July 1 – July 31
28th Annual Midwest Heritage Quilt Show
Vermilion County Museum, 116 N. Gilbert, Danville
Anyone desiring to enter can bring a maximum of two articles to the Museum.  Items entered last year are not eligible.  $3.00 per item (no critique); $6.00 per item (with critique).
217-442-2922 or 800-383-4386
www.vermilioncountymuseum.org

July 3
8th Annual 5K  Freedom Fun Run/Walk
Lake Lou Yaeger, Picnic Area #3, Litchfield
5K Run/Walk through scenic landscape of Lake Lou Yaeger.  Open to all ages.  $25 awarded to overall male and female race winners. First, second, and third place ribbons awarded to male and female age division race winners.
217-324-8147 or 866-733-5833
www.cityofLitchfieldil.com

July 3 – July 4
Capital City Celebration
2nd & Capitol Streets, Springfield
Music, food and drinks Saturday until midnight.  Sunday at noon enjoy family fun and entertainment.  Fireworks at dusk on Sunday.
217-553-2082
www.springfieldjaycees.org

July 3
Dog-O-Rama
Coon Creek Recreation Area, Lake Shelbyville
Lake Shelbyville’s dog show. Prizes awarded for longest tail, shortest legs, smallest & biggest dog and more.
www.lakeshelbyville.com

July 3
Fireworks Train
Monticello Railway Museum, 200 Railroad St, Monticello
Ride the train from downtown Monticello to museum site to view the aerial fireworks.  Food tent.  Reservations required.
217-762-9011 or 877-762-9011
www.MRYM.org

July 3
Shriner’s 4th of July Celebration
Casey Fairview Park, Casey
Morning parade, food, fish fry, auction, vendors and evening fireworks.
217-932-2598

July 4
Freedom Celebration
Throughout the town of Bement
Parade, bingo, Community Band Concert, games, DJ, food and fireworks.
217-678-2881
www.bement.com

July 4
Casey Corner Car Show
Corner of Rt. 49 & Rt. 40, Casey
Car show (many classes) and plenty of food vendors.
217-932-3007

July 4 – July 5
Clinton’s 4th of July Fireworks
Ryan’s Farm (near Sunset Inn & Suites), 1101 US 51 Bypass, Clinton
Firework display begins at 8:30pm.  Rain date is Monday, July 5th.
217-935-8525 or 866-4-Dewiitt
www.clintonilchamber.com

July 4
Independence Day Celebration
New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg
Come join the residents of New Salem and celebrate the birth of our nation with period music, games, speeches and hymns.  Bring a blanket and experience an 1830’s style of family fun.
217-632-4000
www.lincolnsnewsalem.com

July 4
July 4th Celebration
8 E Strain St, Sullivan
Huge parade starting at noon; carnival from noon to evening; fireworks at dusk
217-728-2684
www.sullivanchamber.com

July 3- July 4
Lakeside Music and Arts Festival
Nelson Park alongside Lake Decatur, Decatur.
Spotlights the best in art, music and culinary delights. Eclectic mix of live music, children’s activities and interactive displays surround artisans from all over the state.
866-422-6628
www.experiencedecatur.com

July 4 – July 10 
Ford County Fair
Fairgrounds, Melvin. 
217-388-2815
www.fordcountyfair.org

July 11 – July 17 
Mo-Do County Fair
Jurgens Park, Arthur. 
217-543-2242, 800-72AMISH

July 6 – July 10
Vermilion County Fair & Expo
Vermilion County Fairgrounds, 17520 North 1180 East Rd, Vermilion
217-260-8707 or 800-383-4386
www.vermilioncountyfair.com

July 18
Wine Tasting/Theatre Night
Hill Prairie Winery and New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg
Catch the trolley at New Salem and ride to the winery in Oakford for wine-tasting and tour.  Ride the trolley back to New Salem for the preshow of the “Light in the Piazza” at Theatre in the Park.
217-306-1832
www.visitmenardcounty.com

July 10
“An Evening in the Garden” Garden Walk
Monticello Area, Monticello
Tour 8 private gardens and enjoy refreshments at one of the gardens.
217-762-7921 or 800-952-3396
www.monticellochamber.org

July 10
The Troops are Coming
Bryant Cottage State Historic Site, 146 E Wilson, Bement
Various branches of U.S. military (Civil War) includes 1st person interpretation and demonstrations.
217-678-8184
www.bement.com

July 10
Taste of Downtown Springfield
Jefferson & Adams Street, Springfield.
A wide variety of cuisine from more than 25 downtown restaurants that range from hotdogs, horseshoes & burgers to sushi, salmon, fried oysters and shrimp vesuvio.
217-544-1723
www.downtownspringfield.org

July 10
Touch-A-Truck
Chanute Air Museum, 1011 Pacesetter Drive, Rantoul
Designed for smaller children to get up close and personal with large trucks such as emergency vehicles, delivery service, public transportation, and aircraft.
217-893-1613 or 877-726-8685
www.aeromuseum.org

July 6 – July 11
Christian County Fair
217-824-3100
www.christiancountyfair.com

July 7 - July 18
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
The Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison, Sullivan.
A tuneful, offbeat, and smart musical.  Each night the witty cast challenges audience members to a bona fide spell-off. 
217-728-2065 or 728-7375
www.thelittletheatre.org

July 10 – July 11
BBQ Festival
Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford
Come enjoy music under the pavilion – it’s Bluegrass on Sunday with four bands and two Blues groups on Monday.  Bring a lawn chair.
217-635-9900
www.hillprairiewinery.com

July 10-11
Taste of Summer and Antique Tractor Show
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historical Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
Explore the gardens at the Lincoln and Sargent Farms. Demonstrations include gardening methods, food preparation and an antique tractor show featuring Oliver tractors from the early 20th century.
217-345-1845
www.lincolnlogcabin.org 

July 10
Staunton Tour de Donut
Fireman’s Park, 901 E Montgomery St, Staunton. 
A 32 mile bicycle race similar to the Tour de France.  Free overnight camping at the city park on Friday night.
618-635-2233
www.bebikeclub.com

July 10
Ribfest
Downtown Staunton on Main Street
Rib cook off featuring music by Dogtown Allstars, The Five & Dimers, and Blue Magoo
618-635-2233
www.stauntonil.com

July 17
Aquafest Water Safety Carnival
Lake Shelbvyille Dam
Sand sculpture contest, prizes, games and water safety activities.
www.lakeshelbyville.com

July 10 – July 11
Sugar Creek Arts Festival
Uptown, Normal. 
The uptown streets are painted with artists and art lovers alike.  The combination of high quality art, live music, and great food is a can’t miss. 
309-829-0011
www.mcac.org/festivals.htm

July 10-11
Taste of Summer and Antique Tractor Show
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historical Site
Visitors will receive a guide booklet to help them explore the gardens at the Lincoln and Sargent Farms.  Costumed interepreters will demonstrate gardening methods and food preparation. An Antique Tractor Show featuring Oliver tractors from the early 20th century.
217-345-1845
www.lincolnlogcabin.org

July 11
Heritage Sunday
Bryant Cottage State Historic Site, 143 E. Wilson, Bement
First person interpretation, Blue Grass Music, and ice-cream social.
217-678-8184
www.bement.com

July 16 - July 17
Summer Bash II
Downtown Pontiac
Heritage Days-Beer Garden-Entertainment Area-Farmer’s Market-5K Run/2 mile walk-Sidewalk Sales-Kids Zone-Pie Baking Contest
815-844-6692
www.pontiacproud.org

Jul 17 & Aug 21
Pontiac Cruise Night
Downtown Pontiac Square, Pontiac
Classic cars roll into downtown Pontiac around the historic downtown square.
815-844-6692
www.pontiacproud.org

July 20 – July 25 
Menard County Fair
Menard County Fairgrounds, 18450 Fairgrounds, Petersburg
Enjoy the queen pageant, tractor pull, talent show, funnel cakes, cow and sheep shows and carnival rides.
217-632-3848
www.menardcountyfair.com

July 14 – July 19
Iroquois County Ag. and 4-H Club Fair
Fairgrounds, Crescent City.
815-457-2947
www.iroquoiscofair.com

July 16- July 17 
Chatham Sweet Corn Festival
Chatham Community Park, South Main Street, Chatham.  Illinois sweet corn & a cow chip throwing contest are the main events at this traditional Midwestern summer festival.  Food, drink and entertainment for all ages.
217-971-1155
www.chathamjaycees.net

July 16 – July 17 
Nothin’ but the Blues Festival
Tri- Lakes, 2100 South Bunn St., Bloomington
The two-day, open-air extravaganza has the biggest blues names in the country including Grammy and WC Handy award winners and nominees.
309-820-0099
www.nothinbutthebluesfestival.com

July 16 – July 17
Party in the Park
Downtown Litchfield. 
Festival including carnival, entertainment, Miss Chamber Pageant, craft/vendor booths.
217-324-2533
www.litchfield.il.us

July 16 – July 18 
Annual East Central Illinois Antique Farm Equipment Show
Coles County Fairgrounds, Charleston. 
All makes and models, restored or unrestored welcome. Garden tractor pull, threshing, kids’ tractor pull, parade, antique pull, music and more.
www.terrydalefarms.com/show

July 16
Sunset in Springfield Concert Series Featuring “Still Kick’n”
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum – Union Square Park
Still Kick’n offers original and cover music hits with a blend of new and modern country sound.

July 16- July 17 
4th Annual Orange Power of the Past
Allis Chalmers Museum, 9688 N 2200th St, Paris
Antique tractor show for Allis Chalmers Tractors and equipment. A working show with combining, baling and plowing.
217-275-3428
www.allischalmersmuseum.com

July 17 – July 24
Edgar County Fair
1104 N Main, Paris.
Fair 217-465-5379; Info 217-466-0905

July 19 – July 22 
Livingston County Fair
Fairgrounds on 4-H Park Rd, Pontiac. 
815-842-1776 
www.pontiac.org

July 19- July 22
Shelby County 4H & Junior Fair
Fairgrounds, N. Route 128, Shelbyville
217-774-9546
www.extension.uiuc.edu.shelby

July 19 - July 24 
Macoupin County Fair
Macoupin County Fairgrounds, 21460 Illinois Rt 4, Carlinville.
217-854-9422 
www.macoupincountyonline.net

July 20 – July 24
Farmer City/Dewitt County Fair
Route 150, Farmer City.
309-928-9110 or 217-736-2477

July 21 – August 1
“Annie”
The Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E Harrison, Sullivan
The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope.
217-728-7375 or 728-2065
www.thelittletheatre.org

July 21 - 23
Morrisonville Picnic
Morrisonville Park
Bands, food, carnival, frog jumping contest and more. 
217-526-3521

July 23 – July `26
Collings Foundation B-17
Rantoul Airport, 1011 Pacesetter Dr, Rantoul
Collings Foundation will fly in a B-17 for flights and static display
217-893-1613 or 877-726-8685
www.aeromuseum.org

July 23 – July 31
Champaign County Fair
Champaign County Fairgrounds, Coler & Fairview, Champaign. 
217-367-8461 
www.champaigncountyfair.cc/jos

July 23 – July 25
Mill Road Threshermen’s Assoc. Annual Steam, Gas & Threshing Show
Fairgrounds, Altamont.
Antique tractors & pull, threshing & bailing, gas engines, horse farming demonstration, lawnmower races on Saturday at 11:00am. 
618-483-5201, 217-536-6400

July 23 – July 24 
Findlay Walleye Festival
Findlay
Vendors, crafts, food, great entertainment, renowned Walleye fish fry.
217-756-8237

July 24
Walk-N-Wag
South Water Tower Park, 102 W. Sixth St, Staunton
2nd Annual Walk-N-Wag featuring Pet Photo Booth, Doggie Wash, Pet Photo Contest, Best Dressed Contest
618-604-4756
www.stauntonyouthcouncil.com

July 24 – July 31 
Crawford County Fair 
Fairgrounds, Oblong. 
618-592-4355
www.crawfordfair.com

July 24
Hammer In
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 400 S. Lincoln Highway, Lerna
Come see the blacksmiths in action and learn what it takes to forge functional and decorative items from iron and steel rods.
217-345-1845
www.lincolnlogcabin.org

July 25 – Aug 1 
Coles County Fair
Coles County Fairgrounds, 416 W. Madison Ave, Charleston. 
217-345-4526 or 217-345-2656 
www.colescountyfair.com

July 31
Lincoln’s Bloomington
Downtown Bloomington
The McLean County Museum of History, David Davis Mansion, and other sites will host Civil War re-enactors, craft demonstrations, children’s activities, musical performances, talks, and tours.
309-828-1084
www.mchistory.org

July 31 – Aug 7 
Effingham County Fair
Effingham County Fairgrounds, Altamont. 
217-342-4147, 217-342-5305
effinghamcountyfair.com/fair

BACK TO TOP