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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Aug 9th, 2026

Armenian Food Festival
Experience the flavors, traditions, and warm hospitality of the Armenian community at the Annual Armenian Food Fest hosted by St. Gregory Armenian Church on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 12:00 PM to…
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Aug 22nd, 2026

Gateway Fall Market 2026
Celebrate the season at the Gateway Fall Market on August 22 at the Gateway Center in Collinsville!This festive fall market brings together talented local artisans and makers offering handcrafted treasures, including unique…
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Aug 22nd, 2026

Alton Food Truck Festival 2026
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 18th, 2026

Italian Fest 2026
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 25th, 2026

Edwardsville Art Fair
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…
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