Despite some rain on Saturday and chilly winds Sunday, the 26th annual Makanda Vulture Fest continued with the same high volume of attendance.
The Makanda Vulture Fest, held this year on Oct. 18 and 19, carries a unique appeal: it celebrates the arrival of migratory vultures to the Makanda area, an event that signals autumn in southern Illinois. With live music, food trucks, craft vendors and the natural spectacle of the vultures in flight, it draws both wildlife enthusiasts and festival-goers looking for an off-beat autumn outing.
Saturday proved to be a highlight for musicians, artists and food vendors. Organizers said that they saw a bunch of vultures circle above the downtown Makanda boardwalk area as they returned for their annual migration.
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Though Saturday’s weather brought periodic showers and overcast skies, local vendors, musicians and visitors all agreed: the rain did little to dampen their enthusiasm. Music on the Pavilion and Rainmaker’s Garden stages proceeded while craft booths stayed busy with patrons shopping for jewelry, pottery and paintings.
“It was a beautiful day and a lot of great music and a lot of good people… It’s very simple,” Volunteer David “Electronic Dave” Raila said.
Sunday arrived with significantly colder temperatures and brisk winds, but nevertheless, a steady stream of visitors attended the 10 a.m. opening and remained into the afternoon. While the flock size in the sky appeared slightly smaller than Saturday’s peak, many visitors still spotted some vultures gliding above the Shawnee National Forest.
Some families wrapped scarves and hoods around themselves as they strolled the boardwalk, browsed craft booths or settled in for live bluegrass and jazz sets.
“It’s been awesome,” Vendor Emma Barnes said. “Last year was my first time coming just as a person, but this year, vending for the first time, I feel very blessed. It’s been so welcoming and awesome. I love Makanda.”
Some attendees accidentally found this annual festival. Two SIU students enjoying ice-cream in the rainmakers garden mentioned this was their first time at Vulture Fest.
“We didn’t know it was Vulture Fest today,” Student Acadia Sutton said. “We just came to Makanda for the views, and then it ended up being this whole thing — with beautiful music and everything. It’s been really cool so far.”
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Organizers plan to review this year’s attendance and visitors feedback, but early indicators suggest they’ll return in 2026 with the same mix of nature, music and art.
Staff reporter Yahri Edmond can be reached at [email protected]
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