When it comes to fall festivals, Illinois has no shortage of pumpkin patches, apple fests, and Oktoberfests. But if you’re looking for something a little more offbeat—and truly one-of-a-kind—the Pawpaw Festival in Paw Paw, IL is a must-see hidden gem.

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What Makes It Unique?

This quirky festival celebrates the pawpaw fruit—a native Midwestern delicacy you won’t often find in grocery stores. Known as the “Indiana Banana” for its custardy, tropical flavor, pawpaws are sweet, creamy, and unlike anything else you’ve tasted. At the festival, you’ll get the rare chance to sample pawpaw treats in all their glory.

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Festival Highlights

🎶 Live Music & Local Vibes
The small town of Paw Paw comes alive with local bands, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere perfect for a fall afternoon.

🏃 Scenic Fun Run
Work up an appetite by joining the festival’s fun run, set against a backdrop of crisp fall air and small-town charm.

🍐 Biggest Pawpaw Contest
One of the festival’s quirkiest traditions? The annual weigh-in to see who’s grown the largest pawpaw. It’s part friendly competition, part pure fun.

🍴 Tastings & Treats
From pawpaw ice cream to baked goods, there’s no shortage of ways to try this unique fruit. If you’ve never tasted one before, this is your chance to fall in love with a truly local flavor.

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Why You’ll Love It

Unlike bigger, more commercialized festivals, the Pawpaw Festival feels like stepping into a community gathering where everyone is happy to welcome visitors. It’s intimate, flavorful, and refreshingly different—exactly the kind of hidden gem that makes traveling so rewarding.

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Event Details

📅 Date: September 20, 2025
📍 Location: Paw Paw, Illinois
💵 Admission: Typically free or low-cost, with food and activities available for purchase

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If your fall travel plans have you passing through Illinois—or if you’re just the type of traveler who loves finding those small-town treasures—add the Pawpaw Festival to your list. It’s a celebration of community, music, and one very unusual (and delicious) fruit that deserves its moment in the spotlight.