Bristol Renaissance Faire

Now through July  31 (weekends) / YORKVILLE AREA – While technically located just over the Wisconsin border near Illinois, this renowned Renaissance experience attracts thousands of Illinois visitors each summer. The festival features jousting tournaments, artisan demonstrations, period entertainment, and themed food experiences. Many northern Illinois travelers make it a summer tradition due to its close proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area. For more information, visit https://renfair.com/bristol

McLean County Fair

July 25-26 / BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Fairgrounds – Admission varies by event. One of central Illinois’ premier agricultural celebrations features livestock competitions, carnival rides, concerts, motorsports, exhibits, and family entertainment. Visitors can experience authentic Midwestern fair traditions while exploring Bloomington-Normal’s historic districts, museums, and Route 66 attractions. The fair remains a treasured summer tradition for residents and travelers alike. For more information, visit https://mcleancountyfair.org

Lincolnwood Fest

July 25-26 / LINCOLNWOOD – Proesel Park – Admission is free. This popular suburban festival attracts thousands of visitors with live music, carnival rides, family activities, food vendors, and a festive community atmosphere. Located just north of Chicago, the event provides a classic summer festival experience with entertainment for all ages. Visitors can also explore nearby Chicago attractions and Lake Michigan destinations. For more information, visit https://www.lincolnwoodil.org/427/Lincolnwood-Fest-2026

Wicker Park Fest

July 25–26 / CHICAGO – Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park – Suggested donation admission. One of Chicago’s most anticipated neighborhood festivals features nationally acclaimed musicians, local bands, food vendors, arts and crafts, and street performances. Visitors can explore one of Chicago’s trendiest neighborhoods while enjoying live music, boutique shopping, and an exceptional culinary scene. The festival perfectly captures the city’s creative energy and cultural diversity. For more information, visit https://www.wickerparkbucktown.com/wicker-park-fest

Illinois Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet

July 25 / SPRINGFIELD – President Abraham Lincoln Doubletree Hotel – Admission by ticket purchase. Sports fans can celebrate Illinois athletic history during this prestigious annual event honoring the state’s legendary athletes, coaches, and contributors. Visitors can combine the experience with tours of Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln sites, museums, and historic attractions. The event highlights the rich sporting heritage of the Prairie State. For more information, visit https://visitspringfieldillinois.com/Events

Chinatown Summer Fair

July 25–26 / CHICAGO – Chicago Chinatown – Admission is free. This colorful street festival celebrates Chinese culture through lion dances, live performances, traditional foods, arts demonstrations, and family activities. Visitors can explore one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods while enjoying authentic cuisine and cultural experiences. The event provides an immersive celebration of heritage and community. For more information, visit https://www.ccc-foundation.org/chinatown-summer-fair

Chicago Summer Tequila Tasting Festival

July 25 / CHICAGO – The Boss Bar – Event begins at approximately 2:30 p.m.; admission varies. Tequila enthusiasts can sample a wide variety of premium tequilas and spirits while enjoying educational presentations and social experiences in downtown Chicago. The event offers visitors an opportunity to explore the city’s nightlife, dining scene, and summer atmosphere. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/popular-event-chicago-summer-tequila-tasting-festival-july-25-tickets-1974929469206

Lake County Fair

July 29–August 2 | GRAYSLAKE – One of northern Illinois’ largest county fairs features carnival rides, livestock exhibits, agricultural competitions, grandstand entertainment, family activities, delicious fair food, and nightly events for all ages. For more information, visit https://lcfair.com.

Kankakee County Fair

July 29–August 2 | KANKAKEE – Experience one of Illinois’ oldest county fairs with livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, carnival rides, motorsports, live entertainment, agricultural displays, and family-friendly attractions celebrating the region’s farming heritage. For more information, visit https://kankakeecountyfair.org.

Adams County Fair

July 29–August 2 | MENDON – This long-running county fair showcases agricultural traditions with livestock competitions, exhibits, carnival attractions, motorsports, live music, and entertainment for visitors of all ages. For more information, visit https://adamsfair.org.

Jo Daviess County Fair

July 30–August 2 | WARREN – Enjoy several days of carnival rides, livestock judging, tractor pulls, local entertainment, youth exhibits, delicious food, and family fun at one of northwestern Illinois’ favorite summer traditions. For more information, visit https://www.jodaviesscountyfair.org.

Kendall County Fair

July 30–August 2 | YORKVILLE – Celebrate Kendall County’s agricultural heritage with livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, family activities, grandstand entertainment, local food vendors, and competitions that have entertained visitors for generations. For more information, visit https://www.kendallcountyfairgrounds.org.

Lollapalooza

July 30–August 2 | CHICAGO – One of the world’s premier music festivals transforms Chicago’s Grant Park into a four-day celebration featuring more than 170 artists performing across multiple stages, outstanding food, art installations, and spectacular views of the city’s skyline. For more information, visit https://www.lollapalooza.com.

Illinois State Fair

August 13–23 | SPRINGFIELD – One of the nation’s premier state fairs features headline entertainment, championship livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, delicious fair food, horse shows, motorsports, family attractions, and countless traditions that celebrate Illinois agriculture and culture. For more information, visit https://statefair.illinois.gov.

Chicago Air & Water Show

August 15–16 | CHICAGO – Watch military and civilian aircraft perform breathtaking aerial demonstrations while spectacular watercraft exhibitions entertain thousands of spectators along Chicago’s beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. This free event remains one of the city’s signature summer traditions. For more information, visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_air_andwatershow.html.

Peoria Irish Fest

August 28–30 | PEORIA – Celebrate Irish culture with traditional music, dance performances, Celtic entertainment, authentic food, cultural exhibits, family activities, and nationally recognized performers along the Peoria riverfront. For more information, visit https://www.peoriairishfest.com.

DeKalb Corn Fest

August 28–30 | DEKALB – This popular community festival celebrates northern Illinois’ rich agricultural heritage with live concerts, carnival rides, a parade, food vendors, family entertainment, and activities centered around the region’s famous corn industry. For more information, visit https://cornfest.com.

Du Quoin State Fair

Now through September 7 | DU QUOIN – Southern Illinois’ premier state fair offers nationally known entertainment, livestock competitions, horse shows, carnival rides, motorsports, agricultural exhibits, family attractions, and one of the region’s largest annual celebrations. For more information, visit https://dsf.illinois.gov.

Taste of Greektown

August 28–30 | CHICAGO – Experience authentic Greek cuisine, live music, traditional dancing, cultural performances, and family-friendly entertainment during one of Chicago’s most popular neighborhood festivals celebrating Greek heritage and hospitality. For more information, visit https://www.greektownchicago.org.