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All year long, Illinois brings the party out into the streets. Every season there is something new and exciting to celebrate. Top festivals and events attract locals and visitors to enjoy performances and exhibitions all year round. Ravinia Festival - This wonderful 3-month festival hosts more than 100 world-class events, spanning musical genres from classical to pop, at its beautiful outdoor venue in Highland Park. Great Chicago Places and Spaces - This special event showcases Chicago's successes in urban design, architecture, landscape and environmental planning and includes specially created tours to experience some of Chicago's hidden architectural gems. Gospel Music Festival - Grant Park comes alive with soul-stirring gospel performances by leading acts from around the U.S. Printer’s Row Book Fair - The Midwest's largest collaborative gathering of authors, readers, booksellers, poets and literature. Gold Coast Art Fair - 350 artists and thousands of art lovers from around the world convene in the beautiful Gold Coast neighbourhood. Blues Festival - This four-day annual event brings more than 70 performers to six stages in Grant Park each June. Old Town Art Fair - Among the most prestigious of America's art fairs and one of the nation's oldest. Taste of Chicago - A food fair like you’ve never seen. Amazing food in sample size portions from more than 70 Chicago restaurants. Venetian Night - This parade of themed-decorated boats set to music, is the perfect way to enjoy the city's lakefront and ends with a spectacular fireworks display. Illinois State Fair - Just 3 hours south of Chicago in the state capitol of Springfield, explore 366 acres of exhibits, Illinois artisans, top notch live music and don't forget to visit the famous Butter Cow! Air & Water Show - Head to the beach and see thrilling performances by some of the most skilled civilian and military pilots in the world. On the Waterfront - Just 90 minutes north of Chicago in Rockford, Illinois' largest music festival spans 30 blocks and features more than 246 hours of music on 7 stages; Plus food booths, the Urban Marketplace to buy treasures from around the world, and spectacular fireworks every night! Jazz Festival - A swinging Labour Day tradition. The sweet sounds of jazz fill Grant Park every September. Chicago Celtic Festival - This festival showcases local, national and international performers as well as artisans displaying and selling unique, hand-made jewelry, sweaters, ceramics, glass, painting and more. International Route 66 Festival - Held during the last weekend of every September, the festival features a world-class classic car show, 50's and 60's music, great food, celebrities, workshops and more. Chicago Marathon - One million spectators will line the 26.2-mile course in October, cheering on the runners to help them accomplish a personal dream. State Street Thanksgiving Parade - Families line the streets to marvel at spectacular floats and balloons, and to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself. Magnificent Mile® Lights Festival - Each November, the Magnificent Mile becomes a magical winter wonderland in the city’s official start to the festive season. Christkindlmarket - Festive ornaments, wooden toys, nutcrackers and glassware from Germany and other parts of Europe are sold from charming timber cabins and tents in Daley Plaza. Chicago Boat, RV and Outdoors Show - Get ready for summer at this show featuring 900 boats, 200 recreational vehicles and other temptations for the outdoor enthusiast. Chicago Auto Show - From the newest production models to futuristic concept cars, this spectacular show is an auto buff’s dream. Chicago Flower and Garden Show - A showcase of beautiful and magical displays featuring gardening, demonstrations, tablescapes, family and children’s activities and entertainment. St. Patrick’s Day - They say everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, and the city hosts a giant parade to celebrate. |
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