The Danville Gao Grotto is hosting ‘Thunder on the Vermilion Boat Races’ this weekend. Some of the boats zipped around Lake Vermilion for practice runs on Friday (August 28, 2026). Races are taking place on Saturday (August 29th) from noon until 5:00 p.m., and Sunday (August 30th) from noon until 3:00 p.m. Admission is free to watch the races and enjoy other activities on the grounds of the Grotto.
This year there are food trucks, outdoor vendor booths, games, and live music. The Gao Grotto is located at 2400 Denmark Road in Danville, Illinois.
Earlier this month the Gao Grotto hosted its annual summer camps for children and young adults with disabilities. There is no cost for those families who participate in the week-long camps.
