Staying home, staying busy: Festivals across the state keep the calendar full into fall

Yes, gas prices — and prices, in general — might have you questioning your summer vacation plans, especially anything involving filling the gas tank.

But, if you’re looking to get out and go somewhere without going too far, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s tourism office has some ideas centered on festival season.

“From electric Chicago neighborhoods to charming small towns, these events will give travelers an exciting reason to visit Illinois this summer,” according to the office.

If this long weekend offers you a bit of travel time, there’s the fifth annual Sueños Music Festival in Chicago’s Grant Park, featuring Latin music ranging from reggaeton to Latin pop and hip-hop by a mix of around 20 global stars and newcomers.

Doors open at 11 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, with music until 10 p.m. each day. Admission is for those 18 and older.

The Main Stage is the heart of the festival, according to organizers, with top-tier performances both days.

The La Fuente Stage will feature Latin dance and electronic music, with sets by the likes of Gordo, DJ Luian, Caleb Calloway and 3BallMTY.

The La Plaza Stage will feature “grassroots Latin culture and local talent,” according to organizers, with artists including DJ Drip, Lemanz, Vanguardia Vagos de HP, Gruppo Sekta, and Los K-Bros.

Other artists scheduled to perform include J Balvin, Kali Uchis, Danny Ocean, Manuel Turizo, Fuerza Regida, Yandel Sinfonico, and Ryan Castro.

The festival also will include immersive activities, food from dozens of Chicago eateries, and unique merchandise by Latin creators.

If two days of music isn’t enough to satisfy, the festival also will feature after-parties each night, with 11 planned Saturday at various venues around Chicago and eight planned for Sunday.

Afterparties are 18-plus or 21-plus.

Festival passes start at $189.

If you need a bit more time to plan, Sueños is far from the only festival happing this summer around Illinois.

The big one closest to home technically isn't happening during summer. 

The 25th annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in downtown Springfield will be Sept. 25-27.

The festival, which this year is tying in to Route 66 Centennial celebrations, will feature a classic car show with nearly 60 classes, live music and other activities.

A pre-party Sept. 24 at Route 66 Motorhead's Bar and Grill will feature a free concert by Richrath Project REO: The Music of REO Speedwagon.

On-site registration will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at 630. S. Sixth Street, with a 6 p.m. cruise night to benefit Crimestoppers and an 8 p.m. Revel in Red Anthem Rock of the ’70s concert on the main stage.

Sept. 26 activities will include on-site registration from 8 to 11 a.m., the Old Capitol Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the Miss Mother Road contest at 11:30 a.m. Sign-up for the Kids Power Wheels races will begin at noon at Seventh and Washington streets with races beginning at 1 p.m.

A Cozy Dog Drive-In Cozy Dog eating contest also will be at 1 p.m.

A burn-out contest will be at 3 p.m. at Seventh and Washington streets.

Actor-comedian Chris Kattan of "Saturday Night Live" fame will be on hand during the show, as will custom car designer and builder Dave Kindig from the "Motor Trend" and "Velocity" TV shows and Dennis "Mr. Mustache" Gage of "My Classic Car."

The main stage will feature live music throughout the day, with Sugar Davis Band from 2 to 3 p.m., Red Hot Rubber Biscuit Rhythm and Blues from 4 to 5:30 p.m., RT66 Rockabilly Jam with Union Avenue from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Rockhouse at 8 p.m. A laser light show will follow Rockhouse's performance.

Sept. 27 activities will kick-off at 7:30 a.m. with a Route 66 Mother Road Festival 5K foot race on the Old Capitol plaza. Award will be presented at noon on the main stage.

Other festivals on the calendar include:

Western Illinois

• Dragon’s Fire Balloon Fest, June 26-27 in Pekin: Soar to new heights at this unique festival featuring plenty of hot air balloons and live entertainment.

• Quincy Summer Night Market, noon-4 p.m. July 11 and 4-8 p.m. Aug. 5, Oct. 7 and Dec. 2 in Quincy: The monthly event includes vendors, food and live entertainment along the Mississippi Riverfront.

• Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair, Sept. 26-27 in Peoria: The nationally recognized art fair is in its 64th year, drawing local, national and international artists to the Peoria waterfront.

Southern Illinois

• MSC Superman Celebration, June 12-14 in Metropolis: This celebration of all things Superman leans into its comic book roots with themed events and cosplay. Pictures with the city's 15-foot Superman statue are considered a must-do activity. This year's special guests include Tim Daly, who voiced Clark Kent and Superman in "Superman: The Animated Series" from 1996 to 2000; Neva Howell, who portrayed Ma Kent in James Gunn's 2025 "Superman" movie; Alex Garfin, who portrays Jordan Kent in the "Superman & Lois" TV series on the CW network; and Caity Lotz, who portrays White Canary in the "DC's Legends of Tomorrow" Arrowverse series "Arrow," "Legends of Tomorrow," "The Flash" and "Supergirl." Daly and Howell will appear June 12-13 while Garfin and Lotz will appear June 13 only.

• Centralia Balloon Fest, Aug. 21-23 in Centralia's Fairview Park: The three-day festival features its signature balloon glow, along with craft vendors and family-friendly activities. Activities kick off at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 21 with a balloon glow at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 and 22 and wrap up with an evening balloon flight at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 23. In between, there will be tethered balloon rides and live music. Balloon-related activities are subject to change, depending on the weather.

• Murphysboro Apple Festival, Sept. 9-12 in Murphysboro: The four-day, alcohol-free event is marking its 75th year with family-friendly activities, free entertainment, carnival rides, pageants, concessions, a car show, and an extensive menu of apple-themed treats. The Miss Apple Festival pageant will follow on Sept. 13.

Northern Illinois

• Dixon Petunia Festival, July 2-5 in Dixon: Thousands of pink petunias line a 2-plus-mile stretch of Dixon Highway in “Petunia City.” There's also a carnival, live music and fireworks along the Rock Riverfront.

• Illinois Vintage Fest, Aug. 8-9 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton: The focus is on vintage finds, collectibles and pop culture pieces that appeal to both serious collectors and casual browsers.

• Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival, Aug. 22-23 in Evanston: The family-friendly event in downtown Evanston blends original art, live music and a range of food trucks.

• Port Clinton Art Festival, Aug. 29-30 in Highland Park: More than 250 juried artists from across the United States are expected to participate in the popular annual festival.

• Septemberfest, Sept. 5-7 in Schaumburg: More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the annual Labor Day weekend festival, which features carnival rides, a range of foods and other activities to raise funds for charity. Since its start in 1971, it's grown to be one of the state's largest festivals.

• McHenry Music Festival, Sept. 10-12 in McHenry: The festival in McHenry's Petersen Park features a range of country, rock and metal acts, including Shinedown, Daughtry, Kane Brown, Kameron Marlowe, Hardy, Tyler Braden, Lakeview and McCoy Moore. Tickets range in price from $59 to $199.

Chicago

• Puerto Rican Festival, June 11-14: The cultural celebration takes over Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood with music, food and a parade highlighting the city’s Puerto Rican roots.

• Midsommarfest, June 12-14: This Swedish-themed street festival in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood features live music, vendors and steady foot traffic.

• Third Coast Tattoo Show, June 26-28: Tattoo artists from across the country gather at the Morgan MFG event space for live demos and on-site work. Vendors also will be on hand.

• Windy City Smokeout, July 8-12: The annual festival at United Center's Lot C, 1901 W. Madison St., blends country music and barbecue. It's a powerful pull that usually draws a crowd.

• Chinatown Summer Fair, July 25-26: The cultural celebration fills the streets of Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood with traditional performances, vendors and food. 

• Chicago House Music Festival, Aug. 27-30: The free festival at Millennium Park and the nearby Chicago Cultural Center focuses on the city's role in the house music scene, with DJs and sets featuring local and international talent. Admission is free.

• Printers Row Lit Fest, Sept. 12-13: Nationally celebrated authors, vendors and book lovers convene in Chicago’s Printers Row neighborhood for the Midwest's largest free outdoor literary event. Admission is free.