Summer festivals 2024
Everything from kiddie rides to Shakespeare
While kids finish up at school, May is the start of the festival season in Illinois. It’s time for communities across central Illinois to celebrate everything from the crops they raise to the town’s history.
The Elmwood Strawberry Festival is always held on the first Saturday in June but if you miss that, strawberry festivals are also coming up in Arthur, Kankakee, Long Grove, and Tiskilwa.
Here’s a list of some of the early summer festivals in central Illinois:
WASHINGTON GOOD NEIGHBOR DAYS
MAY 29-JUNE 2, 2024
1800 Washington Road (John Bearce lot)
Carnival rides, music events, 5K race (June 1), nightly fireworks, etc.
ELMWOOD STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
JUNE 1, 2024
Central Park, Main and Magnolia, Elmwood
Crafters, vendors, local entertainers, a 5K color run/walk and good food including lots of strawberry desserts.
facebook.com/elmwoodstrawberryfest
CANTON ART ON MAIN FINE ART FESTIVAL
JUNE 2, 2024
Jones Park, Canton
View and purchase original art from some of the Midwest’s best artists, plus food, local music and wine.
cantonillinois.org/main-street/main-street-events/art-on-main
BLOOMINGTON GOLD
JUNE 21-22, 2024
Redbird Arena and Horton Field House, Normal
Corvette, Camaro and other car enthusiasts are invited to two days of automotive excitement including a road tour, judging, vendors, dealer displays and a gala reception.
TREMONT TURKEY FESTIVAL
JUNE 7-9, 2024
Community Park (on Route 9)
Turkey is a big part of this festival, which traces its roots back 58 years. In addition, enjoy entertainment, family activities, the Miss Tremont Pageant, carnival rides, tractor pulls, a parade, and more.
SOMMERFEST
JUNE 12, 2024
Hickory Grove Park, Dunlap
CHILLICOTHE DAYS CARNIVAL
JUNE 12-15, 2024
City Park, Downtown Chillicothe
Kick off summer with carnival rides, games, food, live music and entertainment, a talent show, Mr. Chillicothe contest and more.
facebook.com/chillicothechamber
JUNETEENTH FEST
JUNE 15, 2024
Carver Center, John H. Gwynn Jr. Park
Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of slaves in the U.S., was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
OLD SETTLER’S DAYS MACOMB HERITAGE DAYS
JUNE 19-22, 2024
Metamora Village Square
A reunion, a family tradition, a time to gather and enjoy being part of a community. Old Settler’s Days is food, vendors, carnival rides and live music every night near the historic Metamora Courthouse.
MACOMB HERITAGE DAYS
JUNE 27-30, 2024
Chandler Park in Macomb
Bands, food and a carnival plus a Sunday pancake breakfast.
ILLINOIS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
JUNE, JULY, AUGUST 2024
Multiple venues, Bloomington. Twelfth Night, Sense and Sensibilities (Jane Austen), Macbeth.
VOLKSFEST
JULY 3, 2024
Hickory Grove Park, Dunlap
CHOOSE GREATER PEORIA RED, WHITE AND BOOM!
JULY 4, 2024
Peoria and East Peoria riverfronts
The area’s largest annual event attracts up to 200,000 to the Peoria and East Peoria riverfronts for a huge fireworks display and all-day celebration.
MACK-A-FEST
JULY 18-20, 2024
Veteran’s Park and other Mackinaw locations
A hometown festival with something for everyone, including a parade, carnival rides, tractor pull, ribeye sandwich dinner, 5K run/walk, Little Miss and Mr. Mack-A-Fest.
RIVER CITY PRIDE FESTIVAL
JULY 20, 2024
Downtown Peoria
Sponsored by Peoria Proud, the event is open to all and includes music, food, vendors and fun.
HEART OF ILLINOIS FAIR
JULY 16-20, 2024
Expo Gardens, Peoria
The Heart of Illinois Fair is an annual fair featuring livestock competitions, rides, concessions, motor contests and concerts. A Peoria tradition since 1949.
KICKAPOO CREEK FESTIVAL
AUGUST 9-11, 2024
Wildlife Prairie Park, Hanna City
Free workshops, fishing, food, free camping, a bonfire and activities promoting conservation of the Kickapoo Creek watershed.
friendsofrockyglen.org/kickapoo-creek-festival
If you’re ready for a road trip, there’s also the Horseradish Festival in Collinsville June 6-7, home to fresh horseradish along with a Bloody Mary contest (held Saturday, June 7).