Spring in Illinois is a season of rebirth, festivals, and excitement. From the flowers that fill the state's parks to music festivals and culture events, no other time of year is a better time to discover the state's rich events. If you're looking for outdoor thrills, dining delights, or family entertainment, Illinois offers something for all this season.
Spring Events in Chicago & North Illinois
Chicago River Dyeing
This is one of those beloved Chicago traditions that you just have to experience. Every year, the Chicago Plumbers Union kicks off St. Patrick's Day celebrations in brilliant green turning the Chicago River a perfect shade of Celtic emerald (thanks to just the right amount of eco-friendly dye). Join the thousands of revelers who then flock to the St. Patrick Day's Parade, featuring Irish dancers, pipers, and festive floats. Our tip: watch from the Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive bridges, or join the action on a river cruise.
C2E2 2025
Show your fandom pride at one of the most popular ways to celebrate popular culture! This all-inclusive convention is the place to enjoy comics, cosplay, gaming, and anime. Meet celebrity guests, explore Artist Alley, and load up on prime merch.
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Chicago Latino Film Festival
Chicago is home to one of the nation’s largest celebrations of Latino culture on screen. Choose from 100+ films from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal, and vote for your favorites in the Audience Choice Awards. See the world in a whole new way.
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Morton Arboretum's Spring Blooms
Lisle’s Morton Arboretum is a gorgeous spot anytime, but you’ll want to stop by this time of year to really get a dose of spring inspiration. Vibrant tulips take their place amid a wide array of other blooming bulbs, annuals, and woody plants.
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Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival
The small towns from Joliet to Towanda roll out the red carpet each spring with this two-day celebration of classic Route 66 nostalgia. You’ll find yourself surrounded by gleaming chrome, the sound of classic rock, and the spirit of the open road. Duck into local diners for regional specialties, take a tour to hear stories of the Mother Road, or browse the crafts and vintage memorabilia. Perfect for families and history buffs alike, this is where you find the real charm and nostalgia of Route 66.
Old Capitol Art Fair
Each spring, Illinois artists and art lovers gather around Springfield's historic Old State Capitol building in a tradition dating back to 1961. This is your chance to get to know the heart of the Land of Lincoln: browse watercolors of countryside scenes, jewelry incorporating prairie elements, and ceramics glazed in earthy Midwest tones. Get to know the work and the people who made it, and take a little bit of the region home with you. Families: don't miss the Children's Tent, with kid-priced artworks to help start a lifelong love.
Music, International Wine, and Craft Beer Festival
Discover Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, a true gem of Illinois wine country. Sample more than 50 wines and 60 craft beers, along with artisan cheese pairings from local favorite Ropp Jersey Cheese. The Lions Club serves up hearty fare to balance your tastings, and save room for the perfect sweet finish with Grandma Nana's Cookies. Best part? You can take home bottles of whatever captures your taste buds!
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10th Annual Run for the Rosé 5K
Celebrate a decade of running through history at the Run for the Rosé 5K. Wind your way through the scenic trails of New Salem State Park to the finish line at West of Wise Winery. You can sprint, you can jog, you can cheer from the sidelines - it's all worth a toast at the end with some award-winning wines! Your registration includes professional chip timing, wine tasting tickets, and a keepsake glass to remember the day.
Spring Events in Great Rivers Country
Galena Main St. Sidewalk Sale
Shake off any lingering winter blues with a spring shopping spree on Galena's historic Main Street. Main Street is a must-visit any time of year, but the Sidewalk Sale delivers a real bonus, with bargains and sales galore from the town's charming boutiques, from fashion to home décor. Sounds like a workout? Not to worry, you can recharge at any of the top local restaurants before diving back in for more deals. Don't miss this exciting seasonal event!
Galena Sky Trail Races
Hit the slopes of Chestnut Mountain Resort - not for the winter skiing, but for the challenge of its running trails, complete with breathtaking Mississippi River views. Run a 4-hour or 8-hour looped course, and then return to the welcome of a high-energy party with a DJ spinning tunes, prizes, and all other kinds of post-race celebrations. Enjoy a delicious finisher meal while watching the sunset and reflecting on your glory. Awards go to those with the most mileage!
Alton St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
Don your green for Alton's festive downtown pub crawl. Irish tunes fill the air, local bartenders pour festive drinks, and delicious eats keep spirits high. Stroll between hidden gems and longtime favorites, each adding their own lively twist.
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Belleville Strawberry Festival
Savor the sweet, sweet taste of strawberry season. There are fresh berries, of course, but also shortcakes, creamy milkshakes, live music, wagon rides, and all sorts of family fun. Don’t miss the farm-fresh goodies in the country store!
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Crafts on the River, Peoria
Get out in the fresh air alongside the Illinois River, and discover the treasures local artisans have ready waiting for you. Here you’ll find handmade goods, art, jewelry, and home décor, along with delicious local food and live music.
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CarbondALE Brew Fest
Raise a glass to local brewing mastery at the annual CarbondALE Brew Fest, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. Sample beers and seasonal releases from more than 30 local and national breweries, brought to you in partnership between the venues of Carbondale Main Street, the scientific minds at Southern Illinois University Fermentation Science Institute, and the skilled craftspeople from Southern Illinois Brewers. Throw in live local music, and this is a beer garden experience you won’t forget…
Tour de Tunnel Bike Ride
Bike the scenic Tunnel Hill State Trail in Vienna, IL, with 10, 20, and 40-mile routes. Ride through railroad trestles and a 500+ foot tunnel on longer routes. This non-timed ride, hosted by Revive Vienna, starts at 9 AM with SAG stops along the way.
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Maple Syrup Festival
Celebrate two days of family fun at the Maple Syrup Festival! There’s syrup-making demos, nature hikes, lumberjack shows, kids’ activities, and artisan vendors. With free admission, and most activities included, it’s a sweet way to celebrate spring!
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Great Cardboard Boat Regatta
SIU’s Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, a tradition since 1974, challenges participants to build and race cardboard boats on a 200-yard course. Held each spring, it offers fun awards, including the fan-favorite “Titanic Award” for the best sink!
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