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. Also in Grafton, the Grafton Towboat Days gives visitors an experience of life on the Mighty Mississippi.

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. In Grafton, pre-1840 history comes to life along the Illinois River at the Grafton Rendezvous.

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!

Aug 27th, 2022

Alton Food Truck Festival
Love food trucks? Love fast take-out? Join in delicious fun at the Alton Food Truck Festival! Over a dozen food trucks will provide everything from burgers, tacos, BBQ, and cultural dishes to…
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Aug 11th, 2022

Grafton Music in the Park
From May 26 to August 11, 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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Aug 27th, 2022

Alton Food Truck Festival
Love food trucks? Love fast take-out? Join in delicious fun at the Alton Food Truck Festival! Over a dozen food trucks will provide everything from burgers, tacos, BBQ, and cultural dishes to…
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Sep 8th, 2022

Calhoun County Fair
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 pull, a demolition derby…
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Sep 8th, 2022

Alton Expo
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…
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Sep 11th, 2022

Litchfield Pickers Market
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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Sep 16th, 2022

Italian Fest
Come partake in Collinsville's annual Italian Festival celebrating Italians and the history of Collinsville! Italian Fest is a family-friendly event- The annual celebration falls on the 3rd weekend of September, located in…
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Sep 17th, 2022

Collinsville Italian Fest
Since 1984, Collinsville has been celebrating the Italian culture and heritage that the city was built on. The Fest is a family friendly event and there really is something for everyone! Channel…
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Sep 23rd, 2022

Edwardsville Art Fair
Bring your creative side to downtown City Park near the public library for a day celebrating art at the annual Edwardsville Art Fair! The juried art competition features approximately 100 accomplished artists…
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Nov 25th, 2022

Christmas Wonderland 2022
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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