International Carillon Festival
2025-05-22 - 2025-05-25 | Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W Fayette Ave, Springfield, IL, 62704, United States
A Rare Musical Experience in the Heart of SpringfieldThere 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.
63rd Annual International Carillon FestivalNow in its 63rd year, this free outdoor music festival is truly one of Illinois’ hidden gems. Join us May 22-25, 2025 to celebrate 63 years of music, community, and one of Springfield’s most iconic traditions.
2025 Carillonist Lineup – Featuring Artists From Around the WorldEach evening, audiences can enjoy live performances by internationally acclaimed carillonists:

Jeremy Chesman – Springfield, MO
Toni Raats – The Netherlands
Kim Shafer – Chicago, IL
Wim van den Broeck – Belgium
Carlo van Ulft – Springfield, 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.
Festival Schedule – May 22–25, 2025📅 Thursday, May 22

6:00 PM – Springfield Municipal Band
6:30 PM & 7:20 PM – Carillon Concerts
Free Ice Cream & Kid Activities
Food Trucks: The Lumpia House, It’s All Good

📅 Friday, May 23

6:00 PM – Trombone Quartet (Mother Road Bones)
6:30 PM & 7:20 PM – Carillon Concerts
Fireworks Show
Food Trucks: Delicious Lee, The Lumpia House, Azteca, It’s All Good
Cotton Candy, Lawn Games

📅 Saturday, May 24

5:30 PM – Book Reading
6:00 PM – Live Music by 4Squared
6:30 PM & 7:20 PM – Carillon Concerts
Lincoln Library & Make Truck Activities (5–7 PM)
Food Trucks: It’s All Good, Azteca
Balloon Artist, Cotton Candy
Guest Carillonist Luncheon (Invite Only)

📅 Sunday, May 25

6:00 PM – Trinity Wind Ensemble
6:30 PM & 7:20 PM – Carillon Concerts
US Veterans Tribute
Food Trucks: The Lumpia House, It’s All Good
Kid Activities, Flag Tattoos, Cotton Candy

Admission is Free – Donations WelcomeThe 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.
Location & ParkingThomas 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!
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the sounds of the world—right from Washington Park. Celebrate the beauty of bell music and the cultural tradition that makes Springfield, IL a one-of-a-kind destination.

Art Spectacular
2025-09-13 - 2025-09-14
Art Spectacular at the Carillon
A juried Fine Art & Fine Craft Fair

Celebrate 20 Years of Art, Music & Community
Join Us for the 20th Anniversary of Central Illinois’ Premier Fine Art Festival! Art Spectacular at the Carillon is a top-ranked juried fine art show named one of the Best 200 Art Fairs in the U.S. by Sunshine Artist Magazine.
📅 September 13–14, 2025
📍 Washington Park, Springfield, IL (at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon)
🕰️ Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM | Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
🎟️ Free Admission | Family-Friendly | Rain or Shine
This year’s festival brings together 40+ exceptional artists from across the Midwest and beyond, showcasing original, museum-quality works in a wide variety of media, including:

Painting
Sculpture
Photography
Jewelry
Ceramics
Mixed Media
Wood & Glass Art

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual admirer, you’ll discover something special.

VIEW 2025 pROGRAMRaise a Glass at the NEW Wine Tent
This year, All About Wine brings the flavor to Art Spectacular! Visit our brand-new Wine Tent to purchase and enjoy a selection of wine and beer while you explore the show. Beverages must be enjoyed within the designated gated area—no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.
The perfect pairing for a day of art, music, and community!

More Than Just Art
Founded in 2006 by Rees Carillon Society Board Member, Barb Walker, Art Spectacular is a multi-experience festival of art and music that attracts approximately 5,000 art lovers, families, and collectors each year. This professionally juried fine art and craft show features collector and museum-quality works in a range of price points—from $50 to $7,500.
Art Spectacular is more than a fine art show—it’s a full weekend experience for all ages:
🎨 Live Artist Demonstrations – Watch talent in action
🎶 Live Music Performances – Relax and enjoy local musicians
👧 Kids’ Place & Kids Only Art Sale – Creative fun for young artists
🍔 Food Vendors – Delicious local eats and treats
🎁 Silent Auction & Gift Basket Raffle – Support the Carillon and win big

Event Details
Date: September 13-14, 2025
Time: Saturday, September 13th 10 AM–5 PM | Sunday, September 14th 10 AM–4 PM
Admission: Free!
Pets: For the safety of pets, people, and artwork, only licensed service animals are allowed
Event Contact: Connie Heskett, Chair
📧 spfldartspectacular@gmail.com | 📞 217-306-1838

Location & Parking
Washington Park, 1740 W Fayette Ave, Springfield, IL
The event takes place near the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon.
Free parking available throughout the park and surrounding streets. The area is ADA accessible with paved paths and restrooms nearby.

Welcome to our 2025 Artists!

Name
Medium
State

Ames Woodworking Art
Wood
IL

Art Glass Array
Glass
MO

Artistry Underfoot
Fiber Cloth
MO

ArtSilver/Madjar Designs
Jewelry
CO

Carved Decoys
Wood
IL

Claylickcreek Pottery
Clay/Ceramics
IL

Dragonfly Kiln Works
Jewelry
MO

Drenched in Peace
Fiber
MO

Earlusion
Jewelry
FL

ecoRidge
Fine Art- Digital
FL

Fabrikate
Fiber
IL

Fresh & Alive Fine Art
Painting
MN

Glitz and Glam
Fiber
IL

Hammel Horizons Photography
Photography
IL

Irresistible Designs
Jewelry
IL

Jenny McGee Art
Mixed Media
MO

Kathy Fields Jewelry
Jewelry
MO

Kimberly Renne
Jewelry
SC

Knarr Design
Fiber
NY

Larkfield Glass
Blown Glass
IL

Leaning Locust Woodcraft
Wood Scuplture
IN

Lou Zale
3D Mix Media
IL

Mudpuppy Moon Art Studio
Printmaking
IL

Natalia’s Knitting
Fiber
MO

Natures Handy Work
Jewelry
IL

Nelida Navarrine
2D Mixed Media
MO

Nilsson Jewelry
Jewelry
FL

Pat Kroth Fiber Art
Fiber
WI

Pat Rued Hand-Painted Fiber
Fiber-Wearable
IL

Penoir Contemporary Jewelry
Jewelry
MI

Piper Pottery
Ceramics-Clay
IL

SH Woodturning
Wood
IL

Steve Martin
Wood
IL

Studio 47 Designs
Jewelry
IN

Studio 47 Designs
Sculpture
IN

The Laughing Boy
Sculpture
IN

The Quirky Quiller
Paper Quilling
IL

Timeless Art of Cheryl Baker
Printmaking Digital
MI

Tony Rubba
Art Painting/WC
IL

Treasures From Turkey Run
Metal
IL

Come listen to the talented 2025 Musicians!
Every Hour on the Hour: Carlo van Ulft – Carillonist, Rees Memorial Carillon

Time
Saturday:
Sunday:

10:15

Sangamon Woodwind Consort

Trinity Wind Ensemble

11:15

Prairie Winds Flute Ensemble

Slidin’ By (Trombone Quartet)

12:15

Four Squared Multiple Woodwind Quartet

Bellacappella

1:15

Grenadilla Forest Clarinet Choir

Sangamon Brass

2:15

The Mother Road Bones (Trombone Quartet)

Old Times Tunes (String Trio)

3:15

TBA

Why Attend?

Unique, high-quality artwork you won’t find anywhere else
Perfect for families, art collectors, and weekend explorers
Supports the historic Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, the 5th largest carillon in the world

Support the Carillon: Donate to the Silent Auction or Raffle
Your donations help preserve and promote the Rees Carillon’s legacy. We welcome contributions of gift certificates, themed baskets, or unique items for our silent auction and raffle.
If you are interested in donating for the silent auction or raffle, please contact Betty at b_j_way@yahoo.com

Don’t Miss Springfield’s Premier Fine Art Festival
Make a weekend of it and celebrate 20 years of art, music, and community under the chimes of the iconic Rees Carillon.
Stay Updated
Follow us on Facebook for artist features, event updates, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks!

With our Thanks to These

Generous 2025 Sponsors:
*REES CARILLON SOCIETY*
*SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT*
*THE CARILLON BELLES*
*WASHINGTON PARK BOTANICAL GARDEN*
MEDIA SPONSOR

EVENT SPONSOR

GOLD
DAVID & LAURIE FARREL
CARILLONNEUR’S CLUB
Bunn
CEFCU
Troxell
United Community Bank
PRESIDENT’S CLUB
BJ Grand Salon
Heartland Credit Union
Warren-Boynton State Bank
SPONSOR
Lambert Custom Pools, Inc.
P.H. Broughton & Sons, Inc.
Premiere Audio Visual Inc.
Staab Funeral Homes
FRIEND
Ryan Electrical Solutions
FAMILY SPONSORS
BRANDT
Jennifer J. Cole
Linda Distlehorst
Linda Williams Hammer
Tom & June Harmon
Ann & Greg Husrst
Kathryn Ransom
Kathy Sees
Greg Sgro
Leslie Sgro
Don & Wanda Tracy
Barb Walker
Diana Widicus/Mike Davis
Sharon Zook
IN-KIND SPONSORS
TBA
SPONSORS & DONORS
Please contact Connie Heskett at 217-306-1838 or connieheskett@gmail.com.
MUSICIANS
Would you like to showcase your talent and donate an hour or two of your time for the benefit of Springfield’s historical musical treasure, the Rees Memorial Carillon?
Please contact Lucy Yockey at yockeylucy@gmail.com.
VOLUNTEERS
To be an awesome volunteer, please submit the Volunteer Application Form below; or please contact Connie Heskett at connie.heskett@gmail.com, (217) 306-1838.
50 Volunteers are needed in half-day or full-day shifts:

Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm -or- 8 am-Noon -or- 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am-5:30 pm -or- 8:00 am-1:00 pm -or- Noon-5:30 pm
Sunday 4 pm – 7 pm: 8:00 am-4:30 pm -or- 8:00 am-1:00 pm -or- Noon-4:30 pm -or- 4:00 pm-7:30 pm
Friday: Event set-up
Saturday and Sunday: staffing for the parking lot, gates, gift basket raffle, kids’ art sale, hospitality, refreshments on wheels, etc.
Sunday: 4 pm – 7 pm: Event break-down and pack-up.

Your name

Your email

Are you over the age of 16?

YesNo

Have you volunteered for Art Spectacular before?

YesNo

If you’d like to be assigned with someone, please provide their name and phone number

Preferred Shift(s):

Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pmFriday: 8:00 am – NoonFriday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pmSaturday: 8:00 am – 5:30 pmSaturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pmSaturday: Noon – 5:30 pmSunday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pmSunday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pmSunday: Noon – 4:30 pmSunday: 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

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2025 Artist Award Winners:
Best of Show – Chester Stogner – Wood
1st Place Fine Art – Courtney Farquharson – Printmaking
1st Place Fine Craft – Robert Nilsson – Jewelry
2nd Place Fine Art – Kent Epler – Sculpture
2nd Place Fine Craft – Tori Eisenberg – Jewelry
Best New Artist – Nela Navarrine- 2D Mixed Media
Favorite Artist – Matthew Pryer – Metal
We are grateful and appreciate our enthusiastic Volunteers who keep our artists and patrons happy and help make this a successful fundraiser for the Rees Memorial Carillon.

Carve For The Carillon
2025-10-11 11:00 - 2025-10-12 16:00 (America/Chicago)
🎃 Carve for the CarillonOctober 11th & October 12th 2025 from 11am CT to 4pm CT
Get into the fall spirit at Carve for the Carillon, a beloved Springfield tradition where creativity and community come together! Spend the afternoon surrounded by pumpkins, laughter, and the beautiful backdrop of the Thomas Rees Carillon in Washington Park as we prepare for the upcoming Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular!
🎃 Note: Pumpkins are first come, first served each day. Once they’re gone, they’re gone—so carve out time early to snag yours!
Fall Family Fun Starts HereCarve for the Carillon is a free, family-friendly event where the community comes together to carve pumpkins that will be displayed during the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular the following weekend.
Whether you’re a master pumpkin artist or a first-time carver, this event is for you. Everyone’s invited—families, artists, scout troops, classrooms, friend groups, or anyone with pumpkin spirit!
Bring your favorite carving tools—we’ll provide the pumpkins (available while supplies last).
Volunteer & Get a Free Ticket!Volunteers make this event possible by assisting with set-up and preparing pumpkins for the community to carve.
There are three available shifts:

All Day Shift: 9:00am-4:00pm
Morning Shift: 9:00am-12:00pm
Afternoon Shift: 12:00pm-4:00pm

Sign up to volunteer at Carve for the Carillon and receive 1 free ticket to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the end of your shift!
Ready to sign up?
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEERThe Scoop on Carve for the Carillon
Dates: Saturday, October 11 & Sunday, October 12, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day
Location: Near the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Washington Park, Springfield, IL
Cost: Free admission & free pumpkins to carve
Pumpkins: First come, first served each day—don’t be late!
Donations: Always appreciated to keep this community tradition alive

Pumpkin Today, Spectacular Tomorrow!After you carve your pumpkin, come back the next weekend to see it shine in the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular! From spooky faces to creative masterpieces, the pumpkins you help make will transform the park into a one-of-a-kind glowing gallery of jack-o-lanterns. New this year, there’s also Scarecrow Row—an added trail of whimsical scarecrows created by local groups!
Don’t miss the chance to come back and see your creation glowing bright!
Learn More About Jack-O-Lantern SpectacularPumpkin Pro Tips: Plan Your CarveTo make your carving time fun and stress-free, a little preparation goes a long way! While a limited number of carving supplies will be available, we encourage you to bring your own. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your carve:

Carving Tools: Bring pumpkin saws, scoopers, or your favorite carving kit to make cutting and detailing easier.
Marking Supplies: Use pencils, markers, or stencils to sketch your design before you carve.
Comfort Items: Pack picnic blankets to sit on or bring a foldable table for extra carving space.
Clean-Up Helpers: Wet wipes, paper towels, and garbage bags make it easy to clean as you go (please toss trash into the provided cans).
Design Tips: Remember—your pumpkin will be lit from the inside during the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular! Bold, simple shapes and larger cut-outs will glow best in the dark. Add a few small details for character, but think about how your design will shine at night.

With these little extras, you’ll carve like a pro, stay comfortable, and create a pumpkin that glows beautifully in Springfield’s most magical fall display!
For more information or to become an event sponsor or a prep-work volunteer: please contact jols.pumpkins@gmail.com

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
2025-10-17 18:30 - 2025-10-18 21:30
🎃 Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular 2025
Springfield’s Favorite Fall Tradition at Washington Park Carillon
Join us for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, where hundreds of glowing pumpkins light up the night in Springfield’s beautiful Washington Park.
Many of the pumpkins showcased come straight from our Carve for the Carillon community event!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT CARVE FOR THE CARILLONThis beloved fall event blends artistry, community spirit, and a little Halloween magic for a weekend you won’t want to miss!

📅 Event Details
🎃 When: Friday, October 17 – Saturday, October 18, 2025
📍 Where: Washington Park, Springfield, IL – at the iconic Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
💲 Tickets

At the Gate: Adults: $10 Kids (ages 4–11): $7 Kids 3 & under: Free (Credit cards accepted at the gate!)
Advance Tickets: Adults: $7 Kids (ages 4–11): $5 Kids 3 & under: Free (Advance sales are cash or check only) 🎟️ Purchase tickets from Potter Drug or Keller Williams Capital in Springfield. Advance sales are cash or check only

🚌 Parking & Shuttle
Skip the parking stress! Take advantage of free remote parking and shuttle buses at the former Ashley HomeStore Outlet (Wabash & Chatham Rd) both Friday and Saturday nights.

What To Expect

Hundreds of Hand-Carved Pumpkins: From spooky faces to creative works of art, each glowing pumpkin has its own personality.
Magical Carillon Backdrop: Experience the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon tower surrounded by the warm glow of fall.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Perfect for kids, parents, and grandparents alike.

👻 New for 2025: Scarecrow Row
This year, the trail just got more exciting! Take a stroll down Scarecrow Row, where local businesses, schools, and community groups have created quirky, creepy, and colorful scarecrows to keep you company along the path.
Local businesses, organizations, schools, and community groups are invited to design and display a scarecrow along the event pathway. Each scarecrow will showcase creativity, community spirit, and seasonal flair, adding even more festive fun to the experience.
💰 Prizes: $100 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd, and $25 for 3rd
How It Works

Enter the Contest: Groups and individuals can register to create a scarecrow.
Set Up: Scarecrows will be displayed along the event route throughout the duration of the Spectacular.
Judging & Prizes: Visitors will scan a QR code to vote for their favorites throughout Friday & Saturday.

👉 Are you a business or local group ready to take on the challenge?
Download the Scarecrow Row application to enter.Click here for Scarecrow Row Application 2025
🎃 Pumpkin Give-Away – Sunday, October 19th
The magic doesn’t end when the lights go out! On the Sunday after the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, you’re invited back to Washington Park for our Pumpkin Give-Away.
How It Works

For a small donation, you can gather pumpkins from the event to take home.
Pick your perfect pumpkin—or maybe even snag your favorite from the show!
Straw bales will also be available for just $5 each (perfect for fall decorating).

It’s a fun way to keep the spirit of the season alive at home, while supporting the Rees Memorial Carillon!

History & Sponsorship
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular has become one of Springfield’s favorite fall traditions, but do you know how it started?
Our Story
The event was founded by former Rees Carillon Society Board Member Brenda Poston, inspired by the world-famous Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Providence, Rhode Island. Unlike Providence’s artist-only display, Springfield’s twist is all about community participation. Held the second weekend in October, Carve for the Carillon invites everyone to roll up their sleeves and create their own glowing masterpiece.
The following weekend, more than 2,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns light up the Carillon and Washington Park Botanical Garden.
What Makes This Event Unique?

Live Carillon music, special lighting, and spooky sound effects
The one-of-a-kind Tree of Lights
Food vendors and festive fall fun for all ages
A truly participatory and family-focused experience

🤝 Sponsorship & Support
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is made possible by the generous support of corporate sponsors, admissions, and volunteers. Attendance ranges from 5,000 to 8,000 people each year, making it a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business while supporting a beloved community event.
📧 Interested in becoming an event sponsor or joining our volunteer prep team?
Contact us at jols.pumpkins@gmail.com for details.

Caroling At The Carillon
2025-12-14 15:00 - 17:00
Event Update: Cancellation Due to Extreme Temperatures
After closely monitoring the forecast, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this week’s event due to the extremely low temperatures expected. While snowfall may end up being minimal, the bitter cold creates safety concerns for our attendees, performers, and volunteers.
Your safety and comfort are always our top priorities, and this decision was made with great care.
We appreciate your understanding and support, and we look forward to welcoming you at future events when conditions are safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
🎄About Caroling at the Carillon
Springfield’s Most Festive Holiday Sing‑Along in Washington Park sponsored by Hickory Point Bank
Bundle up, bring your singing voice, and celebrate the season with a community carol-along beneath one of the world’s largest musical instruments. “Caroling at the Carillon” is an annual Springfield tradition featuring festive carols, beautiful holiday lighting around the tower, and the magical sound of 67 bells ringing across Washington Park.

📅 Event Details
❄️ Date: Typically the 2nd Sunday in December
✨ Festivities: 3:00–5:00 PM
🎵 Community Caroling: 4:00–4:50 PM
📍 Location: Washington Park – 1740 W. Fayette Ave, Springfield, IL
🎁 Admission: FREE & Family‑Friendly
What to Expect

Holiday sing-along led by the Carillon with familiar favorites.
Festive activities with crafts, Santa and various other entertainment & treats throughout the event.
Plenty of space to spread out on the lawn — feel free to bring blankets and camp chairs.
Photo-worthy moments with the Carillon as your backdrop.

Tip: Dress warmly and bring a flashlight or phone light to help you see your song sheet after dusk.

About the Event
The “Caroling at the Carillon” tradition began in 1982 as a way to bring the Springfield community together through music and light. 🎵
What started as a small gathering of singers has grown into one of the city’s most cherished holiday events — where generations come together each December to celebrate joy, unity, and the spirit of giving.
The event is hosted at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, a Springfield landmark since 1962. The Carillon’s 67 bronze bells have become a signature sound of the city — marking weddings, celebrations, and seasonal events year-round.
Over the years, Caroling at the Carillon has continued to grow — blending timeless holiday traditions with new memories each season. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this event captures the true magic of Springfield’s community spirit.
