Illinois Summer Festivals
If you’re looking for some summer vacation destination ideas, consider taking a road trip to one of these Illinois summer festivals.
**COVID-19 may have impacted some or all of these festivals. Please review the individual festival’s websites for the most up-to-date info.**
July 4-7, 2020
Crystal Lake, IL
Celebrate 41 years of the Lakeside Festival on July 2-5, 2020. The festivities will include a parade, thrilling carnival rides, midway games, beer and wines, scrumptious food, fireworks, kids activities and more! This fest is open to the whole family and those 18+ can sign up for the Baggo tournament.
July 8-12, 2020
Chicago, IL
Check out Chicago's diverse dining scene at the Taste of Chicago. Held every summer since 1980, this event is regarded as one of the nation's premier free-admission food festivals. This fest includes cooking demonstrations, music concerts, art activations and family fun.
July 18, 2020
Chicago, IL
Voted #1 Best Cultural Festival by USA TODAY, the Water Lantern Festival is coming to Chicago on July 18, 2020. This fest is a floating lantern event consisting of food, games, activities, vendors, music and the beauty of thousands of lanterns reflected upon the water. Tickets are required for this magical event and kids under seven are free (but need to register for a ticket for entry).
August 1-2, 2020
South Elgin, IL
Dress up and join the fun at the 16th annual World of Faeries Festival in South Elgin. This all-weekend event is themed "Wizards, Willows, and Oaks" this year and features music, family fun and an artisan handcrafted village. Admission is cash only and is $15 for general admission, $8 for seniors (65+) and free for children 12 and under.
August 15, 2020
Rock Island, IL
Experience the largest paddlesport festival on the nation's greatest river, the mighty Mississippi! Help set a new world record for the Largest Raft of Canoes/Kayaks while having fun paddling along the Mississippi River with people from the U.S. and Canada. Must register online to participate and to select a launch point.
August 21-23, 2020
Chillicothe, IL
Although usually held every Memorial Day Weekend, this midwest festival hosts a variety of performances on multiple stages over three days. Since 2001, Summer Camp has transformed the grounds annually, welcoming in more fans, more fun and way more music. General admission tickets and VIP passes are available for purchase.