Everyone knows about Illinois’ biggest festivals, but there are plenty of lesser-known events that are worth the drive as the summer comes to a close.
From unique cultural celebrations and food festivals to community traditions and seasonal celebrations, these under-the-radar festivals offer a chance to experience something different before fall arrives.
Here are some of the best lesser-known festivals happening across Illinois set for the end of August and early September.
Chicago
- Chicago House Music Festival, Aug. 27-30: This festival highlights the city’s role in shaping house music with DJs and sets that include both local and international talents.
- Taste of Greektown, Aug. 28-30: Celebrate Greek culture at the 36th annual Taste of Greektown, located on Halsted Street in Chicago’s West Loop. Enjoy authentic Greek and Mediterranean food, family activities and live music.
- Great American Lobster Fest, Sept. 5-6: Seafood lovers won’t want to miss this celebration at Navy Pier. Munch on fresh lobster, flown in daily from the east coast. The event also includes a craft show, live music more. This is a family-friendly event, and other food options will be available.
- Printers Row Lit Fest, Sept. 12-13 – Nationally celebrated authors, vendors and book lovers convene in Chicago’s Printers Row neighborhood for the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest.
Northern Illinois/Suburbs
- Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival, Aug. 22-23: This family friendly festival pairs thousands of original pieces of art with live music and an eclectic collection of food trucks.
- 17th Annual Crossroads Blues Festival (Rockford) Aug. 29: Four blues bands and artists will perform at this annual event from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Lyran Park. Admission is $10 in advance, $20 at the gate for adults 18 and over.
- Port Clinton Art Festival (Highland Park) Aug. 29-30: Visit the North Shore for a national lineup of juried artists at this annual festival.
- Taste of Serbia (Lake Forest) Sept. 5-6: Celebrate Serbian food, music, dancing, and traditions at St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Church.
- Septemberfest (Schaumburg) Sept. 5-7: This annual festival draws large crowds with live music, carnival rides and a wide range of food options.
- Sandwich Fair (Sandwich) Sept. 9-13: One of the oldest fairs in the state, the Sandwich Fair, located at the Sandwich Fairgrounds in southern DeKalb County, offers a large livestock show, carnival, national music and much more.
- Festival of the Vine (Geneva) Sept. 11-13: A festival that celebrates local food, wine and beer in downtown Geneva. In addition to food and drink samples, the festival features a craft show and live music.
- Kite Fest (DeKalb) Sept. 13: Professional kite pilots will be on site decorating the sky at Kite Fest, beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday Sept. 13 at Kiwanis Park. The free event will also have kids activities, live music, local organizations and more.
- Nachusa Grasslands Fall Festival (Franklin Grove) Sept. 19: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Nachusa Grasslands from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 with outdoor activities like guided hikes, bison tours and more
Central Illinois
- Annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival (Mackinaw) Sept. 6: Stomp on some grapes, sample local wines and vote for your favorite wines at this popular event from noon to 6 p.m. at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard. The event will also have live music and a Lucille Ball (“I Love Lucy”) look alike contest at 3:30 p.m.
- 25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival (Springfield) Sept. 25-27: This festival focuses on classic cars, live music and programming tied to the Route 66 Centennial.
- Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair, Sept. 26-27: Keep the summer vibes going at this nationally recognized art fair that draws artists and collectors from across the country. The event runs from from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Riverfront Festival Park.
Western Illinois
- Nauvoo Grape Festival (Nauvoo) Sept. 4-6: Spend Labor Day Weekend in beautiful Nauvoo State Park along the Mississippi River. The event includes a carnival, competitive events, parades, entertainment and more. The weekend also features the Festival on Wheels Car Show, one of the region’s largest open air car shows.
Southern Illinois
- Centralia Balloon Fest, Aug. 21-23: This festival features craft vendors, family activities and the signature balloon glow where tethered balloons illuminate the night like giant light bulbs.
- Murphysboro Apple Festival, Sept. 9-12: Celebrate all things apples at the oldest and largest alcohol-free festival. Gather the family for live entertainment, parades, arts & crafts, contests and (surprise!) plenty of apples!
