ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Merchant Street MusicFest is a two-day music and arts festival at the historic downtown Train Depot, Harold and Jean Miner Festival Square, located at 199 South East Avenue in Kankakee, IL. MSMF 2023 will be held on July 28 and 29. The event is a community celebration featuring local, regional, and national musical talent on three stages, art vendors, and great food and drink. Kankakee is located 60 miles south of Chicago and is a multi-cultural blend. Its convenience to Chicago and Champaign makes it an ideal location, attracting folks of all ages and backgrounds.
Friday, July 28 5-11 pm
Saturday, July 29 2-11 pm
Gates open a half hour before the start of the Fest
ADMISSION AND ENTRY
The festival is $10/day admission at the gate. Children ages five and under are free. Three gates will be open around the festival grounds. Gates open at 4:30 pm on Friday and 1:30 on Saturday.
Presale tickets are available at the Kankakee Public Library and are $8/day or $15 for both festival days. Tickets will be sold until Thursday, July 27 at 7:00 pm. Click here for details.
ATM
There will be two ATMs available at the festival.
PARKING
Parking will be limited. MSMF encourages green transportation. Festivalgoers are encouraged to carpool, use public transportation, bike, skateboard, scooter, or walk to the grounds. Bike racks are available along Schuyler; bring your own lock.
SECURITY
We want you to be safe while enjoying the festival. The Merchant Street MusicFest Info Booth is located in front of the historic Train Depot. In case of overheating, first aid needs, or any other emergency, please immediately go to the Info Booth or seek out an MSMF staff member or police officer. There is a Mobile Safety Unit, provided by the Kankakee Police Department and an ambulance for the entirety of the festival. If you have any concerns whatsoever, please inform an MSMF staff member or police officer at the festival.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Alcoholic beverages will be served only to those with a government-issued ID. You must show your ID to a staff member at the ticket locations to receive your 21+ wristband.
WEATHER
The festival will take place regardless of weather conditions. In the case of lightning, bands will not perform until given an all clear. Festivalgoers are encouraged to take precautions to avoid overheating (i.e., wear light, loose-fitting clothes; drink plenty of water; seek shade when possible).
WHAT YOU CANNOT BRING
Coolers, alcoholic beverages (not purchased at festival), glass containers, unauthorized solicitations, or anything illegal.
LOCATION
199 South East Avenue, Kankakee, IL 60901
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DIRECTIONS
FROM THE NORTH:
Take I-57 South to Kankakee exit 312. Turn right onto East Court Street. Drive west towards South Schuyler Avenue. Turn left on South Schuyler Avenue. MSMF will be one block south on the right.
FROM THE EAST:
Take Illinois Route 17 West until it becomes East Court Street. Continue taking East Court Street to South Schuyler Avenue. Turn left on South Schuyler Avenue. MSMF will be one block south on the right.
FROM THE SOUTH:
Take I-57 North to Kankakee exit 308. Turn right onto South Schuyler Avenue (US 45/52) and continue on South Schuyler Avenue until reaching the downtown Kankakee area. MSMF will be on the left hand side of the street where Schuyler meets East Merchant Street.
FROM THE WEST:
Take Illinois Route 17 East until it becomes West Court Street. Continue taking West Court Street to South Schuyler Avenue. Turn right on South Schuyler Avenue. MSMF will be one block south on the right.
LODGING
Looking to stay in Kankakee for the weekend? Check out the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau for a complete list of Bed & Breakfasts, Campgrounds, and Hotels in the Kankakee area.