Mattoon Bagelfest

07/22/2026

🎉 Bagelfest 2026: Ready. Set. Bagelfest! 🥯🏁

What. A. Weekend.

Bagelfest 2026 was an incredible success, and it's all thanks to YOU! ❤️

To our amazing sponsors who invested in this community, our dedicated volunteers who gave countless hours, our hardworking City park staff and employees who kept everything running smoothly, our vendors, entertainers, public safety partners, and everyone behind the scenes—THANK YOU!

And to the Mattoon community... thank you for showing up, bringing your families, cheering at the parade, filling the park, supporting local businesses, and making Bagelfest the special tradition it continues to be year after year. Your enthusiasm and community spirit are what make this festival truly unforgettable.

Together, we celebrated, laughed, danced, and made memories that will last a lifetime.

From all of us at Mattoon Tourism & Arts, thank you for making Bagelfest 2026 one for the books!

Until next year... keep those bagel-loving spirits alive!
🥯

07/20/2026

What an amazing parade!

Thanks so much Melissa M. Harden at Studio 21 for taking and sharing the photos!

07/19/2026

UPDATE: They are taking the stage now! Come enjoy the show!

We are currently on a delay due to the incoming weather. We will announce & post here when we have an update!!

Send a message to learn more

07/18/2026

🎉 It's Parade Day! 🥯🏁

Join us this morning for the 2026 Bagelfest Parade and help us fill the streets with community spirit, smiles, and plenty of excitement!

📅 Saturday, July 18

🚗 Parade Lineup Begins: 9:30 AM

🎈 Parade Starts: 10:30 AM

🗺️ The parade route is included with this post so you can find the perfect place to watch the festivities!

👀 Spectator Information:
For everyone's safety and viewing pleasure, please remain on the east side of the 21st & Western intersection (in front of Niemann's). The west side of the intersection is reserved for parade lineup only. This helps keep spectators, parade participants, and volunteers safe while allowing the parade to begin on time.

Before you head out:
🪑 Bring your lawn chairs or blankets.
☀️ Don't forget sunscreen and water.
🍬 Please wait until parade entries have safely passed before stepping into the street to collect candy.
👧 Keep children close to you throughout the parade.
🚔 Please follow all directions from parade volunteers and public safety personnel.

After the parade, the fun continues at Peterson Park with:
🎪 Vendors opening at 11:00 AM
🎡 Carnival rides
🎲 Bingo
🎵 Live entertainment
🎤 Jefferson Starship on the Main Stage tonight!

We can't wait to celebrate with you. Ready. Set. Bagelfest! 🥯🎉

07/18/2026

🏁 It's Championship Saturday at Bagelfest!

It's the final day of Bagelfest, and we're ending the weekend with a full day of family fun!

🏃 Run for the Bagel
🕡 6:30 AM
📍 Hosted by the Mattoon YMCA

🎉 Bagelfest Parade
🕥 10:30 AM

🚗 Parade Route will be posted in the comments!

Parade Spectator Information
🎈 Arrive early to grab your favorite viewing spot.
🪑 Feel free to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
🌞 Don't forget sunscreen and water.
🚧 Please stay behind all barricades and keep children close to you throughout the parade.
🍬 Watch for candy—but wait until floats have safely passed before entering the street to collect it.
🚔 Follow all instructions from volunteers and public safety personnel to help keep everyone safe.

🛍️Pit Row Opens
🕚 11:00 AM

🎡 Carnival
🎟️ Armbands:
• Noon–5:00 PM
• 5:00–10:00 PM

🎲 Bingo
📍 DeMars Center
🕐 1:00–4:00 PM

🎤 Jefferson Starship
🎟️ Gates Open: 6:00 PM
🎶 Opening Act: 7:30 PM

🎟️ Concert tickets are available here:
🔗 https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/21954/mattoon-bagelfest

Or purchase them at the Ballfield Concession Stand while supplies last.

🗺️ We've included both the festival map and concert venue map to help you make the most of your final day at Bagelfest!

Let's finish Bagelfest 2026 with an amazing celebration! 🎉🥯

07/17/2026

🔥💦 Thank you, City of Mattoon, Illinois - Fire Department 💦🔥

With the heat turned up, the Mattoon Fire Department came through with the PERFECT way to cool off!

Need a break from the sun? Stop by the entrance to Peterson Park near the Peterson House and enjoy a refreshing cool-down courtesy of MFD! 🌊☀️

A huge THANK YOU to the Mattoon Fire Department for always looking out for the safety and comfort of our community and everyone visiting Mattoon. We appreciate all you do!

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy Bagelfest! 🥯❤️

07/17/2026

🎉 Friday at Bagelfest is PACKED with Fun!

There's something happening all day long!

🎡 Carnival
🎟️ Armbands:
• 1:00–5:00 PM
• 5:00–10:00 PM

🛍️ Pit RowOpens
🕐 1:00 PM

🥯 FREE Bagel Pit Stop
📍 Pit Row
🕑 2:00–5:00 PM

🎲 Bingo
📍 DeMars Center
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM

🎶 Mattoon Community Band
📍 Bandshell
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM

🎤 Scotty McCreery
🎟️ Gates Open: 6:00 PM
🎶 Opening Act: 7:30 PM

🎟️ Concert tickets are available online here:
🔗 https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/21954/mattoon-bagelfest

Or purchase them at the Ballfield Concession Stand while supplies last.

🗺️ Be sure to check out both the festival map and concert map included with this post so you know exactly where to go!

Who's ready for Friday night?!

07/16/2026

🎶 Christian Music Night at Bagelfest!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of family fun and uplifting music!

🥯 FREE Bagel Pit Stop
📍 Pit Row
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM

🎡 Carnival Armband Night
🕕 6:00–10:00 PM

🎲 Bingo
📍 DeMars Center
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM

🎤 FREE Christian Concert featuring Sidewalk Prophets
🎟️ Gates Open: 6:00 PM
🎶 Show Begins: 7:30 PM

Concert Information:
✔️ Admission is FREE
🪑 Please bring your own lawn chair.
🚭 No smoking inside the concert venue.
🐾 No pets permitted.
🧊 No coolers allowed.

❤️ A love offering will be taken during the concert to benefit One Stop Community Christmas, helping local families during the holiday season.

🗺️ We've included both the festival map and concert venue map with this post to help you plan your evening.

07/15/2026

🐾 Tonight's the Night! Don't Miss the Bagel BowWow! 🐶
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 Bandshell (Hosted by Doggie Depot)

Join us TONIGHT for one of Bagelfest's favorite traditions—the Bagel BowWow, proudly hosted by The Doggie Depot !

Bring your lawn chairs to for an evening of wagging tails, adorable costumes, friendly competition, and plenty of fun for the whole family! Whether you're participating or just stopping by to cheer on the pups, you won't want to miss it.

A huge THANK YOU to our amazing sponsors for helping make this paw-some event possible! 🐾❤️

Albins
All Paws Inn
BIMBO
Crestline
deBuhr's
Doggie Depot
Home Depot
MARS Pet Care
Pawsitive Grooming
PetSmart
Rural King
Sudio 21

We can't wait to see you and your furry friends tonight at Bagelfest 2026: Ready. Set. Bagelfest!