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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May 23rd, 2024

Grafton Music in the Park 2024
From May 23 to August 22, enjoy the annual Grafton concert series Music in the Park. Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket and listen to live bands and performers from The…
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May 28th, 2024

Greene County Fair 2024
Five days of events and entertainment kick off on May 28 for Greene County Fair's annual fair week- watch livestock competitions, ride carnival rides, watch a rodeo, demolition derby, tractor and truck…
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Jun 4th, 2024

Macoupin County Fair 2024
Since 1852, the Macoupin County Fair, the oldest fair in Illinois, has been celebrated. Featuring agriculture and livestock contests, harness racing, a food festival, exhibition hall competitions, fair pageants, I.T.P.A. Tractor and…
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Jun 7th, 2024

International Horseradish Festival 2024
The International Horseradish Festival is the hottest event in Collinsville- celebrate the Horseradish Capitol of the World with food, fun, and music! The fest spans several city blocks where visitors will have…
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Jun 9th, 2024

Litchfield Pickers Market 2024
Love picking through vintage items, antiques, and collectibles for that perfect find? Then this is the market for you!The Litchfield Pickers Market is held every second Sunday of the month May to…
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Jul 3rd, 2024

Alton Fireworks Spectacular 2024
Come enjoy the magnificent glow of the Alton Fireworks Spectacular at the Alton Amphitheater in Riverfront Park July 3! Enjoy live entertainment on the amphitheater stage before the light show begins in…
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Jul 6th, 2024

Jersey County Fair 2024
Find food, merchandise, vendors and more at this year's Jersey County Fair!Ring in the week-long festivities of the Jersey County Fair with a kick-off party and barbecue contest! The over 100-year-old fair…
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Jul 23rd, 2024

Madison County Fair 2024
Come to the Madison County Fair for food, competition, and entertainment! The Madison County Fair brings draws over 216,000 exhibitors, families, vendors, and visitors from all over Madison County and surrounding areas…
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Jul 27th, 2024

Smokin’ on Main 2024
The City of Collinsville is shutting down Main Street! Collinsville will once again host its annual Smokin' On Main BBQ Competition and Festival! Code 3 Spices is shutting down Main St. for…
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