Oswego PraireFest 2025: Carnival, Parade, Car Show, 5K All Planned

OSWEGO, IL — PrairieFest is just a week away, and organizers have planned a weekend jam-packed with live music, carnival rides, food and fun.

PraireFest, organized by the Oswegoland Park District, will take place June 12-15 at 91 Plank Drive.

Windy City Amusements will bring the carnival to PrairieFest just like it has for the last 30-plus years. The carnival will run from 5:30-10 p.m. Thursday, from noon to 10 p.m. June Friday and Saturday, and from 1-6 p.m. Sunday.

Although the Oswegoland Park District and village contractors ensure all rides go through a formal amusement ride inspection, Windy City Amusements determines the price, carnival staffing and ride selection.

Families who require special accommodations can experience all rides except for the Skyrider Swings with no lights or sounds and at slower speeds at certain times each day, with unlimited ride wristbands for $15.

The cost for an unlimited wristband for the general public is $35 on Thursday, $40 on Thursday and Friday, and $30 on Sunday. Individual tickets can be purchased at the carnival ticket cost for $1 each, 20 for $20 or 44 tickets for $40.

Expo Village is on the docket each day for PrairieFest this year, and 90 vendors are slated to participate.

The PrairieFest 5K and One Mile Prairie Dog Jog will kick off Father's Day at 8 a.m. at The Grove, 3220 Grove St. In the afternoon, the annual PrairieFest Parade will step off at 1 p.m. at the corner of Jefferson Street and Garfield Street.

The full schedule of events for the weekend can be found in the PrairieFest brochure.

Here's a look at the musical lineup for PrairieFest weekend:

June 12

• 6 p.m.: PrairieWinds Community Band Concert
• 7:30 p.m. Marlon and the Shakes
• 8:45 p.m. The Prince Experience

June 13

• 6:30 p.m.: Riplock
• 9 p.m.: Runaway June

June 14

• 4 p.m.: American English Beatles Tribute Band
• 7 p.m.: Fecto Glen
• 9 p.m.: Plain White T's

June 15

• 4 p.m.: Conjunto Atardecer