On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Amy McCoy, executive director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, about the 2026 Pekin Marigold Festival, taking place Sept. 9 through the 13.
The festival has grown into a comprehensive community celebration, with art firmly in its roots. The event began as an art show over half a century ago, and today Art in the Park continues that tradition with more than 230 vendors offering handmade and homemade work ranging from painting and writing to woodworking and other crafts.
“We have everything... all genres of art, painters and authors and crafters,” McCoy said. “There’s just a little bit of everything.”
Creativity continues around the Pekin Park Lagoon with the festival’s Chalk Walk, featuring work by professional artists alongside children and adults from the community. Live entertainment takes place all weekend at Mineral Springs Park’s Performing Arts Venue, with bands, music organizations, theater groups and other performers taking the stage Saturday and Sunday.
Beyond the arts, visitors can explore longtime local favorites including festive foods offered by nonprofit organizations, a carnival, pancake breakfast and cardboard boat races, along with newer additions such as the Roots and Boots Dragon Jam and rodeo.
McCoy says visitors can spend an hour strolling through the park or make an entire day of it. “There literally is something for everyone,” she said.
The 2026 Pekin Marigold Festival runs September 9-13 at Mineral Springs Park in Pekin.
