For Release
2025 Mattoon Bagelfest Schedule
MATTOON, ILLINOIS (APRIL 8): Join us in celebrating 40 years of Bagelfest in Mattoon, Illinois! This annual festival features a variety of exciting activities, including a parade, carnival rides, concerts, and an opportunity to experience the vibrant community spirit. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the fun and festivities that Bagelfest has to offer!
Bagelfest has been a beloved tradition in Mattoon since its inception in 1986, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Lenders Bagels, a popular brand that has been produced in the area since the 1980s. Lenders Bagels quickly became a household favorite across America, known for their delicious taste. Today, Bagelfest attracts visitors from near and far who come to enjoy the festivities, with one of the highlights being the World’s Biggest Bagel Breakfast. For bagel enthusiasts, there’s no better place to be than Mattoon, the home of Lenders Bagels and Bagelfest.
At Bagelfest, festival-goers can partake in a wide range of activities, including delicious food, vendors, family fun, carnival games, bingo, and live music! This year’s concert lineup promises to be one of the best in the festival’s history!
On Thursday, July 17th, the main stage will be headlined by Christian contemporary pop musician Megan Woods. This event is free to the public.
Headlining the main stage on Friday, July 18th, is the iconic ‘90s alt-rock band Everclear, best known for hits like “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine.” Opening for Everclear is Champaign-based party band X-Krush!
On Saturday, July 19th, the main stage will feature multi-platinum-selling country music superstar Josh Turner. Turner has long been one of country music’s most recognizable voices, selling over 8.5 million units and amassing more than 2.5 billion global streams. Opening the show are Jake and Mikayla, a married duo from Central Illinois, known for their high-energy performances that incorporate elements of Outlaw, Rockabilly, Gospel, Bluegrass, and more.
Advance tickets for the concerts on Friday and Saturday nights will be available online starting at 8 AM this Friday (April 11). VIP, Reserved Seating, and Lawn tickets will be available for both nights. Tickets and a complete list of festival activities can be found at www.exploremattoon.org.
2025 Daily Schedule – Mattoon Bagelfest
Saturday, July 12, 2025:
Miss Bagelfest Pageants at The Fields Church (12PM – Little Miss / 2PM – Pre Teen, Jr. Miss & Miss)
Wednesday, July 16, 2025:
Carnival Opens at Peterson Park (Armband Night – 6PM until 10PM)
The Bow Wow in the bandshell (5:30PM – 7:30PM)
Thursday, July 17, 2025:
Vendors Open at Peterson Park (5PM)
BINGO at DeMars Building (6PM – 9PM)
Carnival Opens at Peterson Park (Armband Night / 6PM – 10PM)
Family Friendly Fun with face painting and games at Peterson Park Ballfield (Prior to concert)
Christian Concert at Peterson Park – FREE (Donations Accepted) – Megan Woods (8PM)
Friday, July 18, 2025:
Carnival Opens at Peterson Park (Armband Day / 1PM – 5PM and 5PM – 10PM)
Vendors Open at Peterson Park (1PM)
BINGO at DeMars Building (6PM – 9PM)
Rock Concert at Peterson Park – Everclear with X-Krush (Gates 6PM – Show 7:30PM)
Saturday, July 19, 2025:
Run for the Bagel 5K Hosted by Mattoon YMCA (6:30AM)
World’s Biggest Bagel Breakfast (7:30AM – 9:30AM)
Sweet & Salty Quartet in the bandshell (8AM – 9AM)
Bagelfest Parade – 21st & Western Avenue (10:30AM)
Carnival Opens at Peterson Park (Armband Day – 12PM until 5PM and 5PM until 10PM)
Vendors Open at Peterson Park (11AM)
BINGO at DeMars Building (1PM – 5PM)
Battle for the Bagel Powerlift Contest in the bandshell (5PM)
Country Concert at Peterson Park – Josh Turner with Jake & Mikayla (Gates 6PM – Show 7:30PM)
