Tazewell County fairs and festivals offer affordable, family-friendly fun year-round. To find information on these events and more, visit our Events Calendar.
SPRING
Shorty’s Strictly Bluegrass Festival {East Peoria} // March // Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant Bluegrass music scene at Stoney Creek Inn in East Peoria IL, where passionate fans, talented artists, and enthusiastic bands from across the Midwest come together to jam and perform live in the ballroom.
Music Wine and Craft Beer Festival {Mackinaw} // May // Enjoy live music from a diverse lineup of talented artists while sipping on local wine and craft beer. Food trucks and vendors will also be on-site, so come hungry and ready to celebrate summer!
Small Business BIG Festival {Pekin} // May // This festival is focused on supporting and promoting small businesses in the area. Enjoy art and live music all weekend and shop a variety of local vendors during this fun-filled family event.
SUMMER
Farmers Market {GPA} // May-September // Keep an eye on our Peoria Area Farmers Market Blog for all your locally sourced re-stocking needs.
Turkey Festival {Tremont} // June // This community summer celebration feels like home, where you can explore the wares at the craft and antique booths, sip a lemonade shake-up, and watch a variety of performances from the Miss Tremont pageant to a carnival and a parade. Come hungry, good food is a huge component of this festival– try the famous grilled turkey!
Washington Good Neighbor Days {Washington} // June // Washington’s annual festival is the perfect way to experience community spirit at its finest! Come and enjoy five days of live entertainment, food and drinks, and family-friendly activities, culminating in a spectacular firework show.
Mackinaw Valley Winery Annual Art and Wine Festival {Mackinaw} // July // A showcase of local and regional artists in the world of oil and watercolor paintings, woodworking, jewelry, metalwork, ceramics, and glass. Sip on wine all day while you browse, and wander through the car show to admire the hottest rides in Mackinaw.
AUTUMN
Grape Stomp + Harvest Festival {Mackinaw} // September // Channel your inner Lucy and get your feet wet in this juicy and one-of-a-kind wine-making experience. With wine flights all day and a Lucy-Look-alike contest, you’ll be stomping to the beat of a great time!
Marigold Festival {Pekin} // September // The Pekin Marigold Festival is a can’t-miss community event featuring local vendors, artists, music, athletics, and more. Celebrate Senator Everett Dirksen with a parade, carnival, and the crowning of Miss Marigold in the Marigold capital of the world.
Morton Pumpkin Festival {Morton} // September // Celebrate fall in the Pumpkin Capital of the World! This four-day festival is a pumpkin lover’s dream come true. Events include the Pumpkin Boxcar Derby, the Pumpkin Princess pageant, and the Pumpkin Classic 10K. Don’t miss the famous Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast, but make sure to arrive early!
Haunted Houses {GPA} // October // Central Illinois is brimming with scary opportunities to face your fears and seek a spooky thrill. Keep an eye on our Haunted Attractions blog for the most terrifying haunts in the Greater Peoria Area.
WINTER
Festival of Lights and Parade of Lights {East Peoria} // November-December // With over three million lights depicting everything from animals to holiday items, this drive-through spectacle is a must-see for all ages. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting on a Monday or Tuesday.
Christmas On Court {Pekin} // December // Explore the charming historic Downtown Court Street, with local retailers and Pop-Up Markets for a unique shopping experience. Indulge in delicious food and drinks and make sure to check out the community Christmas Tree, a tribute to Pekin’s First Responders.
