One of Perryville’s biggest annual celebrations returns next month as Mayfest 2026 is set for Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, with activities beginning earlier in the week.
Presented by TG Missouri, this year’s Mayfest will celebrate the theme “Hometown American Spirit — Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America,” with a full slate of events, contests and entertainment planned throughout the community.
The Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual festival, which draws large crowds to the downtown square each year for a mix of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, food vendors and community events.
Festivities begin Wednesday and Thursday, May 6-7, with the carnival operating from 5 to 11 p.m. each evening. Activities continue Friday with the Mayfest parade at 6 p.m., beginning at Perry Park, followed by a concert featuring The Lone Rangers at 7 p.m.
The annual Mayfest Parade will highlight this year’s theme, with lineup at 5:15 p.m. and the parade stepping off at 6 p.m. from Perryville City Park. Parade entries must be submitted to the Chamber by Friday, April 24.
Saturday’s schedule is packed with events throughout the day, including the Mayfest 5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. at the Perry Park Center. The event is presented by the Perry Park Center and First State Community Bank, with proceeds supporting community recreation opportunities.
A number of contests and activities will take place throughout the day on Saturday.
The Hometown American Spirit Costume Contest will be held at noon on the Mayfest main stage, featuring categories for best overall, funniest Americana twist and best kids costume.
The popular Mullet Contest, sponsored by First State Community Bank, will also return with four age divisions ranging from birth to adult, along with awards for first, second and third place in each division and an overall best mullet.
Downtown Perryville Advancement will again host the crowd-favorite bed races at 1 p.m., inviting teams to compete in one of the community’s most unique traditions.
Additional competitions include the Red, White and Beautiful Storefront Decorating Contest, hosted by the Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce, encouraging local businesses to showcase their patriotic spirit, as well as a Home Decorating Contest sponsored by Ritter Real Estate. Entries for the home decorating contest must be submitted by May 4.
The Alpha Delta Kappa Cutest Baby Contest will also take place May 9, with proceeds supporting classroom grants and scholarships for education students. Entries are limited and must be submitted by May 7.
Other Saturday events include a craft fair, car and truck show, antique tractor show, horseshoe tournaments and live music throughout the day, culminating with a concert by Well Hungarians at 7 p.m.
Organizers say Mayfest continues to be one of the largest and most anticipated events of the year, bringing together residents and visitors alike to celebrate community pride and tradition.
MAYFEST 2026 SCHEDULE
Wednesday, May 6
Carnival open, 5–11 p.m.
Thursday, May 7
Carnival open, 5–11 p.m.
Friday, May 8
5 p.m. — Food and drink stands open
5 p.m. — Carnival opens (closes at 11 p.m.)
6 p.m. — Mayfest parade (starts at Perry Park)
7 p.m. — Concert: The Lone Rangers
Saturday, May 9
8 a.m. — 5K run/walk (Perry Park Center)
9 a.m. — Craft fair (Downtown Square)
9 a.m. — Car and truck show (Knights of Columbus parking lot, St. Joseph St.)
9 a.m. — Antique tractor show (St. Joseph St.)
10 a.m. — Perry County Creative Arts art show (Perryville Senior Center; viewing until 5 p.m.)
10:30 a.m. — Food and drink stands open
11 a.m. — Horseshoe tournament
11 a.m. — Mullet contest (hosted by First State Community Bank)
Noon — Patriotic costume contest
1 p.m. — Bed races (hosted by Downtown Perryville Advancement)
1 p.m. — Carnival opens (closes at 10 p.m.)
1 p.m. — Horseshoe tournament (North Jackson St.)
3 p.m. — Music: Umbra (Courthouse lawn; until 6 p.m.)
7 p.m. — Concert: Well Hungarians
