Beautiful fall colors and the holiday lights of winter offer dramatic backdrops to festivals throughout Illinois. See for yourself during a road trip to the International Route 66 Festival or while enjoying a wine tasting at the Vintage Illinois Wine festival. Or discover how Chicago celebrates Halloween city-wide. And don’t forget the internationally acclaimed Magnificent Mile® Lights Festival on Michigan Avenue.

Chicago Celtic Festival - This festival showcases local, national and international performers as well as artisans displaying and selling unique, handmade jewellery, sweaters, ceramics, glass, painting and more.

Vintage Illinois Wine Festival - Starved Rock in Utica is home to this great two-day wine tasting event that features over 25 wineries from around the state.

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.

Oktoberfest Chicago - A dash of traditional German music mixes with a strong dose of popular music and some great German food at this annual event.

Bank of America 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. 

Franken Plaza - Chicagoween - Celebrate Halloween city-wide during the month of October at museums, Navy Pier, the Chicago Cultural Center and other organizations. Visit Pumpkin (Daley) Plaza for the Haunted Village, pumpkin decorating, spooky storytellers, a farmers’ market and performances by Midnight Circus, including acts of high-flying feats.

Magnificent Mile® Lights Festival - Each November, the Magnificent Mile becomes a magical winter wonderland in the city’s official start to the festive season.

McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade - Families line the streets to marvel at spectacular floats and balloons, and to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself.

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.