Annual Events

From a high-speed bike race through the streets of a thriving city’s downtown district to a slower-paced depiction of the life of early settlers along the banks of the Illinois River, the Great Rivers & Routes region has a number of events you can set your watch to.

Some of the biggest draws to the area are the fairs and festivals put on annually in the region. Collinsville is home to the International Horseradish Festival every summer, which salutes all things – you guessed it – horseradish. In the fall, downtown Collinsville is painted red, white and green for the Italian Fest.

The Mississippi Earthtones Festival in downtown Alton celebrates the nearby river with a day of art, music and conservation. The Edwardsville Art Fair pairs masterful works of art with beautiful surroundings in Edwardsville’s City Park. And speaking of pairings, who doesn’t love jazz and wine? The Alton Jazz & Wine Festival blends the two for a sweet finish to summer.

Grafton knows a little something about wine, and the Grafton Winery Blues Festival has a ton of both wine and blues music to sample.

It’s all about the experience when you step back in time at Kampsville's Old Settlers Days, where re-enactors depict the life and times of the early settlers in Calhoun County.

If you’re looking to get your blood racing, the Edwardsville Rotary Criterium is your scene. The bike race through Edwardsville’s scenic downtown streets also includes food, drinks and games for those not racing competitively.

Food truck festivals, farmers’ markets, carnivals – there’s always something fun and fascinating going on in the Great Rivers & Routes region. Come see for yourself!

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Feb 7th, 2026

Eagle Days
Bald Eagle Days returns to the Audubon Center at Riverlands on Saturday, Feb. 7. This annual favorite outdoor event includes an Eagle Presentation, a life-sized bald eagle replica nest, educational tables, food…
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Feb 7th, 2026

Dead of Winter No. 27
Celebrate the spooky winter season of ghosts, hauntings, folklore and legends durings this annual conference held in "One of the Most Haunted Small Towns in America". No reservations are needed for the…
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Feb 14th, 2026

Wordi Gras
Welcome to Wordi Gras! The self-proclaimed "Redneck Mardi Gras" brings all the pizazz and party atmosphere of Fat Tuesday to the tiny town of Worden with a parade, live music throughout the…
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Mar 14th, 2026

ARTini 2026
Enjoy a night where art meets mixology! ARTini is an exciting cocktail competition where local restaurants go head-to-head, each crafting a one-of-a-kind drink inspired by a piece of artwork. You'll sip, savor…
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Sep 25th, 2026

Edwardsville Art Fair
The Edwardsville Art Fair is an annual 3-day outdoor juried arts celebration presenting the work of approximately 85-100 talented local, regional, national, and international artists including local performing arts, and live art…
There are future dates for this event
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