Momence is home to a variety of recreational opportunities, as well as a number of annual festivals. The Momence Park District operates five facilities within the boundaries of Momence, IL.  Each facility serves a unique purpose and provides the residents of Momence, Illinois and surrounding communities with opportunities to play, learn and relax!

The flagship facility of the Momence Park District is Island Park.  Island Park offers a one-of-a-kind location featuring acres of wooded beauty nestled between two channels of the Kankakee River, as well as a fieldhouse, pavilions, and a bandstand. The park offers room to roam, picnic, fish and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Kankakee River. Island Park is accessible via Mill Street (between the bridges on Dixie Hwy.) or the Walkbridge at the east end of Washington Street.

Additional Parks include historic Walnut Street Park, Island View Park, Jed & Emma Park and Boat Launch Park.

The summer months feature a number of festivals throughout Momence. Most are free to attend, though some activities within the events may have a small charge. Beginning in May, Main Street Momence hosts a series of 7 Cruise Nights on Washington Street in the historic downtown business district. Also throughout the summer, the Park District hosts weekly "Music in the Park" concerts during the months of June, July, and August (weather permitting) on the bandstand at Island Park. Local bands play a variety of music genres between 6 and 8pm, and the concerts are free to the public. Check the Park District's website for dates and bands.

The 3rd Saturday in June brings the "Driving the Dixie" tour to its completion at Momence's Island Park. The tour consists of a caravan of (mostly) vintage automobiles, starting in Blue Island, IL, and stopping at historic or interesting sites in the many towns along the Dixie Highway. The Momence Park District and Main Street Momence collaborate to host a Festival on the Island to coincide with the arrival of the cars.

July offers the annual 4th of July Fireworks Display, presented by the City of Momence on July 4th at dusk each year. The event features a DJ playing patriotic music, and is viewed from Railroad Street between Washington and 2nd Streets, across from Island Park. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets! Please refer to our home page for info on parking and street closures.

The weekend of July 26-28, 2013 saw downtown Momence transported back to the 1920's, as the Acting Out Theatre Company brought their production of the musical "Chicago". This outdoor show took place on a 2-story stage built on East Washington Street, with the historic downtown buildings as the backdrop for activities such as Speakeasies which lined the street. The audience filled the street with their own chairs to watch the shows. This was the only 2013 production of "Chicago" in Illinois.

August brings the annual Gladiolus Festival which has been held each year since 1938. The 4-day event features 3 parades, a carnival, an antique car show, and a giant flea market, as well as children's activities and concerts. The activities are held throughout the city.

October means Halloween, and Momence doesn't disappoint! Main Street Momence holds Bordertown Hauntings, a festival featuring trick-or-treating at downtown businesses, as well as many other family and child-friendly activities. Some activities require a nominal charge for participation. Following this downtown event, the Park District holds a free evening event at Island Park, featuring hay rides and hot dogs and chips.

The first Saturday in December is the kick-off to the Christmas season, with the annual Christmas Gathering, hosted by Main Street Momence. This all-day festival, the only one in Kankakee County, features activities for all ages - Santa and his reindeer, horse and carriage rides, camel rides, a living Nativity, ornament making, face painting, and much more! The event culminates with the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree, located at the new park on the corner of Dixie Highway and River Street. It is also a great time to shop the stores of downtown Momence for that perfect holiday gift.

Please click on the links included for additional information, dates and times. Most events are listed on the Upcoming Events section of this website. For other Kankakee County events and information, please visit the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau website.