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

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

Oct 3rd, 2025

AREA 66 HAUNTED SCHOOL
Dare to enter the spookiest school in town! The Area 66 Haunted School brings chills, thrills, and hair-raising scares every Friday and Saturday night throughout October. From eerie classrooms to haunted hallways…
Learn More

Oct 4th, 2025

Edwardsville Book Festival
Join us outside the Edwardsville Public Library in City Park for a day of book-ish fun, including regional authors, new and used book sales, fun activities for kids, crafts for sale, and…
Learn More

Oct 12th, 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

Nov 28th, 2025

Christmas Wonderland 2025
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…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Results 1 - 9 of 9