10/13/2026
Ever wonder where the name Vulture Stays came from? 🖤🦅
It’s a little nod to one of Makanda’s most recognizable traditions — Vulture Fest.
Every fall, the turkey vultures make their way through Southern Illinois, and Makanda celebrates their return with a festival that has become part of the town’s wonderfully quirky personality.
When it came time to name our stays above the Makanda Boardwalk, we wanted something that felt like it belonged here — something a little unexpected, a little funky, and unmistakably Makanda.
And from that inspiration came Vulture Stays.
Then, of course, our two vultures needed places of their own…
🖤 Vulture’s Roost — moody, intimate, historic and full of character.
🌈 Vulture’s Perch — colorful, free-spirited, groovy and complete with its own private deck overlooking the Boardwalk.
Two very different personalities.
One iconic little town.
And a name inspired by a Makanda tradition we love.
And what better time to tell the story than Vulture Fest week(end)?! 🦅✨
Welcome to Makanda.
Welcome to the Boardwalk.
Welcome to Vulture Stays.
The birds that gave Vulture Fest its name will share the spotlight with artists and musicians this weekend as the annual celebration returns to downtown Makanda.
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17 and 18, around the village’s historic boardwalk. Admission is free.
Live music is planned at the Makanda Pavilion and Rainmaker’s Garden, with bluegrass, jazz, blues and other styles featured throughout the weekend. Artists from the surrounding area will display and sell their work, giving visitors an opportunity to browse between performances.
Food vendors and downtown shops will round out the event, which combines Makanda’s arts tradition with one of its most recognizable signs of autumn. Black vultures and turkey vultures gather around the village each fall, inspiring the festival’s name and its celebration of the season.
Downtown Makanda is known for its galleries, independent shops and local artwork. Handmade jewelry, pottery and paintings are among the types of work visitors can find at the festival.
For more information, call 618-457-0360.