Wilmington's Catfish Days 2026
”Cruisin’ 66”
Catfish Day's Schedule of Events
Welcome to the official website for Wilmington, Illinois Catfish Days! This is the place to find all the information you need to make the most of your festival experience. Whether you're a local resident or visiting from out of town, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about the festival.
2026 Festival Hours
Thursday, July 23rd: 6pm-10pm
Friday, July 24th: 6pm-11pm
Saturday, July 25th: 9am-Midnight
Sunday, July 26th: 10am-6pm
Location
Parking and Transportation
Catfish Days Fair Grounds:
North Island Park
130 Bridge Street
Wilmington, IL 60481
FREE Shuttle Information:
Pickup/ Drop-Off Locations at Winchester Green Shopping Center, Nelly's Parking Lot & Wilmington's South Island
Shuttle Run Times:
Friday the 24th | 6PM-10PM
Saturday the 25th | 10AM-4PM & 6PM-10PM
FREE Parking:
- Wilmington's South Island at 110 S Park Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
- Whitmore Ace Hardware (Winchester Green Shopping Center) at 1105 S Water Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
- Wilmington City Hall at 1165 S Water Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
Food and Beverages
Experience a variety of delicious food and beverage options at Wilmington, Illinois Catfish Days. From classic festival treats to local specialties, there's something for every craving.
Located on Wilmington's North Island at 130 Bridge Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
Located on Wilmington's Water Street at N Water Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
Get your Catfish Dinners at any location below:
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Hayden's Crossing | 815.476.5925 | 107 N. Water Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
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The Rustic Inn | 815.476.7290 | 108 N. Water Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
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Wilmington House Family Restaurant | 815.476.2426 | 210 Bridge Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
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Wilmington VFW Post 5422 | 815.926.2045 | 557 W. Baltimore Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
2026 Catfish Day's
Schedule of Events
Please see below for our Schedule or Events for our entire weekend of fun with activities for all ages! All activities can be found on Wilmington's North Island, unless specified below.
We look forward to seeing you there!
*All events are subject to change without notice*
Thursday,
July 23rd
Family Night!
Sponsored by Riverfront Lanes
*No Alcohol Sales on Family Night*
9AM Medallion Hunt Clue
6PM-11PM Carnival Open, $25 All-You-Can-Ride Wristband from 6PM-10PM
6PM St Rose's Dunk Tank- Free! (Wilmington's North Island)
6PM Fear Factor Hosted by St Rose + Wilmington Coalition's
6PM-8PM Live MC: Roy Gregory
6PM-8PM Face Painting by Kids Party Paint
6PM-9PM Free Jump Houses + Obstacle Course Hosted by The Wilmington Park District
7PM-10PM Bingo on the Island Hosted by the Youth Catfish Days Committee
7:30PM Tug of War
8PM-10PM Foam Party by Fun Bounce Rentals
8PM DJ Entertainment
9PM-Midnight Bowling After Party at Riverfront Lanes- $10 All You Can Bowl, Shoes Included!
Friday,
July 24th
Country Night!
9AM Medallion Hunt Clue
6PM-10PM Free Shuttles!
6PM-11PM Carnival by Zeilers Amusements
6PM-8PM Wilmington Park District's Hayrack Rides- FREE!
6PM-Midnight Beer Garden Open
7PM Line Dancing with Doug Pfaff
8PM-11PM Live Entertainment: Buckwild Band
8PM Late Night Food, Located on Water Street
9:30PM Firework's Show by RKM
Saturday,
July 25th
Rock Night!
9AM Medallion Hunt Clue
9AM-4PM Women of Wilmington's Craft Show, Located on Water Street
10AM Skinner's Pet & Bike Parade
10AM-4PM Free Shuttles!
Noon-11PM Carnival by Zeilers Amusements
Noon-Midnight Beer Garden Open
Noon-5PM Live MC: Roy Gregory
Noon River Valley Defensive Arts Demonstration
12:30PM Chi City Tumblers Performance
1PM Wilmington Cheer Performance
1:30PM Jason Kollum's Big Bubble Blast
1PM-5PM Miller's Petting Zoo- FREE! (Wilmington's North Island)
2PM-5PM Talent Show
2PM-5PM Pickle Ball at the Kayak Launch Hosted by the Wilmington Park District
2PM-5PM Youth Bean Bag Tournament Hosted by the Wilmington Park District
2PM-5PM Face Painting by Kids Paint Party
3PM Reptile Show by Crosstown Exotics
3PM-5:30PM The MAR Theatre Presents Wild Hogs- Bring a Canned Item Donation for Admission! (All proceeds will be donated to Kuzma), Doors open at 2:30PM
4PM-6PM Live Entertainment: Raine Christian
6PM-10PM Free Shuttles!
8PM Late Night Food, Located on Water Street
8PM Live Entertainment: Audio Dog
9:30PM Laser Light Show Presented by Laser Encore
Sunday,
July 26th
The Finale!
8AM-Noon Wilmington's VFW Breakfast Buffet (Wilmington VFW)
10AM-4PM Rusty Nutz Car Show (Wilmington's North Island)
Noon-1PM Sensory Hour at the Carnival
Noon-6PM Beer Garden Open
1PM-6PM Carnival Open, $25 Wristbands Available from 1PM-5PM
1PM Wilmington's Annual Catfish Day's Parade (Starts at Steven's Intermediate School, and Ends at Wilmington Park District)
2PM-6PM Live Entertainment: The Baked Potatoes
3PM Color Contest Winners Announced
3PM St Rose + Wilmington Coalition's Fear Factor Finals
6PM Wilmington's Community Band presents Happy Birthday Route 66
6PM Ice Cream Social (Veteran's Memorial Park) Presented by Berkots and Island City Baptist Church