Mark your calendars for fun summer activities in Highland
Residents enjoy a previous PB&J Festival at the square in downtown Highland as part of the many free, family-friendly events offered by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. (Highland Parks and Rec photo)
By Brittany Blackwell, Reporter * A longtime festival will once again offer lunchtime staples as the Highland Parks and Recreation Department rolls out a full slate of summer programming aimed at bringing the community together.
The PB&J Festival returns to the Downtown Square, 914 Main St., on Friday mornings from 11:30 a.m. – 1p.m., offering free peanut butter and jam sandwiches, popcorn and live entertainment for all ages. The festival series runs from June 19 to Aug. 7 except for July 24.
Munchkin Radio, a kid-focused radio station focused on live appearances, will join the lineup for the first time this year as part of family-friendly entertainment highlighted at the festival.
“They can keep the kids engaged and are used to larger crowds,” said Recreation Supervisor Hillary Held.
PB&J FESTIVAL 2026 ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
June 19: Babaloo
June 26: Ventriloquist Doug Mickan
July 3: Southland Acoustics
July 10: Katie Hatch
July 17: Kevin Heim
July 31: Street Corner Serenade
Aug. 7: Munchkin Radio and Special Guests
Rotating attractions also include face painting and bounce houses along with other vendors, whose fees support the program.
The weekly event is a longstanding tradition that reflects the small-town experience unique to the community, according to Director of Recreation and Special Events Laura Wilken.
“It’s a great way to see entertainment and get out for lunch,” she said. “It’s been a tradition for a really long time. It’s something you only find in a small town like Highland.”
Highland Lions Club will be on site to sell hotdogs, brats and burgers though families can bring their own snacks to the PB&J Festival along with other city events downtown such as the Thursday Night Live Concert Series, Municipal Band Concert Series and Shakespeare in the Park which will show for one night on Aug. 18.
The festival is part of a broader effort by the department to offer events free of charge, encouraging participation regardless of income. All events are open to the public and blankets and lawn chairs are welcome.
“We offer a lot of great events that are free so anyone can enjoy,” said Wilken. “You can pack a cooler or buy items, but everyone can enjoy.”
In addition to the lunchtime series, the Community Market returns beginning Tuesday, May 5, just ahead of Mother’s Day. The weekly market runs through Sept. 29 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the square and will feature local food growers, artisans and some performers. There is no market on June 9 and July 21.
Organizers are still accepting applications for those vendors who offer handmade goods. Applications can be found by clicking the “Highland Hometown Hub” link under the Parks and Recreation tab on the city of Highland’s website.
Evenings throughout the summer will also be filled with music at the square. The Thursday Night Live Concert Series is back from June 25 through Sept. 17 from 6:30 – 9 p.m., bringing a mix of genres to the stage.
Fridays continue to be a highlight with performances by the Highland Municipal Band for its concert series, which runs from June 19 through Aug. 7 at the square. Director of Music Rodney Washburn leads the city-funded ensemble and begins performances at 8 p.m. Manager Elizabeth O’Dell stepped into the position last year and manages the band logistics and personnel. This year’s theme focuses on celebrating 250 years of American History.
The Highland Band and Choir Boosters will provide candy and drinks and The Lory Theater will provide popcorn.
Registration is also open for several parks and recreation programs, including playground summer camp, swim lessons and community pool season passes.
For updates, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 618-651-1386 or visit their Facebook page.
