Events Calendar

Saturdays throughout June, 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.  

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

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 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.

Sunday, September 20:
Western Illinois Museum
Noon: Doors open, bar service begins, and Sandra's Mexican Food Truck will be serving throughout the celebration
12 pm - 2 pm: Allie Garland
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Open Rehearsal with Bryan Anthony
5 pm - 6:30 pm: Richie Bliesenser Quartet
7 pm - 9 pm: Bryan Anthony - The American Songbook

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

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.

Monday, September 21:
Western Illinois Museum
Noon: Doors open, bar service begins, and Sandra's Mexican Food Truck will be serving throughout the celebration
12 pm - 1:30 pm: WIU Student and School of Music Faculty Sessions
2 pm - 3 pm: Community Conversation
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Yoseph Henry - Where Jazz Meets R&B and Gospel Soul

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

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.

Movie Mondays is a film series connected to the upcoming “Americans and the Holocaust” exhibition. These films will be shown at the *Capitol Theater and will explore themes of communication, propaganda, and public understanding during World War II, highlighting how information shaped perspectives and decisions both then and now. Selections may include classic films from the era, such as “The Great Dictator”, along with other films that provide historical context and encourage meaningful discussion.

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.