Casey Gears Up for 37th Annual Popcorn Festival: A Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza!

Fairview Park to Host Four Days of Music, Fun, and Free Popcorn

CASEY, IL – Get ready, Casey! The beloved Casey Popcorn Festival is set to return for its 37th anniversary, promising four full days of family fun, fantastic food, and non-stop entertainment over the Labor Day weekend, from Thursday, August 29th, through Monday, September 1st, 2025, at Fairview Park.

Since its inception in 1987 by local residents Bernie Morgan and Rube Howe, the festival has grown from a simple idea of “good old-fashioned family fun” into a sprawling celebration that draws crowds from all over. Today, under the guidance of a dedicated board including Chalin Maulding, Shane Todd, Jeremy Mumford, Jen Baysinger, Kristy Duniphan, and Jenn Reddicks, the festival continues to expand, offering something for everyone.

What to Expect:

• Non-Stop Music & Entertainment: Prepare for a stellar lineup of national touring acts and talented local artists spanning country, classic rock, and more. Headliners include the Crush Bon Jovi Experience W/ Absent Ground on Friday, Lakeview W/ Jason Cross on Saturday, and country star Tyler Farr W/ Jake and Mikayla on Sunday, followed by dazzling fireworks! The Beer Garden will also host lively DJs and bands like the Matt Poss Band and Silver Lake Band.

• Family Fun Galore: Kids will delight in magicians, animal shows, the popular Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, and the interactive Dinosaur Takeover Show. Don’t miss Bessie Bingo and the much-anticipated Annual Popcorn Fest Parade on Saturday, August 30th, at 10:00 a.m., with this year’s theme: “Everything Popcorn”!

• Thrills and Delights: A huge carnival will offer rides and games for all ages, while over 60 craft booths in the newly redesigned Butterfield Market will showcase unique artisan goods. And, of course, FREE popcorn – Illinois’ official snack food – will be available daily!

• Special Events:

  • 31st Annual Car Show: Gearheads rejoice! The Wabash Valley Rodders Car Club will host their annual car show on Sunday, August 31st. Registration runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($15 fee), with awards presented at 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Casey Community Christian Toy Fund.

  • Race Among the Giants 5K: Lace up your running shoes for the KZ5k Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, August 30th, at 7 a.m. The in-person race starts and ends at 200 E. Main, next to the World’s Largest Rocking Chair. Virtual options are also available. Pre-register by August 14th to guarantee a t-shirt and qualify for a group discount.

  • Cornhole Tournament: Test your aim at the Cornhole Tournament on Sunday, August 31st, starting at 12 p.m. in the Beer Garden.

  • The Kernel Royale Popcorn Eating Contest: Think you can eat the most popcorn? Prove it at this delicious competition on Sunday, August 31st, at 2 p.m. on the Family Stage.

  • Colton Dixon Live: Don’t miss Christian artist Colton Dixon performing on the Main Stage on Monday, September 1st, at 2 p.m.

Daily Highlights:

Friday, August 29th: Kicks off at 4 p.m. with the Beer Garden and Bear Holler Wood Carvers, followed by food stands, Butterfield Market, DJ, carnival, and live music from Crush Bon Jovi Experience W/ Absent Ground and the Matt Poss Band.

Saturday, August 30th: A full day starting with the KZ5k Fun Run/Walk at 7 a.m., Saddle Club Show, the Popcorn Fest Parade at 10 a.m., Jeep Jam, Open Mic, Dinosaur Takeover Show, Magic Shows, and main stage act Lakeview W/ Jason Cross.

Sunday, August 31st: Features a Community Worship Service, the 30th Annual Car Show, Cornhole Tournament, The Kernel Royale Popcorn Eating Contest, and the highly anticipated performance by Tyler Farr W/ Jake and Mikayla, culminating in fireworks.

Monday, September 1st: Enjoy the Clark County Sheriffs Assoc. Breakfast, Kids Fishing Derby, Rotary Club Bessie Bingo, a Wood Carving Auction, and a performance by Colton Dixon before the festival closes at 6 p.m.

Fairview Park, a sprawling 40-acre venue, offers ample space for all the activities. The festival also features a beer tent and food trucks ensuring a wide variety of delicious festival fare.

Mark your calendars for a Labor Day weekend packed with fun at the Casey Popcorn Festival!

FULL POPCORN FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Friday, August 29:

4 p.m. – Beer Garden opens

4 p.m. – Bear Holler Wood Carvers

5 p.m. – Food stands/Butterfield Market open

5 p.m. – DJ (Beer Garden)

6 p.m. – Carnival Opens

6 p.m. – Bear Holler Wood Carvers

7 p.m. – Crush Bon Jovi Experience W/ Absent Ground

10 p.m. – Matt Poss Band

FRIDAY PARTY PIT TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Saturday, August 30:

7 a.m. – KZ5k Fun Run/Walk

9 a.m. – Saddle Club Show

10 a.m. – Parade

11 a.m. – Open Mic (Family Stage)

11 a.m. – 3rd Annual Jeep Jam

11 a.m. – Food Stands/Butterfield Market opens

12 p.m. – Beer Garden opens

12 p.m. – Bear Holler Wood Carvers

12 p.m. – Dinosaur Takeover Show

1 p.m. – Carnival Opens

1 p.m. – Magic Show (Family Stage)

1 p.m. – 80’s Trivia – Amy’s Traveling Trivia (Beer Garden)

2 p.m. – Bear Holler Wood Carvers

2 p.m. – Dinosaur Takeover Show

3 p.m. – Jeep Jam

3 p.m. – Magic Show (Family Stage)

4 p.m. – Bear Holler Wood Carvers

4 p.m. – Dinosaur Takeover Show

5 p.m. – Magic Show (Family Stage)

5 p.m. – DJ (Beer Garden)

6 p.m. – Bear Holler Wood Carvers

7 p.m. – Lakeview W/ Jason Cross (Main Stage)

10 p.m. – Silver Lake Band (Beer Garden)

SATURDAY PARTY PIT TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Sunday, August 31:

10:30 a.m. – Community Worship Service (Family Stage)

11 a.m. – Food Stands/Butterfield Market opens

12 p.m. – 30th annual car show

12 p.m. – Beer Garden opens

12 p.m. – Cornhole Tournament (Beer Garden)

12 p.m. – Bear Holler Wood Carvers

12 p.m. – Dinosaur Takeover Show

1 p.m. – Carnival Opens

1 p.m. – Magic Show (Family Stage)

2 p.m. – The Kernel Royale Popcorn Eating Contest (Family Stage)

2 p.m. – Bear Holler Wood Carvers

2 p.m. – Dinosaur Takeover Show

3 p.m. – Magic Show (Family Stage)

4 p.m. – Bear Holler Wood Carvers

4 p.m. – Dinosaur Takeover Show

5 p.m. – Magic Show (Family Stage)

5 p.m. – DJ (Beer Garden)

6 p.m. – Bear Holler Wood Carvers

7 p.m. — Tyler Farr W/ Jake and Mikayla (Main Stage)

Fireworks immediately following band

10 p.m. — All American Throwbacks (Beer Garden)

SUNDAY PARTY PIT TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Monday, Sept. 1:

7 a.m. – Clark County Sheriffs Assoc. Breakfast

9 a.m. – Kids Fishing Derby

11 a.m. – Food Stands/Butterfield Market open

11 a.m. – Rotary Club Bessie Bingo

11 a.m. – Open Mic (Family Stage)

12 p.m. – Carnival Opens

12 p.m. – Magic Show (Family Stage)

12:30 p.m. – Kids Pedal Tractor Pull

1 p.m. – Wood Carving Auction (Main Stage)

1 P.m. – Dinosaur Takeover Show

2 p.m. – Colton Dixon (Main Stage)

6 p.m. — Festival closes