Frankfort Fall Fest 2022: What Visitors Need To Know

FRANKFORT, IL — Those who have been in or around Frankfort at some point during the past 54 years know that the Frankfort Fall Fest, hosted by the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, is kind of a big deal. It marks the unofficial end of summer with a three-day party that runs from Saturday through Labor Day.

Fall Fest draws in around 250,000 people from far and wide who make the trip to check out the more than 300 artisans and vendors from across the country, according to Frankfort Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Pauline Modjeski.

"Fall Fest is built on the arts and crafts," Modjeski said. "The entire fall festival is centered around our artisans."

Frankfort's Fall Fest is nationally recognized as one of the Top 100 best classic and contemporary craft shows in the country. In fact, Frankfort's Fall Fest is ranked No. 20 in the country, and it's the only Illinois craft show in the Top 50, according to rankings by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

The festival's humble roots date back to 1935, when the Volunteer Fire Department hosted a community picnic at the Frankfort Grove near what is now Alsip Nursery on LaGrange Road, according to Modjeski. It was not yet called “Fall Festival,” but likely sparked the later development of a full-blown community event.

The first time “Fall Festival” appeared was in 1950 when the community banded together to purchase a 20-acre park. They called this event “The Frankfort 1890’s Fall Festival." The community picnic was moved in 1954 to Frankfort Park and the American Legion Post held a carnival and food fest to raise funds for a new building.

In 1958 the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce was formed, and it hosted its first Fall Fest in 1968. In the mid-'70s, crowd size was estimated at 40,000 and had more than doubled by the early '80s.

Although Fall Fest is heavily focused on the arts and crafts portion, there's no shortage of additional entertainment for the whole family, from concerts and carnival rides to the annual parade that takes place Sunday.

"We're very excited about Fall Fest," Modjeski said. "It's an honor to work with these artisans. We've got great volunteers. The Village has been amazing to work with. They do a lot for the Chamber and for this event, and we look forward to it every year."

Here's a breakdown of events by days and times for Fall Fest:

Arts and Craft Show Schedule

• Saturday and Sunday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Carnival

Unlimited rides wristbands can be purchased for $32 and are good for the day on which they are purchased. In tickets for rides will also be available for sale for $1.50 for one ticket, $25 for 20 tickets and $60 for 50 tickets. Rides require two to four tickets each.

• Wednesday and Thursday - 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday - 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Special Needs Day; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. general admission
• Saturday and Sunday- Noon to 9:30 p.m.
• Monday - Noon to 5 p.m.

Breidert Green Entertainment Stage

• Saturday - The Muddsharks 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; The Noize 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Industrial Drive 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday - Bad Mojo Band 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Strung Out 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; SHiNDiG! 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday - SpotLight Arts Collective 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Whiskeyfist 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Garden Entertainment (located on North Oak Street)

• Friday - Simple Men & Southern Nights 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Gate opens at 6 p.m. $10 admission. 21 and older only.
• Saturday - The Macy Brothers 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (free show); Rocks Off 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ($10 admission, 21 and older only)
• Sunday - Voices of The Stars 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (free show); Brothers Gibb 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ($10 admission, 21 and older only)
• Monday - Frankfort Brass Band 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (free show)

Parade

• Starts at 1 p.m. Sunday at Locust Street and Oregon Street in downtown Frankfort

For more information on Fall Fest activities, including a full list of artisans and volunteer opportunities, visit the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce website.

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