Grand Detour Arts Festival Celebrates 77 Years of Art, Music & Community!

The Grand Detour Art Festival is celebrating 77 years of bringing artists, families, music, food, history, and community together at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour.

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with festival organizers Lynn Roe and Becky Hage to talk about this year's event, the festival's incredible history, and what visitors can expect when they arrive.

From more than 50 artists showcasing original artwork to live music, local food vendors, historic tours, and blacksmith demonstrations, the free, rain-or-shine festival offers something for everyone.

The episode also highlights the festival's popular student art show, which gives young artists from kindergarten through age 18 the opportunity to display their work and compete for monetary awards. Organizers discuss why encouraging the next generation of artists has become such an important part of the festival's tradition.

Learn how the festival began in 1948, how it has evolved over the decades, and how volunteers, sponsors, artists, and the community continue to keep the tradition alive.

🎨 Grand Detour Art Festival
📍 John Deere Historic Site, Grand Detour
⏰ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
🌧️ Rain or shine
🎟️ Free admission
🖼️ 50+ artists
🎵 Live music
🍔 Local food vendors
🔥 Live blacksmith demonstrations
👩‍🎨 Student art show

Artists may still have a limited opportunity to participate through the festival's late online registration process.

Watch the full episode to learn why the Grand Detour Art Festival remains one of the region's most enduring celebrations of creativity and community.

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