Gin Blossoms, Fireworks & Family Fun at the 2026 Petunia Festival

Gin Blossoms, Fireworks & Family Fun at the 2026 Petunia Festival

Season 3, Episode 114


Join host Emma Watts on this episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Rob Bates and Leah Nelson from the Dixon Petunia Festival to discuss everything happening during the 62nd annual celebration.

Learn about the history of one of the Sauk Valley’s biggest summer traditions, the return of the carnival, parade, live entertainment, fireworks, family activities, and the community support that keeps the festival going year after year.

The guests also discuss newer additions to the festival, including the popular dog parade, sensory-friendly carnival hours, volunteer opportunities, and this year’s connection to America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Plus, hear about this year’s entertainment lineup featuring Gin Blossoms, Grand Barham, Two Hyped Crew, and more.

For festival schedules, volunteer opportunities, and additional information, visit:
https://petuniafestival.org


👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.


🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online


🎤 Highlights:


0:00 Intro

00:34 What is the Petunia Festival?

00:59 Celebrating the 62nd Annual Festival

01:36 Family fun, entertainment, and community traditions

01:59 What's new for 2026?

02:07 America's 250th Birthday celebrations in Dixon

02:25 The Dog Parade returns

02:51 Sports tournaments and new festival activities

03:18 Quiet Hours at the Carnival for sensory-sensitive children

03:47 Where to find festival information online

04:04 Festival schedule breakdown: Wednesday through Sunday

04:37 Parade, entertainment, and fireworks highlights

04:55 America-themed fireworks show with synchronized music

05:11 Best places to watch the fireworks

06:18 New pedestrian bridge viewing opportunities

06:51 Official festival dates and community events

08:00 How to volunteer at the Petunia Festival

09:03 2026 Concert Lineup Announcement

09:08 Louder Now kicks off Thursday night

09:21 Gin Blossoms headline Friday night

09:27 Country Night featuring Graham Barham

09:34 Two Hype Crew before the fireworks finale

09:56 The community effort behind the festival

10:19 Sponsors, volunteers, and local partnerships

10:50 What makes the Petunia Festival special

11:12 Final thoughts and invitation to attend

11:22 Closing remarks


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#PetuniaFestival #DixonIllinois #AlongTheRock #GinBlossoms #GrahamBarham #FireworksShow #SummerFestival #IllinoisEvents #FamilyFun #VisitDixon #FourthOfJuly #LiveMusic #Carnival #DogParade #CommunityEvents #SaukValley #RadarFreePress #FestivalSeason #America250 #ThingsToDoIllinois

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