The warmth of summer may be waning, but the fun is just getting started in Paxton! As the air cools and the leaves create a dazzling display along the city streets, local businesses and organizations are gearing up for a full slate of autumn events you don’t want to miss. Check out some must-do fall festivals, events, and fun fall activities for all ages in Paxton, IL, and plan a memorable getaway!
Party with Our Pitmasters
Take the good times to the streets! On Saturday, Sept. 20, the Paxton Swine ‘N Dine BBQ Contest & Festival takes over Downtown Paxton with a day full of family-friendly fun for the whole community. Originally a friendly backyard BBQ competition that began in 2011, this annual event has grown into one of the city’s most beloved annual fall gatherings — and for good reason!
Enjoy a full slate of attractions like business and craft vendors, a bags tournament and cruise-in, distillery tours, kids’ activities, and live music — including appearances by American Idol contestant Lexi Tieffel, the Feudin’ Hillbillies, and country legends Diamond Rio!
Fall Festivities
The final First Fridays Concert of 2025 is coming soon! The city’s summertime concert series wraps up with a free performance by The Brat Pack from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5. Gather on the front lawn at Veterans Square (237 S. Market St.) and bid a fond farewell to summer with the rockin’ sounds of the ‘80s, including hits by Prince, Journey, Cyndi Lauper, and Michael Jackson.
Then, enjoy a day of traditional, family-friendly fall fun during Paxton’s Fall Gathering on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Veterans Square (237 S. Market St.). Start your day right with a delicious pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. before enjoying a pop-up pumpkin patch courtesy of Mason’s Peculiar Pumpkins, plus an artist and vendor show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Don’t miss the Pumpkin Parade, featuring wooden pumpkins decorated by community members of all ages! No worries, if all this fall fun works up your appetite. Concessions will be available throughout the day, serving up grilled pork burgers, hot dogs, candy, and hot apple cider.
And as All Hallow’s Eve casts a ghastly pall at the end of October, ghouls and ghosts invade Downtown Paxton! Meet in Downtown Paxton for a spooky Halloween Parade at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, featuring local kids decked out in their Halloween costumes with a police and fire escort to the firehouse, where each kiddo will receive a treat bag, then visit local businesses for trick-or-treating.
Go Panthers!
Join the PBL Booster Club, PBL Education Foundation, and Paxton Main Street for Hometown Huddle at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Market Street Grill (125 S. Market St.). Get together after the Panthers’ football game and catch up with fellow alumni as well as teachers, coaches, and friends. Plus, enjoy some delicious flavors with $10 appetizer buffet.
Then, cheer the Panthers of tomorrow during the Central Illinois Football League championships! Join PBL Youth Football & Cheer on Oct. 25-26 at PBL High School (700 W. Orleans St.) and cheer Paxton’s youngest athletes to victory on the gridiron!
Sweet Finds
Now this is what we call treating yourself! Join the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce for the 7th Annual Wine & Chocolate Walk from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, in Downtown Paxton. Indulge your sweet tooth with decadent treats — and a selection of palatable wines — at numerous locally owned businesses along Market Street and throughout Paxton. Plus, after you visit each shop, drop off your receipts and you’ll be entered to win a special drawing at the end of the event!
Looking for a Shohei Ohtani, LeBron James, or Josh Allen to add to your album? Don’t miss the Sports Card Show on Saturday, Nov. 8, hosted by Game Changer Sports Card Shop, at Veterans Square and complete your collection with vendors selling an incredible selection of cards across multiple leagues, including MLB, NFL, and NBA.
No matter what time of year you’re in town, there’s always something happening in Paxton — from Christmas tree displays to fun ways to beat the summer heat! Check out our Events Calendar and plan your trip today!