The charming town of Galena is set to host the annual Great Galena Balloon Race from June 21-23, 2024.

The Great Galena Balloon Race has become a beloved tradition, drawing crowds that are eager to experience the thrill and beauty of ballooning. Held over three days, this year’s event promises excitement with a range of activities suitable for all ages.

During the event, there will be live music, hot air balloon races, a classic car show and more. The event is raising money for Camp Hertko Hollow and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Since 1983, the Fox Valley Concert Band has been bringing the joy of music to the Northern Illinois region along the Fox River. Starting as a small ensemble sponsored by the St. Charles Park District, the community-run band, composed of volunteers, now has a membership of over 60 musicians. The band is led by conductor Dr. Colin Holman who has been with the band since 1993. 

Currently in its 41^st season, the Fox Valley Concert Band has been a staple in the local community for decades, garnering immense support from members of the community, local businesses and groups. Over the years, the band has built its audience through generosity and giving back. 

The band often plays at venues across the Fox Valley area, putting on special performances for local nursing home residents and even the Kane County Cougars Baseball team. The band’s tradition of holding free and public concerts has been bringing families and neighbors together to enjoy beautifully composed music at concerts all year round.  

Each concert put on by the band highlights different composers and styles of music with varying themes that range from seasonal music to celebrating Illinois and its composers. During their 40^th anniversary season, the band even featured a live painter, David LaPlaca, during their performance of “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” by Mark Camphouse.

The Fox Valley Concert Band continues to inspire members of the community to maintain their passion for music through performance and entertainment.

Catch the Fox Valley Concert Band’s next performance July 7 at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles from 3 to 5 p.m. 

For more information, visit the Fox Valley Concert Band’s website. 

Summer in Illinois is a time for celebration, and the prairie state offers an array of vibrant festivals that showcase its rich culture, music, food and community spirit. Here’s a look at some of the must-attend summer festivals throughout the state:

Chicago area

Ribfest – Chicago, June 14-16

• Live music, barbecue food

Hyde Park Summerfest – Chicago, June 17-18

• Hip-hop and house music festival

Chicago suburbs

Long Grove Strawberry Fest – Long Grove, June 21-23

• Strawberry-infused food and drinks, carnival rides, live music

Morris Beer Festival – Morris, September 7

• 50 breweries, live music, food vendors

Did you know there’s a zoo in Illinois that’s always free? Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is a free attraction that’s open 365 days a year. Not only is it the oldest zoo in the country, dating back to 1868, it’s also one of only a handful of zoos in the U.S. that offers free admission.

The zoo has animals from every climate and is dedicated to conservation and science, with one of the largest kids’ educational programs in the country – Zoo Explorers.

While visiting Lincoln Park Zoo, you can see all different kinds of animals as well as a whole house reserved for birds of prey. For children, there is a petting zoo with fun interactive exhibits dedicated to education.

Nestled in the rolling hills of central Illinois lies a remarkable destination that brings history to life: the Lincoln New Salem State Historic Site. Located two miles south of Petersburg and 20 miles northwest of Springfield, this reconstructed pioneer village offers visitors an immersive experience into the formative years of Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most revered presidents.

Lincoln New Salem is not just a museum – it is a vivid recreation of the village where a young Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837. During these six years, Lincoln worked as a store clerk, a postmaster, a surveyor, and eventually launched his legal and political career.