Warmer weather has a way of turning everyone’s attention back to the great outdoors. And Illinois is no exception, thanks to seasonal festivals and fairs throughout the state. Visit the Illinois State Fair. Enjoy music under the stars at Ravinia Festival. Or immerse yourself in one of Chicago’s many diverse festivals, ranging from Blues Festival or Jazz Festival to the Taste of Chicago and Gold Coast Art Fair.

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.

Long Grove Chocolate Festival - The business district, home to 80 shops and restaurants including the well-known Long Grove Confectionery, becomes a chocolate lover’s paradise during this annual festival that celebrates the beginning of the Long Grove outdoor special events season.

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.

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.

Blues Festival - This four-day annual event brings more than 70 performers to six stages in Grant Park each June.

Printer's Row Book Fair - The Midwest's largest collaborative gathering of authors, readers, booksellers, poets and literature.

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 65 Chicago restaurants.

Venetian Night - This parade of decorated boats is set to music and is the perfect way to enjoy the city's lakefront.  The parade ends with a spectacular fireworks display.

Illinois State Fair - Just 3 hours south of Chicago in the state capital of Springfield, explore 366 acres of exhibits, Illinois artisans, top-notch live music and don't forget to visit the famous Butter Cow!

Gold Coast Art Fair - 300 artists and thousands of art lovers from around the world convene in the beautiful Gold Coast neighbourhood.

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.