Top Festivals in the Area This Summer

Festivals, fairs and fun…oh my!

From brews and blues to barbecue, birds, bikes and bands, and even Burgoo, weekends are bursting with activities throughout the Meeting of the Great Rivers. So what are your plans for the summer? Check out these great summertime festivals sure to delight all ages.

BBQ, Brews, and Bluegrass Festival -- Happy Summer!

Spend time fishing as a family at the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair!

Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair

Cast your line at the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair in Grafton at Pere Marquette State Park on June 9. Children and parents alike are invited to fish for trout and bluegill. Featured will be outdoor activities and a Texas Bass Tank 4,000 gallon aquarium. Start off your summer right. Hook, line and sinker.

Car Cruise

Missing the beauty of a good old fashion car? We have you set with Alton Main Street’s Car Cruise on June 10. The popular event drives in thousands to see the best of the best old-fashioned cars in the area. For those into shopping, street vendors, live music and food trucks will be available.

Burgoo Festival

Burgoo soup for you! Volunteers will be making this local favorite for the annual Burgoo Festival June 15-16 at 413 South Main Street. Filled with veggies and various meats, this popular soup takes all day to cook, but the results are phenomenal. After 5pm, visitors and locals come from all over to take a taste. Dish up some for you and your family at the Betsey Ann Picnic in Brighton.

Celebrate the 4th of July with Great Rivers & Routes!

Independence Day

Celebrate your Independence with summer’s best show. Fireworks! Make it a family affair when you take your blanket and some cool beverages. Both Grafton and Brighton will have their special shows on June 30. The Grafton show begins at 9pm and Brighton at dusk. On July 4, view the fireworks in Jerseyville at 9:15pm. Of course, the biggest display in the area will be at 9:15pm on the banks of the riverfront in Alton on July 3. Either day you go, make it the best encounter yet!

Enjoy all the fun of an old-fashion county fair!

Jersey County Fair

Experience the Jersey County Fair at Jersey County Fairgrounds on July 10-15. Open up the week with the parade featuring the theme “A Jersey County Adventure.” The IPRA will entertain, so bring your cowboy hats and boots. Have fun first hand during which this agricultural community demonstrates livestock and nightly entertainment. Don’t miss truck pulls, a monster truck challenge, demo derby and Queen competitions. Join us at 300 Veterans Memorial Parkway for all the action.

Learn all about native hummingbirds this summer!

Hummingbird Festival

Did you know hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards? Learn this and more when you join us at the Lewis and Clark Historic Site on July 14 for the Hummingbird Festival. Catch, band and release hummingbirds on a first come first serve basis. Opportunities to “adopt” a hummingbird is limited. So, come early to 1 Lewis and Clark Trail in Hartford.

Celebrate Lucy Haskel's Birthday with Great Rivers & Routes.

Lucy Haskel Birthday

Bring your birthday horn when Alton will throw yet another birthday bash for Lucy Haskell on July 29. Kids can participate in pony rides, games and eat free ice cream, cake and cupcakes. The annual event mimics the day the house was bestowed to Lucy receiving it on her fifth birthday. The festival will be at 1211 Henry Street.

Get your sweet, summery peaches this summer.

Peach Festival

It’s that time of year again. The annual Peach Festival is at Pere Marquette Lodge on August 12 in Grafton. Sample and purchase some of the best peaches in the region. You can also shop other produce, vendors, crafts and enjoy some live music. Be sure to make a trip up to Grafton for a festival that drives people from all over the region. It’s sure to eliminate your craving for sweets!

Rock & Brew!

Rock the Hops Festival in Alton on August 18 is a perfect time of summer to enjoy craft beer samples from 25 different brewers. Get yourself a souvenir glass and listen to some great music. Walk along the streets of downtown while enjoying beer makers and vendors.

Tri-county Olden Days Festival: celebrate our agricultural history.

Tri-County Olden Days Festival

The Tri-County Olden Days Festival will bring you back to your roots…agricultural roots that is. Kids’ Day is August 25 where there will be sawmilling, draft horse plowing, and the parade of power. The city of Dow will also have tractor games, rodeo and antique car show. Plus, food will be in abundance on both the 25-26 at 23946 State Highway 3.