Experience Bagelfest
Join us as we celebrate 41 years of Bagelfest in Mattoon, Illinois. This annual festival offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy, from a parade, carnival rides, concerts and experiencing the local community spirit. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the fun and festivities that Bagelfest has to offer!
Bagelfest 2026
July 15th - 18th
Bagelfest 2026 Line-Up Announced!
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at Bagelfest 2026!
This year’s Main Stage lineup brings something for everyone — kicking things off Thursday, July 16th with Sidewalk Prophets for a FREE Christian concert, followed by country favorite Scotty McCreery on Friday, July 17th, and legendary rock band Jefferson Starship on Saturday, July 18th. Tickets go on sale April 3rd, so mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend full of great music, great food, and Bagelfest fun!
Main Stage Entertainment
Thursday, July 16th – Sidewalk Prophets
FREE Christian Concert
Friday, July 17th – Scotty McCreery
Saturday, July 18th – Jefferson Starship
***Gates open at 6pm – Show Starts at 7:30pm***
Carnival
Armband Presale:
Begins July 1st and Ends at Noon on July 15th (or until supplies last LIMITED amount available)
Call to purchase (217) 258-6286 or purchase in person at the Peterson House in Peterson Park
Parade
Join us at Bagelfest in Mattoon, Illinois and be part of the colorful and fun-filled parade. This is one of Mattoon’s LARGEST parades and it promises to impress!
*Entry Deadline- July 15th*
Line-up will be posted July 16th by 4pm
The parade begins at 10:30am on the east side of the 21st & Western intersection, in front of Niemann’s.
Please note: the west side of the intersection is reserved for parade lineup — for your safety and viewing pleasure, spectators are asked to please remain on the east side of the intersection.
Late entrants are welcome to join the parade at the end but will not be listed in the official line up
Bagel Bow Wow Dog Contest
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at Bagelfest 2025’s Bow Wow, proudly hosted by local business, The Doggie Depot!
This fun-filled event celebrates the furry friends in our community, inviting pups of all shapes and sizes to showcase their charm and talent.
Join us for a paw-some day of festivities, prizes, and plenty of woofs and wags!
***Registration for 2025 is closed***
Miss Bagelfest Pageant
The Miss Bagelfest Pageant is a cherished tradition that celebrates confidence, community spirit, and the unique charm of our hometown. Open to young women who embody grace, kindness, and leadership, the pageant is more than a crown—it’s a platform for growth, friendship, and making a difference.
Each year, contestants shine on stage and off as they represent the heart of Bagelfest and help carry its legacy forward.
***Registration for 2025 is closed***
Bingo at the DeMars Center
Bingo at Bagelfest is the ultimate game-day experience you won’t want to miss! Locatd at the DeMars Center in Peterson Park. Bring your friends and family for a game full of laughs, camaraderie, and friendly competition. Hosted by Omega Nu.
$0.25 per card
$1.00 cover all card
History of Bagelfest
For 41 years, the town of Mattoon, Illinois has been celebrating its love for bagels with an annual festival called Bagelfest. The festival first began as a way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lenders Bagels, a popular brand of bagels that has been produced in Mattoon since 1980s. Lenders Bagels quickly became a staple in households across America. Today, Bagelfest continues to attract visitors from far and wide who come to enjoy the festivities- one of the favorites being the World’s Biggest Bagel Breakfast. For lovers of bagels, community, and music- there’s no better place to be than Mattoon, the home of Lenders Bagels and Bagelfest.
Want to get involved?
Sponsors
Boost your brand’s visibility and support a vibrant community by becoming a sponsor of Bagelfest.
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Call (217) 258-6286 or email tourism@mattoonillinois.org
Vendors
Showcase your business to a diverse audience and make your mark in the heart of Illinois by becoming a vendor at Bagelfest.
***Food Vendor Spots Have Been Filled – No Availability***
Bagelfest Cares (Non-profit vendors)
Volunteers
Volunteering at Bagelfest isn’t just giving your time; it’s giving back to the community and being part of the heartbeat of our town.Each volunteer plays a vital role in making Bagelfest a success but it’s not just about the tasks; it’s about the connections made, the smiles shared, and the memories created while working alongside neighbors and friends.
Contact (217) 258-6286 to get involved