Pekin Marigold Festival

September 7-10, 2023

The Marigold Festival was first held in 1973 as a way to honor one of Pekin’s favorite sons, Senator Everett Dirksen. While in Congress, Dirksen championed the cause to make the marigold the national floral emblem.

While unsuccessful in his efforts, his hometown of Pekin soon became known as the Marigold Capital of the World. The Pekin Marigold Festival is held annually on the first weekend after Labor Day.

#PekinMarigoldFestival

Nomination is open Grand Marshal

This annual honor is presented by the Marigold Festival Committee to recognize a local resident (or couple) who has given freely to the betterment of our community.

registration is open Marigold Golf Outing

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host the Marigold Golf Outing! Join us for an afternoon of fun, networking and fellowship. Prizes will be awarded. Mulligans available. Get your foursome together and plan to join us!

registration is open Art In The Park

Likely the most anticipated event of the Marigold Festival, Art in the Park returns this year with a vendor line up that is sure to keep you excited through every turn!

Please note dogs are not permitted into Art in the Park. Shop Saturday, September 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and again Sunday, September 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

the hunt begins this summer Jimmy John's ® Marigold Medallion Hunt

“A Community Obsession”

Every year at the end of August, Pekin’s amateur detectives and determined sleuths prepare for the Pekin Marigold Festival Medallion Hunt. They put their interpretive skills against the Medallion Hunt Clue Meister who has carefully hidden the small disc somewhere on public property, releasing “clues” on a daily basis. The clues carry double-meaning, veiled references, and carefully disguised hints all designed to bring out the “DaVinci Code” enthusiast in us all.

Registration opens soon Marigold Festival Parade

Saturday at 10:00 AM on Broadway. The parade route begins at 14th Street. It’s never too early to start designing your float!

Registration opens soon Festive Foods

Did you know Festive Foods is actually a fundraising event? All of our Festive Food vendors are nonprofit organizations. We’re returning this event to the grassy area near the Royal Ave Shelter.

design underway Souvenir Mugs & Soda Stations

Grab a cold drink and a souvenir mug at the soda stations located in Art in the Park. Show your mug to any station and receive a discounted price on refills!

watch for wristband pre-sale this summer Carnival

That’s right! The carnival is also returning for all four days of the festival with a bracelet night kick-off. The carnival is located West of the Arena.

Registration opens soon Chalk Walk

Walk along the Mineral Springs Lagoon and see our area artists at work! This newer event has chalk drawings from all age groups and boasts a not-to-miss display of talent.

lanterns availble during festival Lagoon Glow

This demonstration is nostalgic and where #marigoldmemories are made.

The Lagoon Glow will have lanterns available for purchase during the festival. Write a memory or wish on your lantern, or honor a loved one. The lanterns will be cast into the lagoon at dusk.

fun times ahead Kids Experience

Come check out the coolest place for kids in the park! With activities, freebies and more.

The fun starts at 10:00 a.m. and lasts until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. This is a free event for children.

Registration opens soon Community Spotlight

Standing alongside Art in the Park, Community Spotlight showcases services and groups within the Pekin area that offer outreach initiatives, nonprofit services and more. Check out how these business and organizations serve our communities!

line up is underway Showcase Stage

The Showcase Stage will be going all day long alongside Art in the Park! Find the line up in the Marigold Festival Souvenir booklet.

Did you know...

The first Marigold Festival was held in 1973 to honor Pekin's favorite son, Everett McKinley Dirksen.