There are fewer than 200 carillons in North America—and only a handful that host a festival of this caliber. The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, located in Washington Park, is one of the largest and finest instruments of its kind in the world, featuring 67 cast bronze bells housed in a majestic 132-foot tower.

The International Carillon Festival brings together some of the most accomplished carillonists from across the globe for four days of spectacular performances. This family-friendly event offers a once-a-year chance to hear the powerful sound of the carillon in a scenic outdoor setting, alongside concerts, food trucks, family fun, and community celebration.

Now in its 64TH year, this free outdoor music festival is truly one of Illinois’ hidden gems.  Join us May 21-24, 2026 to celebrate 64 years of music, community, and one of Springfield’s most iconic traditions.

Each evening, audiences can enjoy live performances by internationally acclaimed carillonists:

• Jesse Ratcliffe – WV
• Carson Landry – NY
• Elien Van den Broeck – Belgium
• Carlo van Ulft – IL

Concerts are approximately 45 minutes in length. Monitors will be positioned around the tower so audiences can view the playing keyboard and see each carillonist in action—an incredible look at the artistry behind these powerful bell performances.

Thursday, May 21

• 6:00 PM – Springfield Municipal Band
• 6:30 PM – Elien Van den Broeck, Belgium
• 7:20 PM – Carlo van Ulft, IL

Friday, May 22

• 6:00 PM – FourSquared Wind Ensemble
• 6:30 PM – Jesse Ratcliffe, WV
• 7:20 PM – Carson Landry, NY
• 8:40 PM Pre-Fireworks Music, Carlo van Ulft
• Dusk: Fireworks with additional noise on the carillon by Carillon Duo “The Bell Buddies” (Elien Van den Broeck and Carlo van Ulft)

Saturday, May 23

• 6:00 PM –The Mother road Bones
• 6:30 PM – Carson Landry, NY
• 7:20 PM – Jesse Ratcliffe, WV

Sunday, May 25

• 6:00 PM – The Trinity Wind Ensemble
• 6:30 PM – Elien Van den Broeck, Belgium
• 7:20 PM – Carlo van Ulft, IL

The International Carillon Festival is completely free to attend and open to the public made possible by the Springfield Park District, The Rees Carillon Society, and The Carillon Belles. Donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain and preserve this extraordinary instrument and the annual event surrounding it.

Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
Washington Park – 1740 W Fayette Ave, Springfield, IL 62704  |  Free park parking

Bring a blanket, lawn chair, or picnic basket and enjoy an unforgettable evening of outdoor music and community!