Summer events shift into high gear with Germanfest, parish picnics, and more

Published 1:07 pm Tuesday, June 2, 2026

QUINCY — While summer doesn’t officially begin for another few weeks, the Gem City is heating up with several events kicking off this weekend and rolling straight into the next.

Friday will see the unofficial Quincy summer begin when the polka music, brats, and beer take over South Park for Germanfest. Filled with music, food, and other refreshments, the two-day, family-friendly event will include music from three separate German bands, vendors that include kettle corn, snowcones, and food from Hy-Vee Catering and more.

Also on Saturday, the public is invited to the St. Dominic Junefest at the school, 4100 Columbus Road in Quincy. Raffles, bingo, a cornhole tournament, and silent auction will all take place starting with an opening mass at 4 p.m. and opening ceremony at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Families can also visit a petting zoo and take part in numerous games and other activities. Music will start with a Foam DJ Party from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with music continuing afterwards.

Starting on June 12, the Quincy Juneteenth Community Celebration returns for the fifth year, with events all throughout the weekend. The events kick off with the Community Gala at Quincy’s Oakley-Lindsay Center. Happy hour at the Gala will be from 5-6 p.m., with dinner and programs from 6-7 p.m. followed by live music at 7 p.m. from Mississippi soul artist Ticarrus Hadley and BIFOYA Dance Band from Louisiana headlining the evening.

June 12 will also see the return of Blues in the District when Blues Highway hits the bandstand at Quincy’s Washington Park. The free summer concert series is entering the 29th year and will feature live music every second and fourth Friday in June, July, and August. District Executive Director Brianna Rivera sent out a message to the community that invites everyone to bring lawn chairs, food, and drinks to enjoy the sultry summer nights in downtown Quincy.

Following a preview night from 5-8 p.m. on June 12, the June Makers’ Market returns in full swing on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. along Quincy’s Sixth Street Promenade. The market will feature vendors offering everything from tasty treats to clothing and jewelry, candles and ceramics to furniture and artworks. Live music will feature all day, and one of the area’s largest collections of food trucks in one place.

Right around the corner from the Makers’ Market on Saturday, the Juneteenth Celebration continues in Washington Park with reenactments, a cake walk, the Quincy Mobile Library among others. Food and drink vendors will be on hand and music will fill the air all day. The Saturday events will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday evening, starting at 5 p.m., will see St. Francis take its turn hosting the Parish Picnic at the school and church near 18th and College Ave. This year’s music will be provided by the Heidelberg German Band from 5:30-7:30 p.m. followed by Violet Hill from 8-11 p.m. Food, beer, wine, slushies, and more picnic food and drinks will be available along with kids activities, raffles, and auctions during the celebration.

These are just a few of the events coming to the Gem City in the next few weeks, leading into a full summer of activities and events throughout the area.