Event Calendar
Take a look at our list of local upcoming events.
Click or hover above the date you are interested in for more information.
Do you notice something missing?
Ride 17 Music Festival
The Ride 17 Music Festival is back for 2025!
A full day of music and community—ALL across Mercer County, IL.
Presented by Visit MerCo
Saturday, September 13th
Mercer County, Illinois
FREE to attend
Headliner: Suzy Bogguss at Central Park in Aledo starting at 7pm
(In collaboration with the City of Aledo's Central Park Grooves.)
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- Lewis Knudsen – Aledo Main Street's Harvest Hop from 10am to 12pm
- Ryan Koresko Music – Aledo Main Street's Harvest Hop from 1pm to 3pm
- Bitter Nothings – New Windsor Depot from 2pm to 5pm
- Monica Austin – City Limits from 3pm to 5pm
- Funktastic 5 – In New Boston with the Food Truck Feud from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
- Vital Signs – Cheers On Main from 10pm to 1am
- Cold Crow Pie – Ferg's Public House from 4pm to 7pm
-Moonshine Run (Weather Permitting) - Cheers on Main from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
- Rabbit Hole – Saucy's from 8pm to 12am
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Save the date. Tell your friends. Wear your dancing shoes.
Be sure to follow us for updates like the lineup and other participating events!
Sip N' Shop - The Bean Field
Join us for another day of shopping local vendors , while listening to live music from Jen Craft!
Beanfield hours 6-12
Sip n Shop hours 8-12
Live music hours 10-12
Food Truck Fued
The Ride 17 Music Festival's "Food Truck Feud" is back for 2025!
So far, our participating food trucks are:
-Shiver Me Ginger
-Just Us and Treats
-Cocina Verde
-Vamos! Food Truck
-Chuckies Famous Breaded Tenderloin
Stay tuned for more details and be sure to follow both host pages!
Joy Fest
Come out the Joy and enjoy a day of events!
Stay updated and learn more on the Village of Joy Facebook page
Rollin’ Hills Ranch Fall/Halloween Open House
Come celebrate fall with us
“There will be an amazing selection of fall and Halloween goodies, including pumpkins , indoor/ outdoor decor, treats, and all things homemade! Please see first post for details of what we will have to offer! I will post pictures and the menu as the event nears! There will also be a gift drawing Can’t wait to share the fall goodies with you, the best season of them all.”
Big Al's 2nd Annual Fall Market Day
Join Us for the 2nd Annual Big Al's Fall Market Day!
Come out and support local vendors and browse unique flea market finds at Big Al's Fall Market Day!
We'll have coffee and food vendors on-site, so bring your appetite and enjoy a fun day of shopping and community.
Date: September 20, 2025 from 9:00am-2:00pm
Location: 1751 Knoxville Road Sherrard, Illinois 61281
Interested in being a vendor?
Text Lisa Wymer at 309-278-3332 or send us a message here to reserve your spot!
Let’s make this year’s market even bigger and better!
Art Gala
Step through the doors and enter into a world of elegance — where old-world charm collides with fresh, bold ideas.
General Admission: Free
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Aledo Opera House — 108 SE 2nd Ave, Aledo, IL 61231
Doors open: 5:30 PM
Silent bidding begins upon paddle registration
Live auction begins at 6:30 PM
Benefit of Nick Watson
“As most know, Nick has been battling some health issues the past few months. At the end of June, he had surgery to remove a tumor from his head. He has an infection and they had to go back in again Friday afternoon. Starting the recovery process again until his third, and hopefully final surgery.
Nick has and always goes above and beyond for not only friends and family, but his community. It is now our turn to show him the same love and support he’s always given out!
Come and join us on Saturday, September 27th as we have an evening planned for raffles and food! There will be a gun raffle for a Henry .22 lever action rifle and a 9mm Hellcat pistols. 500 tickets at $20 each. Individuals must have a valid FOID card to win.”
15th Sherrard Pumpkin Festival
Our 15th Annual Sherrard Pumpkin Fest will be Saturday Oct. 4th. Come join us from 8am to 3pm for a variety of food, craft, produce, pumpkins, mums & flea market items from over 40 vendors in the Sherrard Village Park. There will be a silent auction too. We are still accepting vendors.
Clintstones at "Fergtoberfest"
“It's become a tradition to close out our patio music season with Aledo's hometown faves, The Clintstones! Join us for this years "Fergtoberfest" celebration, games, food, drinks, and awesome live music.”
S.P.A.R.K.S. Annual Harvest Hop
Join the Village of Seaton for an evening of fall fun at the Annual Harvest Hop! This family-friendly park fundraiser will feature:
Trunk or Treat: 5–6 PM
Bounce House
Hayrack Ride at Dusk
Food & Treats:
$3.00 – Hot dog, water, and chips
$1.00 – Cotton candy
Come out, support the park, and celebrate the season with the community.
Girl Scouts Night at Skinner Landscaping
Come check out the Girl Scouts Night at Skinner Landscaping!
Bring the family and enjoy the play area: Admission is $10 per person and includes all the activities inside. (No charge for 2 year olds and under.) If your a Girl Scout contact Kelsie Berggren to register and get in half price!
They have a playground, corn maze, hay rack ride, peddle track for all ages, sand area with diggers, barrel cars for smaller children, bounce house, huge bounce pad, tug o war, tether ball, other games, lots of things to climb on. In addition to animals and a pick your own pumpkin patch.
Brookstone of Aledo Fall Bash
We will be serving Nathans all beef hotdogs, water, and chips. Bounce house, door prize, raffle. All for only $5.00 per entry! At 1:00 pm we will have find the mini pumpkin in the hay for a prize.
All for only $5.00 a person.
Tickets sold only the day of event.
We can't wait to see you!
For any questions please call Lisa Wessels Executive Director/Sales at 309-582-3902
Green Brothers Event
Saturday, September 6th
Aledo, IL
Mercer County Fairgrounds
⸻
Let’s Rally Behind Lane & Macoy Green!
Two brothers. One fight.
Both battling cancer — side by side.
We’re coming together to show these boys they’re NOT fighting alone.
⸻
FAIRGROUNDS FESTIVAL
Mercer County Fairgrounds
Noon – 8:00 PM
A full day of booths, food, family fun & Green-style entertainment!
SCHEDULE:
Noon–4:00 PM: Booths, Food, Drinks, Kids’ Games and more
4:00 PM: LIVE AUCTION – Be ready to bid, laugh, & give BIG!
5:00–8:00 PM: Live Music, More Food, and Closing Celebration
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WHAT TO EXPECT:
Benefit T-Shirts (order form to come)
Raffles & Prizes
Games
Hayrack Rides
Local Food Vendors
Live Music & More Surprises!
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WANT TO HELP?
Host a Booth
Donate Auction/Raffle Items
Volunteer
Sponsor an Activity
Message us or contact:
Jen Miller
309-737-6662
jenmiller3434@gmail.com
Shelly Ortega
563-343-0134
shellygreenortega@gmail.com
⸻
This isn’t just a fundraiser. It’s a community fight.
Let’s show Lane & Macoy how much love Mercer County can bring.
Cancer picked the wrong brothers… but it messed with the right town.
⸻
[Click “Going”]
Invite your friends
Wear your Green Brothers Gear(order form to come)
Bring your heart, your wallet, and your best auction smack talk!
Eliza Lions Annual Tractor Drive 2025
Join neighbors and friends for the annual tractor drive through the scenic byways of the area! After the ride, enjoy a homemade grilled lunch and good conversation at the Eliza Center.
Cost for the ride: $25 (all proceeds go toward helping those in need in the community)
Contact:
Ron Lagerstrom
Phone: 309-537-3474
Email: rcrimson2008@yahoo.com
PTSD Awareness: Trail Rides Across America
Join us as we partner with Michele Berling, a former police officer who is riding her horses across America to raise awareness for PTSD. Michele’s incredible journey is helping shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by military members, veterans, and first responders.
This trail ride will raise awareness for PTSD and provide much-needed support for our nation's heroes. The cost is $20 per rig at Sandy Oaks, and proceeds go toward funding for mental health services for military members, veterans, and first responders! Together, we’ll honor their sacrifices and show our commitment to their well-being. To buy a T-Shirt for the event, click here: https://excelsior-ranch.square.site/
If you'd like to donate, all donations will go directly to supporting mental health services for military members, veterans, and first responders. You can donate here: https://pay.excelsiorranch.com
Let’s come together to support those who serve and raise awareness for PTSD. We look forward to seeing you there!
Paranormal Investigation: Haunted 1861 Masonic Lodge
Dare to Enter the Haunted 1861 Masonic Lodge?
Join Riverside Iowa Paranormal on August 30th for an investigation of one of Illinois’ oldest and most mysterious locations, the Haunted 1861 Masonic Lodge in Keithsburg!
Originally built as the Arlington Hotel in the 1800’s, this lodge was built in 1861 and has seen centuries of Freemason rituals, secret ceremonies, and supernatural activity. Step inside where history and the haunted collide... if you’re brave enough.
Labor Day Bash (Cheers on Main)
Get ready to kick off the new season with a bang! Mark your calendars for our Labor Day celebration and join us at Cheers on Main in Aledo, IL, for an unforgettable night n live music
Free admission and 21+
Keithsburg's "Best of the Burg"
Be sure to join us for the Car Show during Keithsburg's "Best of the Burg" Celebration on Saturday August 30th, 2025. $15 Registration from 9 am - 11 am - Participant Voting 11 am - 1 pm - Awards at 3 pm Top Twenty Plus Best of the Burg - Door Prizes & 50/50. The celebration will also offer Various Vendors - Live Music - Various Activities and Of Course the famous "Best of the Burg" Annual Cook Off!
Yoga Night (Danndee Flowers)
Yoga Night is BACK at the flower farm!
We’re SO excited to partner with the amazing Jackie again for a peaceful evening of yoga surrounded by blooms and big skies!
WHEN: August 28th at 6:30 PM
WHERE: Danndee Flowers 1566 Highway 17 Aledo, IL
COST: $20 (includes a FREE sunflower because you deserve it!) https://linktr.ee/wanderingsofjackie
As the sun begins to set and the farm is bathed in golden light, join us for a relaxing class to reset your mind and body. With the back-to-school chaos kicking in, this is your perfect excuse to take an hour just for you.
Movie Night in Sherrard Park
Grab your friends for a FUN FILLED NIGHT!
there will be free hotdogs popcorn, candy and bubbles
BREWS ENERGY will be open late for drink purchases.
Movie of the night is "FLUSHED AWAY"
BRING YOUR CHAIRS/ BLANKETS/ AND SMILES.
What a great family time full ofmemories!
ALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 13 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT
A huge shout out to the Pumpkin festival committee and BIG AL'S Pumpkin patch, both are our food sponsors
22nd Annual Aledo Antiques Day & Car Show
“The 22nd Annual Aledo Antiques Day & Car Show will take place on Saturday, AUGUST 23rd with main events taking place 9:00AM-4:00PM!
There is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy- Live Entertainment in the Band Shell, HUGE Car Show, Tractor Show, Garden Tractor Pulls, Pin-up Contest, section of Antique Vendors and another area for Artisan & Farmers Market Vendors, Food trucks & more!
More info at www.aledomainstreet.com/events
AMS office phone number: 309-582-2751
AMS email: info@aledomainstreet.com”
104th Annual New Boston Fish & Chicken Fry
Please join us for some summer fun!
Bags Tournament
Fish and Chicken Meals
Fireworks
Horseshoes Tournament
Live Music
Parade
Pork Chop Meals
Side by Side/ATV Barrel Racing
Vendors
Annual Boat-in-Breakfast
“Serving 6 a.m - 12 p.m. rain or shine. $12 adults $8 kids 8 & under. serving scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, sausage & bacon, melon & tomatoes, toast, coffee, ice tea, milk. Come enjoy the river view, have a great breakfast and listen to the music. T-shirts, can coozies and raffle tickets will be for sale.”
Central Park Grooves: 10 of Soul
Come see the "10 of Soul" (Soul, Funk & R&B) on Saturday, August 16, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the inaugural event of Central Park Grooves. This free concert series will be a great time for residents and community members to set out chairs and blankets in front of the Bandshell, enjoy an adult beverage* (see below), and enjoy musical acts that cover multiple genres. Find music in Aledo this summer at Central Park Grooves, happening June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13.
A food truck vendor will be available, or you can stop by one of Aledo's local restaurants for a meal.
*New for Central Park Grooves ONLY. Adults 21 years and older can consume alcoholic beverages on the grass in Central Park from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the day of the concerts. Alcohol may be brought into the park on a B.Y.O.B basis or purchased from Ferg’s, Cheers or Beer Belly’s and walked over to Central Park. Plastic or aluminum containers are strongly encouraged. Public consumption of alcoholic beverages is otherwise prohibited. Please drink responsibly.
New Windsor Rodeo
Wednesday August 14
5:30-7:30 pm. Entries Open in all Departments
Thursday August 15
9:00 am. Entries Open in all Departments
3:00 pm. Entries Open for Parade
4:00 pm. Entries Close in All Departments
5:00 pm. Street parade, New Windsor Business District
7:00 pm. IPRA Rodeo and Mutton Bustin begins at the fair grounds and Carnival opens
Children 12 and under free!
Friday August 16
5:00 pm. Carnival Opens
6:00 pm. Bouncy & Stick Horse Races for kids
7:00 pm. IPRA Rodeo and Mutton Bustin begins at the fair grounds.
Children 12 and under free!
Saturday August 17
7:00 am. Race Day Entries Open for Rodeo Run
8:00 am. Rodeo Run Start
8:30 am. Entries Open for Junior Horse Show
9:00 am. Junior Horse show
11:00 am. Entries open for Kiddie Parade
1:00 pm. Kiddie Parade
5:00 pm. Carnival Opens
6:00 pm. Bouncy & Stick Horse Races for kids
7:00 pm. The final performance of the IPRA rodeo and Mutton Bustin
Children 12 and under free!
Healthy Living Fair
The Mercer County Health Department is holding their 3rd Annual Healthy Living Fair in conjunction with Aledo Main Street’s Farmer’s Market on Thursday, August 7th, from 4-6pm. In addition to the Farmers Market vendors, there will also be food vendors, health education, live entertainment, activities for kids, and more! Bring your family or friends downtown, Aledo, to learn about various health-related programs and organizations within Mercer County!
*More details will be released closer to the date of the event. If you are a health agency or program that would like to have a table set up during this event, please fill out this survey https://survey123.arcgis.com/.../968cdb488bcd4cfb8ecb0c7c.... For more information, call us at 309-582-3759 and ask for Hannah!
Sunday Funday - Blank Stare
“It’s Sunday Funday at Ferg’s, 205 S. College Ave, Aledo, IL. Join us on the patio for an afternoon of good food and music! Blank Stare plays from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Hope to see you there!”
2025 Backroad Rumble at Viola Boyz Backroad Speedway
The Backroad Rumble returns to Viola Boyz Backroad Speedway for an action-packed weekend! Featuring top talent, big prize money, and a high-energy atmosphere, this is one of the must-attend events of the summer.
Race Classes & Payouts:
500 Wing – 30 Laps
1st – $6,000 | 2nd – $3,000 | 3rd – $1,500
4th – $1,000 | 5th – $750
6th–18th – $200
250 Wing – 20 Laps
1st – $1,500 | 2nd – $750 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100
Non-Wing – 20 Laps
Same payout structure as 250 Wing
BP (Box Stock) – 20 Laps
1st – $2,000 | 2nd – $1,000 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100
R-Box – 16 Laps
Clone 375 – 25 Laps
1st – $1,500 | 2nd – $750 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100
Sportsman Class
$2,000 total purse
Hotel Accommodations
Reservation block available at AmericInn – Monmouth
Call 309-734-9958 for booking
Contacts
For rules: Chase – 309-337-0850
For event info: Rick – 309-507-1974 or Chad – 309-737-8736
2025 Backroad Rumble at Viola Boyz Backroad Speedway
The Backroad Rumble returns to Viola Boyz Backroad Speedway for an action-packed weekend! Featuring top talent, big prize money, and a high-energy atmosphere, this is one of the must-attend events of the summer.
Race Classes & Payouts:
500 Wing – 30 Laps
1st – $6,000 | 2nd – $3,000 | 3rd – $1,500
4th – $1,000 | 5th – $750
6th–18th – $200
250 Wing – 20 Laps
1st – $1,500 | 2nd – $750 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100
Non-Wing – 20 Laps
Same payout structure as 250 Wing
BP (Box Stock) – 20 Laps
1st – $2,000 | 2nd – $1,000 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100
R-Box – 16 Laps
Clone 375 – 25 Laps
1st – $1,500 | 2nd – $750 | 3rd – $500
4th – $300 | 5th – $200
6th–16th – $100
Sportsman Class
$2,000 total purse
Hotel Accommodations
Reservation block available at AmericInn – Monmouth
Call 309-734-9958 for booking
Contacts
For rules: Chase – 309-337-0850
For event info: Rick – 309-507-1974 or Chad – 309-737-8736
Marissa Treimer and The Clintstones
“Please join us on Thursday, July 31st for a great night of music! Marissa Treimer will start things off at 6 pm followed by The Clintstones around 7 pm. Lots of great music and talent! Marissa will be playing all genres of music and The Clintstones will be playing 10 NEW songs! Bring a chair and enjoy the show! This concert is sponsored by Farmers State Bank.”
Pop Up Splash Park
Cool off with a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family!
Join us on the church green space for an exciting splash day designed for kids in Pre-K through 5th grade. The Pop-Up Splash Park features:
Slip-n-slides & inflatable water activities
Fun outdoor games
Free popsicles and water for everyone
This event is free and open to the public. Just bring a towel, sunscreen, and be ready to play!
Note: Event is weather permitting. Held every other Wednesday in July.
1st Annual Sherrard Car Show
Join us for the first-ever Sherrard Car Show, a community celebration of classic, custom, and modern vehicles. This all-inclusive event takes over Main Street with a vibrant lineup of cars, bikes, and local fun.
Whether you’re showcasing your ride or just coming to enjoy the view, there's something for everyone!
Vehicle registration begins at 9:00 AM (no pre-registration required)
Food vendors and local eats
Family-friendly atmosphere
This event is open to the public and perfect for car enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday in Sherrard.
Entry Info:
Vehicle participation is open to all makes & models
Registration on-site the morning of the event
Free for spectators
Central Park Grooves: The Tailfins
Come see the "The Tailfins" (Classic Rock & Roll) on Saturday, July 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the inaugural event of Central Park Grooves. This free concert series will be a great time for residents and community members to set out chairs and blankets in front of the Bandshell, enjoy an adult beverage* (see below), and enjoy musical acts that cover multiple genres. Find music in Aledo this summer at Central Park Grooves, happening June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13.
A food truck vendor will be available, or you can stop by one of Aledo's local restaurants for a meal.
*New for Central Park Grooves ONLY. Adults 21 years and older can consume alcoholic beverages on the grass in Central Park from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the day of the concerts. Alcohol may be brought into the park on a B.Y.O.B basis or purchased from Ferg’s, Cheers or Beer Belly’s and walked over to Central Park. Plastic or aluminum containers are strongly encouraged. Public consumption of alcoholic beverages is otherwise prohibited. Please drink responsibly.
8th Annual End of Summer Luau
“We will be hosting our 8th Annual Summer Party. We will be serving Nathan's all beef hot dogs, water, and chips. We will have live entertainment, bounce houses, door prizes, raffle basket and a huge blow-up water slide, so have the kids bring their suits and towels. For only $5.00 per entry! Tickets sold only the day of event. We can't wait to see you!
For any questions please call Lisa Wessels Executive Director/Sales at 309-582-3902”
Mercer County Fair
Monday, July 7
Tuesday, July 8
Dept. J-Gardening & Dept. L Floriculture Check-In. 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Exhibition Hall Check-In 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Rabbit Show 11:00 am
Carnival Rides 5:00 pm
Little Miss, Junior Miss, and Miss Mercer County Fair Queen Pageant 6:30 pm
Wednesday, July 9
Junior Sheep Show 9:00 am
Carnival Rides 12:00 pm
Kids’ Day ($30/person wristband & bike drawing) 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Open Beef Show/Open Market Beef Show to follow 5:00 pm
RPM FlatTrack Motorcycle Races 6:30 pm
Thursday, July 10
Democrat Day
Senior Citizen’s Day – Seniors Get in the gate for $2.00 until 2:00
Junior Beef Show 9:00 am
Junior Heifer Show Follows Junior Beef Show
Junior Goat Show Immediately following the 4-H Goat Show 2:00
Open Sheep Show 11:00 am
Hearing/Vision Screening (sponsored by Eliza Lions Club) 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Election of Directors at Front Gate 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Mercer County Senior Center Traveling Bingo at Shelter (all ages welcome to play!) Game 1 | 10:00 am – 11:00 am Game 2 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Open Market Lamb Show 6:00 pm
Carnival Rides 5:00 pm
Night of Destruction 7:00 pm
Friday, July 11
Republican Day
Open Barrow and Market Gilt Show 8:30 am
Open Dairy Show 9:00 am
Dairy Show 9:00 am
Carnival Rides 5:00 pm
4-H Auction 6:00 pm
Backroad Pullers Truck and Tractor Pull 6:30 pm
Far Out 283/Levi Craft at the Beer Garden 8:00-12:00 pm
Saturday, July 12
Junior Swine Show 9:00 am
Carnival Rides 1:00 pm
Wristband Day ($20/person wristband) 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Mercer County Baby Contest 2:00
Decorated Diaper Contest (Pavilion by office) Follows baby contest
Baby Crawl (Pavilion by office) Follows baby contest
Talent Contest (Pavilion by office) 3:00 pm
Demolition Derby 6:30pm
Vital Signs at the Beer Garden 8:00-12:00 pm
Daily Events
The Merchants’ Building is open Tuesday through Saturday from Noon to 8:00 pm.
The Exposition Building is open Wednesday through Saturday from Noon to 8:00 pm
Check-in occurs on Tuesday in Pumpkin House and judging occurs on Wednesday in Exhibition Hall.
Pumpkin House is open Tuesday, 11 am to 6 pm Wednesday, and 1 pm to 6 pm Thursday through Saturday.
Summer Arts Camp
A 3 Hour Arts Centered Day Camp for kids 7-12 years of age.
SUMMER ARTS CAMP 2025 is going where we have never gone before...SPACE! Campers will explore many art elements under one cohesive theme. Blast off into an exploration of outer space, the planets, and art like you've not experienced before!
EVERY MONDAY IN JULY
At the Miles Memorial Park in Viola
8:45-9:10 am Check In
Camp ends at 12 pm.
$45 per day, or $180 for all four camps.
Early Pay by June 20th for only $140!!
Kids need only bring a water bottle and yoga mat or towel. Water and a small snack will be available. Sunscreen is recommended as we will be outdoors.
Contact: Robyn Messerly
309-798-6887
violareccenter@gmail.com
Blank Stare at Verdurette Mansion
Be sure to check out the event page and follow Blank Stare as well!
Independence Day 2025
Come out and enjoy an afternoon of patriotic celebration featuring mansion tours, live music, great food, fun, and fireworks!
2:00 PM: Mansion Tours Begin
4:00 PM: Food Available
Dusk: Fireworks Show
Bring a chair and your favorite beverage, and enjoy the festivities!