Ready to celebrate vultures? Don’t miss these 10 unique festivals around Illinois
If you’re looking for something fun and routine-breaking to put on the calendar, there’s plenty of unique festivals in southwest and central Illinois.
Events are held throughout the summer and into fall, and the celebrations span a wide range of focuses.
There are gatherings highlighting everything from Black-owned businesses to agriculture history, and of course a fair share of food-forward parties. Enjoy fresh peaches, a chili competition or “bagelfest,” or take the children to watch colorful hot air balloons soar through the sky.
Here are 10 unique festivals in southern and central Illinois.
Black Woodstock Festival
The Black Woodstock Festival was inspired by The Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969, also known as Black Woodstock. East St. Louis’ event will feature live music, a firework show and 50 to 100 Black-owned businesses. Admission to the festival is free, and the vendor slots have all been filled.
The city celebrates the event in aims to “provide a safe place for Black business owners to capitalize on a large scale,” and more information about its inception is available from the News-Democrat.
Date: July 3 to 4
Location: 8221 State St., East St. Louis, IL 62203
Mattoon Bagelfest
Visit this small town for a free bagel breakfast the morning of Saturday, July 19 and stay for performances by Rocket Man, Jason Gray and Locash. There’s a carnival, food trucks and craft vendors.
The Jason Gray concert is free and requires no ticket, though an RSVP is appreciated. Tickets must be purchased for the Rocket Man and Locash concerts.
Date: July 19 to 23
Location: Peterson Park, 500 Broadway Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938
Cobden Peach Festival
Cobden has celebrated the peach harvest season with this festival for more than 80 years. The event includes carnival rides, games, food and, of course, peach cobbler. A Peach Queen is crowned, and there is a parade Saturday following a morning 5k run/walk.
Admission to the festival is free.
Date: Aug. 12 to 13
Location: 117 S Appleknocker Drive, Cobden, IL 62920
American Thresherman Steam, Gas & Threshing Show
Explore 100 years of farming history at this festival, which has been held in Pinckneyville for more than 60 years. Daily activities include blacksmithing, viewing steam engines, tractor activities, rope-making, miniature train rides and a large flea market. There’s also broom-making, wheat threshing, corn shelling and plowing.
Admission is $10 and those under 12 years old get in free.
Date: Aug. 17 to 21
Location: 711 Fairground Road, Pinckneyville, IL
Centralia Balloon Fest
Watch 35 hot air balloons take flight, glowing to the rhythm of live music at this can’t-miss party. You can shop at more than 100 vendors and bring your lawn chairs to chow down on dishes from local food trucks. There are inflatables, cardboard boat races, characters in costume and car/motorcycle shows.
An all-weekend wristband is $5, and you can check out specialty balloons shaped as unicorns and frogs.
Date: Aug. 19 to 21
Location: 1490 Gragg St., Centralia, IL 62801
Arcola Broomcorn Festival
The city of Arcola pays homage to its heritage as “Broomcorn Capital of the World” with this large event, which includes broom-making, arts and craft vendors and a parade. Enjoy food while watching free concerts, or run in the 5k or 10k race. Door prizes are drawn for participants, and race winners receive plaques.
Some of the most unique attributes of this event are provided by the “Lawn Rangers,” who march with lawn mowers and brooms. Barack Obama marched with this crew in 2003 during his launch for U.S. Senate candidacy, and the group performed at the 2009 Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C.
Date: Sept. 9 to 11
Location: Downtown Arcola
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Up to 2,000 classic cars will cruise through historic downtown Springfield in this event. Route 66 is celebrated with festivals across the state, and Edwardsville’s rendition is hosted in June.
In Springfield, spectator admission is free and driver registration is $40 from June 1 to Sept. 21. There’s a car show, a drive downtown, live music, the Springfield farmers’ market, a burnout competition and more. Additional information is available online.
Date: Sept. 23 to 25
Location: Downtown Springfield, Ill.
Belleville Chili Cook-off
This chili gathering has been a local mainstay since 1983. More than 60 vendors now take part in the cook-off, which is free to attend. Make sure to bring cash so you can sample the dishes, and you can spend $1 to vote for your favorite for the People’s Choice Award.
Professional judges award first, second and third place designations to the winners in two categories: “Non-Food Service Business/Organization” and “Restaurant/Caterer.”
Date: Oct. 7 to 8
Location: Downtown Belleville, near the Veterans Memorial Fountain and along Main Street
Vulture Fest
This celebration is inspired by beautiful fall colors in southern Illinois. Vultures fly over Makanda and surrounding areas to signal the season’s beginning, so they are honored at Vulture Fest each year.
There’s live music, food and shopping. Local artists sell their wares, and you can find some vulture paraphernalia if that’s your thing.
Date: Tentatively set for Oct. 15 to 16
Location: Makanda, IL
International Horseradish Festival
Although the date for this year’s horseradish soiree has passed, it’s worth marking on your calendar for next year. The event has been held for 35 years, and it includes a 5k run, a car show, a bloody mary contest, crafts, food and cornhole.
You can learn how to make your own horseradish, listen to live music and sample food from a variety of vendors. Admission, concerts and parking are free.
Date: June 2023
Location: Uptown Collinsville on Main Street
