Events Calendar

Out of the Darkness Community Walks are AFSP's signature fundraising events, bringing people together across the country to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Whether you've been personally touched by suicide loss or simply want to show up for your community, these Walks are a powerful way to connect and take action together.
Every dollar raised here in Illinois goes directly toward research, advocacy, and education programs in our local schools, workplaces, and communities.

Want to learn more or get involved? Visit afsp.org/MacombIL.

Contact:
Ellen Moon (She/Her/Hers)
309-313-3556
elliehmoon@gmail.com

The Great River Bridge Race was established in 1995 and continues to be a legacy event in the Burlington community year after year. This event provides a unique opportunity for participants to cross the Great River Bridge on foot, as it is typically closed to pedestrians. This race offers multiple events, including a 5K / 10K race, as well as a 1.5-mile Bridge Walk. The 28th Annual Great River Bridge Race is scheduled on September 19, 2026.

Join us in Parade!

Come create your very own Beaded Corn masterpiece in our Art Studio!

Free with Admission

Admission Cost:
Adults: $13.00

Children: $13.00

Infants (under 1): Free

Seniors (60+) & Military personnel: $10.40

Members: Free

The Biggest German Event of the Year! 3 Days of Fun

Willkommen to Central Illinois’ Biggest and Best Fest! This year’s festival has all your favorites with a few new things to put some guten in your tag!
The Peoria Park District and German American Central Society united their efforts in 1996 to bring the first of the “signature events” planned for the Peoria Riverfront.
Peoria’s Oktoberfest” is the Midwestern equivalent of the Munich Oktoberfest.
Location: Peoria Riverfront
9/18: 5 pm-11 pm
9/19: Noon-11 pm
9/20: 11 am-5 pm

The Al Sears Music Fest spotlights local talent on Saturday, September 19, from 12:00 to 9:00 pm at the Western Illinois Museum. The afternoon will feature performances by The Zoë Rose Trio and Nico Barberan, along with a community jam session led by the Western Illinois Traditional Music Association.

12:00 to 1:45 pm – The Zoë Rose Trio.
2:00 to 3:45 pm – Jam Session hosted by Jeff Calhoun and the Western Illinois Traditional Music Association
5:00 to 6:30 pm – Nico Barberan
7:00 to 9:00 pm – The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project

The Western Illinois University Office of Student Engagement and the School of Agriculture are excited to host the eight annual Family Day BBQ Competition & Tasting from 2-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19th in Q Lot, bringing together students, families, alumni and community members for a day full of food, fun activities, live music, and Leatherneck pride.
Tickets and merchandise are available now at wiu.edu/familyday.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website or contact the event team at pigout@wiu.edu.

Jenene Caramielo's nationally renowned tribute show, "Celebrating Celine," leaves audiences awestruck with her breathtaking vocals and charismatic performance of Celine Dion's iconic music. Celine fans are thrilled to hear hits like Because You Loved Me, My Heart Will Go On, I Drove All Night, The Power of Love, and more... delivered with a talented live band, pitch-perfect vocals, incomparable magnetism, and incredible charisma.

The Al Sears Music Fest is an annual celebration honoring Macomb native and musical trailblazer Al Sears (1910–1990), a saxophonist, songwriter, and entrepreneur who played with jazz legends and helped shape the sound of early rock and roll.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore Al Sears’s remarkable career, from performing with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton to producing records and influencing the music industry as an executive with ABC Paramount. The Western Illinois Museum will feature photographs, recordings, and artifacts related to his work.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and celebrate Al Sears and Macomb’s unique place in American music history.

Enjoy delicious meals from Sandra’s Authentic Mexican Food Truck, available both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, September 19:
American Legion Post 6
7 pm - 9 pm: WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Performing Arts Society.For more information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email

Barak Hill is a singer-songwriter from Spring­field, Missouri. Barak’s songs and sound run in the same vein as Amos Lee, Josh Ritter, Steve Earle, and Gillian Welch. It’s heartbroken Americana hanging on to a fistful of hope that things might just get better. Honest, well-crafted lyrics set to strong melodies connect with people on an intimate, personal level.