87th Annual Nauvoo Grape Festival
The place to be as we celebrate in Nauvoo!
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Friday, August 29th, 2025 Event Schedule  
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Quilt Show in the City Center. Hosted by the Nauvoo Quilt Emporium. Displaying quilts and a raffle ticket for a chance to win a stunning quilt donated by the Nauvoo Emporium Quilt Shop.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Nauvoo Historical Society Rheinberger Museum offers tours of the arched wine cellar. Originals and reprints of former Grape Festival programs will be available.

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Food Vendors Open
The carnival is serving up all your favorite fair treats, plus additional vendors selling fried and BBQ goodies!

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Carnival Opens – Gotcha Games Amusements - Rides for kids of ALL AGES
Arm Band Night – $30 

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Dunk Tank Fundraiser
Hosted by Nauvoo Jr. High FFA. $1.00 per ball or 6 balls for $5.00.

6:00 p.m. – Entertainment Tent Opens
Must be 21 or older to enter. $5 cover charge.
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8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. – Live Music by Jive Radio 
​A local band from the tri-state area playing your favorite rock, pop, and groovy hits.


Saturday, August 30th, 2025 Event Schedule 
7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast
At the Shelter House, Nauvoo State Park. Sponsored by Nauvoo Troop and Pack 56 Boy Scouts. Donations welcome!

7:00 a.m. – Grape Stomp 5K Run/Walk Registration Begins
Register online or in person on race day.

7:30 a.m. – Co-Ed Sand Volleyball Registration Begins
Forms available online or in person the day of the tournament.

8:00 a.m. – Grape Stomp 5K Run/Walk & Co-Ed Sand Volleyball Begins

9:00 a.m. – Arts & Craft Show and Flea Market Open
Includes a 28-ft. teepee (tipi) displayed by the Standing Bear Council, who will provide educational info on housing and artifacts.

11:00 a.m. – Bags Tournament Registration
By River City Baggers. $40 per team.

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Quilt Show in the City Center.  Hosted by the Nauvoo Quilt Emporium. Displaying quilts and a raffle ticket for a chance to win a stunning quilt donated by the Nauvoo Emporium Quilt Shop.

12:00 p.m. – Bags Tournament Begins (Located in the Entertainment Tent)

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Entertainment Tent Open
Must be 21 or older. Canned beer available for $3 from 12:00–4:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Nauvoo Historical Society Rheinberger Museum Tours

1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Carnival & Food Vendors Open
Enjoy loaded French fries, onion rings, corn dogs, funnel cakes, lemonade shake ups and more!

2:00 p.m. – Pet Parade
Starts at Uncle John's Station (corner of Robinson & Hwy 96), travels through the Uptown Nauvoo Business District, and ends at Nauvoo City Park.
Theme: Circus
Games hosted by WCAZ to follow in the park.
Pet Parade King: Dawson Hardy, son of Colton and Stephani Hardy
Pet Parade Queen: Layken Rea, daughter of Brian and Cassie Rea

5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – 48th Annual Festival on Wheels – Night Car Display
At Outlaw Tee’s, 85 N. Iowa Street, Nauvoo, IL.

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Dunk Tank Fundraiser
Nauvoo Jr. High FFA. $1 per ball or 6 for $5.

6:00 p.m. – Entertainment Tent Opens
$5.00 cover charge. Must be 21 or older.
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8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. – Live Music in the entertainment tent by BIG GUNS 
Authentic 80's cover band! Join us for a high-energy night of iconic tunes, big hair, and bigger anthems.

Sunday, August 31st, 2025 - Event Schedule 
7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast
At the Shelter House, Nauvoo State Park. Sponsored by Saint Peter & Paul School. Donations welcome!


8:00 a.m. – Registration Begins for 48th Annual Festival on Wheels – Custom Car Show

9:00 a.m. – Arts & Craft Show and Flea Market Open
Includes the 28-ft. tipi and educational presentations by the Standing Bear Council.


9:00 a.m. – Church Service (Entertainment Tent)
Worship music by Living Water, a local worship band. Sponsored by Golden’s Point Church.


11:00 a.m. – 48th Annual Festival on Wheels Custom Car Show Opens
Featuring several hundred entries — one of the largest open car shows in the tri-state area!


11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Parade Check-in at the Fire Station

12:00 p.m. – Entertainment Tent Opens
Must be 21 or older. Canned beer is $3 from 1:00–4:00 p.m.


1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Live Music in the Entertainment Tent by Stealin’ Copper
Duo from the tri-state area playing classic rock and country favorites.


1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Nauvoo Historical Society Rheinberger Museum Tours

1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Carnival Opens – Gotcha Games Amusements
Featuring Maid Rites, ribeyes, classic carnival fare, iced coffee, lotus energy, and more!


2:00 p.m. – Nauvoo Grape Festival Feature Parade
Begins at the Fire Station and ends on Parley Street in Nauvoo State Park.
Theme: Circus
Pet Parade King and Queen: Dawson Hardy & Layken Rea
Grand Marshal: Pat Long
Scholarship Recipients: Bryon Diprima and Isabella Brown


3:00 p.m. – Custom Automotive Art Auction (Car Show Grounds)

4:00 p.m. – 48th Annual Festival on Wheels Car Show Awards

6:00 p.m. – Entertainment Tent Opens
$5.00 cover charge. Must be 21 or older.
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8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. – Live Music in the Entertainment Tent by The Boys
Playing a fun mix of rock and country hits!

The Nauvoo Grape Festival Association reserves the right to cancel or change any activity.


The majority of the Nauvoo Grape Festival events are located in the 
Nauvoo State Park, shown above.
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