16 Incredible Illinois Festivals To Look Forward To In 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
There is so much to look forward to in the new year. The next 365 days are likely to go fast, so now is a good time to start planning for the months ahead, and you don’t want to miss these Illinois festivals in 2018.
Our great state has celebrations for just about everything. Each month brings yet another exciting event. Scroll on to discover all the fun:
This one-of-a-kind event in Lisle will wow and amaze children of all ages. Enjoy a two-tier model train set designed with skill and detail in mind. Whether you love trains or just can't get enough of miniatures, this is a festival you don't want to let pass you by.
In honor of the Native American traditions surrounding bald eagles and in celebration of their migration back to the state, the town of Quincy holds this unique festival. The event includes craft and food vendors, dancing, singing, and opportunities to watch eagles in their natural habitat.
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Locals will be allowed to enter this museum for free for one of the best 2018 festivals in the state. The museum is in Springfield, and visitors enjoy enactments from historical characters, live music, and much more.
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This Homewood event features a charity bake-off, baking demos, and a myriad of fresh baked goods for locals to try. The whole family will be amazed and will never want to leave this paradise of chocolate.
Find anything from glassware, china, postcards, rugs, quilts, jewelry, art, and much more at this one-of-a-kind market. Taking place only a few times each year, you'll find more than 70 vendors at this fabulous event.
While you'll find events like this all over the state, Murphysboro throws a celebration you certainly do not want to miss. Try green beer, classic corned beef and cabbage, as well as authentic arts, games, and more.
Filing up Main Street in Golconda in April each year are a plethora of old tractors that parade the streets. Food is sold during the event, and there are also races held throughout the day.
This incredibly popular event has been going on since 1991. It includes a large carnival with many rides and games. The annual event also always has a plethora of food and craft vendors as well as live music to enjoy.
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This four-day event in Metropolis is for the true Superman fan. It involves a car show, fan films, contests, music, art shows, food vendors, and much more. Young and old alike will find a plethora of activities to enjoy.
Located at the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, this wonderful event is one of the best 2018 festivals of the summer. Guests enjoy expertly designed landscapes and gardens to inspire their own yards.
For more than 140 years, locals have been enjoying this epic event. Each year 40,000 people attend the fair for livestock shows, arts and crafts shows, rides, and live entertainment. It is the event of the year for East Moline.
Peach lovers unite for one of the sweetest 2018 festivals Illinois has ever seen. A Peach Queen will be announced, and there will also be a parade, a contest for best peach cobbler, and a 5k run.
Nothing will astound you more than this amazing festival of lights and high-flying balloons. Food, games, helicopter rides, live shows, and much more give locals reason to attend the event all three days.
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In celebration of Chicago's contribution to the meat-packing industry, this event includes a pageant, a parade, live entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors, a car show, a cook-off, livestock auctions, and more. Don't miss the biggest family reunion in the county.
Taking place each year since 1996 in Carterville, this Celtic experience involves live music and dancing throughout both days. Craft and food vendors set up to sell delicious treats, and there will also be many games and activities to try.
Of course, the holidays will always come again, and with it a whole slew of festivals and events to attend. One of the best is this historical experience where guests try their hand at arts and crafts, enjoy tours of a vintage home, and listen to gorgeous holiday music from 200 years ago.
For more fun things to do in the new year, add these 10 underrated Illinois attractions to your bucket list.
Are you looking forward to any other 2018 festivals in Illinois? Share your goals for the new year with us in the comments below!
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