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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Oct 9th, 2026

St. Mary’s Oktoberfest
Let the Oktoberfest fun begin at the annual St. Mary's Oktoberfest -- a three day celebration of fun, music, food and libations Oct. 9 - 11.Kick off the weekend with the Hot…
There are future dates for this event and it is currently underway
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Oct 17th, 2026

Federico Kia’s Trunk or Treat
Get ready for treats, trunks and spooky fun! Federico Kia’s fourth annual Trunk or Treat returns to Wood River on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 5–7 p.m.!Explore more than 40 decorated trunks, enjoy…
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Oct 22nd, 2026

Community Trunk-or-Treat in Collinsville
Little ghouls and goblins can enjoy a spooktacular evening at Woodland Park in Collinsville during the free city-wide Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5–7 p.m.!Registration is not required. This popular event…
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Nov 27th, 2026

Christmas Wonderland
Begin your holiday celebration when you experience the enchantment of Christmas at the "Christmas Wonderland" holiday light display. The "Grandpa Gang" has been at it again transforming Rock Spring Park in Alton…
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Nov 30th, 2026

Gingerbread Contest
Make a Gingerbread creation for the City of Alton's Parks and Recreation Annual Gingerbread Contest! Open to adults, kids, individuals, and groups! Register by Nov. 30th and deliver your creation to Alton…
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Jan 9th, 2027

Alton Eagle Ice Festival 2027
Mark your calendars for January 9, 2027, as the Alton Eagle Ice Festival returns for its 18th year! This beloved annual celebration highlights one of the region’s most incredible natural experiences, the…
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