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Plainfield Today
By the People, for the People
Plainfield Fest Moves to New Location
The popular festival is relocating to Gregory B. Bott Park, away from downtown Plainfield.
Mar. 10, 2026 at 5:20pm
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Plainfield Fest, the main fundraiser for the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation, is moving its 2026 event to Gregory B. Bott Park after previously being spread out across downtown Plainfield. The new centralized location will bring the carnival, beer garden, and live music stages together in one place, improving the experience for attendees and reducing costs for organizers.
Why it matters
The move to a single location at Bott Park aims to address issues the festival has faced in recent years, including being too spread out across downtown Plainfield and causing chaos and overcrowding. The new setup will be "better for every group involved," according to the Riverfront Foundation president.
The details
In 2025, the carnival was set up at Plainfield Central High School, away from other festival areas. This year, everything will be consolidated at Bott Park, including the carnival, beer garden, and live music stages. The change will reduce police costs since there will be fewer areas to patrol, and visitors won't have to separate to enjoy different activities. Additionally, no roads will need to close to accommodate the festival.
- Plainfield Fest will take place July 17-19, 2026.
- The carnival will run from 5-10 p.m. on July 17, 1-10 p.m. on July 18, and 1-6 p.m. on July 19.
- The craft and vendor show will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 19.
- The Midwest Bags Tournament will begin at 11 a.m. on July 19.
- The food court will be open from 5 p.m. to midnight on July 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 18, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 19.
The players
Margie Bonuchi
President of the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation, the nonprofit organization that hosts Plainfield Fest as its main fundraiser.
What they’re saying
“We moved primarily because we've outgrown the downtown. There are so many more businesses now. [The fest] was too spread out ... too chaotic.”
— Margie Bonuchi, President, Plainfield Riverfront Foundation
“The new location is 'better for every group involved.' Police costs will go down since there are fewer areas to patrol, visitors won't have to separate to try different activities, and guests will have the opportunity to enjoy downtown Plainfield without the overcrowding.”
— Margie Bonuchi, President, Plainfield Riverfront Foundation
What’s next
The Plainfield Riverfront Foundation plans to hold Plainfield Fest at the new Gregory B. Bott Park location in the future, hoping the change will be a success.
The takeaway
By moving Plainfield Fest to a centralized location at Bott Park, the organizers aim to improve the overall experience for attendees, reduce logistical challenges, and allow the festival to continue growing without overwhelming the downtown area.
