20 IL Festivals Worth Checking Out This Year

Summer is here and there's a lot going on. A lot. And summertime in Illinois affords you an opportunity to break out of your comfort zone. Why not make a trip to a community festival or event that you have never been before? Here at Patch, we canvassed an Illinois travel website and found 20 events that we think are fun and exciting. Some of the events you've probably heard of, others maybe not. At any rate, if you want to check out more, please visit the Events In Illinois website here.

NAPERVILLE RIBFEST

July 4-July 7, 812 South West St.

"Rib vendors from around the country will compete for the best tasting ribs and sauce awards, so come on out for some of the best BBQ you will ever taste! Navistar Main Stage to include performances by Stray Cats, Melissa Etheridge, Pitbull, Jake Owen, Steven Tyler and more!"

TASTE OF CHICAGO

July 11-July 15, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Jackson Boulevard and Columbus Drive, Chicago

"Taste of Chicago is the nation's premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community. Every summer since 1980, Chicago's beautiful Grant Park on the city's magnificent lakefront has been home to the world's largest food festival."

YORKVILLE'S RIVER FEST

July 13-14, 5 to 10 p.m.

131 Hydraulic Street, Yorkville

"Enjoy two days of whitewater adventure as the Illinois Whitewater Festival joins up with Yorkville River Fest to put the Midwest's best paddlers to the test at the Marge Cline Whitewater Course in downtown Yorkville, Illinois. Live entertainment at Bicentennial Riverfront Park features the best local and regional country music acts."

DOWNTOWN TINLEY PARK BLOCK PARTY: 80s Life Amplified

JULY 15, noon to 7 p.m.

Along Oak Park Avenue from 171st Street to Hickory Street

"This year’s annual block party is celebrating the 80’s."

90th ANNUAL LAKE COUNTY FAIR

July 25-29, 1060 East Peterson Road, Grayslake

"Events at the fair include live entertainment, food vendors, carnival rides and games, live animals, motocrossing, banana derby, demolition derby, flower show, expo hall and so much more."

LOLLAPALLOOZA

AUG. 2-5, Columbus Drive & Congress Pkwy, Chicago

"Each year, some of the top names in alternative, hip hop, punk and pop join more than 100 bands and musicians in Grant Park to bring you one loud, heart-stopping event."

FESTA ITALIANA

AUG. 2-5, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford

"Festa Italiana is celebrating its 40th anniversary! Everyone who passes through the gates at Festa Italiana is an 'Honorary Italian.' Bring your family for great Italian food and pastries, continuous entertainment, Italian cultural exhibits, souvenirs, bocce tournaments, carnival rides, children's crafts and much more."

ART AT THE GLEN

August 4

1960 Tower Drive, Glenview

"Rated as one of the top 30 shows in the United States by Sunshine Artist Magazine, Art at the Glen will line the streets showcasing the work of 185-juried artists from across the country in a variety of mediums, including paintings, photography, ceramics, furniture and jewelry."

WHEATON BREW FEST

August 4, 208 West Union Avenue, Wheaton

"Wheaton, Illinois’ annual outdoor craft beer fest takes place in Memorial Park, features unique brews, live entertainment, and food from some of Wheaton’s favorite restaurants."

WIZARDING WORLD OF WOODTSTOCK

August 9, 4 to 9 p.m.

121 West Van Buren Street, Woodstock

"The smash-hit event of 2017 is back by popular demand! The Woodstock Square will once again transform into a world of enchantment with fun for all ages! Find the perfect wand, as well as other accessories no witch or wizard should be without."

ILLINOIS STATE FAIR

August 9-19

801 E. Sangamon Avenue, Springfield

"Enjoy 10 days of thrills and excitement at this family-friendly fair featuring world renowned concert artists, food, carnival rides, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, contests, educational displays, free entertainment, harness racing, auto racing and much more."

BLUES BREWS & BBQ

August 17-19, Petersen Park Road, McHenry

"McHenry Rotary proudly presents a fun-filled, three day Blues Festival at McHenry's Petersen Park located on scenic McCullom Lake."

CHICAGO AIR AND WATER SHOW

August 18-19

North Avenue east of Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

"This summertime favorite brings approximately two million people to the lakefront each year to witness the many feats that will be attempted and performed both in water and air."

WILL COUNTY FAIR

Aug. 22-26, 710 South West Street, Peotone

"Since 1908, features fun for the entire family including children's activities, entertainment, music, rides, commercial vendors, agricultural exhibits, plus a wide variety of food and attractions."

CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL

Aug. 30-Sept. 2, Between Michigan Ave, Columbus Dr and Randolph

"Since 1979, the festival's mission is to showcase Chicago's vast jazz talent alongside national and international artists to encourage and educate a jazz audience of all ages."

12th ANNUAL GALENA OKTOBERFEST

September 22, Depot Park, Galena

"Enjoy wiener dog races, polka dancing and lessons, German-style food and beverages, bounce house and games for the kids."

GRUNDY COUNTY CORN FESTIVAL

Sept. 26-30, Morris, 8890 Route 47,

"The theme of this year's fest is 'Harvesting memories for 70 years.' This is an event you won't want to miss!"

NIGHTMARE ON CHICAGO STREET

October 20

176 E. Chicago Street, Elgin

"The Apocalypse is upon us! The safe zones at Nightmare on Chicago Street will be your only hope to survive the UnDead again this year. Join in the fun as Downtown Elgin is turned into the Halloween hot spot with live performances, food and lots of zombie themed fun!"

SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

October 24-28

133 West State Street, Sycamore, IL

"2018 is the 57th Annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. The festival begins with over 1,000 entries in the Lions Decorated Pumpkin Display, 2 carnivals, 2 large indoor craft shows, historic home tours, many non-profit vendors, Pumpkin Run 10K and more all culminating with an hour and a half long parade on Sunday."

MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL

November 17, Chicago

"The stretch of Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Oak Street, known as The Magnificent Mile, turns into a winter wonderland every holiday season."

Main file image via Naperville Patch, all information used in this report via the website enjoyillinois.com