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!

Jul 3rd, 2022

Alton Fireworks Spectacular
Come enjoy the magnificent glow of the Alton Fireworks Spectacular at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater! On July 3, 2021, sparks will fly as the fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m…
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Jul 29th, 2022

Smokin’ on Main
The City of Collinsville is shutting down Main Street! Collinsville will once again host its annual Smokin' On Main BBQ Competition and Festival! Join professional and backyard teams from across the region…
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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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May 26th, 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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Jun 3rd, 2022

International Horseradish Festival 2022
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…
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Jun 7th, 2022

Macoupin County Fair
Since 1852, the Macoupin County Fair, the oldest fair in Illinois, has been held. 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 11th, 2022

The Edwardsville Route 66 Festival
Come and get your kicks on Route 66! The Edwardsville Route 66 Festival celebrates the nostalgia of the Mother Road yet again at the annual festival featuring live music, a classic car…
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Jun 12th, 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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Jun 17th, 2022

Glen Carbon Homecoming
Glen Carbon Homecoming returns for Glen Carbon's 130th Anniversary on Friday and Saturday June 17 and 18! At 5 PM Friday, the event kicks off with carnival rides, games, food and drink…
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Jun 22nd, 2022

Greene County Fair
Five days of events and entertainment kick of on the 22nd for Greene County Fair's annual fair week- watch livestock competitions, carnival rides, a rodeo, demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, a…
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Jul 2nd, 2022

Grafton Independence Day Fireworks
Celebrate Independence Day in beautiful Grafton! Enjoy Fireworks at Lighthouse park! View spectacular light displays over the Mississippi River while you dine at downtown restaurants or during your stay at guesthouses along…
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Jul 3rd, 2022

Alton Fireworks Spectacular
Come enjoy the magnificent glow of the Alton Fireworks Spectacular at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater! On July 3, 2021, sparks will fly as the fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m…
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Jul 9th, 2022

Jersey County Fair
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 one-hundred-year-old fair offers…
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Jul 16th, 2022

Archeology Day
You’re invited to spend a day exploring the fascinating 12,000-year history of west central Illinois through fun, hands-on activities, informational exhibits, and presentations about the current research being done by CAA archaeologists…
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