The 58th annual Frankfort Fall Festival returns on Saturday, September 5, for an end-of-summer celebration featuring food, music, a carnival, and award-winning arts and crafts.
The three-day event includes a parade, two entertainment venues, and, this year, more than 50 new artisan and gourmet food vendors.
“The Frankfort Fall Festival has been bringing our community together for nearly six decades,” said Pauline Modjeski, Frankfort Chamber of Commerce executive director.
“It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and volunteerism that simply wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, civic organizations, artists, businesses, and village partners who make it happen each year.
“We invite everyone to join us Labor Day weekend and experience everything that has made Fall Fest one of the Midwest’s premier community festivals.”
With some 300 artisans from all over the United States to exhibit their elite products and services, the event is one of the Midwest’s premier arts and crafts festivals. Ranked the No. 2 Classic & Contemporary Craft Show in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine in 2025, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to historic downtown Frankfort each year.
“In addition to all of the longtime Fall Fest favorites, we’re excited to welcome more than 50 new artisan and gourmet food vendors to this year’s festival,” Modjeski said.
“Visitors will discover an even greater variety of handcrafted artwork, unique gifts, specialty foods, and gourmet treats while enjoying the high-quality, juried Arts & Crafts Show that has made the Frankfort Fall Festival one of the nation’s premier events. Whether you’re returning for your annual favorites or visiting for the first time, there’s something new for everyone to enjoy.
“One of the unique aspects of the Frankfort Fall Festival is its partnership with local nonprofit organizations,” she added.
“The Food Court features a variety of local restaurants and food vendors paired with civic and charitable organizations, with proceeds helping support many local groups and their community programs. A complete list of participating organizations and menu offerings will be available in the official Fall Fest Guidebook and on our website (frankfortfallfestival.com).”
Music lovers, meanwhile, are in for a treat.
“The Frankfort Fall Festival offers two unique entertainment venues,” Modjeski said. “Providing something for every age and musical taste throughout Labor Day Weekend.
“The Breidert Green Entertainment Stage is a free, family-friendly venue where visitors can relax under the shaded tent, enjoy a meal, and experience live performances throughout the weekend.
“Saturday’s lineup includes River Road Trio (Country) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bottomz UP from 2–3:30 p.m., the Enrico’s Spaghetti Eating Contest Finals from 3:30–4 p.m., and Crawford’s Daughter from 4:30–6 p.m. On Sunday, Fire Chicken Band (Classic Rock/Pop/Country) performs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bandolier (Folk/Country/Bluegrass/Rock) from 2–3:30 p.m., and Shukin and the Ramblers from 4:30–6 p.m. Monday features the School of Rock Mokena Showband from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by The Gina Martini Band (Jazz, R&B & Blues) from 1–3 p.m.
“The Garden offers a lively outdoor concert experience. Friday night’s concert features Maggie Speaks from 8–11 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. (21 and older, $15 admission). During festival hours Saturday through Monday, admission to The Garden is free and open to all ages.
“Saturday’s entertainment includes The Handsome Jerks (Rock/Pop/Punk/Blues/Country) from 2–5 p.m., an acoustic opener from 8–9 p.m., and 7th Heaven from 9–11 p.m. On Sunday, Midnight (Big Band, Motown, Classic Rock and more) performs from 2–5 p.m., followed by Sundance (Top 40, Classic Rock, Motown, Pop and Country) from 8–11 p.m. Monday concludes with the Frankfort Brass Band from 1–3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday evenings, beginning at 6 p.m.
The festival’s popular carnival opens Wednesday, September 2, and continues through Monday, September 7, offering rides, games, and family fun.
Carnival hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday from 5 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9:30 p.m., and Monday from noon to 5 p.m.
Unlimited ride wristbands (Pay One Price) are available Wednesday through Friday and Monday, while rides operate on a ticket basis Saturday and Sunday. Special Needs Day will be held on Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.
On Thursday, September 3, the Frankfort Lions Club hosts its annual Wurst Fest.
“This longtime community tradition features delicious German food, beverages, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun, making it the perfect way to celebrate the start of Labor Day weekend,” Modjeski said.
Festival Hours are Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, September 6, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Monday, September 7, from 10 a.m. – 4p.m.
“One of the festival’s most anticipated traditions is the Frankfort Fall Festival Parade, stepping off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 6,” Modjeski said.
“This year’s theme, ‘Celebrating 250 Years of American Pride,’ honors our nation with a patriotic celebration featuring marching bands, floats, community organizations, businesses, elected officials, first responders, and special guests. The parade draws thousands of spectators each year and is a highlight of the Labor Day weekend festivities.
“The Grand Marshals this year are Curtis Pascarella, President of Phillips Chevrolet, along with his wife Donna, children, and grandchildren.”
To accommodate the festival, portions of downtown Frankfort will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning prior to the festival for vendor setup and will remain closed throughout Labor Day weekend. The festival footprint includes Kansas Street, White Street, Oak Street, Ash Street, portions of Elwood Street, and surrounding downtown streets. Visitors are encouraged to follow posted detour signs and take advantage of the free parking and shuttle service available throughout the weekend. A complete listing is available on the festival website.
Other information:
- Admission to the festival is free.
- Free parking and shuttle service will be available from designated locations.
- Festival maps, entertainment schedules, vendor listings, and parking information will be available in the official Guidebook and at www.frankfortfallfestival.com
- Information booths located throughout the festival will assist visitors with directions, lost and found, and general questions.
- Additional information is available on our website frankfortfallfestival.com
