Monticello

MONTICELLO: PIATT COUNTY Monticello: Historic Architecture, One Of The ‘7 Wonders Of Illinois’ Grace The City

Monticello, the Piatt County seat, offers a breath of fresh air with a town square built around a refurbished courthouse in an area that invites guests to slow down and relax. The downtown has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Monticello has the added distinction of having two of its residential areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places. North State Street and South Charter Street each feature homes with a wide array of architectural styles. These designations were received after much work by Monticello’s Preservation Commission.

On and off the square, downtown Monticello’s one-of-a-kind shops, galleries and restaurants provide a diverse array of things to do and see. Visitors will want to stop at Out of The Blue for the largest selection of Polish pottery and gifts and enjoy its new location at 223 E. Livingston Street. If you are lucky, when you visit Prairie Fire Glass at 217 W. Washington Street, you will get to see a new hand-blown creation being made. Swing by one of the many local eateries for lunch or a sweet treat while you are there.

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2021 Monticello Calendar of Events Visit monticellochamber.org for more information on all events. Dates are tentative and subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.

Every 3rd Saturday, April-October: Garden Tours. Allerton Park — when they are able. Every Saturday and Sunday, May 2-October 4: Weekend Train Rides. Monticello Railway Museum — when they are able. Diesel most weekends. Steam could happen later in the year. Every 3rd Saturday: Storytime at Bryant Cottage. Geared to kids ages 5-10 — when they are able. Every Thursday Afternoon, June 18-Oct 1: Farmers Market. Downtown Monticello. April-October: Drive-In Movie Night in Allerton each month. April 16-18: C&IM 31 Throttle Time. Monticello Railway Museum. April 24: Throttle Time. Monticello Railway Museum. April 30: Kirby Derby Packet Pickup. Monticello Courthouse Square. May 1: Whites of Spring. White wine sampling and boutique shopping. Downtown Monticello. May 1, 2: High School Rodeo. Piatt County Trailblazers. May 1-15: Virtual Kirby Derby. May 2: Market on Main Street. Spring shopping, music and fun. Downtown Monticello. May 8, 9: Moms Ride Free. Monticello Railway Museum. May 8, 9: Junior High State Finals Rodeo. Piatt County Trailblazers. May 23: Car Show. Piatt County Trailblazers. June 4-6: Horizon Hobby RC Fest. Eli Field. June 5, 6: Junior High Rodeo. Piatt County Trailblazers. June 12: Historic Plants. Bryant Cottage. June 12, 13: High School State Finals Rodeo. Piatt Co. Trailblazers. June 19, 20: Dads Ride Free. Monticello Railway Museum. June 24-26: 66th Annual Rodeo. Piatt County Trailblazers. July TBA: Concert at Allerton Park. Downtown music. July 3: Croquet All Day. Bryant Cottage. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 3: Monticello Freedom Fest. Lodge Park. July 3: Fireworks Train. Monticello Railway Museum. July 11: Heritage Sunday and Ice Cream Social. July 17: Garden Walk. Wabash Depot. July 25: Barrel Racing. Piatt County Trailblazers. July 29: Lincoln/Douglas Meeting Open House. Bryant Cottage. 1-4 p.m. July 31: Cow Sorting. Piatt Count Trailblazers. August TBA: Sage City Triathlon. Burke Parke. Concert at Allerton Park. Downtown music. August 28: Music featuring East Central Illinois Dulcimer Players. Bryant Cottage. August 29: Barrel Racing. Piatt County Trailblazers. September 18, 19: Railroad Days. Railway Museum. September 26: Barrel Racing. Piatt County Trailblazers. October 16: Throttle Time. Monticello Railway Museum. October 26, 27: An Evening with Poe. Allerton House. October 31: Boutique Bash. Downtown Monticello Shopping Event. November 2-6: National Authors Day Celebration. Bryant Cottage. November 19-21: Polar Express. Tentative. Monticello Railway Museum. November 26-28: Polar Express. Tentative. Monticello Railway Museum. November 26 or 27: Reds of Christmas. A wine-walk and shop event. Downtown. December TBA: Christmas Show. Monticello Theatre Association. December 1-31: Kirby Winter Wellness Walk. Allerton Park. December: 3-5: Polar Express. Tentative. Monticello Railway Museum. December 3-5: Holiday Showcase. Allerton House. December: 4: Christmas Parade. December 4: Holiday Affair. Allerton House. December 4, 5: Lunch with Santa on the Train. Monticello Railway Museum. December: 10-12: Polar Express. Tentative. Monticello Railway Museum. December 11: Holiday Open House. Bryant Cottage. December 12: Sweets with Santa. Allerton House.