The Village of Montgomery is excited to announce the 39th Annual Montgomery Fest, which will occur from Friday, August 16, to Sunday, August 18, 2024. This beloved community event promises a weekend filled with live entertainment, delicious food, exciting carnival rides, and fun activities for all ages.
Montgomery Fest occurs at Montgomery Park (301 N. River St. in Montgomery, IL). The event kicks off on Friday evening with live entertainment and continues through the weekend with a variety of attractions:
LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Enjoy performances by local and regional artists, including Beatles tribute band, American English, 80's rock cover band Hi-Infidelity, high-energy Planet Groove, and a tribute to Santana by Soul Sacrifice. Headlining the event on Saturday night will be Sonora Dinamita with an electrifying Cumbia tribute show.
Plus, visit Saturday morning during Family Fest (10A-2P) and catch family-friendly and kid favorites: Miss Jamie's Farm, ScribbleMonster, and Good Clean Fun.
CARNIVAL
The carnival will feature various rides for all ages, with unlimited ride wristbands available for purchase. Daytime and evening wristband specials ensure everyone can enjoy the rides at an affordable price.
Daytime wristbands are available Saturday and Sunday from 12-4P for $30 per person daily. Night wristbands are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5-9P for $35 per person daily. The carnival area is cash only.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Savor a wide range of culinary fest delights from 15 food vendors and relax with a beverage from the beer tent sponsored by the Montgomery Foundation. Proceeds benefit local community programs. A list of food vendors and menus is now available on the fest website.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
From an animal meet and greet with Phillips Park Zoo and chalk art with the Montgomery Police officers on Saturday on River St. to the annual Carp Derby sponsored by Dicky's Bait Shop and Boy Scout Troop #28 (Sunday), there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
CAR SHOW
Car enthusiasts can admire a spectacular display of vintage and custom cars at the Car Show at Austin Park (1345 Broadway) on Saturday from 10:30A to 4:30P.
CRAFT FAIR & MARKET
Browse unique crafts and local goods at the craft fair and market, featuring several local nonprofits. Crafters and vendors will be at the VFW Post #7452 parking lot (121 N. River St.) across from Village Hall, one block south of the fest.
PARADE
One of the longest-standing traditions of Montgomery Fest is the parade on Sunday, August 18. All are welcome to line the streets, save seats, or enjoy the parade pre-party at Village Hall at 10:30A with prizes and activities. The parade step-off is at 1P from Main & Mill St. and will wind through downtown on Main St., Watkins, and River St., ending near Montgomery Park.
This year's Grand Marshal is Officer Adam Kuncl, who was injured on duty in 2012; he is now on disability but represents the men and women of law enforcement who willingly risk their lives every day to protect our community.
FIREWORKS
Once again, the fest will close Sunday evening with a fireworks show promptly at 9P. For the best view, fest-goers should view from Montgomery Park (301 N. River St.).
Shuttle service will be available throughout the fest, ensuring convenient transportation for attendees from Blain's Farm & Fleet (400 US-30) and Lakewood Creek Elementary School (2301 Lakewood Creek Dr.). Free parking is available on the street and in designated lots, but carpooling and shuttle service are highly recommended due to limited parking space at high-volume times.
Montgomery Fest is a free event open to the public, made possible by the generous support of sponsors. It aims to unite the community and celebrate Montgomery's vibrant culture and spirit.
The Village of Montgomery would like to recognize and thank this year's Montgomery Fest sponsors, especially Diamond Sponsors FT Cares Foundation and Walmart Montgomery. This year's Gold Sponsors include Atrevete Collaborative Kitchen, Blain's Farm & Fleet, Engineering Enterprises, Inc., FNBO, Fox Valley Park District, KWCC, Inc., Lakeshore Recycling Services, Lakeside Consultants, Performance FoodService, Tangent Sustainable Lumber, The Lakone Company, and the WSPY and WDYS radio stations.
For more information, including the full schedule of events and shuttle service details, please visit the office Montgomery Fest website at montgomeryil.org/186/Montgomery-Fest.