BEVERAGES

The beer tent is made possible by the Montgomery Foundation. This event is their primary annual fundraiser, raising money for grants, scholarships, and other support for nonprofits within the Montgomery community. 

The beer tent will offer adult beverages from local distributor Euclid Beverage to individuals over 21 with proper photo identification.

The beer tent accepts cash or credit cards. ATMs are available in the fest area and are sponsored by Earthmover Credit Union. The ATM fee in this area is $3.95 per transaction.

*Menu and pricing subject to change without notice.

IMPORTANT - The Carnival Area is Cash Only with the exception of their food trailers. ATM's are available in the carnival area and are operated by Windy City Amusements. ATM fee is $5 per transaction.

CARNIVAL WRISTBANDS AND TICKETS
The carnival area requires a $5 minimum ride ticket* purchase for entry per person. Individual tickets are $1 each, 20 for $20, and 44 for $40. Unlimited Ride Wristband Specials+ are available throughout the weekend.

Daytime Wristbands
$30 per person, per day
- Saturday & Sunday 1-4:30P

Evening Wristbands
$35 per person, per day
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 5-9P 

*Rides require between 3 to 7 tickets per person. 
+Unlimited wristband pricing is subject to change based on Windy City Amusement's current rates. 

Subject to change.

WHEN & WHERE
The Carp Derby is made possible by the hard work and effort of Boy Scout Troop 28, who has generously been assisting with the Derby for decades.

The Derby occurs along the Fox River between Ashland Ave. and the Rt. 30 Bridges. The Judge's Table is located at 301 N. River St. along the shore of the Fox River in Montgomery Park.

REGISTRATION
Contestants may register onsite the day of the event. The application can be printed online before the event to expedite registration. 

2025 Carp Derby Registration Form

FEES
15 & Under |  $5
16 & Over | $10
Cash or checks only. Payable to Troop #28.

RULES
1. All contestants must be 16 years and older or accompanied by an adult.
2. Contestants must register on the day of the Derby at the Judge's Table near Mill Street Bridge in Montgomery Park. On-site registration is from 6:00-10:00A.
3. All carp must be caught in the Fox River between the Ashland Bridge and the Rt. 30 Bridge on August 18, 2024, between 6A and 2P. 
4. All carp must be alive at the time of weigh-in. All weigh-ins must occur by 2P at Judge's Table (near the Mill Street Bridge).
5. No live bait and no worms allowed.

AWARDS
Trophies will be awarded for the largest carp by weight in the following categories:

• GRAND CHAMPION
• AGE 15 & UNDER (First Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up, and Third Runner-Up)
• AGE 16 & OVER (First Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up, and Third Runner-Up)

WHEN & WHERE
The Car Show is made possible by the hard work and effort of the Historical Preservation Commission, who has generously sponsored the Car Show for years.

The Car Show is hosted in Austin Park, 1345 S. Broadway, on Saturday, August 16. 
Gates open at 8A, with registration opening at 8:30A.  
Judging will begin around 12:30P with winners being announced around 3:30P.

REGISTRATION
Entrants are encouraged to pre-register to save time day of the Car Show.  Fill out the form below and submit back to Village Hall during normal business hours (M-F 8:30A-4:30P). 
Entrants may register the day of the Car Show. Please look for the marked registration tables at Austin Park on Saturday, to register onsite.  All entrants must be registered by 12P.

2025 Car Show Information and Registration Form

FEES
Pre-registration (Through August 6) | $12
Onsite registration | $15
Cash or checks only. Payable to Village of Montgomery.

AWARDS
Trophies will be awarded for the following categories:

• Mayor's Choice
• Best of Show
• Best Pre-50s Original
• Best 2010-Present
• Best Judges Car
• Best Special Interest
• Imports
• Original
  • '50s
  • '60s
  • '70s
  • '80-'93
  • '94 - '09
• Modified
  • Pre '60s
  • '60s
  • '70s
  • '80 - '93
  • '94 - '09
• Trucks
  • Pre '79
  • '80 - '99
  • 2000 - Present

NEW THIS YEAR
Mayor's Choice and Best in Show will be featured in the Montgomery Fest Parade on Sunday, August 17.  Parade begins at 1P.

Check out this year's Craft & Market Fair Vendors

We are excited to announce this year's headliners.

Friday | Sonora Dinamita

Saturday | 52nd Street - The Music of Billy Joel

Sunday | Semple

Check out the 2025 Food Vendor Lineup & Menus

BJR Concessions - Lemonade
Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood - Wide variety of fest favorites featuring shrimp, po'boys, calamari and more.
Doggie Diner Concessions - Fest favorites with items such as gyros, churros, etc.
Feeding Frenzy Concessions - Ice cream, shakes, sundaes, floats, razzles, ice cream sandwiches, etc.
Frannie's Funnel Cakes - Funnel cakes and fried Oreos
Genoa Italian Concessions - Variety of fest favorites featuring loaded fries, chicken parm, etc.
Kona Ice - Pick your own flavor shaved ice truck.
La Cebolita Grill - Quesabirria, pambazo, and other Mexican favorites!
La Chiquita Montgomery - Tacos, chicharrones, and fruit waters.
La Garrafa - Artisan ice cream, crepes, tejuino, and more.
Lee Concessions - Asian-inspired foods such as crab rangoon, eggrolls, and chicken with rice.
Nautical Bowls - Acai bowls with fresh fruit and toppings.
Polish Shack - Polish favorites such as sausage, pierogi, potato pancakes, and toasted baguettes.
RS Concessions - Italian ice, pretzels, nachos, and lemonade.
Salt Creek BBQ - Ribs, pulled pork, ,turkey legs, and Texas nacho plates.
Slice Factory - A variety of foods from pizza to arepas, empanadas, boneless wings, etc.
Michael A's Catering - Smash burgers, chicken fingers, Chicago-style hot dogs, sloppy joes, and more.
Tamales Los Girasoles - Walking tacos, burritos, tacos, loaded nachos, hot Cheetos with cheese, etc.

The Montgomery Fest Parade | Sunday, August 17 at 1P.

View our parade route and FAQs here.

2025 Grand Marshal | Jim Pilmer

NEWS RELEASE: August 11, 2025 - Jim Pilmer Named 2025 Montgomery Fest Parade

PARKING
Limited parking for the fest is available on the street and in the Lyon Metal parking lot (421 N. Main St.) west of the grounds.

Carpooling and using the free shuttle service provided are strongly encouraged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring a chair or blanket?
Guests are encouraged to bring bag chairs or blankets. In addition, the fest will provide picnic tables scattered throughout the park and along the river for guest use. 

Are there ATMs onsite?
Yes. ATMs located onsite are near the fest entrance, food vendor, and carnival areas. Our ATM Sponsor is Earthmover Credit Union.

Is the event pet-friendly?
Dogs are allowed in the park, but we kindly ask pet owners to consider leaving them home due to the event's nature. The high foot traffic, louder music, and firework show on Sunday evening do not always make for the most pleasant experience for our four-legged friends.

Can I bring a cooler or outside food/beverage?
Guests are welcome to bring water bottles, but coolers and outside food and beverages are discouraged. Exceptions apply to infants, toddlers, and those with special food needs requiring accommodations. No outside alcohol may be brought into the park.

Are there designated smoking areas at the Fest?
Fox Valley Park District's Montgomery and Austin Park are smoke-free parks. In addition, a designated smoking area is available on River St. and Mill St. on the northwest corner.

Where is the best place to park?
The Lyon, LLC. is gracious enough to offer its parking lot for public use for the three days of the fest. The lot is off Madison Street between Main and Peart Streets, one block north of the fest.

Additionally, street parking is ample in the downtown area, and several small lots available to the public during the fest are located near Village Hall and the River St. area. During high volume times (evenings), taking the shuttle buses from either location (Blain's Farm & Fleet or Lakewood Creek Elementary School) is strongly encouraged as parking becomes limited during busy times.

Is there first aid on site?
Yes. The Montgomery and Countryside Fire Protection District provides first aid and onsite EMS support throughout the three-day fest. Their booth is conveniently located near the fest entrance at River St. and Mill St.

Is there a Lost and Found?
Any items lost or left turned in at the fest are safely stored at the Information and Command area at the front of the fest, which the Montgomery Police Department manages. Additionally, we suggest this area be used as a "meet-up point" for families that are separated during the Fest.

Additional Information

• For questions, lost items, or first aid, visit the Information Booth at the fest's entrance.
• ATMs are located at the entrance, near the food vendors, and in the carnival area.
• The Village Hall lower level is open during the Fest as a cooling center (200 N. River St.).
• The carnival area requires a $5 minimum ticket purchase to enter. 
• The Rotary Club of Montgomery Rubber Duck Race will be Sunday at 3P on the Fox River. Rubber ducks are on sale all weekend from the Info Booth. Stop by and purchase a duck for your chance to win.
• Our generous sponsors make the fest possible; please support our local businesses!