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

Mar 25th, 2023

Our Walnut Wedding Market offers all couples the opportunity to connect with amazing local wedding professionals in an intimate setting. There will be dozens of vendors set up and we will have…
Learn More

May 13th, 2023

Celebrate the famous departure of the Lewis and Clark 'Corps of Discovery' expedition at the State Historic Site. The group of 33 travelers departed at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

May 14th, 2023

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

May 25th, 2023

From May 25 to August 10, 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…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Jun 2nd, 2023

The International Horseradish Festival is the hottest event in Collinsville! The 2022 festival will take place in beautiful Uptown Collinsville once again this year! The fest will span several city blocks where…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Jul 9th, 2023

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 the Jersey County Fair Parade. The over 100-year-old fair offers…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More