These 8 Unique Festivals in Illinois Are Something Everyone Should Experience Once

This summer, you will go to your standard festivals with live music, food vendors, and some sort of stuff to buy. And those are plenty cool. But why not go to a festival you'll never forget? We are profiling 8 festivals that you will truly only find in Illinois.

1. Fulton Dutch Days Festival

This festival pays homage to the town's Dutch heritage. Learn how to do Dutch dance, make some wooden shoes, and eat some delicious Dutch food. Make sure you check out the giant windmill!

2. Popeye Picnic

Chester, Illinois is home to the creator of Popeye. Each year, they hold a picnic with Popeye. Of course, you can pose for pics with Popeye characters, eat some delicious food, and watch a pet show.

3. Superman Celebration

Any day is a good day to visit Metropolis, but if you can go down during the Superman Celebration, all the better. Meet celebrities, attend a film festival, and, of course, take selfies in front of the Superman statue.

4. International Horseradish Festival

Illinois is the horseradish capital, if you didn't know. This stuff burns, but you will think this festival is pretty cool. Watch a root grinding demonstration, listen to live music, and take part in some Bloody Mary contests.

5. Midwest Garlic Fest

This garlic festival takes place in Elizabeth. It celebrates all things garlic...garlic grown locally, dishes made with garlic, and garlic related food items.

6. Stark County Morel Mushroom Festival

This festival is all about the morel, and you can get immersed by eating some morel mushroom soup. Mushrooms are also auctioned off. Kids' activities make this fun for the whole family.

7. Veggie Fest

Veggie Fest is one of the largest festivals for vegetarians in the country. Whether you eat meat or not, there are plenty of delicious foods for you to sample, as well as vendors giving out free samples (woohoo!) of vegetarian food and products.

8. Turkey Testicle Festival

Yes, you are really looking at a picture of turkey testicles, and yes, people eat them. Believe it or not, this is the 38th year of this celebration. Go nuts!

Have you attended any of these festivals? What do you think?