74th Annual Lemont Keepataw Day Parade & Fun Fest

74th Annual Keepataw Day Parade & Fun Fest Returns to Downtown Lemont during Labor Day WeekendThe parade will step off at 1 pm, followed by live bands, food trucks, a Kids' Corner, an Artisan Market, a Beer Tent, and more at 2 pm.Downtown Lemont will host the 74th Annual Keepataw Day Parade and Fun Fest https://www.lemontkeepataw.com/ on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, as part of Labor Day weekend festivities. This year’s theme is “We Love Lemont,” a tribute to the people, small businesses, neighbors, and traditions that make the town worth celebrating. The parade will start promptly at 1 p.m. in downtown Lemont. The Keepataw Fun Fest will follow from 2 to 11 p.m., featuring four live bands, food trucks, a Kids’ Corner, an Artisan Market, a Beer Tent, and more. Four live bands are scheduled on the main stage:
* 2 pm - School of Rock * 3 pm - Hair Nation * 5 pm - RevDog * 8 pm - GrungeworthyKids’ Corner

The Kids' Corner will be open from 2 to 7 pm and will feature games and activities for kids of all ages. If your organization or business is interested in sponsoring or hosting an activity, please reach out to activities@lemontkeepataw.com mailto:activities@lemontkeepataw.com .Food Vendors & Beer TentA variety of food vendors will be on-site throughout the day. There will also be a Beer Tent.Artisan MarketThe Artisan Market will run from 2 to 7 p.m. Artisan spaces are available for $50 (15x15 feet), with limited electricity access for an additional $25.

About the event:
The Keepataw Day celebration is named for Potawatomi Chief Keepataw https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/big-features/history-stone-transforms-des-plaines-river-valley , whose tribe settled near what is now Lemont. The festival began in 1950 as a downtown celebration and has grown over more than seven decades to include the parade that draws schools, veterans, first responders, civic groups, and businesses each year.Fun fact: Lemont was originally named Keepataw before changing to Athens, then Palmyra, and finally Lemont in 1850.The event is organized by Lemont Keepataw Day https://apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch/businessentitysearch#viewFile , a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.How to Get InvolvedRegistration is open for several categories:* Sponsors - Sponsorship applications are open to individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. Benefits include pre- and post-event visibility, community connection, and tax-deductible giving. Apply here. https://www.lemontkeepataw.com/sponsor.html

* Parade entries - Teams, clubs, businesses, churches, and organizations can walk the route or enter a float. Top floats will be recognized with awards. Check-in is by 11:45 a.m. Register here. https://www.lemontkeepataw.com/parade-registration.html
* Food vendors - Vendors must be fully set up and ready for inspection by 11:15 a.m. Apply here. https://www.lemontkeepataw.com/food-vendor-registration.html
* Artisan Market vendors - Apply here. https://www.lemontkeepataw.com/artisan-market-registration.html
* Volunteers - Roles available in event-day support, marketing, social media, and more. Learn more here. https://www.lemontkeepataw.com/volunteer.htmlFor more information, visit LemontKeepataw.com https://lemontkeepataw.com/ .