Maple Syrup Festival at Argyle Lake State Park - March 6, 2027
Located in Colchester's Argyle Lake State Park and hosted by the Friends of Argyle, the Maple Syrup Festival, held annual on the first Saturday of March 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 17-18, 2027
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 length of Macomb's Historic Downtown Square! It's a 170,000 sq. ft. experience that truly is Unforgettable!
Mark your calendars for May 9th this year—“Lizzie Magie Day”—when we’ll publicly unveil a brand-new photo-op sculpture celebrating a true Monopoly icon!
May Play Days - May 7-9, 2027
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 6-8, 2027
2027 will mark the 140th 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 4-6, 2027
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 18-20, 2027
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 Food & Music Festival - June 24-27, 2027
Macomb's Heritage Days has been an annual family friendly event in Forgottonia since 1982! This Music & Food Festival features live music on the main stage from Nationally Recognized Artists, incredible Food Trucks, American Banner’s breathtaking Carnival Attractions, a Classic Car Show, a cooled Beer & Cocktail Garden under a big top tent, Exotic Animal Petting Zoo, FREE Kids' Pony Rides, The Bob Anstine Memorial Parade and the annual Airport Pancake Breakfast Fly-In plus SO much more!
Heritage Days is held every summer on the last full weekend of June, so mark your calendars and we’ll see you there!
Independence Day - July 4th, 2027
Unforgettable Forgottonia's Independence Day Celebration is held annually on July 4 and on that day in which we celebrate our nation, we encourage visitors, history seekers and travelers alike to stroll Macomb's historic downtown using Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia's new and innovative Unforgettable Adventures, Experiences & Trails Interactive Map which features among many other fascinating attractions the Abraham National Heritage Area's Looking For Lincoln Self-Guide Tour - showcasing the country’s only Living Lincoln Topiary Monument.
NOTE: 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 & Country Fall Festival - August 26-29, 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.
Forgottonia Fling - Highland Games - Sept. 4-5
2026 will mark the inaugural Forgottonia Fling a unique event featuring traditional Highland Games brought to Forgottonia's Argyle Lake State Park by the Ancient Athletics, organization on Labor Day weekend.
DEMOS ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 1:00 - 7:00 PM
Where the general public can participate and enter to compete in the tournament!!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 - Competition begins at 9:30AM
Ancient Athletics, along with the St. Andrew’s Society of Central Illinois, is dedicated to promoting the Celtic culture through athletic competition. With 8 event across Central Illinois per year, Ancient Athletics organizes one of the most active games schedules in the country.
From April through October Ancient Athletics host on average 1 games per month. The events range in scope from full Highland games competitions, which can draw up to 90 athletes, to demos where Highland athletes work one on one with interested spectators to explain the sport.
Ancient Athletics also hosts an annual judges clinic to help standardize the scoring and safety aspects of the Highland Games events.
The 9 events:
Caber Toss
The signature Highland Games event. Athletes lift, carry, and flip a tapered log, aiming for a perfect end-over-end turn that lands in the 12 o’clock position. Caber sizes vary by game. Women’s cabers typically range 14-18’ long and 40-90+ pounds. Men’s cabers typically range from 16-22’ long and 90-180+ pounds.
Whether you've never seen a Caber thrown or you're a longtime fan, there's nothing quite like seeing these events in person.
Braemar Stone
A standing stone put that emphasizes raw strength and explosive power, with no approach allowed. Weight ranges are 12 - 18 lbs for women and 22-28 for men.
Open Stone
A stone put where athletes may use a glide or rotational technique to achieve maximum distance. Weight ranges are 8-12 lbs a for women and 16-20 lbs for men.
Light Weight for Distance
A one-handed throw using a lighter weight, focusing on speed, timing, and technique. The weights are varied by division, ranging from 9-14l bs for women, and 14- 28 lbs for men.
Heavy Weight for Distance
A one-handed throw of a heavier implement that demands both strength and precision. The weights are varied by division and range from 14- 28 lbs for women and 21- 56 for men.
Light Hammer
A hammer throw performed with fixed feet, relying on rhythm and acceleration for maximum distance. Weight ranges vary by division from 8-12 lbs for women, and 8 -16 for men.
Heavy Hammer
The heavier version of the hammer throw, requiring exceptional balance, timing, and power. Weights range from 12-16 lbs for women, 12-22 lbs for men.
Weight Over Bar
Athletes throw a weight overhead with one hand, clearing progressively higher bars until one competitor remains. Women’s weights range from 14-28 lbs, and men’s 21-56 lbs.
Sheaf Toss
A weighted burlap bag is launched over a crossbar using a pitchfork, testing explosive power and technique. Sheaf weights are set per division and range from 8-12 lbs for women and 12-20 for men.
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 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!
Click here for more Balloon Rally info
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.
AL Sears Music Festival - Sept. 16-19, 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
WW2 Living History Event - OCTOBER 9,10 & 11, 2026
Join us for an exciting weekend full of incredible history brought to life by authentic World War II reenactors who inspire and educate through live battle reenactments, interactive stations, obstacle course, historical vehicles and more!
Visitors, tourists and history buffs will experience interaction with authentic WW2 reenactors who bring history to life during this FREE event!
October 9th & 10th from 10am-5pm and 11th from 10am-3pm at Veterans Park in Macomb.
ATTENDEES WILL EXPERIENCE
Woods Battles:
Scheduled engagements between reenactors, displaying the tactics and sounds of actual combat operations.
Reenactor Encampments:
Living historians representing the nations, both Allied and Axis, that fought and lived during the largest conflict in human history.
WWII-Era Vehicles:
All manner of period-correct, operational jeeps, trucks, anti-tank guns, and equipment used during WWII will be on display.
Uniform & Weapons Demonstrations:
Reenactors representing various militaries & home-fronts speak about their clothing, equipment, and weapons.
Local Vendors:
Featuring some of your favorite local businesses plus dealers in militaria will be selling their wares.
Food Trucks:
Traveling back in time makes you a tad peckish. We will have you covered with several options!
This historical extravaganza, brought to you by the WWII Comes To Macomb: Living History Event Group, is part of a series of events throughout the weekend geared towards acknowledging and honoring the story of Macomb and the surrounding communities’ contributions to the war effort. It is made possible through our partnerships with WIU Department of History, WIU Veterans Resource Center, and the Western Illinois Museum.
Stay tuned for more details on related community events.
"Hauntingly Good Times" @ Moon Over Macomb Fall Festival + More – Oct. 17, 2026
Celebrate the beauty of autumn and the spookiness of the season in Unforgettable Forgottonia. Starting with Macomb's beloved Moon Over Macomb Fall Festival (Sat., Oct. 17), where the city's historic downtown Courthouse square comes alive with colorful decorations, family fun, local art, and small-town charm.
Stroll through Art in the Alley in Sullivan Way, browse the seasonal farmers' market, and enjoy a full day of fall festivities including children's and pet costume parades, horse-drawn trolley rides, and hands-on activities hosted by the Macomb Public Library, Western Illinois Museum, and Macomb Arts Center. Relax with live music while savoring delicious autumn-inspired food and beverages from The Wine Sellers and Sullivan Taylor Coffee House.
Looking for a little Halloween excitement? Discover Garrett Moffett's Haunted Macomb (available year-round), a self-guided walking adventure that uncovers the city and area's eerie legends, mysterious history, and spooky haunted hotspots. Use Visit Forgottonia's digital interactive adventure map and prepare for a spine-tingling journey that sets the perfect mood for the Halloween season.
While you're here, continue the fall fun with a visit to the legendary Bushnell Haunted House (Oct 16-17, 23-24 & Oct 30-31) one of the region's favorite Halloween attractions—or spend a day at Yesternight Pumpkin Farm (Sept. 19-Nov. 1), where pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and family-friendly activities create unforgettable autumn memories.
Whether you're searching for festive family fun, colorful photo opportunities, local shopping, or a few friendly frights, the month of October and Moon Over Macomb are the perfect reason to experience autumn in Unforgettable Forgottonia.
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
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.
