August Events in Illinois

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

21+ Nights at Lincoln Park Zoo

May 2, June 13, Aug. 1 and Sept. 19, 2026, Chicago Experience the Lincoln Park Zoo after hours at this adults-only block party event taking place four times throughout the season. Tickets include exclusive access to the zoo without kids or summertime crowds, live music and DJ performances, karaoke, a photo booth, lawn games, and more. There will also be concession stands and pop-up bars located throughout the zoo serving snacks and adult beverages for purchase. For tickets and more information, visit rivernorthfests.com.

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Chicago Ducky Derby

Aug. 6, 2026, 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.

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Western Illinois Threshers Show

Aug. 7-9, 2026, 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.

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Hazelnut Festival and Parade

2026 dates TBD, Hazel Crest 

The village of Hazel Crest celebrates its annual Hazelnut Festival and Parade this August with entertainment and fun activities for all ages. Taking place on the grounds of the Martin Kauchak Public Safety Center at 3000 W. 170th Place in Hazel Crest, the free community festival includes live music, vendors, games, rides, delicious food and a petting zoo. The parade takes place from 10 a.m. to noon, and the festival follows from 2 to 7 p.m. For more details, visit villageofhazelcrest.org.

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Tugfest

2026 dates TBD, Port Byron 

This three-day community festival centers around a giant tug-of-war across the Mississippi River between Port Byron, Illinois, and Le Claire, Iowa. Leading up to the main event on Saturday, attendees can enjoy several other family-friendly activities, including a carnival, live music, a 5K, pageants, a sweet corn eating contest, a fireworks show on Friday night and much more. For more details and a full schedule of events throughout the weekend, visit tugfest.org.

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Illinois State Fair

Aug. 13-23, 2026, 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.

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Cobden Peach Festival

2026 dates TBD, Cobden

Celebrate National Peach Month in August at the annual Cobden Peach Festival in southern Illinois. Sponsored by the Cobden Lions Club, the free and family-friendly event includes a parade, carnival rides, a Peach Queen contest, raffles, a 5K walk and run, food vendors, and, of course, plenty of delicious peach cobbler to enjoy. Visit the Cobden Lions Club Facebook page at facebook.com/100080652550865 for more information.

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Chicago Air and Water Show

Aug. 15-16, 2026, 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.

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All-Night Flea Market

2026 dates TBD, 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.

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Prairie Fest

2026 dates TBD, 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 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 the facebook.com/camptonparks or call 515-745-2043.

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Balloon Fest

Aug. 21-23, 2026, 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.

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Peoria Annual Quilt Show

Aug. 22-23, 2026, 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.

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Ride to Thrive: Bike for the Kids

Aug. 23, 2026, South Elgin Support a great cause at Panton Mill Park in South Elgin this August at the 11th Annual Ride to Thrive: Bike for the Kids event. The family-friendly fundraiser organized by Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley brings the community together to support children with disabilities. Participants can bike a local trail of their choice, then join in the festival with food, games, music, vendors and other activities for all ages. A highlight of the day is the adaptive bike giveaway. To learn more about the fundraiser and find out how to participate, visit dfv.easterseals.com/take-action/attend-an-event/bike-for-the-kids.

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Peoria Irish Fest | Erin Feis

Aug. 28-30, 2026, 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. The festival 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.

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Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers Annual Show

2026 dates TBD, Springfield  Held in the Illinois Building at the state fairgrounds in Springfield, the Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers celebrates local woodcarvers who have perfected the craft. During the fall, the Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers gather to showcase the talent of its more than 60 members. The show has nearly 20 competition categories with cash and ribbon awards, honoring those who have honed their talents in the artistry of woodcarving, wood burning and intarsia. Visitors can watch carvers create one-of-a-kind works and learn more about the art. Other activities include drawings, seminars and vendors with carvings, tools and books available for purchase. Refreshments are also available on-site for purchase. For more information, visit facebook.com/sangamonvalleywoodcarvers.

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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.