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!
“First Fridays” Summer Concert Series
May's "First Fridays" concert will feature Paxton native and 2015 PBL grad, Holly Smith! Holly has performed for us previously and if you've heard her, you know she has the most amazing voice. She sings a variety of music including Country, Pop, Classic Rock and 90's Rock so we are in for a real treat! On the first Friday of […]
Paxton, IL 60957 United States
Discover & Celebrate Paxton’s Past
Enjoy a FREE day of open houses at 4 locations in Paxton that will share a fascinating look at the town's past; Paxton Freight House & Caboose, Old Ford County Sheriff's Residence & Jail, Ford County Historical Society & Water Tower Museum, Baier's Antique Car Collection. Each of these places have displays and artifacts that will intrigue you and give […]
Paxton, IL 60957 United States
Draggin’ Main
Enjoy this longtime Paxton tradition! The ritual of "Draggin' Main" has been enjoyed by generations in and around Paxton. Be ready to cruise up Market Street, make a U-turn at Holmes then cruise back down (safely turn around in True Value's parking lot). You can simply cruise like we used to "back in the day" or park on the downtown […]
Paxton, IL United States
“First Fridays” Summer Concert Series
June 6th's "First Fridays" concert will feature well-known Central Illinois duo, Jake & Mikayla! Jake & Mikayla perform a high-energy Country Music show with elements of Outlaw, Rockabilly, Gospel, Bluegrass and more. They are a high energy, fun listen! On the 1st Friday of each month this summer, Paxton Main Street will host an evening of live music on the […]
Paxton, IL 60957 United States
Paxton’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
FREE family-friendly event for all generations! Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce and Paxton Main Street are excited to present the 41st year of this great celebration. The day is full of events at Pells Park, then the City of Paxton's fireworks show at Bixby Park. PELLS PARK Schedule of Events (2025 schedule will be updated in May): 7am: 5K Registration […]
“First Fridays” Summer Concert Series
The 1st Friday of each month this summer, Paxton Main Street will host an evening of live music on the front lawn of Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. There is no charge and everyone is invited. Bring your lawn chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy an evening of FREE entertainment. Our concession stand will also be open selling […]
Paxton, IL 60957 United States
“First Fridays” Summer Concert Series
On the 1st Friday of each month this summer, Paxton Main Street will host an evening of live music on the front lawn of Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. There is no charge and everyone is invited. Bring your lawn chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy an evening of FREE entertainment. Our concession stand will also be open […]
Paxton, IL 60957 United States
Swine ‘n Dine
One of Paxton's largest events of the year! Paxton's Swine 'n Dine is a fun all-day event with something for everyone in downtown Paxton that includes a BBQ Contest, Cruise In, Kids Zone, Food Vendors, Bags Tournament then culminates with a FREE outdoor concert featuring headliner (To Be Announced)! Live music begins at 5pm, with the headliner taking the stage […]
Paxton, IL United States
Wine & Chocolate Walk
Ticketed guests visit participating Paxton merchants to enjoy creative drinks and snacks. After visiting your favorite shops, provide your receipts to be entered into a drawing at the conclusion of the walk. This event is fun to do as a friends day, afternoon date or enjoyable to do solo. Tickets typically sell out so grab your tickets early! Tickets will […]
Paxton, IL 60957 United States
Paxton’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Take part in this community tradition as our town Christmas tree has the lights turned on for the season.
Paxton, IL 60957 United States
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