On Saturday April 11, 2026, come welcome spring and the beginning of the tourist season in Bishop Hill as various stores, museums, and restaurants offer special discounts during Spring Fling. Collect signatures from 6 businesses or museums and be entered for a gift basket drawing at the Colony Store. Throughout the day, enjoy the many activities occurring all over Bishop Hill.
For example, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. enjoy This ‘N That Rummage Sale at the Colony School. Stop by to find a special treasure or trinket while you’re visiting Bishop Hill! For more details, contact: www.bholdsettlers.org or bholdsettlers@gmail.com. This sale is sponsored by the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association – the proceeds will be directed to our building maintenance project of the year.
At the Vasa Archives, kick off the 2026 season at the Opening Reception for Heritage and Community: The Vasa Order of America, New Jersey District Six from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This exhibit explores the history and contributions of the Vasa Order of America’s New Jersey District No. 6, a Swedish-American fraternal organization dedicated to preserving Swedish heritage.
Also, opening on April 11, is the first annual Bishop Hill Art Invitational. Located at the Steeple Building Museum and hosted by the Bishop Hill Arts Council, visitors can view a variety of art styles from local high school and adult artists. The Bishop Hill Arts Invitational will close on May 1. Admission is free.
Attention all Book Lovers! It’s time for the Annual Bishop Hill Book Fair! Meet several local authors that span multiple genres. Many book titles available to purchase. The Book Fair is held at Bishop Hill Creative Commons from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A portion of the day’s proceeds will go to fund the mission of Crossroads Cultural Connections. For more information, contact jannifer.powelson@gmail.com .
At the Steeple Building Museum, enjoy a free one-hour program by Barry Grove about Colonial America, starting at 1 p.m. This Colonial America presentation depicts life in the colonies prior to the Revolutionary War. Topics include daily chores, clothing, diet, trades, and much more.
Finally, end your day at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons by enjoying music performed by Rye Davis. His smooth, distinctive vocals, captivating songs and live show energy bring his brand of country music to a whole new generation of growing listeners who never knew what country could be. Potluck/social hour begins at 6 p.m. with the concert starting at 7 p.m. Check out https://www.xroadscc.org/events for more details.
Call 309-927-3898 or email VasaArchivist@gmail.com for more information about the 2026 Spring Fling in Bishop Hill IL. Check out visitbishophill.com for more details about the various activities.
News & Events
