Events Calendar

Mark your calendars and join us for three days of fun at the 81st Annual Montrose Watermelon Festival!
Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or visiting for the first time, there’s something for everyone!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you in Montrose!

Saturday August 22nd:
7 am - 10 am: Central Lee Music Boosters Pancake Breakfast (Free will donation)
7 am Reg/8 am: Watermelon 5k Run, Walk, Crawl
Noon : Parade (Main Street)
12:30 pm Reg/1 pm: Montrose Fire Rescue Cornhole Tournament
1 pm - 4 pm: Sonshine Amusement Carnival

1 pm: Food Stands Open
1 pm: On-Stage Entertainment (Central Lee Impulse Dance Team)

2 pm: Parade Winners Announced
2 pm - 4 pm: On-Stage Entertainment (Heathers & Co)

3 pm - 5 pm: Kids Day
4pm - 5 pm: Carnival Closes for Safety Checks
5 pm: Carnival Reopens
5 pm - 9 pm: Bingo Tent
5 pm - 9 pm: Vendors/Crafts
5 pm: On-Stage Entertainment (Kathy Dye)

7 pm: Heritage Award
7 pm - 9 pm: Nightly Entertainment (Brothers Alvarez)

80th Birthday Celebration of the Carthage VFW Post #5117
Car Show & BBQ Cookoff
Summer Fun All Day Long!

All proceeds are going to the homeless veterans!!

Pre-Register at Carthage VFW Canteen or text Jordan (319) 316-3244

Saturdays throughout the year, enjoy live music at the bar and grill at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. Shows featuring country, folk, and classic rock begin at 5 p.m. each night. Learn more at Kickapoo Adventures online.  

The Darrell Heath Band will be at Kickapoo Adventures on August 22 from 5- 7 p.m.!

Father /Daughter harmonies will take the stage with a set list consisting of a blend of classic oldies and modern rock tunes.  Frequently showcased at The Wine Sellers and The Cafe in Macomb. Come enjoy the musical talents of this father-daughter music duo from Macomb IL
Hope to see you there.
Concert happens rain or shine; bring a chair, picnic dinner/snacks, & BYOB

August 22 – “On the Lawn” Series #3

7:00 PM concert
Conductor: Mike Fansler

We hope you’ll join us throughout the summer as we celebrate community, great music, and some very special performances, including our Independence Day concert!

Mark your calendars and bring a friend

Fresh produce, local vendors, and community fun are right around the corner.
Still thinking about being a vendor? There’s time—reach out to the Hancock County Farm Bureau at 217-357-3141 or [hcfbmanager@gmail.com](mailto:hcfbmanager@gmail.com).
We can’t wait to see you there!

The Fort Madison Farmer's Market is growing, and we want you to be part of it! Join us on Mondays at Central Park from 4-6 pm in June-September.

The market emphasizes locally grown produce and products, ensuring that all items are sourced from Illinois growers. This focus on local sourcing helps to reduce transportation emissions and supports the regional economy.
The market welcomes new vendors and offers a variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, baked and canned goods, as well as artwork and crafts. It operates between 3 and 6 PM, making it accessible for afternoon and early evening shoppers.

One of western Illinois' favorite end-of-summer traditions returns as the 2026 Bushnell Town & Country Fall Festival takes over downtown Bushnell Wednesday, August 26 through Saturday, August 29, 2026, with four days of family entertainment, hometown traditions, live music, carnival rides, a grand parade, flea market, antique tractors, classic automobiles, exhibits, contests and activities for all ages.

2026 Entertainment Lineup
• Thursday, August 27 – 7:30 p.m: The Unforgettables
• Friday, August 28 – 7:30 p.m: Captain Geech & the Shrimp Shack Shooters
• Saturday, August 29 – 7:30 p.m: Madd Hoss Jackson

Festival activities begin Wednesday with livestock events and discounted carnival rides before expanding into a full weekend of attractions.

Admission to the festival grounds is free, with carnival rides, food and select activities available throughout the weekend.

Western Illinois University's University Union Board (UUB) is excited to announce its Fall 2026 Bingo Calendar, featuring a full lineup of themed bingo nights, campus partnerships and signature WIU spirit.

UUB's bingo events have become a favorite campus tradition, known for high-energy atmospheres, creative themes and great prizes. This fall, attendees can look forward to five unique bingo experiences:

Fall 2026 Bingo Events:

Welcome Bingo
7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26 - Grand Ballroom

Loteria Bingo in collaboration with LASO (Latin American Student Organization)
7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14 - Grand Ballroom

Halloween Bingo
7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28 - Grand Ballroom

Drag Show Bingo with UNITY and the LGBT*QA Resource Center
7-10 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11 - Grand Ballroom

Holiday Bingo
7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 2 - Grand Ballroom

Each event will feature themed entertainment, interactive activities and opportunities for students to engage with the campus community in a fun and welcoming environment.