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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May 11th, 2024

Join us in the sideyard of the Pink Elephant Antique Mall for the Annual Spring Vendor Market. There will be a variety of vendors selling diverse items such as antiques, collectibles, handmade…
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May 11th, 2024

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…
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May 12th, 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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May 23rd, 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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May 28th, 2024

Five days of events and entertainment kick off on May 28 for Greene County Fair's annual fair week- watch livestock competitions, ride carnival rides, watch a rodeo, demolition derby, tractor and truck…
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Jun 4th, 2024

Since 1852, the Macoupin County Fair, the oldest fair in Illinois, has been celebrated. 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 7th, 2024

The International Horseradish Festival is the hottest event in Collinsville- celebrate the Horseradish Capitol of the World with food, fun, and music! The fest spans several city blocks where visitors will have…
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Jul 3rd, 2024

Come enjoy the magnificent glow of the Alton Fireworks Spectacular at the Alton Amphitheater in Riverfront Park July 3! Enjoy live entertainment on the amphitheater stage before the light show begins in…
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