The Milan Harvest Festival is returning with a host of new attractions on Labor Day weekend. The beloved festival begins Thursday, Aug. 28, and runs through Monday, Sept. 1, at the village’s Camden Park.
The event brings five days of fun, food, music, and community celebration. Event organizers say this year’s festival promises to be bigger and brighter than ever. It will feature carnival rides, food vendors, disc golf, bingo, regional live music, and two unforgettable nighttime spectacles. Events include:
- On Saturday night, Aug. 30, the festival will host the Quad Cities’ first-ever Drone Light Show. Hundreds of illuminated drones will take flight in perfect sync, creating dazzling shapes, patterns, and animations high above Camden Park. This innovative mix of technology, art and storytelling will be a one-of-a-kind experience for families across the region.
- Sunday night, Aug. 31, the village will host and sponsor its annual fireworks spectacular over Camden Park. It is one of the area’s most anticipated summer traditions and will serve as the perfect centerpiece for the holiday weekend.
- On Saturday, Aug. 30: The Battle of the High School Marching Bands will be from 11:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. It will feature eight local high schools competing for top honors. Bands will perform a 30-minute set at: 11:30 a.m., Davenport West; 12:15 p.m., United Township; 1 p.m., United High School; 1:45 p.m., Sherrard; 2:30 p.m., Rockridge; 3:15 p.m., Moline; 4 p.m., Geneseo; and 4:45 p.m., Rock Island.
To recognize and support their programs, each participating school will receive $2,500. In addition, the winning band will earn an extra $2,000, making this both an exciting competition and a meaningful investment in local music education.
Live music featured
Here’s a look at the regional live music lineup:
- Dirt Road Rockers, Friday, 8:45–1:30 p.m.
- The Panic River Band, Saturday, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
- Lynn Allen Band, Saturday, 8:30–11:30 p.m.
- Dietz Solis Band, Sunday, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
- ORD Rocks, Sunday, 9–11:30 p.m.
The Milan Harvest Festival is dedicated to supporting the children in that community. Every dollar raised goes directly back into youth programs and local initiatives, ensuring that kids in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas have access to sports, activities, and opportunities to grow.
“The Milan Harvest Festival has always been about bringing our community together,” Kevin Nolan, president of Rock Island-Milan Youth Sports, said in a news release. The sports league is the festival’s presenter.
“This year, with the first-ever Quad Cities drone show, the Village of Milan’s incredible fireworks display, our amazing student competition, and outstanding regional bands, we’re giving families something truly special—while raising funds that directly benefit kids in our community.”
For more information, visit the event’s website here or contact committee member Stephanie Purdy at (309) 737-2946 or at [email protected].
