2025 Fair and Festival Guide

By Katie Wheeless July 31, 2025 5:14 pm

Festivals in Champaign and Urbana IL — Metro Services

For a full link to the Guide on Chambana Today, click here: 2025 Fair & Festival Guide – Chambana Today

Moultrie-Douglas County Fair

Tuesday, July 29 – 4-H Shows & Carnival Fun

4:15–4:45 PM: Livestock Check-in (Goats, Swine, Sheep, Cattle)
5 PM: 4-H Shows Begin
6–10 PM: Wristband Night – Unlimited Rides for $30

Wednesday, July 30 – Youth Ag Day

5 PM: Touch-a-Truck
5:30–8:30 PM: Ag Activities & Petting Zoo
6:30 PM: 4-H Foundation Project Auction
7 PM: Sisters and Co Concert
6–10 PM: Carnival Wristband Night – $30

Thursday, July 31 – Midway Fun & Basketball

2 PM: 3-on-3 Basketball Registration
3 PM: Basketball Tournament
7 PM: Battle Creek @ Midway Stage
6–10 PM: Carnival Wristband Night – $30

6 PM: Tractor Pull
6 PM–Midnight: Barn Party @ South Barn
8:30–11:30 PM: Live Band – Next Thing Smokin’
6–10 PM: Carnival (Regular Ticket Pricing)

Friday, August 1 – Tractor Pull & Barn Party

Saturday, August 2 – Community Day Extravaganza

9:30 AM: Car Show Registration
10 AM: Baby Pageant
11 AM: Dog Show
12 PM: Kiddie Tractor Pull & High Top Table Drawing
1–5 PM: Carnival Matinee – Wristbands $30
5 PM: Quad Races
5:30 PM: Concert Gates Open
7 PM: Isaac Durst opens for Ty Myers!
6–10 PM: Carnival (Tickets only – no wristbands)

Carnival Pricing & Hours

Hours: Mon–Sat, 6–10 PM | Sat Matinee: 1–5 PM

Monday Special: $3 tickets, 1 ticket per ride
Tues–Thurs: Wristbands $30
Fri & Sat:
- 20 tickets – $30
- 40 tickets – $55
- Single Ticket – $2

Fairbury Fair – August 13 – 17, 2025

Midway Attractions All Week

Conner Family Amusements (wristband hours vary)
Bear Hollow Wood Carving
TaDa Robots
Miller’s Petting Zoo
Bingo Tent (VFW & Lions Club)
Wild Style Designs, 4-H Foodstand
Rob Thompson Magic Show (varied times)
Livestock & Home Economics Exhibits

Wednesday, Aug. 13 – Free Gate Day

Morning livestock & floral judging
6 PM: Carnival Opens (wristbands 6–10 PM)
6:30 PM: Golf Cart Rodeo
9–11 PM: DJ Chris Tull @ Beer Garden

Thursday, Aug. 14 – Kids & Christian Concert

Daycare & Kids Day Events
5:30 PM: Kids Pinewood Derby
6:30 PM: One In Christ Concert (local bands)
8–11 PM: DJ Chris Tull @ Beer Garden

Friday, Aug. 15 – Military Day ($10 Gate After 3 PM)

Morning: Sheep & Beef Judging
1 PM: Euchre Tournament
7 PM: Aaron Newsome
7:30 PM: Oak Ridge Boys (Tickets $25/$35)
9:30 PM: 80s Bush @ Beer Garden

Saturday, Aug. 16 – BBQ, Racing & Live Music

8 AM: 5K Run & Market Lamb Show
9 AM: BBQ Cookoff
12 & 6 PM: Carnival Wristband Sessions
5:15 PM: Stock Car Racing
9:30 PM: Stone Cold Cowboys Band

Sunday, Aug. 17 – Final Day Fun

10 AM: Worship Service
12–4 PM: Makers Market
12–5 PM: Chili Cook-Off
2 PM: DEMO DERBY ($10 – Kids 12 & Under Free)
5 PM: Fair Closing & Winners Announced

Ticket Info & Wristbands

Wednesday–Friday: Wristbands 6–10 PM
Saturday: Wristbands 12–4 PM & 6–10 PM
Sunday: Wristbands 1–5 PM
Friday–Sunday Gate: $10 (Free for military on Friday with ID)

Full schedule & updates at: www.thefairburyfair.com

Watseka Family Festival | AUGUST 21-23, 2025

Kiwanis Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast
Saturday, Aug 23 · 7–10 AM (or until sold out)

Thursday, Aug 21

Family Feud Night

Friday, Aug 22

Craft & Flea Market: 4–7 PM
Kids Zone (Games & Bounce Houses): 4–9 PM
American Legion Fish Fry: 5 PM–until sold out
Magic Shows, Face Painting, More!
ABRA Bingo

Saturday, Aug 23

Craft & Flea Market: 10 AM–7 PM
Kids Zone: 10 AM–9 PM
Color Run
Magic Shows: Noon · 2 PM · 4 PM
Face Painting: 1–5 PM
Interactive Reptile Display: 1–4 PM
Baby Contest
Princess Party
Car Show
Scarecrow Showdown
American Legion Bags Tournament

BBQ Contest

Registration starts at 6:30 AM

Check official site for full event times & updates: Watseka Family Festival Website

113th Westville Labor Day Celebration

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Concert Entertainment:

Headliner: Drew Baldridge
Opening Act: Neon Rodeo

Concert Info:

Gates Open: 6:00 PM
Show Starts: 7:30 PM
General Admission: $10
Party Pit (Front Row): $25
Ticket prices increase day of show
Get tickets at: www.westvillelionsclub.net

Weekend Attractions

Giant Carnival with rides & games for all ages
Delicious Food Vendors
Variety of Local Vendors
Fireworks Display — Sunday evening in the park
Family Fun All Weekend!

Monday, Sept. 1

Longest-Running Labor Day Parade in downstate Illinois
Stay tuned for more details at westvillelionsclub.net!

54th Annual Broom Corn Festival

Broomcorn Festival Schedule 2025 – Arcola, Illinois: September 5–7

Friday, Sept. 5

10:00 AM – Festival Opens
12:00 PM – Carnival Opens (Daily)
3:00 PM – Grand Marshal Reception @ Arcola Center
4:00 PM – National Broom Sweeping Contest
4:00 PM – Beer Pavilion Opens
8:00 PM – Evening Entertainment (TBA)

Saturday, Sept. 6

8:00 AM – 5K/10K Race @ Moore Park
9:00 AM – Festival Opens
12:00 PM – Miss Arcola Baby Pageant @ Main Street Stage
3:00 PM – HUGE Broomcorn Parade

Sunday, Sept. 7

9:00 AM – Festival Opens
10:00 AM – Outdoor Church Service @ Christian Church
11:00 AM – Kiddie Tractor Pull on Oak Street
2:00 PM – Alex Miller (American Idol) in Concert
5:00 PM – Festival Closes

More Info: Arcola Chamber of Commerce at (217) 268-4530
Visit: Festival Website

Le Roy Fall Festival 2025

Downtown Le Roy & Kiwanis Park
August 19–23, 2025 | Evenings start at 6:00 PM
Food • Games • Rides • Local Vendors • Nightly Ice Cream Socials • Free Live Music

Festival Schedule

Tuesday, August 19

6:00 PM – Midway Opens
6:00 PM – Ice Cream Social @ Gazebo
7:00 PM – Live Music: Kyle Yap

Wednesday, August 20

6:00 PM – Midway Opens
6:00 PM – Ice Cream Social
7:00 PM – Live Music: Stephanie Foster Band & Eric Gordon

Thursday, August 21

10:00 AM–12:00 PM – Special Persons Day
6:00 PM – Midway Opens
6:00 PM – Ice Cream Social
7:00 PM – Live Music: The Boad Drunks

Friday, August 22

6:00 PM – Midway Opens
6:00 PM – Ice Cream Social
7:00 PM – Live Music: Drew Cagle & The Reputation

Saturday, August 23

12:00 PM – Carnival Matinee
1:00–3:00 PM – TBD Entertainment
4:00–6:00 PM – Midway Closed (Break)
6:00 PM – Midway Resumes
6:00 PM – Ice Cream Social
7:00 PM – Live Music: Brushville

Stay Updated: Follow Le Roy Fall Festival – NEW PAGE on Facebook for updates and ticket info!

Coles County Fair – July 27 to August 3

171st Annual Celebration | Est. 1854
Coles County Fairgrounds – Charleston, IL
Admission:

Free: Daily until 4 PM, and all day Sunday, Aug. 3
$3 after 4 PM (July 27–Aug. 2)
Parking: $2 general | $15 reserved
Kids under 16 – Free grounds admission
Carnival Armbands: $25 (Sun–Thu), $30 (Fri–Sun)

Main Events

Coles County Youth Livestock Auction – July 31
Truck & Tractor Pulls – July 29 & 31
Harness Racing – July 28, 30, and Aug. 1
Demolition Derby + Power Wheels – Aug. 1
Professional Bull Riding – Aug. 2
Queen, Jr. Miss & Little Miss Pageants – July 27
K-9 Law Enforcement Demo – Aug. 3
Side Stage Music – Nightly
Carnival Rides – Every evening
Merchants Building & Art Hall Open Daily

Daily Schedule Highlights

Sunday, July 27

Noon – Fair & Merchants Building Open
5–9 PM – Carnival (Armband $25)
5:30 PM – Queen Pageants
8 PM – Doomed To Work (Side Stage)

Monday, July 28

9 AM – Art Hall Judging
5:30 PM – Twilight Harness Racing
5–9 PM – Carnival

Tuesday, July 29

8 AM – Jr. Swine Show
7 PM – Truck & Tractor Pull
Carnival & Art Hall open in the evening

Wednesday, July 30

8 AM – Jr. Sheep & Goat Shows
9:30 AM – Open Beef Show
5:30 PM – Twilight Harness Racing
8 PM – Battle Creek (Side Stage)

Thursday, July 31

5:30 PM – Youth Livestock Auction
7 PM – Truck & Tractor Pull

Friday, August 1

12:30 PM – Harness Racing
6:30 PM – Power Wheels (Ages 3–9)
7 PM – Demolition Derby

Saturday, August 2

8 AM – Dairy & Western Horse Shows
7 PM – Professional Bull Riding
7:30 PM – Absent Ground (Side Stage)

Sunday, August 3

1–5 PM – Carnival ($2 rides or $30 armband)
1 PM – K-9 Demonstration

Grandstand Admission

Harness Racing – Free general admission
Queen Pageant: $8 GA / $10 Box
Truck/Tractor Pull: $10 GA / $12 Box
Demolition Derby: $20 both GA & Box
Bull Riding: $10 GA / $12 Box
Kids 5 & under free to Grandstand events

For full schedule, updates, & armband pre-sales visit: www.colescountyfair.com; (217) 345-2656

Mahomet Music Festival 2025

503 E Main St., Mahomet, IL
August 22–23, 2025

Friday, August 22

Festival Opens – 5:00 PM
Vendors, Food Court, Crafters, Carnival Rides (Armbands valid 6–10 PM)
Lions Club Beer Garden – 5:00 PM
Tony Lindsey (Acoustic) – 6:00 PM | UICCU Main Stage
Lexi Tieffel (American Idol 2025) ft. ALLNIGHTER – 7:00 PM
Gina Miles (The Voice 2023 Winner) – 9:00 PM

Saturday, August 23

Festival Parade – 9:00 AM
Lions Club Beer Garden – 12:00 PM
Emerson Day (Christian Artist) – 11:00 AM | Main Stage
Bags Tournament – Reg. 12:00 PM / Bags Fly 1:00 PM
Zakk Thompkins (Acoustic) – 6:30 PM
Lakeview – 7:30 PM
Parmalee (Headliner) – 9:00 PM
Mahomet Music Festival | Home Page

Gibson City Summer Bash

Now in Year 5, the crowds (and energy) keep growing:

2021: Warrant – 1,500 attendees
2022: Night Ranger – Over 3,000 (even with a pre-show downpour!)
2023: 38 Special – Rocked 6,000 fans
2024: Bret Michaels – 7,500 people filled just 2 city blocks!
2025: …We’re expecting even more!

Powered by Community

This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local businesses, sponsors, and community members. Your partnership makes the music happen—thank you for making it bigger every year.

One Last Summer Celebration

Before school starts, and as summer winds down, let’s come together under the open sky for one last unforgettable night of live music, fun, and community spirit.

See you at the Bash! For more information: GAHHS SUMMER BASH!
#GibsonCitySummerBash

Illinois State Fair: August 7–17

Thursday, August 7 – County Fair & Horse Racing Day

Official opening of the fair (Gates open at 7:00 a.m.)
Over 70 county fair queens and 105 fairs/expos represented
First day of harness racing on the world’s fastest one‑mile dirt track
Twilight Parade at 5:30 p.m., starting from Lincoln Park statefair.illinois.gov Morning Ag Clips

Friday, August 8 – Agriculture Day

Focus on Illinois agriculture, with related exhibits and programming throughout the fairgrounds

Saturday, August 9 – Kids Day

Programming tailored to children and families
Kids aged 12 & under receive free admission statefair.illinois.gov

Sunday, August 10 – Veterans & Gold Star Families Day

Free admission for veterans and their families
Veterans parade and family-friendly activities with discounted ride passes statefair.illinois.gov statefair.illinois.gov

Monday, August 11 – Senior & Scout Day

Free admission for visitors aged 60+ and Scouts
Special senior events in the Illinois Building and Scout Day Tent near the Carnival Midway

Tuesday, August 12 – “Twosday”

Discounted admission for adults and seniors
All carnival rides in Adventure Village and Midway are just $2 each statefair.illinois.gov statefair.illinois.gov

Wednesday, August 13 – Governor’s Day

Hosted by the Governor and featuring former Illinois Governors as guests
Public welcome for the Governor’s Sale of Champions (auction of top livestock and commodities)

Thursday, August 14 – Republican Day

Day hosted by Illinois Republicans with special guest appearances statefair.illinois.gov statefair.illinois.gov

Friday, August 15 – First Responder & Healthcare Heroes Day

Free admission for police, firefighters, EMTs, and healthcare workers showing ID
Special vendor discounts available throughout the fair statefair.illinois.gov statefair.illinois.gov

Saturday, August 16 – Park District Conservation Day

Participation from 45+ Park Districts across Illinois
Conservation World hosts educational and entertaining activities statefair.illinois.gov statefair.illinois.gov