July 23, 2026
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Streator Fest returns with headliners Jo Dee Messina, Skillet and Brett Michales

Fan-favorite fest to feature large carnival, spectacular fireworks

By Ryan Searl
Tyler Connolly, lead singer of Theory of a Deadman performs as the headliner for Streator Fest on August 2, 2025, in Streator.

Tyler Connolly, lead singer of Theory of a Deadman performs as the headliner for Streator Fest on August 2, 2025, in Streator. (Kyle Russell)

Streator Fest, one of the largest and most anticipated festivals in North Central Illinois, returns Aug. 6 to 9 at Northpoint Plaza in Streator. This multi-day celebration features national music headliners, one of the biggest fireworks shows in downstate Illinois, a vibrant beer garden and a wide variety of food vendors.

Streator Fest continues to raise the bar with its stellar music lineup spanning all four nights of the festival, showcasing well-known rock, country and regional tribute acts. Pre-sale tickets are available at a discount for either individual days or for a three-day package. All Sunday concerts are free to attend.

Haleigh Angelico cheers during the opening concert from atop of the shoulders of Kyle Kutz at Streator Fest on August 1, 2025.

Haleigh Angelico cheers during the opening concert from atop of the shoulders of Kyle Kutz at Streator Fest on August 1, 2025. (Kyle Russell)

The festival begins on Aug. 6, and features chart-topping country artist Jo Dee Messina as the night’s headliner. The festivities will kick off with an Opening Ceremony at 6:45 p.m. The evenings concerts will start with a sets by up-and-coming country stars Tyson Schulte (7 to 7:40 p.m.) and Cole Goodwin (8 to 9 p.m.).

Headliner Jo Dee Messina (9:30 to 11 p.m.) is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog of hits – including nine No. 1 and 16 Top 40 songs. She has been honored by the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard and GRAMMY Awards. Considered to be one of finest performers of the ′90s country resurgence, Jo Dee’s digital streams and YouTube views number in the billions.

On Aug. 7, main stage performances begin at 7 p.m. Performers will include Emperors & Angels (7 to 8 p.m.) and Tim Montana (8:30 to 9:30 p.m.). Tim Montana is known for his breakout hard rock-country singles “The Devil You Know” and “Savage,” alongside collaborations with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons. Friday also will feature headliners Skillet (10 to 11:30 p.m.). After almost three decades, 12 albums and a global following – Christian rock band Skillet has debuted their first independent release, ushering in a bold new chapter for the band. Blending arena-shaking anthems with nostalgic throwbacks to their early sound, this album tour channels renewed creative freedom for the twice Grammy-nominated band.

10 Years guitarist Brian Vodinh performs at Streator Fest on August 2, 2025, in Streator.

10 Years guitarist Brian Vodinh performs at Streator Fest on August 2, 2025, in Streator. (Kyle Russell)

On Aug. 8, the fun will kick off with Drew Cagle & The Reputation (7 to 8 p.m.), followed by The Metal Pedal Band (8:30 to 9:30 p.m.) – the reckoned backing band who will play a special set before they’re joined by Michaels. The night’s featured headliner is Brett Michaels (10 to 11:20 p.m.) – one of music’s most iconic singer/songwriters, known for hit singles like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Go That Far” and “Nothin’ But A Good Time.” His record-breaking TV appearances include “Rock of Love with Bret Michaels,” Travel Channel’s “Bret Michaels Rock My RV” and the Fox hit show “The Masked Singer.”

Saturday also will include a special pre-party concert on a second stage with with popular tribute act 80’s Bush (4 to 6 p.m.).

On Aug. 9, the lineup starts with high energy sets by Brigada Norteña (1:30 to 3 p.m.) and Banda Arpereña (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.) – two popular regional Mexican acts providing crowd-pleasing dance music. The night’s final acts are followed by Icons of Country (6:20 to 7:20 p.m.), a wide-ranging country tribute band and Made In America (7:20 to 9:20 p.m.). The festival wraps with one of downstate Illinois’ largest fireworks displays (9:30 to 10 p.m.).

Alongside the music, Fantasy Amusement brings new rides and attractions for all ages, offering one of the largest traveling carnivals in the state. Carnival mega passes are available for pre-purchase online.

Horse number sixteen on the merry go round was turned backwards with a memorial set up for Candace "Kay" Flanigan during Streator Fest on August 2, 2025, in Streator.

Horse number sixteen on the merry go round was turned backwards with a memorial set up for Candace "Kay" Flanigan during Streator Fest on August 2, 2025, in Streator. (Kyle Russell)

The festival grounds also will host an array of craft and food vendors daily, with a bustling beer tent serving up cold beverages all weekend long. VIP Party Pit passes are available for select nights, offering premium access closest to the stage. To help manage the crowds, a complimentary shuttle bus service will run from off-site parking locations.

A few things to know before you go: Admission to the festival grounds remains free (concerts and carnival are ticketed activities). Small purses and diaper bags are allowed but subject to search. Lawn chairs are welcome in select portions of the general admission area. Wheelchairs are permitted throughout the grounds, including the VIP section. For safety, pets, outside food or beverages, bicycles, scooters and weapons of any kind are not permitted. Alcohol sales require valid ID and wristbands are mandatory to buy.

For full festival details, artist announcements, and tickets, visit StreatorFest.com or follow Streator Fest on Facebook.