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 10th, 2025

Lewis and Clark Departure Celebration 2025
Mark the departure of Lewis & Clark as they set out on an expedition of discovery! Reenactors, historic artisans, and more will commemorate this important date in Illinois and American history. Demonstrations…
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May 11th, 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…
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May 27th, 2025

Greene County Fair 2025
Five days of events and entertainment kick off for Greene County Fair's annual fair week starting May 27 - watch livestock competitions, ride carnival rides, watch a rodeo, demolition derby, tractor and…
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May 29th, 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…
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Jun 3rd, 2025

Macoupin County Fair 2025
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 6th, 2025

International Horseradish Festival 2025
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 27th, 2025

Mississippi River Festival 2025
The Mississippi River Festival brings its tunes back to the Alton Amphitheater for its 2nd year along the Mighty Mississippi June 27 & 28, 2025! On Friday, June 27, catch headliner Ben…
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