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!
Downtown Charleston Square, Charleston, IL
Wednesday, July 6, 2022 @ 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Come out and support your local vendors on the Charleston Square. Baked goods, flowers, produce, jewelry, and more.
Prairie du Rocher Party in the Park
Prairie du Rocher Village Park, Prairie du Rocher, IL
Wednesday, July 6, 2022 @ 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Come and bring your lawn chairs with you to enjoy the music and food in the Village of Prairie du Rocher. This is the 15th year of providing music at Village Park every other Wednesday evening beginning June 8th and ending August 17th. You will be able to purchase food beginning at 6:00 pm and the music begins and 7:00 pm. Music usually runs until 8:30 pm.
Nashville Courthouse, Nashville, IL
Thursday, July 7, 2022 @ 7 a.m. – Noon
Randolph County Fairground, Sparta, IL
Friday, July 8, 2022 – Tuesday, July 12, 2022 @ 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
This fair features special events, variety of foods, parade, 4H, livestock, and agricultural exhibits. Events scheduled include a Craft Fair, 4H small animal judging and open horse show, a 4 wheeler pull and lawn mower, a 4H horse show, a 4H livestock auction, a tractor and truck pull, and a mud bog.
Fayette County Fairgrounds, Brownstown, IL
Friday, July 8, 2022 – Wednesday, July 13, 2022 @ 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Hoyleton, IL
Saturday, July 9, 2022 – Sunday, July 10, 2022, @ 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Join Hoyleton for their annual Hofbraufest! This year's event features: Delicious food, live music, vendor/craft fair, tractor/lawn mower show, 5K run/walk, washers and horseshoes tournaments, and more!
Sainte Marie, IL – Picquet Park at the Water Tower
Saturday, July 9, 2022 @ 9 a.m. – Noon
Registration begins at 9 am. $10 per person. Leaves at 10 a.m. In memory of John Lybarger.
Carlyle Lake, Carlyle, IL
Saturday, July 9, 2022 @ 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2022 Hare and Hound series will be 6 events, one each month, starting in May. It is open to all classes of boats and we encourage you to take friends and family out for the 10.7 mile course starting and finishing at CSA by way of Coles Creek and Allen Branch. Make an afternoon of sailing with the emphasis on fun. Crew opportunities available to anyone on each sailing day by advance reservation. No experience needed. After the race, come back to the CSA pavilion for the results and free beverages. Plan to make a day of it by chillin’ and grillin' afterwards.
Prairie du Rocher 300th Birthday Celebration
Historic Brickley Lot, Prairie du Rocher, IL
Saturday, July 9, 2022 @ Noon – 11 p.m., Sunday, July 10, 2022 @ Noon – 6 p.m.
Directions from nearest highway: The village park is located on State Route 155 (Henry Street) on the left side at 300 Henry Street. Admission – Free, Live Music Featuring Head East and Dixie Express!
Natural History of Illinois Caverns and Other Significant Caves of Southwestern Illinois
History Museum of Monroe County, Waterloo, IL
Saturday, July 9, 2022 @ 1:30 p.m.
More than 300 caves are reported from southwestern Illinois, with 75% of the caves occurring in Monroe County. This presentation by Bob Weck will examine the biology, geology and the history of important caves in our area including Illinois Caverns, Fogelpole Cave and Stemler Cave. The presentation will be held at the History Museum of Monroe County in the Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL.
Mount Carmel City Park, Mount Carmel, IL
Saturday, July 9, 2022 @ 5 – 7 p.m.
Admission - Adults: $25, Come and enjoy a fun filled walk/run event at the Kiwanis Krawl Beer Run! *Must be 21 to enter race
Picquet Park, Sainte Marie, IL
Saturday, July 9, 2022 @ 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Annual Sainte Marie, IL Cork & Pork Festival at Picquet Park. Full day of events! Wine, Pork, Beer, Music-Proceeds help local non-profits-Over $131K given back since 2015. Starts 5 PM-Street/lot parking available. Ends at 11 p.m., food served from 5-9 p.m. Must be 21, bring I.D. 6-10pm Matt Poss Band
*To submit an event to be published on the Downstate Illinois website, click here!