Check out this listing of August events and festivals in Illinois.

Thresher's Show
Photo by Facebook/Western Illinois Threshers

Western Illinois Threshers Show

Aug. 4-6, 2023, Hamilton

Take a step back in time and experience rural life as it used to be at an annual special event organized by the Western Illinois Threshers. The three-day show near Hamilton features the largest and most complete line of antique tractors, cars, trucks and gas engines in western Illinois. Visitors can see a number of demonstrations, from tractor plowing to steam power threshing, corn shelling, blacksmithing and much more. Old buildings on the showgrounds include log cabins, a blacksmith shop, general store and an old windmill. Camping at the show is allowed on a first come, first served basis. Parking is free, with $5 admission for ages 12 and over, which is good for all three days.

Find the complete schedule and more information at westernillinoisthreshers.org or facebook.com/westernillinoisthreshers.


Illinois State Fair in Springfield

Illinois State Fair

Aug. 10-20, 2023, Springfield

Whether you’re looking for a Ferris wheel or a 500-pound cow made out of butter, the Illinois State Fair has something for everyone.

More than 600,000 visitors from all over the state find themselves in Springfield in late August each year for games and rides, arts and crafts, agriculture competitions, and live entertainment. Cash in your tickets for a giant stuffed panda or enjoy the carnival rides in the Adventure Village. Enjoy live musical performances on the Lincoln and Northwest stages. And don’t miss exciting annual events, such as daily free entertainment on the Farm Bureau stage and great food provided by Illinois beef and pork farmers in the Commodities Pavilion.

And what about that butter cow? Hand-sculpted each year from unsalted butter over a wire and wood frame, it has been the fair’s unofficial icon since the 1920s.

For more information including directions to the fairgrounds and a full list of events, visit the state fair website.


Volunteer takes a picture of a family in front of a duck balloon display
Photo by Richard HOWE/Special Olympics Illinois

Chicago Ducky Derby

Aug. 10, 2023, Chicago

Visit downtown Chicago this summer to watch more than 65,000 rubber ducks race down the Chicago River for a good cause. The annual Chicago Ducky Derby raises funds for Special Olympics Illinois, which benefits Special Olympics athletes across the state.
Participants can “adopt” a duck for just $5 (or a Quack Pack of six for $25, a Flock of 24 for $100 or a Diamond Duck Pack of 240 for $1,000) online before the event. On the day of the race, stop by Pioneer Court on North Michigan Avenue for the Family Festival starting at 10 a.m., followed by the “splashdown” as the race begins at 1 p.m. from the Columbus Bridge. Owners of the winning ducks will receive one of many exciting prizes, including cash prizes and more. Winners do not need to be present at the event in order to claim their prize, so feel free to purchase a duck for the cause even if you can’t make it to the race.

For more details or to adopt a duck online, visit chicagoduckyderby.com.


Thresherman's Show

Mill Road Thresherman Annual Show

August 10-13, 2023, Altamont

Explore a century fo farming at the Mill Road Thresherman’s Show. Using antique farm equipment from the past. – Demonstrating it in the present. – Preserving it for the future. The four day show just outside Altamont on the beautiful Effingham County Fair Grounds, will take you back to country life on the central Illinois prairies. Farming and Tractor events, Horse Farming, Bluegrass Music, Women’s activities, Children’s events and much, much, more. Camping is available on the grounds. Admission is $7 and children 12 and under Free.

Visit millroadthresherman.org or facebook.com/millroadthresherman for more info and event updates.


Photo by The Matter of Food/Unsplash

Cobden Peach Festival

Aug. 11-12, 2023, Cobden

Celebrate most everyone’s favorite fuzzy fruit at the Cobden Peach Festival this August. This free, family-friendly event hosted by the Cobden Lions Club includes carnival rides and games, a Peach Queen contest, a 5K walk and run on Saturday morning, a parade on Saturday afternoon and plenty of delicious food offerings – including fresh peach cobbler, of course.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit The Cobden Lions Club on Facebook or call (618) 893-2425.


Aerial view of Street Fest
Photo by Revitalize Erie

Street Fest

Aug. 12, 2023, Erie

This community has mapped its future through the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. This event also includes a vintage car and tractor display. It includes an artisan and farmers market, kids activities, food trucks and live music all day around its famous Erie triangle. Full details can be found at https://fb.me/e/2Ae5GhEwx.


Photo by Karen Muehlfelt/Keeping Moments Photography

Prairie Fest

Aug. 12, 2023, Campton Hills

Campton Township in Kane County hosts its annual Prairie Fest at Historic Corron Farm, located at 7N761 Corron Road, Campton Hills, on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. The free festival includes guided tours of the 1850 Corron Home, wagon rides, entertainment, children’s activities and refreshments on the farm. For more information, visit corronfarm.org/events or call (515) 745-2043.


Balloon Fest Centralia, IL
Photo by Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce

Balloon Fest

Aug. 18-20, 2023, Centralia

Fly up, up and away at the annual Balloon Fest in the south-central Illinois city of Centralia.

More than 40,000 visitors attend this event to see more than 40 hot air balloons. The weekend includes balloon races Friday afternoon, and Saturday and Sunday mornings, as well as majestic balloon glows on Friday and Saturday evenings. The event also features a car show, fireworks, craft fair, childrens’ activities, live entertainment and more. Organizers recommend bringing lawn chairs, flashlights, sunscreen and cameras. Admission costs $3 per person (over age 6) or $6 for a three-day pass.

Visit balloon-fest.com or call (888) 533-2600 for more information.


Air show over the water
Photo by DCASE

Chicago Air and Water Show

Aug. 19-20, 2023, Chicago

Presented by the City of Chicago, the annual Chicago Air and Water Show is one of the largest free events of its kind in the U.S. The thrilling air show showcases both civilian and military pilots, daredevil pilots, parachute teams, formation jet flyers and more, while the water portion of the show features water skiers and boat demonstrations. Visitors can view the show anywhere along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, but North Avenue Beach will be the main viewing area where visitors can find food vendors and public restroom facilities. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Learn more at chicagoairandwatershow.us.


all night flea market

All-Night Flea Market

Aug. 19, 2023, Wheaton

Ever wanted to enjoy antiques at 3 a.m.? Head to the All-Night Flea Market in Wheaton. With more than 300 dealers, this bargain hunt has been named the world’s fifth best flea market by the Travel Channel.

Commodities like antiques, collectibles and more ensure that shoppers can find just about anything, and as you meander through the DuPage County Fairgrounds, you should check out the collector car show.

Bring a flashlight and expect to join more than 8,000 guests, rain or moonshine. For more information, call (715) 526-9769. or visit the event page on Facebook.


Peoria Irish Festival
Photo by Facebook/Peoria Irish Festival

Peoria Irish Fest – Erin Feis

Aug. 25-27, 2023, Peoria

Call it the luck of the Irish. Peoria’s Irish festival, Erin Feis, has grown to become the largest Irish festival in Illinois outside of Chicago.

This year’s event, which takes place Aug. 24-26, features a cultural village where guests can learn about central Illinois’ Irish heritage with vendors and artisans. The Grafton Street tent features one-of-a-kind specialty items, many made in Ireland. Four entertainment stages will feature five bands from Ireland and more than 20 Irish bands and dancers plus four family-friendly Irish pubs. And kids can enjoy the “Wee Folks” area with face painting and Irish-inspired games.

Find more information at peoriairishfest.com.


Quilts on display
Photo by Sue Krause

Peoria Annual Quilt Show

Aug. 26-27, 2023, Peoria 

View more than 200 impressive quilts at the annual quilt show hosted by the Gems of the Prairie Quilters this August. In addition to several vendors, the event features quilting and bed-turning demonstrations, a quilt raffle and more. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at 3625 N. Sheridan Road in Peoria. For more details, visit gemsoftheprairie.com/quilt-show.


Photo by Holly Spangler/Prairie Farmer

Farm Progress Show

Aug. 29-30, 2023, Decatur

Calling all farmers! For more than 50 years, the Farm Progress Show has been a global destination for farmers to connect, educate, and share their innovations. Farmers from all across the world are set to gather in Decatur at America’s largest outdoor farm event to experience the latest in farm equipment with field demonstrations, cattle handling demonstrations, and an exhibit hall with more than 450 exhibitors. The Farm Progress Show is also set to feature entertainment and restored antique equipment. Visit farmprogressshow.com for more information and for a detailed schedule of events.


Share Your Illinois Event

Are we missing your favorite August events in Illinois? Send the details to ilfbpartners@jnlcom.com, and we may feature them on this website and in a future issue of Illinois Partners magazine.

COMMENTS

  • I would love to know more , just moved to Illinois, and have family coming in September and October

    • Welcome to Illinois! We have an event listing for September (ilfbpartners.com/family/events/september-events-illinois) and October (ilfbpartners.com/family/october-events-illinois) with some great options for when your family visits. –Carisa Ownby, Partners editor

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