Pekin’s iconic Marigold Festival is back for 2026, happening Wednesday, September 9 through Sunday, September 13, at Mineral Springs Park.
Marigolds symbolize joy, happiness, and positive energy - all things you’ll find at the Pekin Marigold Festival! The festival honors the legacy of Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen and his attempt to make the marigold Pekin's national floral emblem. Although his cause did not succeed, the festival has been a community showcase event since 1973.
Wednesday, september 9
Taste of Pekin (5-8pm)—Happening on Court Street in Downtown Pekin, get a little bit of everything from all of Pekin's top eateries!
Thursday, september 10
Crosstown Classic (4:30pm)—The ultimate rivalry! Broadmoor and Edison schools face off at Diamond #2 in Mineral Springs Park.
Carnival Bracelet Night (5:30-9:30pm)—Happening on Court Street in Downtown Pekin, get a little bit of everything from all of Pekin's top eateries!
Friday, september 11
Roots & Boots Dragon Jam (5-11pm)—See Taylor Bruning and the Bandits, Stone Cold Cowboys, Brushville, and Jake Clayton performing live at the Avanti's Event Center Fields!
Carnival (5-11pm)—See Taylor Bruning and the Bandits, Stone Cold Cowboys, Brushville, and Jake Clayton performing live at the Avanti's dome!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Free Shuttle—Running between 7am-5pm
Art in the Park (9a-6pm)—Another highly anticipated event of the Marigold Festival! Art in the Park returns with a vendor lineup that is sure to keep you excited through every turn.
Festive Foods (9am-6pm)—Festive Foods is a fundraising event, and all of the vendors are nonprofit organizations.
Community Spotlight (9am-6pm)—Standing alongside Art in the Park, Community Spotlight showcases services and groups within the Pekin area that offer outreach initiatives, nonprofit services and more.
Soda Stations (9am-6pm)—Grab a cold drink and a souvenir mug at the soda stations located in Art in the Park. Show your mug to any station and receive a discounted price on refills!
Marigold Mile (10am)—A registered, one-mile racing event along the parade route, just before the parade begins. Runners can check in/register in the Vonderheide’s Floor Covering parking lot beginning at 9:00am.
Marigold Festival Parade (10am)—A Marigold Festival Tradition, beginning at 14th and Broadway and continuing downtown to Capitol St.
Carnival—(11am-11pm) All day fun!!
Horseback Rides (11am-4pm)—Free horseback rides for the whole family! Located at the Diamond #1.
Dirksen Center Pop-Up Museum (12pm-2pm)—From his time playing football in Pekin to his legacy of Bipartisan statesmanship, this interactive exhibit features captivating storytelling and historic artifacts, showcasing the team spirit of the honorable Mr. Marigold himself.
Kids Experience (12-5pm)—Check out the coolest place for kids in the park! With activities, freebies, and more. This is a free event for children 10 and under.
Showcase Stage (12-6pm)—Live music and entertainment will rock the Showcase Stage all weekend long at the Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Center.
The Amazing Cardboard Boat Race (3pm)—The much-loved event is back! Will your boat make it 200 yards to be crowned champion?
Water Ski Show (4pm)—This is a brand new event at the Pekin Park Lagoon featuring trick skiing, wakeboarding, slow-speed water ballet, and the iconic water ski pyramid.
Lagoon Glow (7:30pm)—This demonstration is nostalgic and where #marigoldmemories are made. The Lagoon Glow will have lanterns available for purchase during the festival. Write a memory or wish on your lantern, or honor a loved one.
Marigolden Line Dance (7:30-10pm)—Party at the Miller Center! Dance the night away with your favorite line dances. Coffee, tea, popcorn, and door prizes are provided.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Free Shuttle—Running between 7am-5pm
Marigolden Pancake/Sausage Breakfast (8-10am)—Stop by the Miller Center, across from the lagoon, for a breakfast fundraiser to support TCRC and Miller Center programs.
Community Worship Service (9am-10:30am)—Pre-Worship Music and Gathering 9-9:30am and Community Worship Service 9:30-10:30am.
Art in the Park—Enjoy vendors between 9am-5pm.
Festive Foods (9am-5pm)—Festive Food is a fundraising event, and all of the vendors are nonprofit organizations.
Community Spotlight (9am-5p)m—Standing alongside Art in the Park, Community Spotlight showcases services and groups within the Pekin area that offer outreach initiatives, nonprofit services and more.
Soda Stages (9am-5pm)—Grab a cold drink and a souvenir mug at the soda stations located in Art in the Park. Show your mug to any station and receive a discounted price on refills!
Showcase Stage (11am-4:30pm)—Live music and entertainment will rock the Showcase Stage all weekend long at the Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Center.
3 on 3 Basketball (9a-5p)—Sign up your 3rd-8th graders in a double elimination tournament at the Pekin Park Basketball Courts.
Chalk Walk (9:30a-3:30p)—Walk along the Mineral Springs Lagoon and see area artists at work! This newer event has chalk drawings from all age groups and boasts a not-to-miss display of talent.
Kids Experience (10am-3pm)—Check out the coolest place for kids in the park! With activities, freebies, and more. This is a free event for children 10 and under.
Carnival—(11am-11pm) All day fun!!
Rodeo (2-4pm)—Gather around the Livestock Review Building for a new Pekin Marigold Fest experience!
Festival closes at 5pm on Sunday.
You must be logged in to post a comment.