June 5 & 6, 2026

Aledo Rhubarb Fest turns 34 in 2026 — and you’re invited!
Mark your calendar for June 5–6, 2026 as beautiful, historic Aledo, Illinois once again transforms into the sweetest (and tangiest!) place in the Midwest.

What began as a simple idea — from festival founder the late Darlene Johnson — has grown into a beloved celebration of all things rhubarb.. Pie, ice cream, soda pop… if it’s rhubarb, it’s here! Our little town of 3,600 proudly became the Rhubarb Capital of Illinois in 2007, and every year the festival draws thousands of visitors to the Mercer County seat.

The fest is easy to find at the crossroads of Illinois Highways 17 & 94 — spreading through Central Park, the Mercer County Courthouse lawn, and the historic streets of downtown Aledo.

And the best part? It’s family-friendly and FREE to attend!

For full Rhubarb Fest details, click the “Event Details” tab at the top of this page or visit our Facebook page: Aledo Rhubarb Fest.

 

Pictured is Aledo Rhubarb Festival Founder Darlene Johnson at her “Thank You/Retirement Party” held in August of 2016.  Johnson founded the Rhubarb Festival in 1991 as a way to draw people to the area and to her cousin’s shop, the House of Burgess in Aledo.  It started off as a simple idea.  That first year Mrs. Johnson and her cousin, Barbara McWhorter offered samples of 13 Rhubarb dishes on the front lawn of the House of Burgess.  That first Rhubarb Festival drew 67 people.   Darlene felt she was on to something so she gathered volunteers and together, under Johnson’s leadership, the Rhubarb Festival blossomed into a 2 day event that draws an estimated 10,000-14,000 people to our little charming town.  The Festival has become so well known, former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn declared Aledo the Rhubarb Capital of Illinois and visitors have been known to say that they plan their summer vacation around the little town’s festival!  The Aledo Rhubarb Festival has welcomed guests from all over the United States and several Countries.  The Aledo Rhubarb Festival Committee and the City of Aledo are very grateful for the tremendous impact Darlene has had on our community.  On December, 27th, 2023 Darlene Johnson passed away at the age of 93.  She is dearly missed but if you look around our Aledo you will see many community projects that would not have happened if not for Darlene Johnson’s love for her town and the unique Festival she founded known as Aledo Rhubarb Fest.