Lemont KeepAtaw Day and Fun Fest
Named in honor of Potawatomi Chief Keepataw, whose nomad tribe settled in the region near what is now Lemont, the event began as a downtown Lemont festival in 1950, eventually adding a parade. Volunteer and community organizations throughout Lemont gather annually to celebrate their hometown.
The Lemont Keepataw Parade and Fun Fest is organized by Lemont Keepataw Day, a local nonprofit, 501(c)3 arts, culture and humanities organization.
Sunday, August 31, 2025
1 PM - 11 PM
Make Your Plans
Parade
The parade will kick off at 1 PM on Sunday, August 31 beginning at Stephen and Main Street, proceed down Main Street, make a right at Turnabout up to Illinois Street, continue down Illinois Street, and finish at the corner of Illinois Street and Lemont Street.
Music Lineup
2 - 4:30 PM | Anthem
5-7:30 PM | Wedding Banned
8-11 PM | Hillbilly Rockstarz
Kids Corner | 2 - 6 PM
After the parade, make your way to the small Metra Lot beneath the underpass for family-friendly activities. Activities will include games like oversized Jenga and gigantic building blocks, a balloon twister, face painting, an inflatable axe-throwing, a chalk zone, a magician, and many more games and activities by local non-profit partners.
Stick around to see the following performances:
Irish Dancers | 2:30pm
Magician | 3pm-4pm
School of Rock | 4pm-5pm
Artisan Market | 2-7 PM
Celebrate Lemont’s tradition of supporting small, locally-owned businesses by joining the artisan market! Meet talented artisans and makers showcasing their handcrafted creations.
Food Vendors | 2 - 10:30 PM
Enjoy delicious treats from our wonderful food vendors throughout the day.
Plan Ahead: Download the Keepataw Day Parade & Fun Fest Map
NO PARKING on Sunday, August 31, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and as otherwise indicated*:
(No parking signs will be placed out on Thursday, August 28.)
River Street - from Ed Bossert Street to Stephen Street
Front Street - from Ed Bossert Street to Stephen Street
Stephen Street - north end to Main Street
Stephen Street Parking Lot (at Nail Inn) and Canal Center (Safety Village)
Talcott Avenue - from Stephen Street to Holmes Street
Main Street - from Lemont Street to Illinois Street (at Turnabout Pizza)
Illinois Street - from east Main Street (at Turnabout Pizza) to Lemont Street
*Canal Street - west end at Lemont Street to Ed Bossert Street from 8:00 a.m. - midnight
*Ed Bossert Street - from west end of Canal Street to Front Street – 8:00 a.m. - midnight
*ALL METRA LOTS at Ed Bossert Street will be closed Saturday, August 30 - Monday, September 1
STREET CLOSURES will take place for parade lineup, route and fun fest:
River Street - Open to parade participants only heading east. One-way only heading west from 9:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Closed at 12:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Front Street - Open to parade participants only. Closed at 12:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Stephen Street - Closed from 12:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. from north end to Illinois Street
Talcott Avenue / Talcott Square Lot - No access onto Stephen Street at 12:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Main Street - Closed from 12:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. from Lockport Street (at VFW) to Illinois Street (at Turnabout Pizza)
Illinois Street - Closed from 12:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. from east Main Street (at Turnabout Pizza) to State Street
Lemont Street – Closed from 12:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. from Illinois Street to Canal Street
Canal Street – Closed from 12:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. from Stephen Street to Lemont Street
Canal Street - Closed from 12:45 p.m. - midnight from Lemont Street to Ed Bossert Street
Ed Bossert Street - Closed from 12:45 p.m. - midnight from Canal Street to Front Street
Meet Your Host
Led by President Tricia O’Neill, the Lemont Keeptaw Day Committee is comprised of volunteers committed to the annual fundraising, planning, and organization of the parade and fun fest.
Volunteer at Lemont Keepataw Day
Lemont Keepataw Day runs with the help of many volunteers. Lemont High School students will receive National Honor Society Credit. If you’re interested in volunteering or getting involved, connect with the planning committee at info@lemontkeepataw.com or visit the website.
Become a Sponsor + Follow for More Fun
We’ll see you in Lemont Downtown for the 73rd Annual Parade & Fun Fest starting at 1 PM on Sunday, August 31. Until then, follow Lemont Keepataw Day on Facebook for the most up-to-date information and for more ways to get involved throughout the year.
