Shoe Fest, official poster and event artworkSource: official site ↗
Manteno, IL

Shoe Fest

ExpectedExpected September 2027

2027 dates not announced yet. Last festival: September 4 to 6, 2026

Camping, primitive$115 to $241 ppJamBluegrassFolk
Dates
Expected September 2027
Status
Expected
Venue
Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See
Price
$115 to $241
Camping
Available
Last checked
Oct 16, 2026

The last Shoe Fest was September 4 to 6, 2026, in Manteno, IL. Its 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. Froligo tracks ticket prices, camping, attendee feedback and travel details.

The experience

What's special

Shoe Fest is a three-day music and camping festival held each Labor Day weekend at Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See in Manteno, Illinois, hosted by the Chicago band Old Shoe. Launched in 2011 and often billed as one of the Midwest's favorite small festivals, it blends jam, bluegrass and rock across a wooded, creekside campground alongside art, kids' activities and a friendly, all-ages atmosphere.

Last time around (2025)

The most recent edition ran over Labor Day weekend 2025 at Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See. Attendees remembered it as a notably wet, muddy year, though that did little to dampen the festival's easygoing reputation.

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Listen

No official playlist linked yet. Find Shoe Fest on Spotify.

Lineup

See the lineup on the organizer’s site.

Getting there

Nearest airport ORD.

How do I get to Shoe Fest?

By car

Most people drive to Shoe Fest. The nearest major airport is ORD, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.

By train
Amtrak (Illini/Saluki/City of New Orleans lines) via Kankakee (KKI) station~1hr Amtrak Chicago-Kankakee, plus ORD-to-Union-Station and Kankakee-to-venue legs · CTA Blue Line $5 + Amtrak Chicago-Kankakee fare (varies by train/date) + last-mile rideshare from Kankakee

From ORD, connect to Chicago Union Station (CTA Blue Line. A genuine multi-leg option for attendees avoiding a long rideshare, not a single direct route.

Book / info
By bus & public transit

No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.

Taxi & rideshare
Uber, Lyft, licensed taxi~55-70 minutes depending on traffic · Roughly $70-$100 one-way, an estimate based on ORD's general per-mile rates (~$0.76-0.78/mi plus base fare). No Manteno-specific fare is available.

Direct ~50-mile door-to-door trip from ORD, the practical option for most fly-in attendees given the rural venue and lack of a single-leg transit route.

Book / info

Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.

🚙 Car hire

Compare car hire at ORD

If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.

Search car hire

Car hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.

Where

Map shows the center of Manteno. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.

Venue

The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.

Camping & Accommodation

Is there camping at Shoe Fest?

Yes, on site camping is available.

Facilities

✓ Toilets✓ Showers✓ Food

Where can I stay near Shoe Fest?

Airport hotels 2
Best Western O'Hare Rosemont
🍳 Breakfast

10300 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, IL 60018

Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

Check rates
Sonesta Chicago O'Hare Airport Rosemont
🚐 Free airport shuttle

10233 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, IL 60018

Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

Check rates

Search all hotels near Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See

Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.

Accessibility & comfort

What the organizer or venue publishes about getting around, and what they do not.

Disability access

The FAQ has a short accessibility answer. Camp Shaw has permanent restrooms with accessible stalls. The Pavilion Stage is down a flight of stairs and across a bridge, but there is a back way to that stage along a dirt path.

Staff will assist on request and access questions go to [email protected]. Nothing is published about accessible parking, camping, viewing platforms or companion tickets.

Confirm your specific needs with the organizer's access team before you travel.

Checked 2026-09-03 · source

Pricing

Most recent pricing
$115 to $241 per person
A guide only. Prices change, so confirm the current price on the official ticket page before you buy.

Got fresher info? Tell us, a real person checks every tip, and we love fresh info.

Quick answers

When is Shoe Fest 2027?

Not announced yet. The last festival was September 4 to 6, 2026. The next one is expected in September.

How much are Shoe Fest tickets?

$115 to $241 per person is the most recent price the organizer published. The next edition's prices will be confirmed when tickets go on sale.

Where is Shoe Fest held?

Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See, Manteno, IL.