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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Jul 27th, 2024

Madison County Fair — 2024
Come to the Madison County Fair for food, competition, and entertainment! The Madison County Fair brings draws over 216,000 exhibitors, families, vendors, and visitors from all over Madison County and surrounding areas…
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Jul 27th, 2024

Smokin’ on Main 2024
Code 3 Spices is shutting down Main St. for the 7th annual Smokin' on Main BBQ Competition and Festival benefitting the US Veterans Foundation and the Collinsville Food Pantry! Join professional and…
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Aug 1st, 2024

Grafton Music in the Park 2024
From May 23 to August 22, 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 11th, 2024

Litchfield Pickers Market 2024
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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Aug 24th, 2024

Alton Food Truck Festival 2024
Love food trucks? Love fast take-out? Join in delicious fun at the Alton Food Truck Festival! This festival features food trucks from around the region offering global street food cuisine. In addition…
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Sep 5th, 2024

Calhoun County Fair 2024
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 20th, 2024

Italian Fest 2024
Come partake in Collinsville's annual Italian Festival celebrating Italian heritage and the history of Collinsville! Italian Fest is a family-friendly event- The annual celebration falls on the 3rd weekend of September, located…
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Sep 27th, 2024

Edwardsville Art Fair 2024
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; local performing arts; live art demonstrations; children’s…
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