On the Mississippi River
MONTICELLO COMMUNITY GUIDE 2025
Celebrating with fun festivals all year long
Monticello is a city that loves to celebrate all year round . In addition to Riverfest , Brewfest and Let ’ s Chalk , the city also plays host to other annual festivals , including Glow Fest , Walk ‘ N Roll and Downtown Trick or Treat .
Glow Fest
First up on the calendar is MontiArts ’ February tradition of Glow Fest , which aims to shine light into the dark days of winter . This year ’ s colorfully lit glow parade will be held Saturday , Feb . 22 , from 6:30 to 9:30 p . m .
Featuring a half-mile community glow parade down Walnut Street to West Bridge Park that is open to all — with anyone who shows up able to march — the event features interactive art , quirky costumes , entertainment , bonfires , food , hot drinks and plenty of fun . New this year will be a glow DJ , organizers said .
From glow sticks to lanterns , LED capes , neon-lit sunglasses and plenty of homemade glow-wear , the idea is to burst with light , color and creativity . Last year ’ s event included a new-to-Monticello art form , with illuminated animal sculptures made out of the natural fiber willow .
Those more interested in observing the parade can bring chairs down to Walnut Street , or park and watch from the warmth of their car .
Walk ‘ N Roll
Once the weather warms up , Walk & Roll will find locals walking , rolling and baby-strolling through downtown Monticello for the 29th year on Saturday , June 14 .
The annual community celebration draws hundreds of folks walking , biking or skating the pathways of Monticello , while stopping at booths set up along the route to play games and learn about local businesses and organizations .
The event includes discounted helmets along with a “ Pathport ” drawing to win one of about 30 new bikes , which are sponsored by various businesses and groups .
Walk & Roll also includes a festival area set up behind the Monticello Community Center , with food , ice cream , kids activities , a DJ and more .
Downtown Trick or Treat
After taking a year off due to road construction , Monticello ’ s Downtown Trick or Treat returned for Halloween in 2024 , proving a howling success .
Local families are invited to join in this spooktacular Halloween tradition again in 2025 , when costumed kiddos take over downtown Monticello for an evening of fun , frights and sweet treats .
Downtown Trick or Treat will take place on the evening of Thursday , Oct . 23 at businesses along Walnut Street and Broadway , with more fun to be found at West Bridge Park . Participating businesses with big orange pumpkins in their windows hand out goodies to trick-or-treaters in this joint effort by the Monticello Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Monticello Parks , Arts , and Recreation .
Some businesses and groups even go the extra mile , setting up haunted attractions to add to the spooktacular fun . More than 2,000 little ghouls and goblins took part in
Downtown Trick or Treat last year .
20 | MONTICELLO | Community Guide 2025