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.
2025 Festival Hours
Thursday, July 24th: 6pm-10pm
Friday, July 25th: 6pm-11pm
Saturday, July 26th: 9am-Midnight
Sunday, July 27th: 10am-6pm
Location
Catfish Days Fair Grounds:
North Island Park
130 Bridge Street
Wilmington, IL 60481
Please see map for additional festival activity location.
Parking and Transportation
Finding parking at the festival is easy with multiple designated parking areas and bus shuttle services. Plan your visit ahead to make the most of your festival experience.
FREE Parking:
- Wilmington's South Island at 110 S Park Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
- Whitmore Ace Hardware at 1105 S Water Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
- Wilmington City Hall at 1165 S Water Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
FREE Shuttle Bus Services brought to you by Illinois Central School Bus:
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Offered from all of the above locations!
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Run Times:
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Friday, 6PM-10PM
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Saturday, 9AM-3PM & 5pm- 10pm
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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
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Pam's Corn Dogs
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Rich's Italian Beef
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Pizza For U
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Backdraft BBQ
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Fast Eddie's Tacos & More Inc.
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Keke's Donuts
Located at Wilmington's Water Street Parking Lot at 208 N Water Street, Wilmington, IL 60481
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J&K Concession
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Buddy Macs Eat N Run
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Mels Tacos and More
Get your Catfish Dinners at any location below:
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Hayden's Crossing 107 N. Water Street Downtown Wilmington
815-476-5925
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Hayden's offers a variety of catfish dinner specials all weekend long...including Catfish Filet dinners; Catfish Po-Boys; Catfish Tacos; Catfish Gumbo along with Adult Lemon Shake-Ups to wash it all down! Dine-In or Carry-Out available!
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The Rustic Inn 108 N Water Street Downtown Wilmington
815-476-7290
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Catfish Days and The Rustic go hand in hand! The Rustic has been serving their Famous Catfish Dinners since the original Catfish Days Festival started in 1976. The Rustic serves your choice of Whole or Filet Farm-Raised Catfish Dinners which include potato wedges, coleslaw and an ear of corn! Dine-In or Carry-Out available!
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Wilmington House Family Restaurant 210 Bridge Street Across from the Gemini Giant
815-476-2426
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At the Wilmington House Family Restaurant you'll find your choice of Whole or Fillet Broasted Catfish dinners which include hush puppies; potato salad; and choice of either soup or salad. Dine-In or Carry-Out available!
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Wilmington VFW Post 5422 557 West Baltimore Street Just 2 Blocks West of the North Island
815-926-2045
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On Friday night, the Wilmington VFW will be serving your choice of Whole or Filet Catfish Dinners along with Catfish Nuggets. All Dinners include fries and coleslaw. Dine-In or Carry-Out available!
2025 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! Follow links for More Information for your convenience.
We look forward to seeing you there!
*All events are subject to change without notice*