PrairieFest...Summer Starts Here! - Oswegoland Park District

January 29, 2020

PrairieFest 2020

PrairieFest, the area’s popular community festival is back this June 18-21, 2020. Presented by the Oswegoland Park District and FNBO, the fest combines small town charm with a stirring summer celebration over Father’s Day weekend.

Free concerts from a mix of national and local bands, along with entertaining performances have always been a highlight of the weekend, and this year’s lineup is sure not to disappoint. Partnered with free parking and free admission, the PrairieFest schedule fills a great weekend.

For over thirty years everyone who pushes a shovel every winter or stares outside a classroom window all spring has known the same truth about growing up around here. Summer starts with PrairieFest. The Oswegoland Park District is making sure that this summer is one to remember.

From bouncing off the walls with Flippenout, the touring trampoline group to bushels of fun with Miss Jamie’s Farm at the Friday Family Concert, PrairieFest has got it all in 2020!

Thursday’s celebration begins with talented student groups, culminating with The PrairieWinds Community Concert, a PrairieFest tradition for musicians in our area. Anyone interested in joining the community band can contact Kristie Vest at kvest@oswegolandpd.org or 630.554.4425. After the local offering, it will be time to ‘quit playing games’ and relive the best of boy bands. Nobody’s saying ‘Bye, bye, bye’ on Thursday, June 18 when The Boy Band Review hits the FNBO Main Stage. Plan for a fun night of knowing all the words – and most of the moves.

The Park District partners with the Oswego Public Library to host a Midwest favorite for the Friday Family Concert. Miss Jamie’s Farm is a popular music show for young kids and their families. From Texas hill country, Miss Jamie brings music, stories, and puppets to the Chicagoland area with her vibrant, cheery show. Little kiddos and their parents will be wrangling a great time on Friday, June 19.

The FNBO Main Stage will celebrate the 80s on Friday night. Local band, Members Only will start out the night with a set sure to make all acid washed jeans roll into a French cuff. Once everyone’s bangs have reached maximum volume, crowds will be entertained by John Waite, of the Babys (Isn’t It Time, Everytime I Think of You), Bad English (When I See You Smile), as well as successful solo artist with Missing You, Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Change, and Back on My Feet Again. Next up is everyone’s favorite Homecoming Dance song! The Romantics are coming to PrairieFest to sing, What I Like About You and Talking in Your Sleep.

Saturday Night opens with Midwest favorite, Rockstar Rodeo. More than the best country show, and blowing away your rock concert expectations, Rockstar Rodeo bring the Saturday, June 20 night in bucking and bulldogging. Kid Rock’s most famous turntablist, Uncle Kracker will headline the night. PrairieFest fans will sing along with his hits Drift Away, Follow Me, Smile, In a Little While, and When the Sun Goes Down.

Head back to the festival grounds after the PrairieFest parade on June 21 for Father’s Day. After taking many public requests, the Oswegoland Park District welcomes back American English for a Sunday afternoon concert. This famous Beatles tribute band will squeeze the last bit of summer festival out of PrairieFest again in 2020.

PrairieFest weekend is always entertaining and this year’s schedule delivers on the tradition again. Community groups looking to be a part of the Expo Village, present an event, or march in the parade are encouraged to check out additional information at prairiefest.com. Contact festival director Kristie Vest at 630.554.4425 or by email at kvest@oswegolandpd.org for more information. Area businesses looking to support the community festival are encouraged to contact Kristie as well.

You can also get the latest festival information at prairiefest.com. See you at the Fest!