Taste of Mercer County

Mercer County, Illinois is a place of events and outdoor recreation! From New Boston to New Windsor, locals and visitors plan to attend many of the local events and festivals. One great example is our events focusing on things to eat!


Aledo Rhubarb Festival

Photo: Aledo Rhubarb Fest

This Aledo Rhubarb Festival is set to take place on June 7-8, 2024. The festival is well known for the homemade Rhubarb Pies, Rhubarb Sampling, live entertainment, and more that takes place during. The former Governor, Pat Quinn, officially named Aledo the Rhubarb Capital of Illinois, highlighting the significance of this festival in celebrating the town's rhubarb heritage. The festival was founded by Darlene Johnson in 1990 as a way to draw people to the area and promote local businesses. Visitors from near and far come to experience and taste all the creations at the festival.

The Aledo Rhubarb Festival Committee and Aledo Main Street work hard to make this event a memorable experience that keeps you coming back.


New Boston Fish and Chicken Fry

The New Boston Fish & Chicken Fry is a weekend full of excitement and enjoyment for people of all ages. Through parades, activities, and their well-known fish and chicken fry, this event continues to honor its roots while embracing the vibrancy of the present day. In August of 1921, the New Boston Fish Fry was held to honor the hard work of flood workers and town merchants, with the farmers of Bay Island and community members coming together for the occasion. Since then, the tradition has continued and the community gathers for a weekend-long celebration. From the parade to live entertainment, you are sure to keep coming back.

This annual event has grown to become the largest event in the City of New Boston, Illinois.

August 23rd - 25th 2024


Our county has many annual events to come and experience! You can find these on our event calendar and our Visitor’s Guide.

Event Calendar

Experience Mercer County Visitor’s Guide

When you’re out and about, be sure to #visitmerco and tag the festivals in your posts!

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Strike a Pose in Mercer County, Illinois

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Events in Historic Downtown Aledo