Everything You Need to Know about Frankfort Fall Fest 2016

FRANKFORT, IL — Artisans and crafters from around the country—and hundreds of thousands of visitors—are headed to the Frankfort Fall Festival over Labor Day Weekend.

The days-long festival themed “Happy Days” features crafts, live music, local eats, and family fun, beginning with the carnival opening Wednesday at 5 p.m., and ending Monday at 5 p.m.

More than 300 juried artisans will display their wares Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fest includes artists from more than 20 states, so spend a day (or several) ambling through to check it out. See the full list of vendors.

A few things to keep in mind:

• No animals allowed at Fall Fest (yes, even dogs). Many people packed into a small area, combined with high temperatures make for a place not exactly pet-friendly. Leave the pups at home.
• BETA tent entrance Saturday through Monday is free before noon, $2 from noon to 6 p.m. and kids are free during that time. Price increases to $6 after 6 p.m., and no one under 21 allowed at that point.
• Frankfort Fall Festival Information Booth will be located near the center of the Festival at Kansas and Oak streets. Volunteers will be available to answer all your questions regarding the Frankfort community and the Frankfort Fall Festival.
• Free shuttle service is available at both parking lots (see below for location). The shuttle stop is located in the downtown area at Elwood and White streets. Shuttle buses will run on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m until 8 p.m, and Monday from 9 a.m until 6 p.m.

Check out a schedule of all the Can’t-Miss activities:

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31

• 5 p.m. Carnival opens. Closes at 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 1

• 5 p.m. Carnival opens. Check here for ride ticket pricing. Pay One Price wristband applicable all hours.
• 6 to 10:30 p.m. Frankfort Lions Club Wurst Festival: Fest within a fest. The Frankfort Lions Club, celebrating its 75th Anniversary, is ready to host its annual Wurst Festival, a traditional German Fest. Frankfort Lions have invited the German American Heritage Center as special guests and music entertainment will be provided by Peter Hoffmann. The Bier Stube will provide Thuringer and brat platters, German potato salad and strudel for purchase at the tent throughout the evening. Warsteiner and domestic beers, wine and water will also be available for purchase along with the Frankfort Lions Wurst Festival commemorative beer steins. Tickets may be purchased for $20 prior to the event or $25 at the door for two adult entries and each ticket is entered to win a Grand Raffle prize of $10,000 or six other raffle prizes in smaller amounts. For more information regarding the Frankfort Lions Wurst Festival, please like its Facebook page or email inquiries to frankfortlions@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 2

• 3 to 5 p.m. Carnival Special Needs Day
• 5 to 9 p.m. Carnival
• 7:30 to 11 p.m. Five Guys Named Moe performs (BETA tent). Admission is $6.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 3

• 9:45 a.m.: Fest ribbon cutting ceremony, Breidert Green stage.
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m: Craft fair
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The Stingers perform, Breidert Green Stage
• Noon: Carnival opens
• 1 to 5 p.m.: Music from Saints and Sinners (BETA Tent)
• 2 to 3:30 p.m.: The Sunshine perform, Breidert Green Stage
• 4 to 6:30 p.m.: Music from The Thompson Duo, Breidert Green Stage
• 7 to 11 p.m.: Midlife Crisis (BETA Tent)

SUNDAY, SEPT. 4

• 10 a.m.: Craft vendors open
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Rosie and the Rivets, Breidert Green stage
• Noon: Carnival opens
• 1 p.m.: Parade steps off from Pacific and Maple
• 1 to 5 p.m.: Timing's Everything (BETA Tent)
• 2 to 3:30 p.m.: Briggs Street Band, Breidert Green stage
• 4:30 to 6 p.m: Usual Chaos, Breidert Green stage
• 7 to 11 p.m.: Funhouse (BETA Tent)

MONDAY, SEPT. 5

• 10 a.m.: Craft vendors open
• 11 a.m.: Phylis Renee Marconi, Breidert Green stage
• Noon to 4 p.m.: The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club (BETA Tent)
• 2 to 4 p.m.: The Real Gone, Breidert Green stage
• 5 p.m.: Fest closes

PARKING

• Bus Service to the Festival area with drop-off and pickup in the Prairie Park Lot located at White Street and Elwood Street
• Shuttle Bus Service runs continuously on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Handicap Parking (appropriate permit must be displayed): Parking is available in one location Trolley Barn Parking Lot—located at Nebraska Street and Center Road—$10 fee to Operation Playground.

BIKE CORRAL

The Old Town Homeowners Association will sponsor a bicycle corral for all of bicyclists and roller bladers who visit the Fall Festival by way of the Old Plank Trail. The corral offers a safe way to store your bicycles and roller blades. The bike corral is adjacent to Old Plank Trail right in the heart of downtown Frankfort near White Street. Watch for the signs. There will be a $2 donation for bikes and $1 for roller blades. The corral will be staffed from 9 a.m to 6 p.m on Saturday and Sunday. On Labor Day the corral will be staffed from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

For a complete list of food offerings, entertainment, vendors and more, visit the Fall Fest website.

Photo Courtesy of Frankfort Fall Fest: Flag raising ceremony for Fall Fest 2016.