtown Arthur, Arthur, IL 61911
2. Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival (Handcrafted Cheese Fun)
Feed your fun-craving self as you attend the often sought-out Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival!
The festival is held annually in Arthur, Illinois, on the first September weekend, so note that on your calendar!
This event showcases a variety of handcrafted cheeses, baked products, and other Amish-style dishes while commemorating the area’s Amish history.
Visitors may peruse vendor booths selling handcrafted crafts, furniture, and other products and sample and buy cheese from nearby Amish and Mennonite farms.
Live music, carnival games, and other family-friendly activities are also part of the event giving you a bore-free day!
The cheese curl eating challenge, the baby photo contest, and the cheese auction, where visitors may bid on one-of-a-kind cheese masterpieces created by locals, are some of the festival’s most well-liked activities.
Address: 111 E Progress St, Arthur, IL 61911
3. Arthur Freedom Celebration (Freedom Fun)
Make the most of your freedom and attend the lively Arthur Freedom Celebration!
Annually, the celebration is held in Arthur, Illinois, usually on the Saturday before the Fourth of July.
In addition to several family-friendly activities and events, the festival is focused on commemorating America’s independence.
Visitors can participate in a parade, car display, carnival games and rides, live music, and other events throughout the day.
The 5K Freedom Run, the watermelon-eating contest, and the nighttime fireworks show are among the festival’s most well-liked activities.
Furthermore, the event is free to enter, although some carnival rides and other attractions can be priced.
Typically, the festival is held in Arthur’s downtown, so attendees are urged to park in designated spaces and ride shuttle buses.
Head to the festival now and show gratitude for your long-attained freedom!
Address: Jurgens Park, Arthur, IL 61911
4. Arthur Amish Country Bike Tour (Scenic Bike Tour)
Do you have a deep attraction to bikes?
Attend the Arthur Amish Country Bike Tour and be flattered by the sights it has to offer.
The festival is held yearly, usually around the middle of June.
Its main attraction is a cycling tour through the area’s picturesque scenery, with routes ranging from 20 to 100 miles.
Riders have a selection of routes to choose from, each with its own distinctive landscapes and difficulties.
In addition, riders may refuel at rest stops to enjoy refreshments and food served by nearby Amish and Mennonite towns.
After the ride, participants are invited to the Arthur Community Center for a post-race dinner and entertainment.
The night before the ride, there will be live music and a pasta feast as part of the festival.
A t-shirt, a pre-race meal, food at the rest stops, etc., are usually included in the registration price for the ride.
Address: Yoder Center, 240 E Progress St, Arthur, IL 61911
Also see our article on Outdoor Activities in Illinois.
Festivals in Lake County, Illinois
1. Lake County Fair (Fair Extravaganza)
Don’t just stay on your couch and let the bland days pass.
Attend the Lake Country Fair and be entertained by the varied events they will provide!
The Lake County Fair is an annual five-day event in late July or early August.
A wide range of attractions and events are offered during the fair, such as carnival rides, games, live music, animal exhibitions, a demolition derby, a truck and tractor pull, and more.
The Lake County Fair also holds various annual special events, such as a beer garden, a talent show, and a horse show, in addition to the usual fair activities.
Furthermore, the regular admission price to the fair is $10 for adults, $5 for kids aged 6 to 12, and free for kids under 5.
Address: Grayslake, IL – 1060 E. Peterson Rd.
2. Ravinia Festival (Renowned Music Venue)
Bless your ears with the presence of this well-recognized music festival and the selection of music it ought to present!
The Ravinia Festival, a renowned outdoor music venue, is held yearly in Highland Park, Illinois, from the beginning of June through the middle of September.
Some of the most renowned artists in the world play at the festival in various genres, including jazz, classical, and popular music acts.
Attendees can bring their own food and drink or buy them from one of the several on-site vendors.
The Ravinia Festival presents a range of additional cultural activities in addition to music, including dance performances, theater shows, and movie screenings.
Furthermore, the Martin Theatre, Bennett Gordon Hall, and the 3,400-seat Ravinia Pavilion are located on the 36-acre festival grounds.
Address: 7 miles from Lake County Highland Park, IL – 418 Sheridan Rd.
3. Long Grove Apple Fest (Apple-Themed Fun)
Long Grove, Illinois, hosts the Long Grove Apple Fest in the first few days of October each year.
The festival includes events like apple harvesting, apple cider pressing, apple pie eating competitions, and more to celebrate the fall season and all things apple.
A wide range of live music performances, arts and crafts booths, and food vendors selling items with an apple theme, such as apple cider doughnuts, apple fritters, and caramel apples, are all included in the event.
The event is held in the lovely downtown Long Grove neighborhood with historical buildings, eateries, and other attractions.
Furthermore, Long Grove Apple Fest is free to attend.
However, some events and attractions have fees, so prepare a budget upon participating in the Long Grove Apple Fest to enjoy the festival to the fullest!
Address: 11 miles from Lake County Long Grove, IL – 308 Old McHenry Rd.
4. Mundelein Arts Festival (Visual Arts Celebration)
Greetings to the art-crazy pals out there!
The Mundelein Arts Festival is about to wow your eyes and keep you engaged!
This annual two-day celebration, the Mundelein Arts Festival, is held in Mundelein, Illinois, in late September.
So if you yet have a plan for September, write this festival on your must-go list!
This festival honors the arts, concentrating on visual arts such as mixed media, painting, sculpture, and photography.
Over 100 artists from all over the nation exhibit and sell their work during the festival in various genres.
The event has live music performances, food vendors, kid-friendly activities, and artwork.
It is held at Mundelein’s Kracklauer Park, a stunning green place.
Furthermore, the Mundelein Arts Festival is open to the public for free, and there is lots of free parking nearby.
Address: 00 N. Seymour Ave
Also see our article on Attractions in Illinois.
Festivals in Chicago, Illinois
1. Chicago Blues Festival (Blues Music Celebration)
Are you missing the Blues music craze gradually fading in today’s more modern song preferences?
Fret no more as Chicago Blues Festival comes to your aid in keeping the love for Blues music alive!
The blues music genre is celebrated yearly during the Chicago Blues Festival.
Early June is usually when the festival occurs in Chicago’s Millennium Park and Grant Park.
Over 500,000 blues aficionados attend one of the biggest free blues festivals in the world each year.
The event includes a family activity area, food vendors, arts and crafts stalls, and local and worldwide blues musicians.
In addition, the festival started as the Chicago Blues Festival in 1984 and has developed into a well-known occasion.
Former festival performers Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, and Bonnie Raitt are just a few examples.
Address: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
2. Chicago Jazz Festival (Jazz Music Extravaganza)
For those who adored Jazz music better than any, there is also a perfect festival for you and others who share the same love for this genre!
The jazz music genre is honored yearly during the Chicago Jazz Festival.
This event usually occurs during Labor Day weekend in Chicago’s Millennium Park and Grant Park.
Over 500,000 jazz aficionados attend one of the biggest free jazz festivals in the world each year.
The event features a family activity area, food sellers, arts and crafts stalls, and Jazz musicians from domestic and foreign countries.
Furthermore, the festival started as the Chicago Jazz Festival in 1979 and has developed into a well-known occasion.
Past festival performers Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, and Ella Fitzgerald are just a few examples.
Address: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
3. Lollapalooza (Music Festival Fun)
Still craving a fun music-related festival?
Lollapalooza has your back!
This annual music festival is held at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois.
The four-day celebration usually occurs in the first week of August.
Rock, hip-hop, electronic, and other musical genres are all represented during Lollapalooza.
The Killers, Foo Fighters, Post Malone, Tyler, The Creator, and Billie Eilish are just a few of the artists that have previously performed at Lollapalooza.
In addition to music, Lollapalooza has food stands, artisan stalls, and a space for children to play.
Since its debut in 1991, Lollapalooza has grown to be one of the biggest music festivals in the world.
Over 100,000 people attend the event daily, and a vast worldwide audience watches it online and on social media.
Address: Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
4. Chicago Air and Water Show (Aerial Spectacle)
Dive into the enjoyable realm of water and air as you attend the entertaining Chicago Air and Water Show!
Annually, the Chicago Air and Water Show is held at North Avenue Beach in Chicago, Illinois.
Their two-day event usually takes place in the middle of August.
Military and commercial aircraft participated throughout the event, including stunt planes, fighter jets, and helicopters.
You better bring your camera and record this!
The U.S. performs demonstrations as part of the performance. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. parachute team for the Army.
Since its inception in 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show has become one of the country’s most prominent free-air displays.
More than two million people attend the event annually, and an extensive worldwide audience watches via live streams and social media.
Address: North Avenue Beach, 1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60613
Also see our article on Movies Filmed in Illinois.
Festivals in Geneva, Illinois
1. Geneva Arts Fair (Artistic Showcase)
This annual outdoor art event, the Geneva Arts Fair, occurs in Geneva, Illinois.
Over 140 artists from throughout the nation exhibit their work during the festival, including various genres like painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and more.
The Geneva Chamber of Commerce hosts the Geneva Arts Fair; everyone is welcome to attend.
Additionally, the event offers children’s activities, food vendors, and live music.
It usually lasts two days in July and is called the Geneva Arts Fair.
Numerous honors have been given to the Geneva Arts Fair, including being ranked among the “Top 100 Art Fairs in the Country” by Sunshine Artist magazine.
So what are you waiting for?
See the reasons for its ranking yourself and enjoy the fun interactions with the other attendees as well!
Address: 100 S 3rd St, Geneva, IL 60134
2. Geneva Concours d’Elegance (Historic Vehicle Showcase)
Participate in this festival where vehicles and history meet!
This historic vehicle exhibition is held annually in Geneva, Illinois.
Their program highlights vintage and historic cars worldwide and other uncommon and exotic vehicles.
The Geneva Concours Foundation hosts the event, which is open to the public and free to attend.
Live music, food vendors, and other entertainment are also included in the presentation.
The one-day Geneva Concours d’Elegance usually takes place in August.
One of the most well-liked events in Geneva, the exhibition draws thousands of guests each year.
An experienced team judges the Geneva Concours d’Elegance, and prizes are presented in Best of Show, People’s Choice, and more categories.
Plan that trip to the festival now, and look forward to witnessing the excellent exhibitions yourself!
Address: Third and State Streets, Geneva, IL 60134
3. Geneva Swedish Days (Swedish Cultural Celebration)
Geneva, Illinois, hosts an annual celebration called Geneva Swedish Days to honor its Swedish ancestry.
The festival’s operation includes a carnival, live music, a parade, a craft fair, and other events and activities, ensuring no dullness will diminish the joy of the attendees.
In addition, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce hosts Geneva Swedish Days, and most activities are free to attend.
The event lasts for five days and usually occurs in June.
Also, to add a bit of background, the celebration of the summer solstice, known as Midsommar in Sweden, is the source of the festival’s name.
With that, the festival also features a range of Swedish-themed activities, including a smorgasbord meal, a Viking reenactment, and a typical Swedish pancake breakfast.
Free your schedule, and don’t waste this festival’s free activities!
Address: 100 S 3rd St, Geneva, IL 60134
4. Geneva Film Festival (Independent Film Showcase)
Do you have the heart and appreciation for movies and are eager to watch more compelling selections?
If so, this festival is recommended for you!
An annual event, the Geneva Film Festival presents independent movies worldwide.
The festival offers a range of movie screenings along with seminars, discussions, and other filmmaking-related activities.
In addition, the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission oversees the organization of the Geneva Film Festival, and most activities are free to attend.
The event lasts for three days and usually occurs in March.
Filmmakers, movie buffs, and business people from all over the world attend the festival.
A variety of genres are represented in the films screened during the festival, including drama, comedy, documentary, and animation.
Filmmakers competing in the “48 Hour Film Project” competition have just two days to create, shoot, and edit a short film as part of the festival.
Address: 1111 S. Randall Road, Geneva, IL 60134
Also see our article on Night Clubs in Illinois.
Festivals in Rockford, Illinois
1. Rockford City Market (Weekly Night Market)
Are you a night owl searching for a worthy place you’ll deem a regular hideout?
If you are, you must try the lively night land of the Rockford City Market!
Every Friday night from May through September, the Rockford City Market, a weekly event, takes place in the heart of Rockford, Illinois.
Over 70 merchants sell a range of products at the market, including fresh vegetables, handcrafted crafts, baked delicacies, and more.
The market has live music, food trucks, a kid-friendly environment, and retail shopping.
Cooking Light magazine recognized the Rockford City Market as one of the top farmer’s markets in the nation, among many other honors.
Furthermore, the public is welcome to the market, which is open for free and is situated at 100 Water Street in downtown Rockford.
Address: 100 Water St, Rockford, IL 61107
2. Artisan Fair (Handcrafted Delights)
The Rockford Artisan Fair takes place every year in Rockford, Illinois.
A wide range of handcrafted items, including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, and more, are displayed during the fair, offering you an excellent selection of products to rummage.
Visitors to the Artisan Fair can peruse the vendor booths and buy remarkable things.
Additionally, there are food booths, live music, and other family-friendly activities during the fair.
The Rockford Area Arts Council organizes the Artisan Fair, typically held in the summer or the fall.
And the good news is the fair is free to attend and accessible to everyone.
The Artisan Fair also allows attendees to support and enjoy the arts in their community while celebrating the inventiveness and ability of regional artists.
Wait no longer and unleash your artsy side!
Address: Tuscan Hills Winery, 2200 Historic Hills Dr, Effingham, IL 62401
3. Rockford Ice Festival (Winter Ice Celebration)
The winter season is chilly enough, don’t let your days be even colder without joy and celebration!
Join the Rockford Ice Festival and invest in some fun ice action!
The Rockford Ice Festival is a yearly winter celebration that usually takes place in January or February in the heart of Rockford, Illinois.
Several ice sculptures and ice-related activities, such as an ice slide, ice skating, and ice carving demonstrations, are included at the event.
Live music, food vendors, and other family-friendly activities are also featured.
Rockford Ice Festival is put on by the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and is free and open to the public.
The professional ice carvers’ intricate and impressive sculptures are the festival’s main attraction, drawing crowds from far and wide.
Address: 1101 W Jefferson St, Rockford, IL 61103
4. Rockford Greek Fest (Greek Cultural Celebration)
This festival is perfect for you if you have a passion for Greek culture.
An annual cultural celebration called the Rockford Greek Fest occurs in the beautiful land of Rockford, Illinois.
The event honors Greek culture and customs with cuisine, music, and dancing as the primary draws.
Gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita, and baklava are just a few of the typical Greek dishes available to attendees of the Rockford Greek Fest.
Live music and dancing are also featured at the festival, along with appearances from Greek musicians and dance groups.
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Rockford hosts the annual Rockford Greek Fest, free and open to the public and usually takes place in August.
Although there is no admission fee, there is a fee for food and beverages.
Address: Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 N 5th St, Rockford, IL 61107
Also see our article on Pumpkin Patches in Illinois.
Festivals in Effingham, Illinois
1. Effingham Artisan Fair (Art Lover’s Paradise)
Annually, the Effingham Artisan Fair takes place in Effingham, Illinois.
This event is perfect for the art-loving locals of Effingham.
A wide range of handcrafted items, including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, and more, are displayed during the fair.
Visitors to the Artisan Fair can peruse the vendor booths and unique products and souvenirs you can choose from.
Additionally, there are food booths, live music, and other family-friendly activities during the fair.
The Effingham Art Guild organizes the Effingham Artisan Fair, typically held in the summer or the fall.
In addition, the fair is free to attend and accessible to everyone.
The Effingham Artisan Fair also allows visitors to support and enjoy the arts in their town while celebrating the inventiveness and ability of regional artisans.
Address: Effingham Performance Center, 1325 Outer Belt W, Effingham, IL 62401
2. Effingham County Fair (Agricultural Celebration)
Have a blast at the interesting Effingham County Fair!
Various agricultural and animal exhibits, carnival games, live entertainment, food stands, and other family-friendly activities are available during the fair.
The fair also offers a variety of animal events and performances, including horse, cow, and poultry displays.
This event will surely keep you awake and entertained!
A demolition derby, tractor pulls, and other thrilling activities are included during the event.
Furthermore, t Effingham County Fair Association oversees the event’s organization, generally held in the summer.
The fair’s admission prices vary based on the day and the events, although they are often reasonable for families.
Additionally, Effingham County Fair honors the county’s agricultural history and sense of community.
So if you are into those, you should visit this local fair!
Address: Effingham County Fairgrounds, 722 E Cumberland Rd, Altamont, IL 62411
3. Effingham Wine Festival (Wine-Tasting Extravaganza)
Prepare your taste buds for a delightful wine-tasting session at this festival!
This yearly celebration, the Effingham Wine Festival, offers cuisine, live music, and wines from Illinois vineyards.
Wine samples are available, and guests can buy bottles to take home.
Usually, in June or July, throughout the summer, the celebration is hosted.
The gathering occurs at the Tuscan Hills Winery in Effingham, 2200 Historic Hills Drive.
Usually, the celebration lasts two days on a Friday and a Saturday.
Purchases of festival tickets can be made in advance or at the door.
Live music and local artisans are just two entertainment options available during the event.
The event frequently draws a sizable audience; therefore attendees are advised to get tickets in advance to avoid standing in line.
Address: Tuscan Hills Winery, 2200 Historic Hills Dr, Effingham, IL 62401
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