Paw Paw Lions Club Labor Day Celebration

The Paw Paw Lions Club Labor Day Celebration is an annual, multi-day community festival held in Paw Paw, Illinois, over the Labor Day weekend. For 2026, the festivities begin on Friday, September 4, and conclude on Monday, September 7. Marking its 80th anniversary, the event brings together residents and visitors with a diverse program of entertainment and activities, organized by the Paw Paw Lions Club in collaboration with the Village of Paw Paw and Tribe 61353.

The celebration kicks off on Friday evening with a parking lot party at the Community Building (362 Chicago Road), featuring live music from Burn ‘N Bush, a beer stand by the Paw Paw Fire Department, and various food and treat vendors. Saturday includes exciting water fights sponsored by the Paw Paw Fire Department, followed by a street dance with music by Desiree and The Wilde. Sunday highlights the popular truck and tractor pulls, celebrating their 57th year, alongside an ice cream social hosted by the United Methodist Church and a Concert in the Park with Backseat Driver at Veterans Memorial Park. Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy numerous food trucks, family and children’s activities like henna and face painting, and local specials from the Beaver Den Tavern and Grill.

Monday is traditionally designated as the Lions Club’s Day, featuring exclusively Lions Club-sponsored events, making it a traditional homecoming celebration for those with ties to Paw Paw. Other notable activities over the weekend include a pancake breakfast, a car show, and a parade. The festival also pays tribute to Erv Safranek, a founding member of the Paw Paw Lions Club, by continuing to serve "Erv’s Famous Potato Salad," a cherished local recipe.