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Pageant winners at the Old King Coal Festival
Photo credit: Emily Jane Cato/Angel Band Photography

Old King Coal Festival

May 9-12, 2024 West Frankfort

Since 1941, the town of West Frankfort has been celebrating the coal mining industry with the Old King Coal Festival each May. The annual tradition includes a downtown festival with rides, food vendors, games and free nightly entertainment, as well as a parade and the crowning of Old King Coal, Princess Flame and her court. The festival also hosts a coal miners’ memorial service honoring all the miners who have sacrificed personal safety on the job, including the more than 100 who lost their lives in the tragic New Orient Coal Mine Disaster that occurred in West Frankfort in December 1951.

For more information about the festival’s history or a full lineup of events and activities, visit oldkingcoalfestival.com or call (618) 923-0797.


Old Capitol Art Fair

May 18-19, 2024, Springfield

Set outside the Illinois Old State Capitol building, the two-day Old Capitol Art Fair has been welcoming talented artists from across the country for more than 60 years. The 2023 event, slated for May 18-19, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors to this popular juried art show and sale can browse dozens of booths showcasing everything from jewelry, pottery and glassware to sculptures, metalwork, paintings and more. There will also be entertainment, food vendors, a student art contest, and a children’s tent where kids can browse and purchase art for prices ranging from $4 to $6.

Learn more about the fair at springfieldoldcapitolartfair.org.


Photo by Facebook/FLW Trust

Wright Plus Housewalk

2024 dates TBD, Oak Park

See the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and other talented architects during this tour of private homes and buildings that are not always open to the public. The event celebrates the vision and talent of Wright and his contemporaries, with proceeds supporting programs maintained by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. The Trust conducts ongoing historic preservation and operates public tours, programs and events at major Wright sites in five Chicago-area locations.

For more information about this tour and other opportunities to see the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, visit flwright.org or call (312) 994-4000.


chocolate

Historic Downtown Long Grove Chocolate Fest

2024 dates TBD, Long Grove

Chocolate connoisseurs rejoice! The Historic Downtown Long Grove Chocolate Festival returns in mid-May.

The annual event combines a love of the town’s old-world charms with amazing chocolate in one signature festival. Vendors line up along the cobblestone streets with delectable goodies and chocolates for purchase. With live music, a scavenger hunt for kids and an assortment of activities, like painting with chocolate and chocolate pudding pictionary, you’ll find something for everyone.

The festival costs $5 in daily admission for attendees over 12, or you can purchase a three-day pass for just $10. Guests can park for free in public lots and ride a shuttle bus service to the event.

For more information, including festival times and a complete lineup, visit longgrove.org.


Rhubarb Festival
iStock/ClarkandCompany

Rhubarb Festival

2024 dates TBD, Kankakee

Get a chance to taste rhubarb in a variety of ways at the annual Rhubarb Festival hosted by the Kankakee County Museum.

The free festival will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 4 p.m., inviting guests to learn about the so-called pie plant, purchase rhubarb pies and preserves from vendors, and participate in baking contests. The festival will also feature tours of the memorial home of Dr. A.L. Small and Lennington Small, governor of Illinois from 1921 to 1929, and period classroom teachings at the Taylor School House.

Visit kankakeecountymuseum.com to learn more about the Rhubarb Festival, or call (815) 932-5279.


Freshly picked strawberries from Jefferies Orchard
Photo by Nathan Lambrecht

St. Jacob UCC Strawberry Festival

2024 dates TBD, St. Jacob

Who doesn’t love strawberries? The Strawberry Festival, hosted by St. Jacob United Church of Christ, celebrates the delicious fruit by bringing members of the community together in this annual spring festival. Enjoy delicious food, such as hot dogs, burgers, brats and, of course, sweet strawberry desserts. There will also be plenty of fun activities and entertainment, including music, crafters and kid-friendly attractions. Cyclists won’t want to miss out on the famous Berry Bike Ride that also takes place in conjunction with the festival. To learn more, visit stjacobucc.org/strawberry.

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