Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Director Lindsie Akers talks about downtown businesses and upcoming events

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsie Akers says the community is building momentum through local events, business support, and tourism. Speaking on Wake Up Tri-Counties, Akers highlighted recent successes, including Geneseo’s first Wine Walk and Music Fest, while previewing upcoming signature events: Trains, Planes, and Automobiles on September 12th, State Street Market on October 3rd, and the Christmas Walk on December 12th. She says the chamber is focused on strengthening downtown commerce, encouraging residents to shop local, and expanding resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Akers says visitors can find event details, lodging information, and a community visitor guide at geneseo.org. Follow the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce “Facebook Page” to stay up-to-date on events and information.

On July 24th and 25th, downtown Geneseo is turning into an open-air marketplace for “Shop the Sidewalks,” a full weekend of summer sales, local finds, and community fun. Businesses will roll racks, tables, and displays outside with deals on gifts, home goods, kitchenware, lighting, books, flowers, food, and more. Highlights include buy-two-get-two-free sale items at Pegasus Fine Gifts, a lighting blowout at Village Home Stores, major discounts at A Spotted Apron, and consignment bargains at Four Seasons. North Street Treats, Gaslight Grocer, and Anthology for Books will also feature pop-ups, food, and special displays. Live music rounds out the downtown experience.

Shop the Sidewalks

Downtown Geneseo, Illinois

Throughout the Weekend

• Sidewalk Sales
  • Downtown businesses featuring outdoor displays and special discounts
• Pegasus Fine Gifts
  • Buy 2, Get 2 FREE sale items
• Village Home Stores
  • Lighting Blowout Sale
• A Spotted Apron
  • Major discounts on home décor and gifts
• Four Seasons Consignment
  • Special bargains on consignment items
• North Street Treats
  • Sweet treats and sidewalk pop-up
• Gaslight Grocer
  • Food specials and outdoor displays
• Anthology for Books
  • Book displays and special promotions
• Live Music
  • Entertainment throughout downtown during the event

Geneseo’s signature transportation celebration, Trains, Planes, and Automobiles, is marking its 20th anniversary September 10th through 12th, 2026. The weekend opens Thursday with a Stearman fly-in at Gen-Airpark from 11 AM to 2 PM. Friday brings operating model trains downtown, guided Hennepin Canal golf cart tours, and a 5 PM pre-party at Erdman Construction. Saturday shifts into high gear with food trucks, more model train displays, the Maple City Cruisers Car Show from 9 AM to 3 PM, and a youth pedal car parade starting at 11 AM. Most events are open to the public, with no tickets required.

Trains, Planes + Automobiles 2026 Event Schedule

September 10–12, 2026 • Geneseo, Illinois

Thursday, September 10 – Aviation

• Stearman Fly-In
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Location: Gen-Airpark
  • Presented by: Gen-Airpark

Friday, September 11 – Canal & Party

• Operating Model Train Display
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: 154 E. Exchange St., Downtown Geneseo
  • Hosted by: Geneseo Model Railroaders
• Hennepin Canal Tours (Tickets Required)
  • Times: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM
  • Location: Hennepin Canal
  • 90-minute guided golf cart tours
• TPA Pre-Party
  • Time: 5:00 PM
  • Location: Erdman Construction, 101 S. Chicago St., Geneseo

Saturday, September 12 – Trains & Automobiles

• Maple City Cruisers Car Show
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown Geneseo
  • Classic cars, hot rods, and vintage automobiles
• Operating Model Train Display
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Location: 154 E. Exchange St., Downtown Geneseo
  • Hosted by: Geneseo Model Railroaders
• Food Trucks
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown Geneseo
• Youth Pedal Car Parade
  • Lineup: 10:45 AM
  • Parade Begins: 11:00 AM
  • Location: The Cellar, Downtown Geneseo
  • Kids are encouraged to bring decorated pedal cars for the parade.

Note: Most events are free and open to the public. Tickets are required only for the Hennepin Canal tours.

Geneseo is preparing for a fall tradition that happens just once a year: the State Street Market. The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce will host “One Magical Day” on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, bringing a curated open-air market to the heart of town. Organizers say visitors can expect a full day of small-town charm, seasonal shopping, and classic Midwest autumn atmosphere. The event takes place the first Saturday of every October, drawing people downtown for food, vendors, community energy, and fall fun. Residents and visitors are encouraged to make a day of it and enjoy one of Geneseo’s signature seasonal celebrations.