Know Before You Go: Mahomet Music Festival

Mahomet Music Festival, a two-day event organized by the Village of Mahomet, will take place this Friday and Saturday, August 28 and 29. “Music Fest” has been a signature event of Mahomet’s for more than 30 years, drawing nearly 25,000 attendees with a wide array of entertainment and activities for all ages. Below, we outline the schedule of activities with all the information you need to know before you go.

First, a few quick facts:

• The following areas will be closed to traffic: the parking lot adjacent to Cornbelt Fire Protection District (beginning Wednesday), Lincoln Street from Dunbar to Franklin and Main Street from Center to Lombard (beginning Thursday at 1 p.m.), Elm Street from Dunbar to Franklin and Jefferson Street from Union to Franklin (beginning Friday at 11 a.m.)

• Free parking is available across from the Mahomet Schnucks, with a shuttle service running throughout the festival. Premium parking is located off Franklin Street behind WesPark Towne Center for $20/car. Handicapped parking is available in the Busey Bank parking lot, accessible at the North Lincoln Street entrance (first come, first served)

• A new Village ordinance restricts bicycles, skateboards, etc. within the festival grounds (i.e., within the bounds of the road closures)

• The festival will feature 7 musical artists, as well as a parade, vendor and crafter booths, carnival rides, bags tournament, food court, and party tent. Admission is free, including concerts; food, beverage, and other entertainment purchases are optional

The schedule of activities is as follows:

A “Second Stage” will feature performances by student musicians on Saturday, August 29:

 1:00–1:30 PM | Suits Jazz Collective

 1:35–2:05 PM | Katelyn Schuyler

 2:10–2:40 PM | Twisted Sibs

 2:45–3:15 PM | The Mayflies

 3:20–3:50 PM | Popped Balloon

Who are the featured musical artists? What are their styles?

• Zakk Thompkins Red dirt, country-rock, singer-songwriter (Mahomet native)

• Ninety’s Daughter High-energy party music, popular 80s and 90s covers

• Hairbanger’s Ball 80s metal tribute band

• Riley Clemmons (Christian Headliner) Christian pop, contemporary worship

• Onoleigh Country, soul, storytelling

• Shane Profitt Blue-collar country

• Craig Morgan (Headliner) Country

The carnival times are confusing. Can you explain?

• There are 3 carnival sessions: Friday 5-11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 5-11 p.m.

• Individual tickets can be purchased at Music Fest ($1.25 per ticket, or $22 for 22 tickets), with most rides costing 3-5 tickets per rider

• A carnival wristband grants unlimited rides for 4 hours within each carnival session (Friday 6-10 p.m., Saturday 12-4 p.m., or Saturday 6-10 p.m.). August 26 is the last day to purchase at the pre-sale price of $25 (available at Smith Burger Co., Fisher National Bank, and Village Administration). Wristbands will cost $30 when purchased at Music Fest

What is the difference between the Lions Beverage Garden and Tatman’s Towing V.I.P. Party Tent?

Attendees who are 21+ and wish to consume alcohol will first need to purchase a $5 wristband (each day). The proceeds from these purchases directly fund future Mahomet Music Festivals. With a wristband, adults may purchase alcoholic beverages at the Lions Beverage Garden, which serves a variety of draft beers, cider and canned cocktails.

Tatman’s Towing V.I.P. Party Tent is a ticketed experience at $65/day including several amenities:

• Buffet dinner 6-8 p.m., snacks/dessert throughout

• Bar service 6-11 p.m. with 4 drink tickets per V.I.P.

• Private bathrooms

• Premium stage-adjacent location

What will be offered at the Food Court?

• Becks Concessions

• CHOP Truck

• Coonrods Concessions

• Ice Daddy’s

• Jimmy Johns

• Jones Concessions

• Juanito’s Tacos

• Mama D's Smokehouse

• O'Brien's Too Foods

• Papa John’s Pizza

• Patty Daddy’s

• Smith Burger Co.

• Sweet T’s Kettle Corn

• Watson’s Chicken

Tell me more about the vendor and crafter booths...

Many vendors and crafters will be present to share information about their organization and/or sell wares.

Tell me more about the cornhole tournament...

An amateur and professional cornhole tournament take place after the Christian headliner. There will be cash prizes. Register at noon on Saturday.

Any other tips?

• First aid is available at Cornbelt Fire Protection District

• Seating is available at the food court, but bring your own chair for the concert lawn

• Cool off inside the Sangamon on Main Gym on Saturday (open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.)

• Village purchases (e.g. wristbands) at Music Fest will be cashless. Food court businesses and vendors may allow cash as well as card

Photos courtesy of Mahomet Music Festival Committee, Village of Mahomet