Illinois' biggest agricultural event of the season is right around the corner. Enjoy 10 days of excitement with huge headlining performances like Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett, amazing food, carnival rides, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, contests, auto racing, and so much more. This year's Illinois State Fair honors the Illinois Bicentennial with the theme Celebrate Illinois: 200 Years of Amazing!, encouraging visitors to discover out heritage as they enjoy all the best that Illinois has to offer.

It's never too early to start planning for a birthday. Last week, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed legislation to create the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission — a team dedicated to planning the upcoming 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. In 1989, Illinois was one of the first states to create a Route 66 Association to preserve the iconic Mother Road. This new Commission will include 20 members who reflect the interests, history and significance of the communities along Illinois' historic stretch of Route 66.

The biggest day in Illinois horse racing is back for its 36th annual celebration. On August 11, horses, owners, trainers, jockeys and fans from every corner of the world will come together for the Arlington Million. Immerse yourself in the Arlington Million experience, with history and tradition, snappy duds, delectable cuisine and a special live performance from Grammy-nominated country-music artist Eric Paslay.

Sleepy Creek Vineyards in Galena

In the town of Fairmount, in 2006, Joe and Dawn Taylor had just spent the last four years building and cultivating their dream winery when they learned some surprising news: they were technically considered bootleggers. As it turned out, when Prohibition was originally repealed in 1933, the township narrowly voted to keep it dry. Not something you want to find out as you’re about to harvest your first crop of grapes.

Yet, always believing "the wine glass is half full," Joe and Dawn did what any dedicated winemakers would do: they launched their own campaign to end Prohibition in the township. With the support of local residents, Sleepy Creek Vineyards was finally free to uncork their first bottle of wine on May 18, 2007, nearly 75 years after the 21st Amendment was ratified.

A decade later, Sleepy Creek Vineyards is thriving, producing some of the region’s tastiest wines and Joe and Dawn are doing what they love. The vineyard spans more than 10 acres, producing more than 35,000 bottles of wine a year. Every Sleepy Creek Wine is made with homegrown grapes and fruit from local growers.

Some people once believed it was impossible to start a winery, let alone an entire vineyard in East Central Illinois. But Joe and Dawn are proof that anything is possible, especially if you have perseverance, determination and the support of the community. Mighty good wine helps too. 

Discover more Illinois Artisans at Illinois Made.

Crowds from across the country will come together August 11–12 at the largest two-day street festival in the Midwest, located on Halsted Street. The weekend-long festival features live music on four stages, plus 200+ vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJs, sponsor booths, and a variety of other activities throughout its two days. Founded in 1980, the festival has since grown to span six blocks across North Halsted Street in Lakeview.

Oh, and don't forget...