Bourbonnais, IL – The 2024 Bourbonnais Friendship Festival kicks off today, promising five days of carnival rides, live music, and community events. This major summer event will run through June 30, drawing visitors from across Illinois to enjoy a variety of attractions.
According to the festival’s official schedule, gates open at 5 p.m. today, followed by the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. Entertainment tonight includes performances by the Cherry Bomb Band at 7 p.m., Logan Miller Band at 8 p.m., and Wild Daisy Band at 8:30 p.m. Meineke’s Beer Garden will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday’s activities begin with the carnival opening at 5 p.m. The evening’s entertainment features Dance in the Light at 5 p.m., Andrew David at 6 p.m., and the Silhouettes Band at 6:15 p.m. Performances continue with Dance Alive at 7 p.m., Shelby Ryan at 8 p.m., and the 4 Cast Band at 8:30 p.m.
Friday offers a packed schedule starting with a Firefighters’ Fish Fry from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The carnival opens at 5 p.m., and attendees can enjoy Ryan Leggott on the East Stage, followed by Lemners Soo Bahk Do at 6 p.m. The Any Given Weekend Band will perform on the Main Stage at 6:15 p.m., and the Children’s Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening wraps up with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. and performances by Crawfords Daughter and The Anthem Band.
Saturday, designated as Armed Services Day, honors veterans with events starting at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K run/walk organized by the Kankakee River Running Club. Other highlights include a cane pole fishing derby from 9 a.m. to noon, a veteran’s luncheon at 11 a.m., and the Battle of the Bands from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The day’s entertainment also features performances by Timothy and Cory Rehmer, Paula Aubry School, The Katzpa Jammas, and The High Anxiety Band.
Sunday will close out the festival with the carnival opening at noon and the grand parade at 1 p.m. The South Side Social Club Band will perform at 9:15 p.m., wrapping up the festival’s live entertainment.
The Bourbonnais Friendship Festival, a cherished local tradition, provides a platform for the community to come together and celebrate. With a packed schedule of activities and entertainment, this year’s festival promises to be a memorable event for residents and visitors
