Dianne, Deirdre, Becky, and Bobbi joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss events at the 2026 Kewanee Prairie Chicken Arts Festival

Downtown Kewanee will be filled with art, music, shopping, and family fun during the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival on Friday and Saturday, July 17–18, 2026. Festival activities include chalk art, an art show, food vendors, a flea market, live entertainment, children’s activities, museum tours, and local shopping. The celebration also features a Shop Small Business Crawl running July 9–18 and student artwork displayed in downtown storefronts July 13–20.

Friday’s events include a Sneak Peek Art Show from 5–7 PM at the Hog Capital Building and the Santa’s Jingle & Mingle dance party from 7–9 PM in the Rotary Tent.

Saturday begins with the Guns & Hoses Breakfast, followed by the Farmers Market, free family activities in Berrien Park, food vendors, live music, puppet shows, the Tiny Chicken Scavenger Hunt, and the announcement of festival winners at 4 PM.

The festival is also hosting several special events, including a Chalk Art Competition with professional, amateur, and youth divisions; an Art Show & Competition featuring local artists; vendor opportunities for crafters and flea market sellers; volunteer service hour opportunities; and family-friendly activities throughout downtown.

For schedules, registration information, and updates, follow the “Prairie Chicken Arts Festival“ on Facebook.

• • Shop Small Business Crawl: July 9th – 18th.
  • Student Artwork Display: July 13th – 20th in various downtown windows.

• • Chalk Art Festival: Artists compete near the old go-kart track (300 W. 3rd St.). Registration opens Friday at 8:00 AM. Work runs until dusk Friday and 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday. Prizes up to $400; winners announced Saturday at 4:00 PM.
  • Art Show & Competition: Located at the Hog Capital/Hog Days Building (306 N. Main St.). Art drop-off is July 16th (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM). Sneak peek on Friday (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM). Public viewing on Saturday (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM), with pickup from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
  • Flea Market: Open Friday and Saturday (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM) at 300 W. 3rd St.
  • Ongoing Attractions: Giant Sand Pile (NE corner of Tremont & 3rd St.) open 8:00 AM to dusk; Kewanee Historical Society & Museum open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

• • Santa’s Jingle & Mingle: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Rotary Tent. A free Christmas-themed summer dance party with a DJ, treats, and crafts. (Children ages 7–12 require a parent/guardian sign-in).

• • Guns & Hoses Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM at the Johnson Appliance Parking Lot (114 N. Chestnut St.), hosted by Kewanee Police & Fire departments.
  • Kewanee Farmer’s Market: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Berrien Park.
  • Tiny Chicken Scavenger Hunt: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM starting at the Rotary Tent. Find hidden tiny chickens to win a prize.
  • FREE Kids Activities & Food Vendors: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM at Berrien Park. Features a dunk tank, face painting, paddle karts, antique fire truck rides, caricature art, jump rope making, and balloon creations.
  • Live Entertainment (Rotary Tent):
    • • 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: WQAD Storm Track 8 “The Beast”
      • 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: The Community Band and Jazz on the Side
      • 3:15 PM & 3:45 PM: Puppet Shows
      • 4:00 PM: Winners announced