Events in Princeton, IL

Organized by Blue Jay Way Records, this inaugural Art and Collectibles Show spotlights local vendors and artists from the Priniceton area and nearby communities. The event features original artwork, handmade jewelry, and a variety of other items available for purchase. Admission is $3 per person or a non-perishable food item, and all funds and food collected will be donated to the Food Pantry.

Now in its 56th year, the Burgoo Festival fills village streets with antique dealers, artisans, musicians, and a wide variety of food vendors. Started in 1969, it has become one of northern Illinois’ largest and longest-running autumn celebrations. More than 400 vendors will be on hand, offering a broad range of goods and flavors throughout the event. Presented by the nonprofit LaSalle County Historical Society, it also serves as the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Freshly popped kettle corn will be available in traditional sweet and salty, caramel glaze, and cinnamon during the 56th Annual Burgoo Festival. The stand will be on Canal Street, easy to spot by the red tent top and the kettle corn flag.

Catch live music from Liam Tipple at Starved Rock Family Campground. Limited seating will be on hand, so consider bringing a folding chair in case it fills up. Visitors can hang out and enjoy the performance.

Wreckin’ Dixie makes a return appearance at The Detour in LaSalle, Illinois, bringing a lively party atmosphere to this live music venue.

An open air market at Woodhaven Lakes will feature vendors lining the path from the Rec Plex to the General Store, creating a continuous route of booths to explore. Shoppers can browse a wide mix of goods, including household items such as candles, handmade jewelry, and a variety of tasty treats, with plenty of chances to uncover something unexpected.

Bud’s Kettle Corn will be serving fresh, made-on-site kettle corn at the 56th Annual Burgoo Festival, with classic sweet and salty, caramel glaze, and cinnamon flavors. Look for the stand on Canal Street under a red-topped tent with a kettle corn flag, and pick up a bag as you explore the festival.

Enjoy a reliably fun time along the river with The Wise Guys.

Now in its 11th year, Witches Night Out offers an evening of boutique browsing, seasonal sips, and fall fun centered at Wild Honey Boutique and Wyldhood. Build a one-of-a-kind piece at the charm bar, explore permanent jewelry, and shop apparel and accessories for women, men, and kids. Free beverages and light bites set the mood as attendees wander through town, pop into favorite shops, and enjoy the autumn atmosphere.

Not Petty is back at Star Union Spirits with a tribute centered on Tom Petty’s catalog. The duo delivers two full sets of Petty favorites, with a brief middle set featuring their own originals and covers by other artists. Expect many of the biggest hits alongside B-sides and rarities for listeners who enjoy the deeper cuts. With more than 650 shows across the Midwest and beyond, the group brings extensive live experience to the stage.

Hosted at Starved Rock CrossFit, this TRU Challenge competition features inclusive programming where workouts are built so scaling is unnecessary. Whether training spans six months or six years, the emphasis is on capacity over advanced skills, allowing athletes to move steadily and push their pace on familiar movements while enjoying a balance of challenge and fun. Divisions include Novice for first-time competitors, Intermediate for those seeking a solid test short of elite demands, and Masters, with adaptive divisions also offered. What began in 2011 with a single location and 70 athletes has grown to more than 100 host sites around the world and over 18,000 competitors each year.

Celebrate the season at a free, open-to-all fall festival featuring hayrack rides, inflatables, a cozy campfire, face painting, a chili cookoff, games, and other activities. Complimentary eats and treats include hot dogs, chili, popcorn, hot chocolate, s'mores, and caramel apples.

DeTour Tap hosts a party with The Wise Guys.

Amy Thompson from Evergreen Senior Living hosts a free bingo session at the Henry Nutrition Site. Enjoy friendly games with opportunities to win prizes, and reserve a lunch by calling 309-364-4902.

Enjoy a complimentary coffee and donut at John's Place, courtesy of Liberty Village. This gathering takes place on the third Wednesday of each month.

Camp Aramoni hosts live music and casual dining with Leo Fron, a solo acoustic performer delivering an energetic mix of Americana, classic rock, and popular covers. Expect strong vocals, inventive guitar work, and layered rhythm loops that move smoothly from song to song. Performances are typically held on the deck overlooking the Vermilion River, with indoor and outdoor seating available, and the music moves inside if it rains. The kitchen features a fast casual menu of appetizers, salads, pizzas, handhelds, and desserts, paired with drinks. There is no cover, and dining is optional, with entrees generally priced from $10 to $18. Guests are seated and served by staff; see the host for a table on the deck, indoors, or near the pavilion. Those who prefer to just listen may bring lawn chairs. Reservations are accepted only for parties of ten or more, with all other seating available on a first come basis. Groups of six or more are placed on one tab, and a 20 percent gratuity applies. The same gratuity is added to tabs that are not closed and signed. Families will find a kid’s menu featuring cheese quesadillas, cheese pizza, and mini cheeseburgers, all priced at $9. Gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan choices are available, though everything is prepared in one kitchen and cross contact may occur, and halal or kosher diets cannot be accommodated. The menu is updated seasonally, and specials highlight what is fresh.

This community-centered walk brings people together for conversation and a chance to reset during an easy monthly outing. Participants move at a comfortable pace that encourages meaningful connections while offering a simple way to care for both body and mind. If the weather does not cooperate, the experience shifts to a virtual format using an online video platform so steps can still be completed and relationships can keep growing. The gathering takes place in any conditions, outdoors when possible and online when needed.

The Bureau County History Center teams up with the Society for Anomalous Studies for a presentation at the Bureau County Metro Center in Princeton. The program highlights evidence gathered from the History Center’s three historic sites: the Clark Norris Home (1900), the former Matson Public Library (1912), and the Newell-Bryant Museum (1852). If time allows, the team will also share findings from SAS investigations at reputedly haunted locations across the Midwest, including penitentiaries, asylums, and hospitals. Attendees will learn about the specialized equipment, investigative methods, and theories used to document potential paranormal activity. Admission is $19.00 per person. Tickets are available digitally through Eventbrite, where additional processing fees may apply, or in person at the Bureau County History Center. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Wednesday Night Live at Camp Aramoni blends casual dining, drinks, and live music in a relaxed setting. Choose from a fast-casual lineup of appetizers, salads, pizzas, handhelds, and desserts, then settle in on the deck overlooking the Vermilion River or opt for indoor seating. This week features a spooky set from the Neumann Superhumann Show, a high energy one-man rock act delivering powerhouse performances and fan favorite rock and roll covers inspired by the bold sound of late 80s rock. Guests are seated and served by staff. Check in with the host to sit on the deck, indoors, or near the pavilion, or bring lawn chairs if you simply want to listen. There is no cover to attend, and ordering food is optional if you would rather just enjoy a drink. Entrees typically range from $10 to $18. A kids menu is available with cheese quesadillas, cheese pizza, and mini cheeseburgers, each priced at $9. Many dietary needs can be accommodated, including gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan choices, though everything is prepared in one kitchen where cross contact may occur, and halal or kosher options are not available. Seating is first come, first served, with reservations accepted only for groups of 10 or more. Parties of six or more are placed on a single tab with a 20 percent automatic gratuity, and a 20 percent gratuity is added to any tabs not closed and signed. Tips are welcome. If it rains, the performance moves indoors. The menu rotates seasonally and weekly specials highlight what is fresh.

Wreckin' Dixie makes a return appearance at Hawg House Saloon in Princeton, Illinois. The band takes the stage once again at this familiar venue.

Halloween at Aces & Eights encourages costumes. Attendees are invited to dress up for the occasion.

An evening of dining and dancing celebrates YSB's first 50 years and helps carry its mission forward. Early bird tickets are on sale.

The Grove welcomes a return performance featuring unplugged country and rock, creating a relaxed setting with easygoing tunes throughout the show.

This event celebrates the arrival of The Wise Guys at IV Super Bowl in Peru, Illinois.

At John's Place, guests can enjoy a complimentary coffee and donut. This recurring meet-up takes place on the third Wednesday of each month.

Celebrate Blackout Wednesday at Aces & Eights Bar. Enjoy a fun night out ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Celebrate the season at Christmas at the Canal Market, an annual gathering featuring over a dozen vendors offering handmade, vintage, antique and homemade goods. Enjoy hot chocolate as you browse for holiday gifts, then wrap up your visit with a carriage ride through Utica. Vendor applications are available for those interested in participating.

Start your morning at John's Place with complimentary coffee and a donut, offered on the third Wednesday of each month.