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

Jun 10th, 2026

2026 Tenderloin Farms Lavender U‑pick Season
Come stop and smell the lavender at Tenderloin Lavender Farm in Edwardsville! The 2026 U-pick season runs May 22 through June 28 and offers the perfect family-friendly outing filled with fresh air…
There are future dates for this event and it is currently underway
Learn More

Jun 10th, 2026

Discovery Day Camp at the Nature Institute
The Nature Institute (TNI) is shouting from the treetops, “44 years of adventure!” Since 1982, when Aune Nelson sparked the Discovery Day Camp into life, kiddos in the Riverbend area have been…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Jun 12th, 2026

St. Elizabeth Parish Picnic
Get ready for a fun-filled weekend at the St. Elizabeth Parish Picnic on June 12–14, 2026 in Granite City! Enjoy great food, live music, carnival rides, bingo, games, and family-friendly entertainment all…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Jun 13th, 2026

Edwardsville Route 66 Festival
Come and get your kicks on Route 66! The Edwardsville Route 66 Festival celebrates the nostalgia of America's most famous highway yet again at the annual festival June 13, 2026, with classic…
Learn More

Jul 14th, 2026

Jersey County Fair
Get ready to party like it’s 1776 at the Jersey County Fair in honor of America’s 250th birthday.Celebrate a full week of festivities with the Jersey County Fair Parade at 6 p.m…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Jul 17th, 2026

Alton Powerboat Nationals
Now an established Midwest tradition, the Alton Powerboat Nationals return to the Mississippi River with a full slate of high-speed racing and a packed weekend of fan-favorite experiences. From F1 and F-Light…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

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…
Learn More

Results 1 - 12 of 18