Make a Weekend of the Arcola Broomcorn Festival
By Cassie Yoder, Director of Marketing & Development, Green Mill Village
Every year, Arcola welcomes visitors from near and far for one of the community’s biggest traditions: the Arcola Broomcorn Festival. This year marks the 55th annual festival, happening September 11–13, 2026, with three days of food, entertainment, shopping, family activities and plenty of the traditions that make Arcola unlike anywhere else.
Whether you grew up here, make the trip every year or have never experienced Broomcorn before, this is a weekend worth putting on the calendar.
A Festival Built Around Arcola Tradition
Arcola earned its place in history as the “Broomcorn Capital of the World,” and the annual Broomcorn Festival continues to celebrate that heritage while bringing thousands of people together in historic downtown Arcola. Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore street and food vendors, watch traditional broom-making, enjoy live entertainment and experience some of the festival’s most recognizable traditions. The Broom Tent remains a favorite place to see handcrafted brooms and watch artisans keep the community’s broom-making history alive.
Friday kicks things off with the National Broom Sweeping Contest, followed by an All Arcola High School Reunion at the Beer Tent at 5 p.m. and live music later that evening. It is a fun way for both longtime residents and returning alumni to start the weekend together.
Saturday Is the Big One
Saturday starts early with the annual Broomcorn Festival 5K and 10K races at Moore Park, followed by another full day of vendors, activities and entertainment. Then at 3 p.m., downtown fills for the HUGE Broomcorn Parade. The parade has become one of the signature moments of the entire weekend and features plenty of hometown personality, including Arcola’s own World Famous Lawn Rangers. If you have never watched a group of precision lawn mower drill team members make their way through downtown Arcola, this may be the year to change that.Saturday evening keeps things going with live entertainment around downtown, including Cherry Bomb in the Beer Tent at 8 p.m.
Keep the Weekend Going on Sunday
There is still plenty happening on Sunday. The festival opens again at 9 a.m., followed by the Kiddie Tractor Pull, Little Sweepers Xtreme Fun Zone, food and vendors, and another afternoon of live music. The 2026 entertainment lineup includes The American Ride, a Toby Keith tribute, performing on the Oak Street Stage at 2 p.m. before the festival wraps up at 5 p.m. With activities spread across all three days, Broomcorn is one of those events that is difficult to squeeze into just a few hours.
Turn Broomcorn Into a Weekend in Arcola
If you are coming from out of town—or coming home to Arcola for the reunion—make a weekend of it.
Green Mill Village Hotel & Suites, BW Signature Collection gives visitors a comfortable place to stay right here in Arcola, so you can enjoy the festival without having to make the drive home at the end of a full day downtown. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and a variety of guest rooms and suites, making it an easy option for couples, families and groups visiting for the weekend.
Staying overnight also gives you more time to explore beyond the festival. Arcola sits in the heart of Illinois Amish Country, making Broomcorn weekend a great opportunity to shop, explore the surrounding area and enjoy a little more of what makes this part of Central Illinois special.
We’ll See You at Broomcorn!
For 55 years, the Arcola Broomcorn Festival has brought people together to celebrate the traditions, people and personality of our community. From broom-making and the National Broom Sweeping Contest to the parade, Lawn Rangers, live music, local food and familiar faces, there is a little something for everyone.
The 55th Annual Arcola Broomcorn Festival takes place September 11–13, 2026, and if you are traveling to Arcola for the celebration, Green Mill Village is ready to help make a full weekend out of your visit.
