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?
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.
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.”
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
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!”
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!
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.
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.”
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
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”
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
- 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 5pm to 7pm
- 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!
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.”
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!
Keithsburg 4th of July Festival
🎆 Keithsburg 4th of July Festival 2025 🎆
Location: Keithsburg, IL — At the Stage by the River & Ball Diamond
📅 Friday, July 4th
9 AM – 5 PM: Vendors open (At the Stage by the River)
6 PM: Softball Tournament (At the Ball Diamond, organized by Chad Weeks)
📅 Saturday, July 5th
All events at the Stage by the River unless otherwise noted
9 AM – 5 PM: Vendors open
10:15 AM: Parade Sign-Up
11:00 AM: Parade Begins
11:00 AM: Sign-Up for Horseshoe Tournament
12:00 PM: Beer Garden Opens
12:00 PM: Horseshoe Tournament Starts
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM: First Band Performs
3:30 PM – 8 PM: Live Music by Shelton Biddle and The 1851 Band
Dusk: Fireworks Show by Jeremy & the Crew 🎇
(Brought to you by community donations)
🎉 Parade Info:
Free entry! All are welcome. Bring your golf carts, horses, floats.
Theme: "Summer Fun"
Contact: Breana Kircher — 217-248-4968
⚾ Horseshoe Tournament Info:
Sign up at 11:00 AM at the Stage by the River
Tournament starts at 12:00 PM
Cost: $10 per person (singles) or $20 per team (draw your partner)
Contact: Dan Gingerich — 563-529-4165
The 1st Annual Firecracker WINGLESS Shootout
“The 1st Annual Firecracker WINGLESS Shootout at ViolaBoyz Backroad Speedway will be held July 4th, 2025!
**WEIGHTS**
Rbox - 270
Box Stock - 300
250 - 400
500 - 430
Sportsmans- 480
Thank you to the race sponsors:
Eight Four Speedshop
Ballard Inc.
MDL Farms, Inc.
City Limits
Pit Stop Shop Towing & Repair
Hannah's Snack Shack will be open and rocking their awesome menu!
Any questions about this event, contact Rick Dobbels 309-507-1974 or Chad Kinsey 309-737-8736”
Keithsburg 4th of July Festival
🎆 Keithsburg 4th of July Festival 2025 🎆
Location: Keithsburg, IL — At the Stage by the River & Ball Diamond
📅 Friday, July 4th
9 AM – 5 PM: Vendors open (At the Stage by the River)
6 PM: Softball Tournament (At the Ball Diamond, organized by Chad Weeks)
📅 Saturday, July 5th
All events at the Stage by the River unless otherwise noted
9 AM – 5 PM: Vendors open
10:15 AM: Parade Sign-Up
11:00 AM: Parade Begins
11:00 AM: Sign-Up for Horseshoe Tournament
12:00 PM: Beer Garden Opens
12:00 PM: Horseshoe Tournament Starts
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM: First Band Performs
3:30 PM – 8 PM: Live Music by Shelton Biddle and The 1851 Band
Dusk: Fireworks Show by Jeremy & the Crew 🎇
(Brought to you by community donations)
🎉 Parade Info:
Free entry! All are welcome. Bring your golf carts, horses, floats.
Theme: "Summer Fun"
Contact: Breana Kircher — 217-248-4968
⚾ Horseshoe Tournament Info:
Sign up at 11:00 AM at the Stage by the River
Tournament starts at 12:00 PM
Cost: $10 per person (singles) or $20 per team (draw your partner)
Contact: Dan Gingerich — 563-529-4165
2025 Dr Ford Memorial Frog Races
Come join us for the 2025 Dr. Ford Memorial Frog Races on July 4, 2025.
This is an event for ALL ages!!
Registration begins at 8am with racing starting at 9am.
Please try to bring your own frogs, we cannot guarantee enough rental frogs for everyone.
Racing is free, donations are accepted.
Eliza Ladies Aid Annual 4th of July Breakfast
Eliza Ladies Aid Annual 4th of July Breakfast
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Eliza Community Center, 547 155th Ave, New Boston, IL
Cost: By donation
Join the Eliza Ladies Aid for their beloved annual Independence Day breakfast. Enjoy a hearty meal featuring sausage, eggs, hash browns, homemade rolls, toast, and beverages. Bake sale items will also be available. All proceeds support community efforts. Come hungry and celebrate the morning of the 4th with friends and neighbors.
Matherville Fireworks
Matherville’s annual fireworks at the Lake of Matherville!
You can stay updated on the Matherville Community Club Facebook Page.
Wasted Major - Aledo Opera House
Based out of Nashville, TN, Wasted Major is a genre-bending 6-man band that fuses 60s and 70s rock with 90s country and honky-tonk flair. A dynamic, multi-vocal group featuring multiple guitars and keyboard, they bring a unique energy to every performance. With over 200 live shows in the past year, including two successful European tours, Wasted Major knows how to captivate crowds, whether it’s at a honky-tonk in Nashville or a festival across the Atlantic. Their high-octane blend of classic and contemporary sounds keeps fans on their feet, show after show.
Tickets are on sale now!
https://aledooperahouse.com/movie/wasted-major/
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Clintstones @ Cheers on Main
“Cheers on Main is having there Customer Appreciation Day once Again.
Dennis Eckert & Dave Noble is Grilling FREE Porkchops and Hot Dogs. Starting at 11:00am until Gone.
Clintstones are playing this year. They will be here 5:00pm to 9:00pm on the Patio.”
New Boston Craft & Farmer's Market
Join us for the first market day of 2025!
Vendor Information:
- 10x10 spot - $5
- Table spot - $3 (Shared canopy as available)
* 1 free table spot, residents only.
All Vendors must fill out an annual vendor application.
- Vendor Application: http://newbostonfarmersmarket.com/.../NBCFM...
- Market Rules: http://newbostonfarmersmarket.com/docs/NBCFMrules.pdf
For more information:
Call Ralyn Schraceo @ 217-492-1163
-- Please do not message with questions - CALL
-- DO NOT TEXT, contact number is not a cell phone
Interested in sponsoring or helping? Call Ralyn @ 217-492-1163
Route 17 Country Market
“About the Market:
Join us for a small-town, open-air market featuring local vendors, handmade goods, produce, baked treats, art, vintage finds, and more! The Route 17 Country Market is your Saturday morning stop for shopping local and supporting small businesses in a fun, friendly atmosphere.
Vendor Info:
We’re looking for a variety of vendors! If you’re interested in participating, you can email tinkish.crafts@gmail.com or fill out the vendor application here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSealuB4dFuDRx.../viewform
Admission: Free to attend
Parking: Free parking available near the market grounds”
How to Train Your Dragon - Aledo Opera House
The Legend is Real. Experience #HowToTrainYourDragon at the Aledo Opera House opening this week!
https://aledooperahouse.com/.../how-to-train-your-dragon-2/
How to Train Your Dragon - Aledo Opera House
The Legend is Real. Experience #HowToTrainYourDragon at the Aledo Opera House opening this week!
https://aledooperahouse.com/.../how-to-train-your-dragon-2/
Central Park Grooves: Far Out 283
Come see the "Far Out 283" (Blues-Rock) on Saturday, June 21, 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.
Skinner's Annual Party
“The Cal Stage Band will be playing this year.
Weather permitting, it will be an outdoor event.
Bring your own beverages, a lawn chair if you want, and your friends!”
How to Train Your Dragon - Aledo Opera House
The Legend is Real. Experience #HowToTrainYourDragon at the Aledo Opera House opening this week!
https://aledooperahouse.com/.../how-to-train-your-dragon-2/
How to Train Your Dragon - Aledo Opera House
The Legend is Real. Experience #HowToTrainYourDragon at the Aledo Opera House opening this week!
https://aledooperahouse.com/.../how-to-train-your-dragon-2/
Route 17 Country Market
“About the Market:
Join us for a small-town, open-air market featuring local vendors, handmade goods, produce, baked treats, art, vintage finds, and more! The Route 17 Country Market is your Saturday morning stop for shopping local and supporting small businesses in a fun, friendly atmosphere.
Vendor Info:
We’re looking for a variety of vendors! If you’re interested in participating, you can email tinkish.crafts@gmail.com or fill out the vendor application here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSealuB4dFuDRx.../viewform
Admission: Free to attend
Parking: Free parking available near the market grounds”
Cinema@Central- Despicable Me 4
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT! We will only be hosting 1 Movie in Central Park this year so be sure to bring the family out for a showing under the stars!
The June Cinema@Central Movie is: "Despicable Me 4"
Synopsis: "Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run." This film is rated PG.
->Aledo Cub Scouts pack 428 will have concessions available for purchase.
->Movie starts at DUSK in Aledo Central Park
(Just dark enough to see the projection of the movie!)
Thank you to the 2025 Cinema@Central Movie Sponsor: Casey's General Store.