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!

Show Results For:
Location

Jul 31st, 2025

Grafton Music in the Park 2025
Grafton's Music in the Park Summer Concert Series brings 14 weeks of FREE concerts every Thursday Evening May 29 through August 28 in Grove Memorial Park, downtown Grafton. Each week features area…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Aug 10th, 2025

Litchfield Pickers Market 2025
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…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Aug 23rd, 2025

Alton Food Truck Festival 2025
Love food trucks? Love fast take-out? Join in delicious fun at the Alton Food Truck Festival! This festival features food trucks from around the region offering global street food cuisine. In addition…
Learn More

Sep 4th, 2025

Calhoun County Fair 2025
Held in early fall, the Calhoun County Fair welcomes all to enjoy their bright farming community with livestock competitions, animal contests, county fair pageants, Illinois Farm Pullers truck pulls, a demolition derby…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Sep 4th, 2025

Alton Expo 2025
The Alton Expo returns for another year of carnival rides, live music, food, and fun! Bring your friends and family to enjoy an evening of amusement at this festival on the Mississippi…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Sep 19th, 2025

Italian Fest 2025
Come partake in Collinsville's annual Italian Festival celebrating Italian heritage and the history of Collinsville! Italian Fest is a family-friendly event- The annual celebration falls on the 3rd weekend of September, located…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Sep 20th, 2025

Great Rivers Rendezvous
Come join us for a FUN, recreational paddle on the Mississippi River for the Great Rivers Rendezvous on Saturday, September 20, 2025, organized by the Mississippi River Water Trail Association (MRWTA). Choose…
Learn More

Sep 26th, 2025

In Harmony with Nature
Imagine the rising, falling, booming sounds of a full orchestra blending with tunes from summer song birds and croaking bullfrogs. In a special way, In Harmony with Nature celebrates the sounds of…
Learn More

Sep 26th, 2025

Edwardsville Art Fair 2025
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
Learn More

Results 1 - 12 of 14