2026 Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival
August 29 @ 10:00 am - August 30 @ 4:00 pm
The Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival a free annual event held at the Postville Courthouse State Historic Site and the VFW on 5th Street in Lincoln, Illinois. The next festival takes place on Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, as a major part of the Balloons Over 66 Weekend.
Festival Highlights & Events
- Railsplitting Contests: Watch team and amateur log-cutting and splitting competitions.
- Pioneer Skills: Experience working crafts, primitive lodges, tomahawk throwing, and corn shelling demonstrations.
- Family Activities: Enjoy live old-time music, an antique car show, apple peeling, and kids’ craft and story corners.
- Admission: Free entry for all visitors.
Saturday Events
- 10:00 AM: Ribbon Cutting (Postville Courthouse)
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Kid’s Story Corner
- 11:30 AM: Women’s Firewood Splitting (Postville Courthouse)
- 12:00 PM: Team Railsplitting Contest (Postville Courthouse)
- 1:00 PM: Crosscut Saw Contest (Postville Courthouse)
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Kid’s Craft Corner
- 3:15 PM: Amateur Railsplitting Contest (Postville Courthouse)
- All Day (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM): Antique Car Show, working crafts, primitive lodges, and music by Chris Vallillo.
Sunday Events
- 9:00 AM: Worship / Non-denominational Church Service
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Festival grounds open with crafts, food, and pioneer activities
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Kid’s Story Corner
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Kid’s Craft Corner
- Live Music Schedule (Postville Park):
- 11:00 AM: New Jerusalem Singers
- 12:00 PM: Ryan Parcelle
- 1:00 PM: Cathy Reynolds
- 2:00 PM: Jonathan Thomas
