Year Round
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

SEPTEMBER 2010
September 2-5
ON THE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
State & Wyman Streets, downtown Rockford
The On the Waterfront Festival presented by Associated Bank and FatWallet.com is Illinois’ largest music festival. Five music venues jam all day and all night with rock, R&B, country, classic rock, blues, jazz, pop, oldies, reggae, and world music. Encompassing 25 city blocks, with numerous special events and over 125 hours of non-stop music in just three days. Headline acts during the weekend include Weird Al Yankovic, Dierks Bentley, Adam Lambert, Hinder and Billy Idol.
815-964-4388
www.onthewaterfront.com


September 3-5
SUMMER SUNSET FESTIVAL
Sunset Park, Miller Road west of Randall Road, Lake in the Hills
This end-of-summer party has it all: parade, arts & crafts show, carnival rides, music, food, beer garden, kid’s corner, car show, skateboard competition, watermelon toss, horseshoe competition, fireworks and more.
847-960-7400

www.summersunsetfest.com


September 4
VINTAGE WHEELS SHOW
Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove
The Museum will host a display of the midwest's finest vintage cars, planes, tractors and horse-drawn carriage by invitation. Local restaurants will feature food specialties in a "Taste of Poplar Grove". Also featuring Orion Samuelson with "Air Orion" celebrating 50 years on the air at WGN in Chicago. Special carriage category too. Call for more information.
815-547-3115
www.thevintagemuseum.com

September 4-6
ALL SEASONS APPLE ORCHARD OPENING and CORN MAZE OPENING
14510 IL Route 176, Woodstock
Be the first to enjoy the season’s harvest! We start with two great apples, the Gala which is sweet and crisp and the McIntosh which is spicy and tart. They are great for eating, and you can satisfy all you baking and cooking recipes between them both! We open at 10am and hope you can spend the day with us and take pleasure in all that fall has to offer! Visit our free petting zoo and take a relaxing walk around the new 10 acre Corn Maze or our professionally landscaped farm and get your fill of fresh air. For a little excitement you can try your luck – and aim- at our Apple Cannon. It is fun for children young and old! In addition to children’s activities, the open grounds have more than enough space for kids to chase butterflies and just use all that energy that comes with youth. Stop by our all new CORN MAZE too. Hey, everybody sleeps well after a day in the country!
815-338-5637
www.allseasonsorchard.com

September 5-6
FOX VALLEY FOLK MUSIC & STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Island Park in Geneva
Will be held Labor Day Weekend at Island Park in Geneva. Eight stage areas present concerts, hands-on workshops, topical song & story workshops, dance, vocal & instrument classes and special things for the kids.
630-232-6083 or 866-4-GENEVA

www.genevachamber.com


September 8-12
DEKALB COUNTY FAIR
Route 34, south of DeKalb, Sandwich
An old-fashioned agricultural fair held annually during the week after Labor Day, this event is the last county fair in northern Illinois, and the oldest continuous fair in the Midwest.
815-786-2159
www.sandwichfair.com


September 10-12
FESTIVAL OF THE VINE
West State Street (Route 38) and Fourth Street, Geneva
Savor the flavor of Geneva restaurants under an outdoor tent. Wine tastings, seminars and events, grape stomping, flower market, craft and gorgeous gourds show, musical entertainment, Kids’ Patch activities plus great shopping in the historic downtown. Geneva's train station is located just blocks from the festivities.
630-232-6083 or 866-4-GENEVA

www.genevachamber.com

September 11
CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY
Oswego
World class polo players will compete in an exhibition match to benefit local charities.
630-554-4400
www.oswegorotaryclub.org

September 11
THIN MINT SPRINT
Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois announces the 6th annual Thin Mint Sprint Event, presented by Joseph Behr & Sons, on Saturday, September 11, at Camp McCormick in Stillman Valley. The Thin Mint Sprint Event consists of an 8K run, 2-mile family fun walk/run, and 4-mile Tough Cookie trail run, presented by Harris Bank. For an additional challenge, participants can sign up to “Do the Double,” which includes both the 8K and trail run. Pregistration is required.
815-962-5591 ext. 7172 or ext. 7139
www.girlscoutsni.org or www.active.com

September 11-12
CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT
1730 North Main Street, Sycamore
Step back in time and enjoy a Civil War Encampment in Sycamore. The event reflects daily life for the soldiers and their families during the Civil War. Kids camp on Saturday for a $25 fee.
815-895-5762
info@sycamorehistory.org

September 11-12
BOY SCOUTS 100TH YEAR AT ALL SEASONS APPLE ORCHARD
14510 IL Route 176, Woodstock
We welcome the Scouts to the orchard and farm this weekend with discounts for the whole family! Children who are active in the Scouts can participate. We ask the scout to come in uniform and every member of the family will receive a discounted admission price. Enjoy the pumpkin patch, corn maze, petting zoo and all the outdoor activities! Inside visit the Farmer's Market or Country Kitchen and Bakery for the season's finest!
815-338-5637
www.allseasonsorchard.com


September 11 - End-October
SHADES OF AUTUMN
Stade Dairy Farm, 3709 West Miller Road, McHenry
A wonderful fall tradition for the family. Enjoy nature's bounty during the most beautiful tim of the year. Free hayrides to pick your pumpkin. Petting zoo, pumpkin cannon, live entertainment, etc. Saturdays and Sundays only.
815-675-6396
www.stadedairyfarm.com


September 12
DEKALB KITE FEST
Northern Illinois University Campus, corner of Lucinda & Kishwaukee Avenue, DeKalb
Enjoy a fun-filled day of kite flying with the entire family from 11am to 4 pm. Annual event and boasts kites that are over 90 ft. in length. There are fighting kites, dancing kites, round kites, and specialty kites. There is a kite candy drop, food, games, and a kite making tent. Paid parking and non-paid parking available. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and the entire family. The DeKalb skies will be filled with kites!
815-756-1336
www.dekalbareacvb.com


September 12
61ST GRAND DETOUR ART FESTIVAL
John Deere Historic Site, 8393 South Main Street, Grand Detour
Two and three dimensional art is shown in this juried show that is held on the grounds of the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour. It is a unique spot for an art show allowing patrons to walk about the storied site viewing the art work and visiting with the artists. A small admission fee of $2.00 is charged to enter the grounds. Come out to the Grand Detour Art Festival and enjoy a stroll through the historic site and enjoy art from midwest artists.....have a lunch and a beverage....enjoy the music, and return home with an original art piece from an artist that you met on a warm sunshiny day in early September.
815-946-2108
www.bwcvb.com

September 12
WOOD SONG MUSIC IN THE GARDEN: LIBIDO FUNK CIRCUS
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
Libido Funk Circus is Chicago's premier dance and party band. Having toured for the past 12 years, the only thing more astonishing than the number of shows they have performed is how many songs they know! Not only has Libido Funk Circus perfected their high-energy renditions of the disco and dance hits of the 1970's, they also perform the best very best dance and rock songs of the past 40 years. Like a human jukebox, Libido Funk Circus simply does it all!
815-965-8146
www.klehm.org


September 12
STOCKTON MUSEUM'S FALL GARDEN WALK
Stockton
Join the Stockton Heritage Museum for a self-guided walk in five different gardens around the Stockton area from 11am to 3pm.
815-947-3963

Mid-September - October 31
THE PUMPKIN PATCH CORN MAZE
3178 Route 173, Caledonia
An ideal family outing for fall! Explore two miles of trails, turns, deadends and U-turns at this newly designed six-acre corn maze (assistance available). Then stop by the Pumpkin Patch for a bite to eat at the Goblin Grill.
815-765-2587

www.thegreatpumpkinpatch.com

September 16
LIFESCAPE'S SENIOR EXPO
Indoor Sports Center, 8800 East Riverside Boulevard, Loves Park
Lifescape's Senior EXPO is the largest one of its kind in northern Illinois. More than 130 exhibitors fill the Indoor Sports Center in Loves Park for two days in September. An average of 4500 visitors stream through the venue gaining invaluable information about the senior lifestyle and the particular needs and wants of the older adult.
815-490-1111
www.lifescapeservices.org

September 17
HALF SAINT PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATE AT A TEA
754 First Street, LaSalle
Celebrate half St. Patrick's Day with a tea. Bring a friend and enjoy afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, sweets, and a variety of hot and cold teas.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org


September 17-20
HALF SAINT PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATATION
754 First Street, LaSalle
Celebrate your Irish heritage along with the Irish contribution to building the I & M Canal.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

September 18
AUTUMN IN THE VILLAGE
Various location in Franklin Grove
Step back in time as you exit the free shuttle bus to the Nachusa Grasslands, Franklin Creek Grist Miss, Chaplin Creek Historic Village, and the Lincoln Building.  Wander a prairie, experience a working gristmill, explore a restored village, and visit the National Headquarters for the Lincoln Highway Association.
815-990-5090

www.chaplincreek.com

September 18
HARVEST HAMMER - PAINT THE TOWN
Morrison
The third weekend in September, Morrison comes alive with great community events starting at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday with the Harvest Hammer; which includes a Duathlon for men and women, a Children’s Fun Run for children 5th grade and under, a 1-mile challenge run for 5th thru 8th grade, and a 5k run/walk for all. At noon, the downtown is transformed into an outdoor canvas for hundreds of amateur artists of all ages who gather to Paint the Town, enjoy great food, and listen to various genres of music, in this unique family art event. On Sunday, Main Street is again closed to allow people to stroll and view the art work.
815-772-7657
www.harvesthammer.org

September 18
ROCKFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - JEFFREY BIEGEL RETURNS!
Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
Opening night at the RSO. Rockford favorite Jeffrey Biegel returns to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of Chopin and to introduce a concerto, new to the repertoire, by Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer .
815-965-0049
www.rockfordsymphony.com

September 18-19
PEC THING ANTIQUE & FLEA MARKET
Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 West 1st Street, Pecatonica
Over 400 dealers spread out over the fairgrounds for this semi-annual antique and flea market. Great bargains can be found everywhere...from antique tools and quilts to yard art and jewelry to stamps and postcards to furniture and glassware and everything in between.
815-239-1641
www.winnebagocountyfair.com

September 18-19
VINTAGE ILLINOIS WINE FESTIVAL
Starved Rock State Park, Utica
Vintage Illinois, an annual collaborative wine tasting event hosted by the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association and Starved Rock State Park, showcases some of the finest wineries in the beautiful setting of Starved Rock State Park. Call for a complete schedule of events or visit our website.
815-784-4540
www.vintageillinois.com

September 18-19
TRACTORS FOR CHARITY
Stade Farm and Market, 3709 Miller Road, McHenry
From 9am to 5pm. Adults $3, All children $1.
847-514-7082
www.tractorsforcharity.com


September 18-19
GREENWICH VILLAGE ART FAIR
Riverfront Museum Park, 711 North Main Street, Rockford
Established in 1948, the Greenwich Village Art Fair is one of the oldest continuous art fairs in the area and combines juried artists with family-friendly children's activities, live music, and food in a vibrant and art-filled setting. More than 100 artists are juried into the show by an independent juror in several categories. In the old-world tradition of an open-air market, the Fair also features a Gourmet Marketplace.
815-972-2870

www.rockfordartmuseum.org

September 18-19
APPLE FEST WEEKEND
Royal Oak Farm Orchard, 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard
Come enjoy the Fall 2010 Harvest at All Seasons Orchard! We will have apples galore as most of our varieties are ready for picking. Apple Fest Weekend marks the First Annual All Seasons Orchard Apple Pie Competition. Participants young and old bake up their best in this two day contest. Select a new recipe to go with your hand picked apples! We will celebrate the weekend with special events and activities throughout the farm. Face painters will add an apple or ladybug on you little one’s face. In the Kids Zone we will have guided group activities for children and toddlers. Old fashioned favorites like Simon Says, Follow the Leader, Red Light - Green Light, and Hop Scotch to name a few. We hope you can spend the day with us and take pleasure in all that fall has to offer! Visit our free petting zoo and see just how cute a miniature billy goat can be. Take a relaxing walk around our professionally landscaped farm and get your fill of fresh air. For a little excitement you can try your luck – and aim- at our Apple Cannon. It is fun for children young and old! Professional photographers will be at the orchard to commemorate our 20th Anniversary. Be sure to capture these magic moments with your family that your children will be sure to remember for a lifetime. As we come to dusk on Saturday come get toasty by the campfire and listen to acoustic local music. Or challenge you sense of direction in the 10 acre Corn Maze with help from the stars!
815-648-4141
www.royaloakfarmorchard.com

September 18 - October 16
PRISCILLA'S PARLOR MINI FLEA MARKET
1126 Lincoln Highway, Rochelle
Priscilla's Parlor hosts a mini flea market the third Saturday of each month from May to October. We carry antiques, vintage and primitives as well as jewelry, candles and gifts. Located on the historic Lincoln Highway just off of Highway 38, US251 and I39.
815-561-1909
www.priscillasparloronline.com/store


September 22-26
ANNUAL GRUNDY COUNTY CORN FESTIVAL
Downtown Morris
Parade, food, crafts, activities for all, farm fair, entertainment and more.
815-942-2676
www.cornfestival.org


September 24-26
STILLMAN VALLEY FALL FESTIVAL
Downtown Stillman Valley
Great fun for all ages and prizes awarded to winners. Other events include a fireworks show on Friday evening, Antique Tractor & Steam Engine Show, baking contest, car show, craft show, flea market, horticulture show, musical entertainment, parade, quilt show, talent show, and more.
www.stillmanvalleyfallfestival.com


September 24-26
SEPTEMBER FEST
St. Mary School Campus, 210 Gurler Road, DeKalb
Annual event held at St. Mary Parish in DeKalb.
www.stmaryseptemberfest.com


September 25
ANNUAL ANTIQUE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW
Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 IL Route 76, Belvidere
One of the largest motorcycle shows around! All stock cycles, 25 years old or older. Antique bike and parts flea market. Show runs from 8am to 4pm.
815-229-0382
www.macmc.org


September 25
INTRODUCTION TO FLIGHT
Poplar Grove Wings and Wheels Museum & Airport, Orth Road, Poplar Grove
This program is held on Saturday mornings twice a year and is available to youth 8-17 years of age. The program lasts approximately 3 ½ hours and includes a tour of the Springfield Hangar to view current restoration projects, a ground school class on the “Theory of Flight”, and a hands on preflight of a general aviation aircraft. Following this each youth receives an introductory flight (weather permitting). Call the museum office to make a reservation (required).
815-547-3115
www.thevintagemuseum.com


September 25
JOHNNY APPLESEED FESTIVAL
Downtown Crystal Lake
An all day event which brings visitors together to celebrate fall. Meet Johnny Appleseed! Enjoy pony and wagon rides, a craft fair and farmers market, plus games and food.
815-479-0835

www.downtowncl.org

September 25
HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL
Downtown Genoa
Come enjoy the quaint village of Genoa. In years past we have sold scarecrows, pumpkins, gourds, mums, and corn stalks. We have food booths and specials in stores and restaurants.
815-784-5101
www.genoamainstreet.com

September 25
RADIO EXPO 2010
Boone County Fairgrounds, US Route 20 & IL 76, Belvidere
Annual electronics show the Chicago FM Club has presented for over 40 years in Lake County and the last two years at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Newest amateur equipment from major manufacturers, computer hardware and software, 2 large buildings for indoor flea market tables, large areas for outdoor flea marketing. Free parking.
708-457-0966
www.chicagofmclub.org

September 25
ART ON THE PRAIRIE
City Park, Streator
Sixth annual Fine Arts Festival and Wine Tasting in the Streator City Park, sponsored by the Streator Tourism committee. Festival includes juried art displays, demonstrations, music, wine tasting booth and food vendors.
815-672-2055
www.streator.org

September 25-26
AUTUMN PIONEER FESTIVAL
Boone County Conservation District, 603 North Appleton Road, Belvidere
Belvidere's Autumn Festival re-lives the 1800s with blacksmithing demos, open-fire pottery making, Native American lore, a Civil War encampment and an 1830s log cabin. Watch as soap, apple butter and sauerkraut are made. Have a taste of buffalo stew and other traditional pioneer culinary fare.
815-547-7935

www.boonecountyconservationdistrict.org

September 25-26
WWII DAYS
Midway Village Musuem, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
World War II Days includes elaborate and realistic battles complete with tanks, artillery, armored vehicles, and exciting pyrotechnic displays. Battle shows are on Saturday at 1:30pm and 3:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. Maps of the event site showcasing the battlefield and the various encampments and attractions will be available when visitors arrive .
815-397-9112
www.midwayvillage.com

September 26 - October 25
SANDWICH ANTIQUES MARKET
Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich
Monthly antique show from April to October, open from 8am to 4pm. When the gates open at 8AM on April 26th the Sandwich Antiques Market will have a new look on the Westside. Now patrons will be able to see two shows at one fair grounds. The new West Field will open with crafts, flea market items, family garage sales and business booths. The antique and collectible dealers will still be located in the East Field as they have for the past 22 years.
815-786-3337
www.antiquemarkets.com

September 29
ROCKFORD CORONADO CONCERT ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: BERLIN PHILHARMONIC WIND QUINTET
Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
Astonishing audiences worldwide with their range of expression, the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet has redefined the sound of the classic wind quintet. The ensemble was founded in 1988 during the era of Herbert von Karajan. Today ensemble members are also teachers and coaches of young musicians in many countries.
815-968-0595
www.rccaconcerts.org

September 30
FALL DINNER - LECTURE SERIES
754 First Street, LaSalle
Ron Solberg, Illinois Road Scholar, Author “The Whizbangs of Oohs and Ahs: Those Magnificent Traveling Salesmen of Illinois" As Chicago and the State of Illinois have served as retailing centers for the nation, it is probably no coincidence, then, that it has also introduced more than its fair share of innovative and enterprising traveling salesmen. For more than 150 years a 19th Century Marshall Fields and his "whizbang drummers" to the likes of 20th Century Ron Popeil and his "Pocket Fisherman" have introduced products, services and concepts that are still with us to this day. And in fact many of their ideas and strategies have been adopted by modern-day marketing, advertising, and public relations. Join Ron Solberg as he recounts the amazing stories of the traveling salesmen of Illinois.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org



SEPTEMBER 2011

September 15
DUTCH ICE CREAM SOCIAL AND REAGAN TOUR
Heritage Square, 620 North Ottawa, Dixon
Heritage Square is the residence of many acquaintances/friends of Reagan.We will be serving Dutch Ice Cream and Dutch Apple pie, among the huge selection of pies. Sit outside and enjoy the sounds of the 30's , 40's live band. Follow the big white Reagan Hat trail inside our wonderful facility which is accented with much Reagan Memoribilia.and of course our many residents are here to talk about Ronnie.
815-288-2251 or 815-912-2130


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200 S. State Street Belvidere, IL 61008 • Ph: 815.547.3740 • F: 815.547.3749 • nitdo@visitnorthernillinois.com