Kewanee Hog Days is right around the corner. The theme this year is “Pigs Just Want to Have Fun.” Hog Days runs from August 29 to September 1, 2025. You can purchase tickets early at the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce, Peoples National Bank, CSB North & South, Union Federal, and State Bank of Toulon, while supplies last, for $10 for 12 tickets. During Hog Days, tickets are $20 for a sheet of 20 tickets, or $1.25 if purchased individually. If you are interested in a vendor spot, please visit the Kewanee Hog Days website to download the necessary forms.
Excitement is building in Kewanee as the annual lineup of community events is set to return this August. The Illinois National Guard Armory will host the Mini Miss, Little Miss, Junior Miss, and World Miss Queen Pageants on August 2nd, with events split between 2 and 6 PM. Hog Days Banners go on sale August 1st, with locations across town and a history of speedy sellouts. Don’t miss the 80th Annual Baker Park Golf Tournament, running from August 25th to September 1st, boasting over $6,000 in prizes. Discount carnival tickets are available now—supplies never last long! Find the full schedule of events here.
Kewanee’s Hog Days Festival promises an action-packed weekend with music, magic, and entertainment for all ages. The Ed Morse Stage lights up Friday evening with country-rock band Brushville. Magic and illusions come alive thanks to The Great Shaddeni, while Saturday brings the IHSA champion Boilermakers Band and 80s favorites Decade of Decadence. Kids can enjoy balloon artistry by Jason Hamilton at West Park, along with live music from jazz to blues across multiple tents. Sunday sees seasoned acts like Revel in Red and Jazz On the Side, with the festival wrapping up Monday to the sounds of The Incredible 45s. Find the full entertainment schedule here.
The Hog Wallow Classic will return for its muddy 40th year in Kewanee, transforming Chautauqua Park into a slippery battlefield. Hosted by the Kewanee unit of the Illinois National Guard, the event features two volleyball courts blanketed in 12 to 15 inches of Henry County mud, making every serve and dive a messy adventure. Teams compete for plaques and, perhaps, bragging rights as the muddiest. Portable showers attempt to help with cleanup, but the real payoff is the laughter and camaraderie. All proceeds support Kewanee Park District Youth Programs, ensuring fun for a good cause. Watch for signup information here.
The Hog Days Stampede kicked off early Saturday morning as part of Hog Days weekend, drawing hundreds of participants ranging from professional runners to casual walkers, wheelchair users, and those on crutches. Now celebrating its 49th consecutive year, the event features three races: a four-mile, a one-mile, and a special quarter-mile dash for children under seven. Sponsored by Breedlove’s Sporting Goods, The Community State Bank, and The Chamber of Commerce, it promises an inclusive atmosphere, whether participants aim for the podium or simply want to cross the finish line and enjoy the cheers. Official entry forms are available through the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce website.
Kewanee’s annual Hog Day Stampede returns with races for all ages and abilities. The four-mile run or fitness walk begins at 8 AM. Early registrants pay $30 and secure a newly designed T-shirt, plus a shot at door prizes and gift certificates. Sign-ups after August 15th rise to $35, with no shirts available after August 26th. Prizes include Breedlove’s gift certificates and plaques, with bonus cash for breaking course records.
Lace up your sneakers as the annual One Mile Run and Fitness Walk kicks off at 9:45 am. Participants who pre-register for $20 will receive a T-shirt, a shot at door prizes, and gift certificates, with late registration costing $25 and no shirt after August 26th. Age categories range from 8 and under through 13-14, with the top three male and female finishers in each division earning awards courtesy of Pizza Hut. Earlier, at 9:30 am, kids 7 and under can join the free Quarter Mile Fun Run. The first 300 sign-ups receive a T-shirt from the Kewanee Banking Center. The certified, mostly flat course starts and finishes at the Kewanee YMCA, where participants can also enjoy post-race refreshments and shower facilities. Find more information on the Hog Days Stampede here. Registration is now open for the annual Hog Day Stampede in Kewanee. Runners and walkers can sign up online or by mailing their entry forms to the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce at 113 East Second Street, Kewanee, IL 61443. Participants should also make checks payable to the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce.
Kewanee’s beloved Hog Festival Parade is gearing up for another round of fun, set for Saturday, August 30th, at 2 PM, rain or shine. This year’s whimsical theme, “Pigs Just Want to Have Fun!” encourages participants to get creative with their entries. Organizers have outlined specific rules: candy and giveaways must be handed out—not tossed—and entries need to be decorated to reflect the theme. Political involvement is limited to one vehicle per party and per candidate. The parade caps at 125 entries, so organizers recommend securing a spot soon, with the deadline for entry falling on August 18th. Registering online only takes a couple of minutes! Participants are encouraged to register online. You can register online or download and print an entry form and mail or deliver it to the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce at 113 East Second Street, Kewanee, IL 61443.
