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Discover the rich history and culture of LaSalle County today!
What is Burgoo?
Burgoo is a traditional pioneer dish, a kind of stew that gives the festival its name. For the LCHS Burgoo the ingredients are beef, carrots, potatoes, hominy, celery, tomatoes, cabbage, onions, peppers, and other vegetables carefully blended with special spices and herbs. It is cooked outdoors Saturday night for between 12 and 18 hours over a wood-burning fire that gives it a special taste. Squads of volunteer vegetable choppers and kettle stirrers spend the night preparing this pioneer dish. The Burgoo Stew is always ready to serve at 9am Sunday morning!
Burgoo Festival
Established in 1969, the Burgoo Festival is one of the longest-running, and largest, fall festivals in northern Illinois. The Burgoo Festival is best described as an annual village street party featuring antiques sellers, craftsmen, musicians, and food vendors. More than 350 vendors will present their wares at this annual event. Sponsored by the non-profit LaSalle County Historical Society, it is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year!
2025 Burgoo Details
October 11-12, 2025
Join the LaSalle County Historical Society for our 55th Annual Burgoo Festival!! The fun starts on Saturday, when over 375 vendors will set up in and around our Canal Market Building (210 Clark Street) from 11-6pm. Stick around to see how our famous Burgoo Stew is created when we kick off cooking at 9pm. The stew will then cook throughout the night until it is ready to be served at 9am on Sunday.
Sunday is the big day when over 400 vendors line the streets of the quaint Village of Utica. Live entertainment will be provided both Saturday and Sunday in addition to live blacksmithing demos and children's activities.
Become A Vendor
2025 Vendor Applications Available Now!
With an Annual attendance of 85,000-110,000, Burgoo is one of Illinois largest
and longest running Fall Festivals.
If you are looking for a Private Vendor application or have any questions please email events@lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org
Become a
Burgoo Crew Volunteer
Volunteers don't necessarily have the time; they just have the heart!
Our Burgoo Festival wouldn't be possible without the help of our
many volunteers!
Volunteer Perks:
Free Premium Parking,
4 Volunteer Hours will receive a T-shirt,
8 Volunteer Hours will receive a Sweatshirt,
Counts toward Service Hours.
Volunteers are needed Friday-Monday on Burgoo Weekend!
