Upcoming Events & Festivals

Pontiac is host to many fun events throughout the year. From car shows to concerts we have something for everyone. Check this page OR our calendar for details on these events!

2019

Route 66 Kite Festival

The 4th Annual Route 66 Kite Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 12 from 11 am to 3 pm. Plan for a day full of fun including, Giant Kites flying, Team Fire & Ice performing choreographed 2 Line routines, 180 go! performing choreographed 4 line routines, Colleen Baker performing solo choreographed routines, Candy Drops, Unique Twists (a balloon artist), and Face Painting.

The scouts will also be on site with food for sale!

Once again the festival will take place at the Pontiac Rec Plex, 2104 Old Airport Road, Pontiac, IL 61764.

Murder Mystery on the Square

Join The Cup and the Scone and many other downtown retailers as they present the 2nd annual Murder Mystery on the Square Saturday, October 12! Participants will be tasked with visiting downtown retail locations to discover clues and solve the "murder". Plenty of fun will be had by all!

Family Fall Fest

Join Pontiac Parks and Recreation for our second annual Family Fall Fest at Chautauqua Park Saturday, October 26 from 4:00PM-7:00PM!

We aim to make this event the ultimate fall experience for families around the area.  We will have a pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, trunk-or-treating, a costume parade, hayrack rides, live music, and kids games at the event.  NEW this year, there will also be a scavenger hunt and photo ops!

Admission is $1.00 per person + 1 non-perishable item OR $2.00 per person without non-perishable item.  All items will be donated to the Livingston County Food Pantry.

Concerts at the Eagle Performing Arts and Conference Center

Tickets for all concerts can be purchased by visiting their website OR by calling 815-844-1187 Monday through Friday from 10:00-4:00.

Chicago Farmer with Guest Comedian Stewart Huff – November 2

Comedian Stewart Huff will be sharing the stage with Chicago Farmer one night only, November 2, 2019! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting our ticketing page or by calling 815-844-1187. All seats are general admission. Tickets are $12 in advance, $18 at the door. There will also be a $4 per transaction processing fee. Doors will open at 6:30 and the show will start at 7:30. The event is sponsored by The Whip at BacklandRadio.com. This show will contain content that may not be suitable for all ages or tastes.

Vermillion Valley Show Choir Concert – November 17

Join the Vermillion Valley Show Choir for their annual concert at the Eagle! Doors open at 1:30 and the show starts at 2:00. Tickets are $15 each with a $1 per ticket transaction fee. 

Bill Kirchen’s Honky Tonk Holiday Show – November 22

The Titan of the Telecaster Bill Kirchen returns to the Eagle Performing Arts and Conference Center with his rockabilly Honky Tonk Holiday show brought to you by The Whip at BacklandRadio.com.

All tickets are general admission. Advance tickets are $15, $20 at the door. There will be a $4 transaction fee added to all credit card transactions.

Doors open at 6:30pm, the show starts at 7:30pm. A cash bar will be available.

The Bashful Youngens with The Unemployed Architects – December 21

Two Central Illinois bands with strong Pontiac connections will be gracing our stage once again! The Bashful Youngens are an Americana band based in Champaign, IL featuring Carrie Chandler and Aaron Short.

Tickets are on sale now and are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

James Herr Acoustic – December 27

A solo acoustic act performing covers of favorite singer songwriters like James Taylor, Paul Simon, Jim Croce, and more. It’s the perfect chance to get out of the house during the holiday season!

Tickets are on sale now and are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

A Hometown Holiday

Full of small town charm with big city amenities, Pontiac, IL is an idyllic setting year round. But, the city goes all out for the winter holidays, embracing the winter wonderland feel. Thousands of lights decorate the downtown district, a giant Christmas tree graces the town square, and the whole community gets involved with events and festivities.

While we've outlined some of the headline events here, there are no bad times to see Pontiac during the holiday season. Festivities and merriment are a daily occurrence and a guaranteed highlight of your visit.

Jolly Trolley Retail Event - November 8-9

Our downtown retail's kick off to the holiday season, the Jolly Trolley event is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit.

Walk from shop to shop as you find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list (or just for yourself, we won't tell!). Not in the walking mood? Jump on the Trolley Friday, November 8 from 12:00-3:00PM as it loops around the greater downtown area. The Trolley will pick up from the north side of the square and will make stops at Ace Hardware, Pop’s Pop Up, True Essence Tranquility, and Joe’s Stationhouse Pizzeria.

In the holiday giving spirit, we will be collecting donations for the Livingston County Food Pantry at Route 66 Kites.

Additionally, the Pontiac Public Library will have holiday activities and story time for children in the Santa House from 12:00-3:00PM on Saturday. While a fun and festive time will be had by all, Santa will not be present.

Be sure and visit all of our retailers as they offer special promotions just for this weekend!

PROUD Light Up Parade - November 29

An annual tradition and the favorite of many, the PROUD Light Up Parade is always held at dusk the day after Thanksgiving. The parade ends with Santa arriving in Pontiac and taking up his seasonal residence at the Santa House. Children are invited after the parade to visit him for photos and to give him their list. Additional times and dates to visit Santa will be posted on the entrance to the house.

Trolley Christmas Light Tours - December 5, 12, 19

See the beauty of the holiday lights decorating the city from the seat of the Jolly Trolley as it cruises past the most elaborate displays. All tours are first come first served. The Trolley will run 6:00-8:00PM on the listed evenings. It will pick up from the north side of the square (next to the Santa House).

Christmas Tree Lighting - December 6

Hosted by Pontiac Parks and Recreation, the downtown tree lighting will feature a giant community Christmas tree in the green space in the block south of the courthouse. The celebration will include caroling, hot chocolate, children's activities, vendors, and more!

The tree will then remain lit throughout the holiday season.

Shop Late with Kris Kringle - December 12

It's not too late to finish (or start) your holiday shopping as the downtown retailers stay open late - til 8 o'clock!

Additionally, hot chocolate and warming stations will be set up around the square and carolers will be performing, adding to the perfect holiday atmosphere. Who knows, we might just get a glimpse of Kris Kringle himself!