Whether you’re looking for live music, a festival, marathon, or something family-friendly to bring the kids to, Downstate Illinois has something for everyone! Each week we highlight a few fun events within southwest, south central and southeast Illinois.  Our region hosts over 900 events each year, and we pride ourselves on providing the most accurate event information so that you don’t miss a thing. For even more events, be sure to visit the Downstate Illinois Calendar of Events page here!

 

Continuing Events

Sunday Brunch with Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar

Hidden Lake Winery, Aviston, IL

Every Sunday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Brunch menu available from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. along with Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar. 

Couch to 5k 

Football Field at Southwestern IL Justice & Workforce Development Campus, Belleville, IL

Tuesday, October 4, 2022 - Thursday, December 1, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Join the Couch to 5k program, offered by Belleville Parks and Recreation, and prepare yourself for Gingerbread Run on December 3, 2022. Beginners will start with walking and learn the basics of running. Every Tuesday and Thursday. 

Columbia Scarecrow Crawl

Historic Main Street, Columbia, IL

Saturday, October 1, 2022 - Monday, October 31, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Quickly becoming a community loved event, the Columbia's Scarecrow Crawl planned for October 1 through October 31 showcases over 50 scarecrows! Come take a stroll on Historic Main Street to see all the amazing entries created by individuals, schools, businesses, organizations, churches and more.

 

 

Thursday

Vandalia Festival of Trees

Vandalia Moose Lodge, Vandalia, IL

Thursday, November 3, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Festival of Trees is a silent and live auction of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces, and porch planters decorated by local businesses and organizations.

For the Love of Gnomes Paint Class

The Weingarten, Belleville, IL

Thursday, November 3, 2022 @ 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Grab a friend, co-worker, neighbor or family member and join us for an evening of paint fun!

 

Friday

Artists Sally Farrington and Barb Polahar

Grimm & Gorly Florist & Gifts, Belleville, IL

Friday, November 4, 2022 @ 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

Join Grimm and Gorly Florist and Pour@322 Coffeehouse in welcoming Artist Sally Farrington on Friday November 4th Belleville Art & Wine Walk

 

Saturday

Woodcarvers Show

Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL

Saturday, November 5, 2022 - Sunday, November 6, 2022 @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The best woodcarvers from around the country sell their holiday artwork. 

Fort de Chartres Winter Rendezvous & Woodswalk

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, Prairie du Rocher, IL

Saturday, November 5, 2022 - Sunday, November 6, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This event features 18^th and early 19^th century camp life and re-enactors who participate in a muzzleloader woods walk shooting competition.

Hard Pressed Cider Fest

Eckert's Cider Shed, Belleville, IL

Saturday, November 5, 2022 - Sunday, November 6, 2022 @ Noon - 5:30 p.m.

Join us for our inaugural Hard-Pressed Cider Fest on Saturday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 6. The festival will be an indoor/outdoor event at our NEW Cider Shed with apple-inspired food and beverage samples from local restaurants, a variety of retailers for shopping, live music and a Cider Donut eating contest for the public.

"Colonel William R. Morrison and the 49th Illinois Volunteer Infantry" by Gary Boo

History Museum of Monroe County, Waterloo, IL

Saturday, November 5, 2022 @ 1:30 p.m.

Gary Boo will be sharing Colonel Morrison’s history from the Morrison Talbott House at the corner of Library and Park Street in Waterloo to the 49th Illinois Volunteer Infantry's service in the Civil War.

Art & Wine Walk

Downtown Belleville, Belleville, IL

Saturday, November 5, 2022 @ 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Stroll the shops of Downtown Belleville as you sample wine and view art by local artists.

Flannels & Formals

The Woods Event Center, Robinson, IL

Saturday, November 5, 2022 @ 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Join us in celebrating our local Robinson Chamber of Commerce with boozy beverages, beats to move your feet, and a buffet/dessert bar!

Murder Mystery - A Murder at Marwood Manor

VineGogh Wine Bar & Art Studio, Highland, IL

Saturday, November 5, 2022 @ 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

A murder most foul has occurred at Marwood Manor where all of our guests are gathered for a cocktail party. Who will the murderer be? It could even be you!

 

To submit an event to be published on the Downstate Illinois website, click here!