Local Events

Paxton Main Street invites you to be a part of our community gatherings! Paxton loves to celebrate holidays, show off our history, enjoy the arts, make and share delicious food and drink and we LOVE to entertain you and your friends! Whether you are a Paxton resident or a visitor, young or old, single or have a family— we want you to relax and explore the fun things our community has to offer. Everyone’s idea of fun is different and we hope to provide a wide range of activities and events, so make sure to check our page often.

Old Fashioned 4th of July in the Park

This is a family friendly event that promises to entertain every generation! Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce presents an entire day of celebrating Independence Day in the heartland. The celebration begins with an early morning 5K race followed by a full day in the park including numerous FREE inflatables to entertain the kids, multiple food trucks and stands with food and drink options, a large antique tractor display and a classic car show with various makes and models as far back as the 1920’s. Under the shade of historic Pells Park Pavilion, guests can enjoy live entertainment showcasing patriotic and familiar tunes in the afternoon as well as some BINGO games. There is also a vendor fair with items to purchase. Finish off your relaxing day with the City of Paxton’s FREE fireworks show. Check the Calendar of Events for specific event times.

Swine n’ Dine BBQ Contest & Festival

This is an all-day downtown festival that features something for all ages and interests. Early morning kicks off the original reason for this fun day—the BBQ cookoff! The day’s event features kids’ activities including FREE inflatables, a bags tournament, a cruise-in, vendors and food trucks. The day culminates with a fantastic live country music show featuring PARMALEE. Special guest Frank Ray and local favorite Silver Lake will open the show this year. Check the Calendar of Events for specific event times.

Annual Paxton Christmas Parade

This parade happens the Saturday following Thanksgiving in downtown Paxton and is when Santa makes his official entrance for the season! One of the largest holiday parades in the Central Illinois region with more than 50 spectacular entries, you’ll be dazzled by the creativity and fun from school bands, businesses, organizations, churches, car clubs, emergency vehicles and more. Make sure the kids bring a bag to collect their favorite candies and stay until the very end for their first glimpse of the jolly guy himself!