Three-day festival returns September 10–12 with classic cars, WWII aircraft, model trains, canal tours, food trucks and family fun
The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of the 20th Annual Trains, Planes & Automobiles, taking place Thursday, September 10 through Saturday, September 12, 2026.
For twenty years, this unique festival has celebrated the machines that helped shape America's history while showcasing everything that makes Geneseo a great place to visit. From vintage aircraft and classic automobiles to operating model trains and historic canal tours, the three-day event offers something for visitors of every age.
The weekend culminates on Saturday with one of Illinois' premier classic car shows, hosted by the Maple City Cruisers, featuring hundreds of beautifully restored vehicles lining downtown Geneseo. Throughout the weekend, visitors can also enjoy food trucks, family activities, shopping, dining, and attractions throughout the community.
A longtime highlight of the festival is the VFW Salute to America on Saturday at noon. The patriotic ceremony features the VFW Color Guard, a tribute to our nation's veterans, and the crowd-favorite airplane flyover.
Event Highlights
Thursday, September 10
The festivities begin at Gen-Airpark with the annual Stearman Fly-In from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of authentic WWII-era Stearman biplanes as they arrive throughout the afternoon.
(No pets, please.)
Friday, September 11
Friday offers two unique experiences.
Guests can reserve a spot on the popular Cruise the Canal golf cart tours, exploring the history and engineering of the Hennepin Canal with guided tours departing at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. Reservations are required.
The Geneseo Model Railroaders will also host an Operating Model Train Display from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 154 E. Exchange Street, giving visitors an up-close look at detailed model railroads in action.
The evening wraps up with the TPA Pre-Party, hosted by Erdman Construction, beginning at 5:00 p.m. It's the perfect opportunity to kick off the weekend with food, drinks, and great company before Saturday's festivities.
Saturday, September 12
Downtown Geneseo comes alive from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the signature Trains, Planes & Automobiles celebration.
Highlights include:
Maple City Cruisers Car Show
Operating Model Train Display
Food Trucks
Youth Pedal Car Parade
VFW Salute to America with airplane flyover
Trophy presentations and Chamber 50/50 raffle drawing
Local shops, restaurants, and businesses will be open throughout the day, making it easy for visitors to spend the entire day exploring everything downtown Geneseo has to offer.
"The 20th anniversary is a special milestone for this event," said Lindsie Akers, Executive Director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. "Trains, Planes & Automobiles brings together multiple community organizations, volunteers, and local businesses to create a weekend that's uniquely Geneseo. Whether you're a lifelong car enthusiast, fascinated by aviation or railroads, or simply looking for a fun family outing, there's something for everyone."
Admission to the festival is free, with the exception of the Cruise the Canal tours, which require advance registration and a ticket.
For a complete schedule of events and additional information, visit Geneseo.org/TPA or contact the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at geneseo@geneseo.org