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VULTURE FEST 2020:
Makanda Fest Events and Illinois’s most hippie town is happy to invite everyone to come and join the celebration. Vulture Fest, the best Southern Illinois, has to offer. Vulture Fest 2020, October 17th & 18th, in Makandas historic downtown business district. 2019 Vulture Fest was a blockbuster with record attendance.
For more than a decade, this not-for-profit festival event has been celebrating the rich and diverse cultural history and heritage of Makanda and its surrounding area with two days of music, food, arts, and crafts. The event helps provide support and awareness for the rich artistic culture of one of Southern Illinois’ best-kept secrets, as well as provide fun for the entire family.
The 2020 Vulture Fest will feature the work of more than forty artisans and craftspeople, as well as Southern Illinois festival cuisine provided by three regional food vendors. There will also be a wide array of musical styles ranging from Blues to Jazz to Country to Celtic. Of course, the highlight of the festivities will be the annual return of the Makanda/Giant City’s famed vultures, which draw crowds year after year.
Celebrating one of Southern Illinoi’s most anticipated autumn traditions, Vulture Fest promises all of the fun and family entertainment that a festival can provide. Admission to the festival is free, and people of all ages are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit them online at
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Makanda Illinois
From railroad, camp to produce junction to the most Hippie town in Illinois. The Makanda Tourism Association welcomes you to the valley of the arts. Uniquely located in the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest in Southernmost, Illinois. The region features:
- A variety of local artisans
- Dining and a premier wineries
- Luxury cabin lodging and Eco-friendly bed and breakfast lodging
- 18 hole world class golf course
- A vast variety of outdoor activities including rock climbing, horseback riding and more.
- Welcome to Makanda. We hope you will enjoy your visit.
Hippie Town
Starting in the seventies artists starting with the Rainmaker (Dave Dardis) moved to Makanda when it was virtually abandoned. As a result, the town has been claimed as the most hippie town in Illinois. With this in mind, Dave says I don’t consider myself a hippie but I don’t mind if people think so. There is no doubt though the Boardwalk has the feel of the hippie days of the sixties. It is a place where peace resides.
Aside from it’s Hippie Flavor Makanda is known for its natural beauty and history
Spend the day at Giant City State Park, Cedar, Little Grassy, & Devil’s Kitchen Lakes. have lunch and shop on the historic Makanda Boardwalk.
In addition, you can visit the Blue Sky Winery or stay in one of the many unique luxury lodging facilities on the Shawnee Wine Trail.
beauty and adventure
Makanda offers many tourism opportunities for all ages
Come and spend your vacation in Makanda, Illinois. Of course, Carbondale, Illinois, and Southern Illinois University are only seven miles to the north.
Makanda is a vast area and is known as the true gateway to the Shawnee National Forest and the Shawnee Hills Wine trial. Additionally, Cobden and Alto Pass, Illinois, are only a short drive away.
Natural beauty and hospitality await you in Makanda. For this reason, travel to the Southern tip of Illinois and experience a whole new part of the state.
Makanda is home to Giant City State Park and nestled between Cedar Lake and Devils Kitchen Lake.
Likewise, Little Grassy Lake is the centerpiece of the zip code of Makanda. Furthermore, if you are looking for a central location to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Makanda is it.