Festivals & Events

For more specific information on our events, please visit our Calendar of Events page.

Signature Events

Pause for Patriotism May 15, 2010
In celebration of the tremendous effort our military servicemembers make every day, Pause for Patriotism exposes everyday citizens to life in our armed forces. Entertainment and crafts round out the event.
Perry Farm Park 459 N. Kennedy Dr., Bourbonnais, 815-935-5108

Pembroke Rodeo May 29-30, 2010
The Pembroke Rodeo features one of the largest African-American traveling rodeos in Illinois. The events included are bareback riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, relay races, barrel racing, flag races, and bull riding.
St. Anne Rodeo Park 5000 S. Rd., Hopkins Park, 815-342-3777

Klash on the Kankakee June 12-13, 2010
Step back in time for an authentic reenactment of life in the 1700's, when trappers traded furs for goods. Re-enactors set up camps using materials and techniques of the 18th century. Uniformed troops engage in mock battles and tactical demonstrations each day.
Perry Farm Park 459 N. Kennedy Dr., Bourbonnais, 815-933-9905
www.btpd.org

Kankakee Fishing Derby June 25-July 4, 2010
The Annual Kankakee River Valley Fishing Derby is a 10-day event that provides exciting fun for the whole family. Cash prizes are awarded for tagged fish!
Kankakee River & tributaries Kankakee, 815-939-2675
www.kankakeefishingderby.com

Thee Olde Time Farm Show July 2-4, 2010
Learn about the early farm life through actual working tractors, threshers, and steam engines from the past century. See demonstrations, contests, a petting zoo, food concessions, and live entertainment.
Perry Farm Park 459 N. Kennedy Dr., Bourbonnais 815-933-4119
www.oldetimefarmshow.com

July 4th Concert & Fireworks July 4, 2010
Grounds open at 3 p.m. for picnicking. Kankakee Valley Sympony Orchestra concert at 5:30 pm. and 7 p.m.. Fireworks following concert.
Kankakee Community College, 100 College Dr., Kankakee 815-933-3119

Kankakee County Fair August 4-8, 2010
A traditional County Fair with Carnival, Grandstand Shows, Livestock Shows, Arts, Crafts, and 4-H Shows. 3886 State Route 45/52 Kankakee 815-932-6714
www.kankakeefair.org

Chicago Bears Training Camp July 30/August 19
Olivet Nazarene University is the home of the Chicago Bears summer training camp. Thousands of spectators and fans attend this fun-filled, family-friendly event. Admission is FREE and there are plenty of opportunities to meet the players and collect autographs. Final dates for the training camp are released in June prior to camp.
One University Ave., Bourbonnais
www.chicagobears.com

Momence Gladiolus Festival August 11-15, 2010
This Festival includes a street parade, antique car show, flea market, and carnival in the quaint setting of downtown Momence.
Downtown Momence, 815-472-6353
www.gladfest.com

OPC Powerboat Nationals September 4-6, 2010
See extreme powerboat racing from the banks of the Kankakee River with entertainment, food, and festivities.
Kankakee Community College & River Road Park, Kankakee, 815-939-1311 www.kankakeepowerboatraces.com

Herscher Labor Day Celebration   September 4-6, 2010
This three-day event features a Grand Parade with bands, floats, marching units, and activities.
Downtown Herscher, 815-426-6183
www.herscher.net

Fall Art Stroll September 19, 2010
Painters, photographers, handcrafters, musicians, and performance artists gather for a fun-filled display of creativity.
Schuyler Ave. Kankakee 815-933-2787
www.communityartscouncil.org

Manteno Oktoberfest September 23-26, 2010
A traditional German festival held on Main Street in Manteno that begins with a spectacular lighted parade. Entertainment, rides, food and drink vendors fill the streets.
Main Street Manteno
www.mantenooktoberfest.com

2010 Events

Kankakee County invites you to join in the festivities! These events are full of energy, bursting with flavor, and decked out in fun. With over 60 unique celebrations there is always an excuse to getaway to Kankakee County. Please note the events in bold are Kankakee County Signature Events.

January 9 Outward Bound Adventure Sports Show

February 7 Winterfest 5k Run

March 13-14            Home Improvement Show
March 13-14            Gun & Sport Show

April 17-18               Gun & Sport Show
April 24                    Annual Flower Show

May 1                      Arthritis Walk
May 2                      Tri-K Pigeon & Bantam Club-Swap Meet
May 15                   Pause for Patriotism
May 16                    Dog Day Afternoon
May 16                    Rhubarb Festival
May 29-30              Pembroke Rodeo

June 6                     Strawberry Jazz Festival
June 6                     Tri-K Pigeon & Bantam Club-Swap Meet
June 12-13             Klash on the Kankakee
June 20                    Kilbride Family Classic
June 23-27               Bourbonnais Friendship Festival
June 25-July 4       Kankakee River Fishing Derby

July 2-4                   Thee Olde Time Farm Show
July 18                     St. George Church Summerfest

July 30/August 19  Chicago Bears Training Camp
August 1                  Mustang and Ford Car Show
August 4-8             Kankakee County Fair
August 21-22           Garvey Festival
August 11-15         Gladiolus Festival
August 13-14           Merchant Street Music Festival
August 18                Kankakee River Clean Up

September 4-6      OPC Powerboat Nationals
September 4-6      Herscher Labor Day Festival
September 5            Tri-K Pigeon & Bantam Club-Swap Meet
September 10-11     Two Rivers Festival
September 10-11     Astrofest
September 11-12     Gun & Sport Show
September 18          Good Shepherd Manor Fall Festival
September 19       Fall Art Stroll
September 24-26     St. Anne Pumpkin Festival
September 23-26     Manteno Octoberfest
September 26          Quiltmaker's Show

October 3                Tri-K Pigeon & Bantam Club-Swap Meet
October 8-9, 15-16, A Night in Sleepy Hollow
        22-23

November 1-30       Annual Physically Challenged Archery Hunt

December 3            Bradley Lighted Christmas Parade
December 4-5         AKC Dog Show
December 4-31       Gallery of Trees
December 12          Jingle Bell Run

Please visit our website or call 800-747-4837 to find out the latest information on these events with dates to be announced and other Kankakee County Events.

Agricultural Show
Bethlehem Walk
Christmas Gathering Celebration
Dixie Days
Fall Gathering at KVPD
Fishing College
Grant Park Octoberfest
Herscher Corn Bowl
Herscher Christmas Celebration
Holiday House Walk
Kankakee Kultivators Garden Walk
Kankakee Valley Porcelain Artist Guild
Les Artisan & Crafts Show
Novena to St. Anne
Pembroke Days
Service Club Olympics
St.Patrick's Haunted High School