From tasting all things rhubarb and enjoying live music to shopping unique vendors and exploring historic downtown Aledo, there’s something for everyone at the Aledo Rhubarb Fest. Relax with family and friends, sample rhubarb treats, browse antiques and handmade goods, hop on the free trolley tour, and let the kids enjoy activities in the Kid Zone. Scroll down to explore all the festival activities and start planning your perfect Rhubarb Fest weekend!
Central Park Bandshell Entertainment
Come enjoy the live music on the Aledo Central Park Bandshell Stage During Aledo’s Rhubarb Fest! Provided seating is very limited in Central Park so we suggest you bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the entertainment all day long! Admission to the entertainment at Aledo Rhubarb Fest is FREE! We thank our Entertainment Sponsor The Looser Flake Charitable Foundation.
2026 Aledo Rhubarb Fest Music Line Up!
LIVE From The Central Park Bandshell Stage
Friday, June 5, 2026
9 am – 11 am Jason Parchert
11 am – 1 pm – Levi Craft and Friends
1 pm – 3 pm – Jordan Danielsen
3 pm – 5 pm – Angela Meyers
Saturday, June 6, 2026
9 am – Rhubarb Royalty Pageant
10 am – Noon – MCHS Jazz Band
Noon – 2:00 pm – The Whoozdads
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm – The Tailfins
Tasting Tent
Visit the Rhubarb Tasting Tent in the Aledo’s Central Park area where you can sample a variety of homemade Rhubarb treats! The Tasting Tent will be open from 10am-1pm Friday and Saturday. The Rhubarb Tasting is free but a donation is appreciated to help with Rhubarb Fest expenses.
Historic Trolley Tours
See all the charming little town of Aledo offers by taking a free and entertaining historic Trolley Tour. Pick up and drop off is at 106 SE 2nd St. on the North side of the Central Park Parking lot. The Trolley Tours run from 8:45-4pm both Friday & Saturday. All aboard. Tours depart about every 20 minutes.
Kids Fun Zone
Kid sized fun awaits our youngest Rhubarb Fest guests! Both Friday & Saturday from 10am-3pm. Kids can enjoy BIG Inflatables, a balloon artist and big bubble creations! On Saturday, kids can create their own unique Rhubarb Derby Car out of a Rhubarb stalk and then race it against their friends. The Rhubarb Derby is sponsored by the local Cub Scouts. You’ll find the Rhubarb Fest Kids Zone, Sponsored by First Baptist Church of Aledo, set up in the grassy area between the Aledo Fire Station and the Central Park Bandshell.
YMCA Rhubarb Run
Love to run as much as you love Rhubarb?? Come partake in the Mercer County YMCA’s Rhubarb Run to be held on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 during Aledo’s Rhubarb Fest! Run a scenic route in the south west section of Aledo (maps available). Hundreds of runners have enjoyed this run and it continues to grow each year! There’s something for everyone! They offer a 5k Run/Walk, a Little Sprouts Run and a 1 Mile Fun Run! They even award a Rhubarb Pie to each overall winner! The YMCA Rhubarb Run starts at the Mercer County YMCA – 401 SW 2nd Ave Aledo, IL 61231 Stay tuned for a sign up link, coming soon!
Rhubarb Royalty Pageant
Congratulations to our 2025 Rhubarb Royalty Pageant Court – Left to right, 1st Runner Up, Vivi, Princess Georgie, Prince Lucien, 2nd Runner Up, Madilynn, and Runner Up, Everleigh.
The Rhubarb Royalty Pageant is Saturday, June 6th, 2026 at 9am on the Central Park Bandshell Stage and is open to girls & boys ages 3-5. If you have a child who is interested in participating in The Rhubarb Royalty Pageant, please check back as we will be releasing the Information and Registration forms soon.
Snazzy Lemonade’s Biggest Rhubarb Leaf Contest
Think you have the BIGGEST Rhubarb leaf in the land? Bring it to Aledo Rhubarb Fest Saturday, June 7th between 10am-1pm. Look for Judges Tom & Susie Harlan in the red tent in the Kids Zone behind the Central Park Bandshell. We’ll announce the Winners on the Bandshell Stage around 2pm on Saturday. Open to all ages! SPONSORED BY SNAZZY’S LEMONADE!
Rhubarb Pie Eating Contest
Love rhubarb pie? 🍰
Put your appetite to the test in the Mercer Market Rhubarb Pie Eating Contest on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Noon in Central Park during Aledo’s Rhubarb Fest! Like to participate? Details are coming soon!
