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, SEPTEMBER 6, 2026
Parade at 1 PM
Fun Fest from 2 - 11 PM
Make Your Plans
Parade
The parade will kick off at 1 PM on Sunday, September 6 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 PM | School of Rock
3 PM | Hair Nation
5 PM | Revdog and the Heard
8 PM | Grungeworthy
Kids’ Corner | 2 - 7 PM
After the parade, make your way to the small Metra Lot beneath the underpass for family-friendly activities. Activities this year will include favorites such as Smash a Car, Dunk a Pirate, and Mini-Golf, along with many more carnival games and activities hosted by local non-profit and business partners.
Our Kids' Corner Stage will also have live entertainment starting at 2:00 PM. You won't want to miss out on all the fun for your kiddos so be sure to make your way down to the Metra Lot after the parade for even more memories!
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, September 6,from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and as otherwise indicated*:
(No parking signs will be placed out on Thursday, SEPTEMBER 3.)
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, September 5 - Monday, September 7
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 Patti Kowalski, the Lemont Keeptaw Day Committee is made up of dedicated volunteers who oversee the annual fundraising, planning, and organization of the parade and Fun Fest. Lemont Keepataw Day is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to bringing the community together through this long-standing annual celebration.
Volunteer at Lemont Keepataw Day
Lemont Keepataw Day is made possible by the dedication of many volunteers who help bring this beloved community tradition to life each year. Lemont High School students can earn National Honor Society service credit by volunteering.
If you're interested in volunteering or becoming involved with Keepataw Day, please email volunteers@lemontkeepataw.com. For additional information about the event, visit www.lemontkeepataw.com or contact the planning committee at info@lemontkeepataw.com.
Become a Sponsor + Follow for More Fun
We’ll see you in Lemont Downtown for the 74th Annual Parade & Fun Fest starting at 1 PM on Sunday, September 6. 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.
