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Rev up your engines and mark your calendars because Downtown Kankakee is gearing up for the first Cruise Night of 2024! On May 11th, at 6:00 PM, the streets of Downtown Kankakee will come alive with the sights and sounds of classic cars, live music, and good vibes. Get ready for an evening of laid-back fun and a celebration of all things beautiful on wheels.
Event Details
Date: May 11th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Kankakee
Soundtrack: Chris James
Special Guests: Kankakee County Speedway Dirt Cars
What to Expect
As the sun begins to set, Downtown Kankakee will transform into a hub of excitement. Cruise Night isn't just about cars; it's a gathering of enthusiasts, families, and friends coming together to enjoy a shared passion.
Chris James will be providing the soundtrack for the evening, setting the perfect backdrop for a night of cruising and mingling. Grab your lawn chairs and find a prime spot along the route to enjoy the music and watch the parade of classic cars roll by.
And what's a Cruise Night without delicious food and cold beverages? Downtown Kankakee's eateries and vendors will be on hand to satisfy your cravings, ensuring you stay energized and hydrated throughout the event.
But that's not all! We have some special guests joining us for the evening. Kankakee County Speedway is sending over some Dirt Cars to add an extra thrill to the festivities. Get up close and personal with these speed demons as they rev their engines and show off their horsepower.
And let's not forget about the opening night giveaway for participants! Keep your eyes peeled for your chance to win some exciting prizes and giveaways as we kick off the Cruise Night season with a bang.
Join Us in Downtown Kankakee
Whether you're a car enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun night out, Downtown Kankakee's Cruise Night has something for everyone. So shine up your ride, gather your friends and family, and cruise into spring with us in Downtown Kankakee. Let's make memories, share stories, and celebrate the beauty of classic cars and community spirit. We'll see you there!
Let's make this first Cruise Night of 2024 one to remember!
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What is Pink Friday?
One week before Black Friday, Pink Friday encourages collaboration among the small boutique community to advance the #shopsmallfirst mindset.
Before heading online and to big-box retailers, take the time to SHOP SMALL at our LOCAL boutiques!
Pink Friday Events
Pink Friday at the Majestic
Friday, Nov. 17th
6 pm - 8pm
150 N. Schuyler Ave.
Come on out to support small first! Just Peachy and 16+ other small businesses will be here ready to help you pick out the prefect holiday gifts for your loved ones! Bring your friends and have a fun night out! From clothes to sweets, to gifty treats there will be something for everyone!
[ the line will start outside of the Just Peachy Co. store off of Schuyler Ave before doors open at 6 ]
Roze's Pink Friday Holiday Open House
Friday, Nov. 17th
6 pm - 9pm
259 S. Schuyler Ave.
We always have the best refreshments, giveaways, sales & new arrivals at our events. We can’t wait to start the holiday season as we launch our new giftables & decorate the store.
Vendors:
Cakes & Goodies: The most delicious treats
Dear Taylor: Flowers & the cutest giftables for your holiday shopping list
Rural Rose: All the western fashion. Shop 2 boutiques in 1
Downtown Kankakee Boutiques
Madame Saint Vintage 
Midwest vintage boutique with goods for you and your home.
275 S. Schuyler 
1 - 6 pm
Roze Clothing Boutique Styled to feel sexy, confident, cool and comfortably YOU.
259 S. Schuyler 4 - 6 pm
Just Peachy Co. Where cute meets cozy behind the colorful door.
150 N. Schuyler
Envy Clothing Boutique Clothing boutique featuring all the western vibes.
150 N. Schuyler 11 am - 7 pm
C&L Fine Goods Boutique Retail & Home Goods store where customers will find an assortment of new and used goods!
155 S. Schuyler 1 - 6 pm
Rubber Rose Books Used books, local authors, and print shop.
111 E. Court St 11 am - 6 pm
Moon Cookie Gallery Whimsical handmade gift shop featuring work by local and regional artists.
111 E. Court St 10 am - 5 pm
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While we near the end of the Kankakee Farmers' Market season, there is no shortage of fall goods to be found!
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Halloween Downtown, a free event hosted by the Rotary Club of Kankakee, comes back to Downtown Kankakee Sunday, October 15th from 10am to 4pm.
The event will take place on the 200 block of South Schuyler Avenue, including the Farmer’s Market parking lot and in Festival Square at the Train Depot. Get the entire family dressed in their spookiest and join us for themed music, entertainment, food vendors and a trunk or treat event in the afternoon.
The event features local businesses and non-profits running free-to-play games and activities each with a Halloween theme. There’s also music, entertainment, local food vendors, and merchandise vendors, and in the afternoon, there is a trunk-or-treat.
Other ways you can take part in Halloween Downtown: Sponsorships, Host a Themed Acitivity, Host a Trunk or Treat, Become a Vendor, Volunteer.
Invite your friends and family on Facebook!
Learn more about the event by visiting their website, Facebook, or by emailing K3Halloween@gmail.com.
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Celebrating it's 25th Anniversary, the Kankakee Farmers' Market in Downtown Kankakee has been well under way this summer. And as we head into September, we will start to see the fall season come to life!
That means pumpkins and gourds, new produce and fruits, fall flavors and flowers and treats, fall inspired decor and finds, fall flowers, and a little bit of all the season has to offer.
Don't forget about our weekly special events and music - follow along on Facebook to stay up to date!
Join us every Saturday and you'll always find something new!
The Kankakee Farmers' Market is family-friendly, providing activities and music to visitors of all ages. Open almost exactly half the year, be sure to spend Saturdays Downtown at the only local market in the area which provides shopping carts to its customers.
MARKET MAP Product Search Vendors List
Hours: Saturday 8:00am to Noon
Location: Intersection of S. Schuyler Ave. and Merchant St. in Downtown Kankakee
Season: Every Saturday May 6 through October 28
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We're sending off summer with our annual South Sunset Stroll in Downtown Kankakee!
Our first Sunset Stroll of the Summer takes place on September 1st on the 100 block of South Schuyler Streetscape. The night will kick-off at 6:00pm, with live music from John David Daily Band starting at 6:30pm.
At 6:00pm the SLOW ROLL Bike Ride will begin and end @ the Gazebo. There will also be a fire-twirling show performed by Intrinsic Arts at the end of the night. Food will be provided by Knights of Columbus, and Martinez Tacos.
Adult Beverages will be available from No Dogs, Grapes and Hops, and Knights of Columbus. Adults 21+ will also be able to enjoy their purchased alcoholic beverages along South Schuyler during the event (wristband required).
Businesses along South Schuyler will remain open and with extended hours: Johnny's Pizza, Roze Boutique, Madam St. Vintage (both locations), Out On A Limb, and Moon Cookie.
Many other Downtown Kankakee businesses will be present: Big Fella's Cigar Trailer, Sprinkled with Glitter, C & L Fine Goods, Envy Beauty Bar and Rebel Ice Cream Co., and more!
This is a free event and is open to all ages. For more information, visit our Facebook Page.
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You know it. You love it. You can't wait to be there.
Merchant Street MusicFest is a two-day music festival held in downtown Kankakee, IL at the Harold + Jean Miner Square. And it's back July 28th + 29th!
Merchant Street MusicFest is a two-day music and arts festival at the historic downtown Train Depot, Harold and Jean Miner Festival Square, located at 199 South East Avenue in Kankakee, IL. MSMF 2023 will be held on July 28th and 29th. The event is a community celebration featuring local, regional, and national musical talent on three stages, art vendors, and great food and drink. Kankakee is located 60 miles south of Chicago and is a multi-cultural blend. Its convenience to Chicago and Champaign makes it an ideal location, attracting folks of all ages and backgrounds.
PRESALE TICKETS are now available! Available on the 3rd Floor of the Kankakee Public Library through Thursday, July 27th.
Take a look at last year's event, video courtesy of Pathfinder. Photos from Merchant Street MusicFest 2021.
All the Details:
Website: www.merchantstreetmusicfest.com
Facebook: @MerchantStreetMusicFest
Twitter: @KankakeeMSMF
Instagram: @kankakeemsmf
Contact Info:
General Inquiries: music@merchantstreetmusicfest.com
Music Booking: music@merchantstreetmusicfest.com
Art: art@merchantstreetmusicfest.com
Food Vendors: pjpmayer@gmail.com
Stage and Sound Management: stageandsound@merchantstreetmusicfest.com
Marketing & Sponsorships: allison@merchantstreetmusicfest.com
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Kick off the summer with our annual Sunset Stroll in Downtown Kankakee!
Our first Sunset Stroll of the Summer takes place on June 2nd on the North Schuyler Streetscape in front of the historic Majestic Theatre. The night will kick-off at 6:00pm, with live music from Matt Yeager & The Southside Social Club starting at 6:30pm.
At 6:00pm the SLOW ROLL Bike Ride will begin and end @ Rigo's Restaurant. There will also be a fire-twirling show performed by Intrinsic Arts at the end of the night. Food will be provided by Rigo's, Martinez Tacos, Rebel Ice Cream Co., and Mac's BBQ.
Adults 21+ will also be able to enjoy their purchased alcoholic beverages along North Schuyler during the event (wristband required).
This is a free event and is open to all ages.
For more information, visit our Facebook Page.
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Downtown Kankakee is full of Beats, Eats, and Drinks this Summer!
Alongside Sunset Stroll and the Friday Night Concert Series, Sandwiches with a Side of Jam has returned to Downtown Kankakee! Kicking off on June 7th, the event is a lunchtime concert series at the Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square (199 S. East Ave.). The kickoff event brings beats by Three’s a Crowd and eats from Mia Bella and Martinez Tacos.
July 12th: Kelli Bonomo (lunch from Neighborhood Kitchen)
August 9th: Shelby Ryan (lunch from Brother George & Creme Of The Crop)
This is a free event and is open to all ages.
For our full summer event lineup, visit our Facebook Page.
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Halloween Downtown, an annual event hosted by the Rotary Club of Kankakee, comes back to Downtown Kankakee Sunday, October 16th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will take place on the 200 block of South Schuyler Avenue, including the Farmer’s Market parking lot and in Festival Square at the Train Depot. Get the entire family dressed in their spookiest and join us for themed music, entertainment, food vendors and a trunk or treat event in the afternoon.
Games and activities will be located in the Farmer’s Market parking lot. Entertainment at the Gazebo. Vendors and special attractions on the 200 block of S. Schuyler. Trunk-or-Treat around the train depot fountain.
Other ways you can take part in Halloween Downtown: Sponsorships, Host a Themed Acitivity, Host a Trunk or Treat, Become a Vendor.
Learn more about the event by visiting their website, Facebook, or by emailing K3Halloween@gmail.com.
