FRANKFORT, IL – The heart of historic downtown Frankfort is set to transform into a vibrant hub of art, music, and community spirit for the 57th annual Frankfort Fall Festival. Running from Saturday, August 30, to Monday, September 1, 2025, the free-admission event has earned national acclaim, recently ranking #2 in the nation for Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

With over 300 juried artisans, a full-scale carnival, two stages of live entertainment, and a food court supporting local charities, the festival promises something for everyone. To help you navigate the festivities, here is your complete guide.

Main Attractions: Crafts, Carnival, and Food

• Artisan Craft Show: A nationally recognized juried show featuring over 300 artisans from across the United States. Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Monday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Carnival: Located off White Street just north of Kansas Street, the carnival offers rides and games for all ages. It opens early on Wednesday, Aug. 27. A Free Special Needs Day will be hosted on Friday, Aug. 29, from 3-5 p.m. Pay-One-Price (POP) unlimited ride bands are available for $35 on Wednesday, Thursday, and Monday.

• Food Court: Situated between The Garden and Breidert Green, the food court features booths run by local civic organizations. Enjoy everything from sticky ribs and walking tacos to funnel cakes, all while supporting community non-profits. Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Monday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Live Entertainment: Two Stages of Non-Stop Music

Breidert Green Stage (Located at Ash & Kansas St.)
This family-friendly stage offers free music all weekend, along with shaded rest tents and cornhole boards.

• Saturday, Aug. 30:

  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m: Bandolier (Folk/Country/Rock)

  • 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m: Grace & John (High-energy acoustic duet)

  • 3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m: Enrico’s Spaghetti Eating Contest Finals

  • 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m: StrungOut (Ultimate 70s)

• Sunday, Aug. 31:

  • 9 a.m. – 11 a.m: Kids Craft Workshop (Courtesy of Home Depot)

  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m: Fire Chicken Band (Classic Rock/Pop/Country)

  • 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m: My 80’s Band (80s New Wave/Alternative)

  • 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m: The Gina Martini Band (Jazz/R&B/Blues)

• Monday, Sept. 1:

  • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m: School of Rock Mokena Showband

  • 1 p.m. – 3 p.m: The Bernie Glim Band (Country/Rock)

The Garden Stage (Located on North Oak St.)
This stage features free daytime music and ticketed, 21-and-older evening concerts.

• Friday, Aug. 29 (Gate opens 6 p.m., $15 admission, 21+ only):

  • 8 p.m. – 11 p.m: Simply Elton (Elton John Tribute)

• Saturday, Aug. 30 (Evening show 6 p.m.-close, $15 admission, 21+ only):

  • 2 p.m. – 5 p.m: The Macy Brothers (Free admission)

  • 8 p.m. – 11 p.m: The Band Sundance (70s-Today’s Hits)

• Sunday, Aug. 31 (Evening show 6 p.m.-close, $15 admission, 21+ only):

  • 2 p.m. – 5 p.m: Blake Alexander (Free admission)

  • 8 p.m. – 11 p.m: Simple Men & Southern Nights (Lynyrd Skynyrd/Southern Rock Tribute)

• Monday, Sept. 1:

  • 1 p.m. – 3 p.m: Frankfort Brass Band (Free admission)

A Community Tradition: The Annual Parade

The Frankfort Fall Festival Parade will take place on Sunday, August 31, at 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Fall into the Beat – A Celebration of Music Through the Decades.” The community will honor Chris and Kim Herder as the 2025 Grand Marshals. Before the parade begins, local singer Kelsey Multack will deliver a rendition of the national anthem.

Know Before You Go: Parking, Safety, and Important Info

Parking and Shuttles:

• Main Lot: The primary festival parking is the Grassy Lot (Boy Scout Lot) at U.S. Route 45 (LaGrange Rd) & Nebraska St. The fee is a $15 donation (cash/card) supporting Frankfort Boy Scout Troop #270.

• Shuttle Bus: A free shuttle runs continuously from the Boy Scout Lot to the festival grounds (drop-off on the east side of White St. at Elwood St.). Shuttle Hours: Sat. & Sun. from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Mon. from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Handicap Parking: Available in the Trolley Barn Parking Lot (Nebraska St. & Center Rd.). A $20 fee benefits Operation Playground and the Lincoln-Way Marching Arts Parent Alliance.

Guest Services and Safety:

• First Aid: Available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at two locations: the Frankfort Paramedics Station (1 N. White St.) and the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce Office (corner of Kansas & Hickory). After 6 p.m., dial 911 for emergencies.

• Lost & Found / Lost Child or Parent: The official meeting point is the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce Office. For assistance, look for any Frankfort Fall Festival Volunteer wearing a yellow shirt.

• Youth Supervision Policy: At the carnival, after 5 p.m. each night, all attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older. Each adult may supervise a maximum of four youths.

• General Information: An Info Booth is located at Kansas & Oak St. for maps and questions. Tented Rest Areas are located at Breidert Green. For the safety of all, pets are not allowed (service animals are welcome).

For the most up-to-date information, full vendor lists, and detailed maps, please visit the official festival website at FrankfortFallFestival.com.