What we do:
Summer Sundown Music Festival’s mission is to bring together the music makers and music lovers of Central Illinois and beyond to celebrate the rich and eclectic music scene that thrives in our region. For a few late summer days and nights, right outside Effingham, IL, we aim to bring together as many of the area’s artists as possible for a weekend of homegrown, original music.
Our first 5 festivals have seen phenomenal performances by national touring acts like Silverada (formerly Mike & the Moonpies), Amy Helm, Steve Poltz, Willi Carlisle, Southern Avenue, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, The Hooten Hallers, The Local Honeys, Handmade Moments, Wayne Graham, and more.
We are so happy to have hosted all these amazing artists from within roughly 150 miles of Effingham, IL: Chicago Farmer & the Fieldnotes, Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts, Dan Hubbard, Beth Bombara, The People vs. Hugh DeNeal, Lucas Wayne & the Cottonmouths, Aaron Kamm & the One Drops, The Mighty Pines, Sun Stereo, Mattie Schell, Patty PerShayla & the Mayhaps, Andi Jane & the Honky Tonk Cabaret, Miss Jenny & the Howdy Boys, John Till, Matt Poss Band, Edward David Anderson, Brothers Lazaroff, One Way Traffic, Bill Poss, Taylor Steele & the Love Preachers, Skylar Rogers, The Hangovers, Bones Jugs, Rabbit in Red, LoveSeat, Yard Eagle, LoneHollow, The Hangovers, The Goldenrods, Garrett Burris w/ Time To Kill, The Randys, Lone Howl, Porch Fire, Mountain King, Fiona Kimble, John Spicer, Jeremy Todd, Todd Hazelrigg, Big Daddy Pride & the East Side 5, Clayton Burke, Sad Max Senteney, Lefty Daytona, Emily Wallace, Nick Gusman, Ian Leith, Emily Anne, Tim Crosby, Dakota Danielle, Dani Flowers, Mat Kuhlig, Cody Lee Moomey and so many more.
2018 lineup
2019 lineup
2022 lineup
2023 lineup
2024 lineup
Not only are we proud to present all of this great local music, the heart of Summer Sundown lies within the community that comes together full of families, festival families, vendors, craftspeople, tradespeople, healers, and music-lovers who all bring their own unique addition to the festival atmosphere and community.
Our community keeps growing beyond the Effingham area and we are thrilled to host our friends, new and old, for the 6th Summer Sundown Music Festival, September 12-14, 2025.
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Summer Sundown Music Festival is produced in partnership with Poss Music Works. Poss Music Work is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation focused on bringing music and music education to Central Illinois, based in Effingham, IL.
Where: The Stage at Lake Sara just outside of Effingham, Illinois. Don't worry – there will be plenty of signs along the way to get you there safely and easily.
When: Early Friday afternoon, Fri., Sep. 12 thru Sunday evening, Sep. 14, 2025.
Other: Summer Sundown will feature songwriter circles, a youth showcase, campfire jams, local food and craft vendors, swimming, yoga sessions, and camping.