Maple Syrup Festival at Argyle Lake State Park - March 7, 2026
Located in Colchester's Argyle Lake State Park and hosted by the Friends of Argyle, the annual Maple Syrup Festival held from 10:00Am-3:00PM, is sweet and sticky event featuring hay rack rides that take visitors to the park’s “sugar grove” of maple trees. For over a quarter of a century the festival has annual featured demonstrations of sap collecting, tours to collect sap at the maple grove that depart regularly, a “sugar shack” where the sap is boiled into syrup, children’s activities and educational displays, a campfire area where local Boy Scouts read out loud to children, concessions, and of course, maple candy and syrup all ongoing throughout the day.
The Maple Syrup Festival is free and open to the public.
ARGYLE LAKE BLUEGRASS CAMP OUT - April 18-19, 2026
The Argyle Lake Bluegrass Campout is an annual two-day bluegrass lovers paradise held at Colchester, IL's picturesque Argyle Lake State Park. Camping, jamming and entertainment for all ages. Bring your fiddle, banjo or guitar and join in the fun.
Dates subject to change.
Macombopoly - World's Largest Game of Its Kind - Open 27/7 365 Days A Year
Did you know ne of Unforgettable Forgottonia's most illustrious daughters - Lizzie Magie inventor of the game Monopoly?!
And in her honor Macomb's historic Downtown Square has been transformed into Macombopoly the World's Largest Monopoly-Styled Game! This one-of-a-kind permanent, year-round attraction features not only giant game pieces and a "selfie" Jail, but an immersive state-of-the-art app which allows visitors and gamers to play a virtual version of the world’s most popular board game while circling the entire 4,000 feet length of Macomb's Historic Downtown Square!
May Play Days - May 1-3, 2026
May Play Days is an annual Forgottonia event held annually the weekend before Mother's Day in Bushnell, IL. It was founded over 45 years ago by the Bushnell Chamber of Commerce and Boden Amusement of Bushnell.
In addition to carnival amusement rides, classic fair food such as corn dogs, funnel cakes and lemon shake- ups are available along with the Bushnell Rotary Club's traditional favorite rib-eye sandwiches.
Blandinsville Farmers Picnic - May 7-9, 2026
2026 will mark the 139th year for this time-honored, annual Forgottonia tradition in downtown Blandinsville, IL! The Farmers Picnic is a weekend event, which historically includes a tractor pull, a parade, a fishing derby and a racing derby. Plus, you'll find carnival rides, food, games, live music and good ol' fashioned fun for the whole family.
Dates subject to change.
Sodbuster Days - June 5-7, 2026
An Unforgettable Forgottonia tradition that stretches back more than fifty years is Sodbuster Days, an annual three-day heritage celebration held during the month of June in the village of Good Hope, IL.
In addition to the all-town yard sale there’s festive concessions like lemonade shake-ups, corn dogs, funnel cakes, tacos and pork chop barbecue.
You’ll also find an annual parade, a Little Miss and Master Pageant, a free magic show, a DJ, karaoke, bounce houses, and games including an egg toss, a boardwalk, pie eating contest, pinatas, bingo and a bags tournament.
There’s even a back seat driver contest which features a blindfold driver on a tractor with a person behind them in the wagon has got to tell them how to maneuver on a course riddled with curves, straights and turns!
Plus the Good Hope/Sciota volunteer firemen’s fish fry and barbecue, a kids’ pedal tractor contest, the Fireman’s Water-fight, and of course live local music.
Dates subject to change.
Click here for more info or call Jim and Kathy Wyatt at 309-456-3759.
Pinhook Days in Industry - June 19-21, 2026
Pinhook Days is an annual community celebration with live music, vendors, kids games, parade, bags tournament and much more!
An annual tradition in the Village of Industry, IL for decades, Pinhook Days was eventually disbanded in the 1980s. In 2021 the community resurrected the charmingly quaint family-friendly festival.
The yearly summer event features musical entertainment, a Penny Carnival, food and crafts vendors, a Parade, Pancake Breakfast, and much more.
Learn more at industrypinhookdays.com
Macomb Heritage Days - June 25-28, 2026
Since 1982 Macomb's Heritage Days Festival has been an annual family friendly event in Forgottonia which features live music on the main stage from Nationally Recognized Artists, incredibly Delicious Food, American Banner’s exciting Carnival Attractions, a Classic Car Show, Arts & Crafts vendors, a cooled tented Beer Garden, Contests & Games, The Bob Anstine Memorial Parade and the annual Airport Pancake Breakfast Fly-In plus SO much more! Heritage Days is traditionally held the last full weekend of June, so mark your calendars and we’ll look forward to seeing you there!
Independence Day - America 250! July 4th, 2025
Unforgettable Forgottonia's Independence Day Celebration is held annually on July 4 and this year we're celebrating both McDonough County's bicentennial but America 250 - our nation's semiquincentennial!
Hosted by the City of Macomb in conjunction with Western Illinois University the event features music, festivities and a spectacular fireworks display.
Those attending the Fireworks Display may park in WIU's Q-lot, bring lawn chairs, snacks and refreshments and enjoy the fireworks outside their vehicle near the west of Western Hall.
Bushnell Town and Country Fall Festival - August 19-22, 2026
The Town & Country Fall Festival is an annual Forgottonia event held in Bushnell, IL at the beginning of the school year in late summer/early fall and is open to the public.
In addition to carnival amusement rides and classic fair food this festival also includes free live music in the town square, an antique tractor and gas engine show, a classic car show, and a yearly parade to open the festivities.
Colchester Labor Day Celebration - Sept. 3-7, 2026
For over 150 years folks have gathered from across the region and beyond to make in the annual Colchester Labor Day Celebration in Unforgettable Forgottonia. This event, which began a century and a half ago as a simple village picnic has grown to feature a parade, carnival, food and drink vendors, flea market and various entertainment. The event is free and open to the public.
Art, Wind & Fire - September 12-13, 2026
The Art, Wind & Fire Festival is a weekend long event in Forgottonia featuring The Gazebo Art Festival, YFC Disc Golf Open and Macomb's annual Balloon Rally.
The Gazebo Art Festival, named for the historic structure that resides in the middle of Macomb's Chandler Park where the event is held, is an event that has been annual held for more than 50 years! The festival presents original juried works of art for sale including painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry ceramics, fiber art and many other mediums that celebrates local and regional artists.
Local food trucks can also participate.
For more Gazebo Arts info click here
The Macomb's annual YFC Open Disc Golf Tournament held at the breathtaking Everwood Disc Golf Course in Macomb's Everly & Glenwood Parks. Lead by Tournament Direct and Disc Golf Pro Johnnie Harrison, this Pro-Am event is open to everyone and offers 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes.
The Balloon Rally is the granddaddy of the regions Hot-Air Balloon Festivals and tradition that have last for more than 35 years. Held on the campus of Western Illinois University's Vince Grady Field, balloonists come to Macomb to blow off a little hot air and display their magnificent balloons both in flights and during the balloon glow. Plenty of food is available for everyone Along with live music. Handicap accessible. The event is free and open to all so come out and have a great time!
AL Sears Music Festival - Sept. 18-20, 2026
For 15 years, from 2002 to 2016, Macomb honored one of its most famous hometown sons, "Big" Al Sears, with an annual fall gala: the Al Sears Jazz Festival. It became one of the longest-running free jazz festivals in the Midwest, and helped to spread appreciation for the impressive legacy of one of the most accomplished musicians ever to hail from downstate Illinois. The tenor sax player is perhaps best known for his time as one of the great soloists in Duke Ellington’s Orchestra, but during his long career he also played with such jazz legends as Chick Webb, Lionel Hampton, and Johnny Hodges before turning his attention and talents to running his own music publishing company and recording with early rhythm n’ blues and rock n’ roll groups, when he became known as “Big Al Sears.” Then tour the U.S. with Bill Haley & His Comets, The Platters, Chuck Berry, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Johnny Burnette, LaVern Baker, The Flamingos, Ferlin Husky, Little Richard, Brook Benton, Clyde McPhatter, Screamin' Jay Hawkins and countless others as the band leader and musical director for legendary disc jockey Alan Freed and his ground break live Rock & Roll Revue road shows.
According to Terry Stewart, former President of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, “Al Sears was a renaissance musician and entrepreneur whose influence still resonates today. As a player, he spanned the period from the breakthrough of years of jazz in the 1920s through the rise of rock and roll in the 1950s… a musical role model for all time.” And, according to Phil Schaap, legendary NYC jazz radio DJ, “Sears, an African American, was also hugely involved in the Civil Rights Movement and broke the color line in upper management at major record companies.” He was truly a man for all seasons.
Now we celebrate the Al Sears Music Fest's triumphant return to Unforgettable Forgottonia with live performances that reflect the wide range of music Al Sears played during his long and stellar career, from jazz to rhythm n’ blues and beyond.
Click here to find out details about this year's festival and schedule.
Play The World's Largest Monopoly Game on the Spoon River Drive - OCTOBER 3-4 & 10-11, 2026
While enjoying the Spoon River Drive don't miss your chance to Visit Forgottonia’s Unforgettable World's Largest Interactive Monopoly Game - MACOMBOPOLY!
Created to honor Lizzie Magie the inventor of the game who was born in Macomb in 1866.
You'll discover colossal game pieces as you actually circle Macomb’s historic Downtown Courthouse Square
interactively playing the game on your phone through a state-of-the-art app where Lizzie and Abe Lincoln will give you trivia questions to answer and move you through the game. Win coupons at local merchants and maybe even land in jail!
And while you're here, connection to our nation’s most popular and enduring leader, Abraham Lincoln. Macomb is where Lincoln stayed on many occasions and the spot where he devised the famous “Freeport Question” and where you'll also find the world’s only giant Living Lincoln Topiary Monument.
Plus, experience Macomb's incredible Mural Tour, explore the nation's only seven-circuit Prairie Labyrinth and taste our mouth-watering Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches, Open-Face Horsehoes and heavenly Giant Homemade Gooey Grilled Cinnamon Rolls.
See you on The Spoon River Drive!!
For more information explore www.visitforgottonia.com
WIU HOMECOMING - OCTOBER 23-24, 2026
Celebrate all things Western Illinois University during the Leatherneck's annual Homecoming weekend in Macomb.
WIU's Homecoming celebration has been a century long annual event and the week leading up to the big day features competitions and activities including Scavenger Hunts, Annual Rocky's Boat Regatta, Variety Shows, Painting of the Paws, Paint the Town and the eventful Yell Like Hell contest.
Saturday's Homecoming Day itself spotlights the annual W.I.U. Homecoming Parade, which showcases marching bands, floats, and other regional attractions, as it winds it's way through Macomb's historic downtown square on it's way to the university campus. The day caps off with the traditional Homecoming Football Game in which the W.I.U. Fighting Leathernecks display their true gridiron grit.
Find the WIU Homecoming schedule here
Moon Over Macomb Fall Festival – Oct. 24, 2026
Beloved Moon Over Macomb Fall Festival takes place on the city’s historic downtown Courthouse square. The Fall Festival features local Art in the Alley displays hung in Sullivan Way. Downtown Development has partnered with activities which include the farmers’ market, costume parade for kids and pets, and horse drawn trolley rides as well as fall-themed children’s activities hosted at the Macomb Public Library, Western Illinois Museum, and the Macomb Arts Center. The Wine Sellers and Sullivan Taylor Coffee House provide live music and fall inspired catering.
Dickens On The Square: A Magical Holiday - Dec. 4-5 , 2026
This annual holiday festival held in Macomb's Historic Downtown, presents the perfect opportunity to slow down, take a step back in time and experience the nostalgic small town charm the Christmas season brings. Experience this magical holiday festival featuring colorful characters, food, music, Clydesdale drawn carriage rides, live reindeer, the Festival of Trees and of course the ol' boy himself, Santa Claus (real beard) meeting children all evening in his magic cabin in the Square!
Sign up for the Santa Zephyr Express and experience an enchanting train ride with Santa and his helpers as Amtrak’s Illinois Zephyr car is transformed into a magical place that takes you from Quincy to experience Dickens Christmas On The Square: A Magical Holiday in downtown Macomb, IL.
Book your overnight package and have breakfast with Santa and his friends!
Christmas Lights Parade - December 5, 2026
Nothing will put you in the holiday spirit quite like the Christmas Lights Parade in Bushnell, IL.
This annual event features of scores of vehicles, intricately and painstakingly dressed in awe-inspiring yuletide lighting and festive seasonal decorations. As they slalom their way through the village streets, throngs of thrilled onlookers line the curbs as their children squeal with delight.
This is an event you don't want to miss. If ever there was a true Wonderland of Winter, the Bushnell Christmas Lights Parade may be just that.
