Community Corner
74th Annual Keepataw Day Parade & Fun Fest Return to Downtown Lemont during Labor Day Weekend
The parade will step off at 1 pm, followed by live bands, food trucks, a Kids' Corner, an Artisan Market, a Beer Tent, and more at 2 pm.
Downtown Lemont will host the 74th Annual Keepataw Day Parade and Fun Fest on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, as part of Labor Day weekend festivities.
This year’s theme is “We Love Lemont,” a tribute to the people, small businesses, neighbors, and traditions that make the town worth celebrating.
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The parade will start promptly at 1 p.m. in downtown Lemont. The Keepataw Fun Fest will follow from 2 to 11 p.m., featuring four live bands, food trucks, a Kids’ Corner, an Artisan Market, a Beer Tent, and more.
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Fun Fest
Band lineup
Four live bands are scheduled on the main stage:
- 2 pm — School of Rock
- 3 pm — Hair Nation
- 5 pm — RevDog
- 8 pm — Grungeworthy
Kids’ Corner
The Kids’ Corner will feature games and interactive activities for kids of all ages.
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Food vendors
A variety of food vendors will be on-site throughout the day.
Artisan Market
The Artisan Market will run from 2 to 7 p.m. Artisan spaces are available for $50 (15x15 feet), with limited electricity access for an additional $25.
About the event
The Keepataw Day celebration is named for Potawatomi Chief Keepataw, whose tribe settled near what is now Lemont. The festival began in 1950 as a downtown celebration and has grown over more than seven decades to include the parade that draws schools, veterans, first responders, civic groups, and businesses each year.
Fun fact: Lemont was originally named Keepataw before changing to Athens, then Palmyra, and finally Lemont in 1850.
The event is organized by Lemont Keepataw Day, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
How to Get Involved
Registration is open for several categories:
- Sponsors — Sponsorship applications are open to individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. Benefits include pre- and post-event visibility, community connection, and tax-deductible giving. Apply here.
- Parade entries — Teams, clubs, businesses, churches, and organizations can walk the route or enter a float. Top floats will be recognized with awards. Check-in is by 11:45 a.m. Register here.
- Food vendors — Vendors must be fully set up and ready for inspection by 11:15 a.m. Apply here.
- Artisan Market vendors — Apply here.
- Volunteers — Roles available in event-day support, marketing, social media, and more. Learn more here.
For more information, visit LemontKeepataw.com.
