Among this year’s highlights is a milestone celebration—the 50th Miss Marigold Pageant. For five decades, the pageant has recognized outstanding young women who exemplify leadership, service, poise, and dedication to the Pekin community. More than a competition, the Miss Marigold Pageant has become a cherished tradition, creating lifelong ambassadors for the City of Pekin while celebrating generations of participants who have proudly represented the Marigold Festival. The golden anniversary promises to be a memorable evening honoring both the pageant’s rich history and its bright future. Past Miss Marigold Queens and contestants are invited to attend and join the celebration. 

Festival weekend kicks off in exciting fashion on Friday, September 11, with the return of the Roots & Boots Dragon Jam at the Avanti’s Event Center Fields, presented by i3 Broadband. Following a successful debut, the music celebration returns bigger than ever, featuring four outstanding acts—Taylor Bruninga and the Bandits, Stone Cold Cowboys, Brushville, and Nashville recording artist Jake Clayton. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, enjoy local food vendors, and experience an unforgettable evening of live entertainment that perfectly captures this year’s country-inspired festival theme. 

Adding another exciting attraction to this year’s lineup is the Rodeo Show sponsored by Ensight Mental Health and Wellness, making its debut on Sunday afternoon. Presented by T and A Bucking Bulls, the rodeo promises thrills for spectators of all ages with bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, and crowd-favorite mutton busting. The event brings authentic western excitement to the festival and perfectly complements the “Roots & Country Boots” celebration.

While these featured events will draw thousands of visitors, festival organizers are quick to point out that the true heart of the Pekin Marigold Festival is its volunteers.

Behind every parade float, concert, pageant, carnival ride, vendor booth, children’s activity, and community event stands a dedicated team of committee members who devote countless hours throughout the year planning every detail. The Pekin Marigold Festival Committee is made up entirely of volunteers who share one common goal—to create unforgettable experiences for families while showcasing everything that makes Pekin special. Their work begins months before the first event and continues long after the final booth is packed away.

Festival Chairperson Meghan Innis notes that the committee’s enthusiasm and commitment are unmatched, with each member pouring their heart into creating a celebration that honors Pekin’s history while introducing exciting new traditions. Their efforts, combined with the support of local sponsors like Pekin Insurance, Carle Health, and countless others, volunteers, the City of Pekin and the Pekin Park District, have helped make the Marigold Festival one of the region’s premier community celebrations.

Of course, the featured events are only part of the experience. Visitors can also enjoy the festival parade, Art in the Park, festive foods, carnival, Lagoon Glow, family entertainment, live performances at the Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Venue, and dozens of activities throughout Mineral Springs Park. Together they create a weekend that welcomes more than 40,000 visitors each year while celebrating Pekin’s proud heritage and honoring the legacy of Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen and his love of the marigold flower.

As the community prepares to honor its roots and kick up its boots once again, the 2026 Pekin Marigold Festival promises something for everyone—from celebrating the legacy of the Miss Marigold Pageant to enjoying live country music, experiencing the excitement of the rodeo, and recognizing the dedicated volunteers whose passion continues to make this hometown tradition flourish year after year.

A full list of details including ticket links for all of the festival events can be found at www.pekinmarigoldfestival.com.