Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau www.jacksonvilleil.org Centrally located between St. Louis and Chicago, and near Springfield, Jacksonville offers an excellent place to live, work, and play.
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The Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes a community rich in historical treasures, with thriving arts, education, and culture, and wrapped in Midwest hospitality. The Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will help you get the most out of your visit to our area. We hope it will give you a taste of the history, attractions, events, entertainment, shopping, lodging, and d

ining in Jacksonville and surrounding vicinity. More information is available at the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 310 East State Street in downtown Jacksonville. You can also call (217) 243.5678, or (800) 593-5678, if you have questions about planning your trip. Additional information is available at: jacksonvilleil.org

Jacksonville is full of the unexpected. From our Civil War and Abraham Lincoln connections, to the modern businesses of today, the area offers something for everyone. There is a small-town friendliness mixed with a vibrancy from a richness of natural historic sites, intellectual institutions, meeting sites and facilities, shopping, businesses, events and arts and entertainment.

☀️ June is officially here, and Jacksonville is kicking off summer with live music, family fun, community celebrations, ...
06/01/2026

☀️ June is officially here, and Jacksonville is kicking off summer with live music, family fun, community celebrations, and events happening all month long. Swipe through to see some of the highlights happening this month.

🎨 Art in the Yard returns June 6 at the David Strawn Art Gallery, inviting all ages to enjoy hands-on art projects in the gallery yard inspired by the 250th anniversary of the United States. Participants can create patriotic-themed artwork celebrating America’s history, culture, and future.

🍖 Kiwanis BBQ Braggin’ Rights returns June 6 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds! Enjoy great food, friendly competition, and family fun as teams compete for bragging rights. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6–12, and free for children 5 and under. Gates open at noon and judging begins at 2:30 p.m.

🎡 Starting June 7, take a spin on the historic Big Eli Ferris Wheel at Community Park with FREE rides every Sunday afternoon all summer long, presented by the Rotary Club of Jacksonville.

🎶 Concerts in the Park, hosted by the Pilot Club of Jacksonville, begin June 7 at the Big Bandstand in Community Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy free live music every Sunday evening at 6 PM, weather permitting.

🚗 The 30th Annual Downtown Plaza Car Show & Cruise In rolls into downtown June 13 with classic cars, custom builds, vendors, food, and one of Jacksonville’s favorite summer traditions.

🎣 Take Me Fishing, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville, takes place June 13 from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at Nichols Park’s Morgan Lake. Kids can enjoy a great morning of fishing, and Abraham Lincoln will be there to fish with the kids.

🥃🎻 Governor Duncan’s Bourbon, Bluegrass & BBQ takes place June 14 at Twisted Tree Music Hall with great food, live bluegrass, and summer fun, all benefiting the historic Governor Duncan Mansion. Tickets are $50 and available from GDA members or by emailing : [email protected].

✊🏾 Celebrate the Day of Freedom on June 20! Join the fun to honor Juneteenth, a powerful day of remembrance, resilience, and joy. This free event will feature music, dancers, vendors, food trucks, and more. Sponsored by NAACP Jacksonville and the Jacksonville African American History Museum.

🎸 Jacksonville Main Street’s Downtown Concert Series is back on Friday nights through July 31, featuring free outdoor concerts, local shopping, restaurants, food trucks, and summer evenings on the Square.

There’s even more happening throughout the month, from markets and museums to family activities, sports, entertainment, and community events.

📍Find full event details, times, and everything happening this month on our events calendar: https://jacksonvilleil.org/experience/events/

☀️🎉 Jacksonville, your Saturday is looking pretty great.Start the morning with fresh finds at the Farmers Market, add a ...
05/30/2026

☀️🎉 Jacksonville, your Saturday is looking pretty great.

Start the morning with fresh finds at the Farmers Market, add a splash of color at the 5K Color Run, catch a showing of Safe at Home, celebrate at Pride, or spend the afternoon on the disc golf course. And don’t forget—the Brad Wallin Baseball Tournament is bringing teams, families, and plenty of ballpark excitement to Jacksonville all weekend long, with games taking place Saturday and Sunday at Future Champions Sports Complex. ⚾💙

One of the best parts of visiting Jacksonville? You don’t have to choose just one thing. Make a day of it, explore a new corner of the city, grab a bite from a local favorite, and support the people and organizations that make our community shine. 🌈🥕🥏✨

📍Looking for event details, places to eat, attractions, and even more weekend happenings? Visit JacksonvilleIL.org and start planning your perfect weekend.

⚾ The Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to welcome athletes, families, and fans from across the ...
05/29/2026

⚾ The Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to welcome athletes, families, and fans from across the region for the 22nd Annual Brad Wallin Memorial Tournament at Future Champions Sports Complex.

As teams take the field throughout the weekend, visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the inspiring legacy behind the tournament. Special screenings of Safe at Home, the award-winning documentary that tells the story of Brad Wallin’s courage, character, and love of baseball, will be shown throughout the weekend at the Illinois Theater.

🎬 Showtimes (Saturday & Sunday):
• 9:00 a.m.
• 9:45 a.m.
• 10:30 a.m.
• 11:15 a.m.
• 12:00 p.m.

💲 Admission: $2

We wish all participating teams the best of luck and invite visitors and community members alike to take part in honoring Brad Wallin’s legacy both on and off the field.

While you’re in town, be sure to explore local dining, shopping, attractions, and upcoming events at JacksonvilleIL.org

🎹 Tomorrow Night in Downtown Jacksonville! 🎶Kick off your weekend with the first Downtown Concert of the season featurin...
05/28/2026

🎹 Tomorrow Night in Downtown Jacksonville! 🎶

Kick off your weekend with the first Downtown Concert of the season featuring Almost Elton John & The Rocketmen!

Bring your lawn chairs, grab dinner from your favorite downtown restaurant, and enjoy an evening of live music under the summer sky. From Elton John’s biggest hits to the energy of a live outdoor concert, it’s the perfect way to spend a Friday night with family and friends.

📅 Friday, May 29
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Downtown Jacksonville

See you on the Square! 🎵✨

For more details visit JacksonvilleIL.org 📲

Looking for a way to enjoy the beautiful weather this week? 🌤️Head to Lake Mauvaisterre and hit the water! Kayak rentals...
05/27/2026

Looking for a way to enjoy the beautiful weather this week? 🌤️

Head to Lake Mauvaisterre and hit the water! Kayak rentals are open and ready for your next adventure. Whether you’re exploring the shoreline, enjoying a quiet paddle, or simply spending time outdoors, the lake is a great place to make the most of these sunny days.

Who’s ready for a lake day? 🚣‍♂️☀️

For more details visit JacksonvilleIL.org 📲

05/26/2026

Get ready for the next feature from our newest class of Morgan County Marvel honorees! ☕✨

This week, we’re spotlighting Elm City Roastery, owned by Ben Smith. Through handcrafted small-batch coffee, a welcoming atmosphere, and a passion for community, Elm City Roastery has quickly become a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors alike.

In this video, Ben shares what inspired him to start Elm City Roastery, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how adapting and growing has helped shape the business into what it is today. 🤎

In observance of Memorial Day, the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will be closed Monday, May 25. We will...
05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will be closed Monday, May 25. We will reopen Tuesday, May 26.

As we pause for the holiday, we encourage our community to take time to honor and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸

The public is invited to attend the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 279 at 11:00 AM at the Korean War Memorial in Community Park. Colonel Shawn D. Strahle will serve as speaker for the ceremony

05/23/2026

Don’t miss the chance to experience Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad at the Jacksonville Area Museum.

Through photos, maps, videos, personal stories, and illustrations, this exhibit shares the stories of freedom seekers, conductors, and communities who were part of Illinois’ Underground Railroad history — with local Jacksonville stories featured to help connect this statewide exhibit to our own community.

Plan your visit while the exhibit is here!

📍 Jacksonville Area Museum
🗓 On display through August 1, 2026
🕙 Museum hours: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10 AM–4 PM; Sundays, 1–4 PM
🎟 Free admission; donations encouraged

Do you know where we are in Jacksonville? 👀Tucked beside The David Strawn Art Gallery, the Sculpture Garden is a quiet l...
05/22/2026

Do you know where we are in Jacksonville? 👀

Tucked beside The David Strawn Art Gallery, the Sculpture Garden is a quiet little spot to slow down, wander the brick sidewalk, and enjoy art outdoors.

While you’re there, step inside for “Students of the Strawn,” featuring recent artwork by children and adults enrolled in art classes at the gallery. The exhibit is on display through May 24, so there are just a couple of days left to stop by before it wraps up!

Gallery hours:
Sunday: 1–3 PM
Tuesday–Saturday: 4–6 PM

Admission is always free. 🎨

📍331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, IL

Address

310 East State Street
Jacksonville, IL
62650

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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