The Black Gold Walnut Festival coming up on Saturday, October 3, 2026, on the square in Alton. The festival committee has planned an exciting day for everyone.
Schedule
The Walnut Festival starts at 10:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm. There will be something for everyone!
10 am- Festival starts; flag ceremony; singing of the National Anthem; pumpkin carving contest on courthouse lawn.
10:10 am- Performances by the Alton school choirs
10-10:30 am- Register baked goods and woodworking contest entries; register for Walnut Idol Talent Show.
10:30 am- Walnut Idol Talent Show on the stage.
Noon-1 pm- Performance by The Creek Rocks
1-1:30 pm- Contest winners announced; raffle drawings; announcements
1:30-2:30- Performance by Sarah Jo Sample & The Tonedaddys.
3 pm- Festival ends.
Bands
Sarah Jo Sample & The Tonedaddys perform rock and blues, among others. They always have good people, great vibes, and good times.
The Creek Rocks are a folk group from the Ozarks led by banjoist Cindy Woolf and guitarist Mark Bilyeu. Woolf is well-known for her singular singing voice and enchanting performances of her original songs, Bilyeu for his distinct guitar sound and clever turn of phrase. Together they perform a mix of Ozark-inspired original songs and truly unique arrangements of traditional Ozark folksongs, from the fun and frivolous anthems of the hills to the hair-raising and harrowing ballads of the dark holler.
Friday
Friday night, October 2nd, will only have the Tom Clary Classic Car Cruise-In. The cruise-in will be on the square in Alton; and will begin at 4:30 pm and end at 6:30 pm.
