Your Ultimate Guide to HerrinFesta 2025: Food, Fun, and Italian Pride 🇮🇹
Every May something magical happens in Herrin Illinois. The streets fill with music, the smell of Italian food drifts through the air, and the whole town comes alive for HerrinFesta Italiana…a week-long celebration of Italian heritage, small-town pride, and straight-up fun.
Whether you’re into bocce, baby pageants, live music, or just showing up for funnel cake and carnival rides…this festival has a little bit of everything. Here’s your full guide to all the awesome events happening this year, and when you can catch them!
🍼 Sunday, May 18 – Cuteness Overload
1–3 PM – Little Mr./Miss Pageant & Baby Contest
Held at the Herrin Civic Center, this is one of the most adorable events of the week. Tiny kids in themed outfits show off their smiles and charm..it’s basically a guaranteed “awww” fest.
👑 Monday, May 19 – Pageant Night
7–8:30 PM – Miss HerrinFesta Scholarship Pageant
Also at the Civic Center, this tradition celebrates smart, talented young women in the community. It’s inspiring, elegant, and a great way to support local youth.
🍷 Tuesday, May 20 – Toast to the Community
5–9 PM – Mayor’s Honoree Banquet
Enjoy a cocktail hour and formal dinner as the mayor honors some of Herrin’s most dedicated community members. It’s a classy, feel-good night.
🎶 Wednesday, May 21 – Let the Party Begin
5 PM – Kick-Off Street Party
Teddy’s Sports Bar and Louie’s P&R help turn Walnut Street into a block party zone. Great food, music, and the kind of neighborhood vibe that reminds you why small towns are awesome.
🎡 Thursday, May 22 – Carnival Time + Italian Cinema
3–10 PM – Opening Night at the Midway
The carnival opens! Rides, games, live music, food, and cold drinks…need I say more?
5:30 PM – Italian Film Night
At the Civic Center, check out short Italian films during a chill evening hosted by the Herrin Heritage Club. There’s even a cash bar during social hour!
⛳ Friday, May 23 – Faith, Golf, and Live Tunes
7 AM – Ed Goodwin Memorial Prayer Breakfast
Start your day with community, reflection, and pancakes.
10 AM–4 PM – Golfing for Grads Tournament
Pine Lakes Golf Course becomes the place to be for golf and giving back—proceeds go toward scholarships.
11 AM–5 PM – Corporate Bocce Tournament
Watch (or join!) teams from local businesses compete in this classic Italian game.
3–10 PM – Midway Fun Continues
More rides, more food, more music!
6:30 PM – Free Live Music – Feudin’ Hillbillies
Get your boots on and head to the tent for a night of country-rock fun!
🏃♀️ Saturday, May 24 – Parades, Pancakes, and Nostalgia
8–10 AM – Tri-Festa Triathlon + Masonic Lodge Breakfast
Get your workout in or grab breakfast (or both).
11 AM–1 PM – Grand Parade
Floats, music, and good old-fashioned community pride. A can’t-miss.
12–10 PM – Midway Madness All Day
If you haven’t had enough cotton candy or corndogs yet, now’s your chance.
12:30–5 PM – Adult-Child Bocce Tournament
Generations team up to toss some bocce balls and make memories.
6:30 PM – Free Live Music – 90’s Kidz
Relive the glory of boy bands, grunge, and ‘90s anthems under the tent.
🚘 Sunday, May 25 – Cars, Bocce, and Country Music
10 AM–Noon – Car Show
Herrin Memorial Park turns into a classic car dreamland.
11 AM – Special Intention Mass
Held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, it’s a spiritual moment for anyone looking to pause and reflect.
1–5 PM – International Bocce Tournament
Top players from across the country (and beyond) go head-to-head.
1–10 PM – Midway Continues
Yes, it’s still going strong.
6:30 PM – Free Live Music – Kendell Marvel
If you’re into outlaw country and southern rock, this one’s for you.
🏁 Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day Finale
7:30–10 AM – Road Races
Join the runners (or just cheer them on) for this longtime Memorial Day tradition.
9–10 AM – Doughboy Memorial Service
A quiet moment to honor those who served our country.
10 AM–5 PM – Jeep Poker Run
Jeep fans hit the road for a fun and scenic poker-style ride.
12–6 PM – Pickleball Tournament
New this year! Watch (or join in on) the first-ever Festa Di Pickleball hosted by Herrin High School’s FBLA.
1–9 PM – Final Night of the Midway
One last spin on the Ferris wheel. One last elephant ear. Soak it in.
🎉 Final Thoughts
HerrinFesta is more than just a festival, it’s a tradition, a reunion, and a big Italian hug to everyone who shows up. Whether you go for the music, the food, the games, or just the sense of community, there’s really nothing like it. So grab your friends, wear your comfy shoes, and come celebrate HerrinFesta 2025!
