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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Apr 25th, 2026

Grateful Dead Day
Join Mom Said No, Mississippi Hippie, and a lineup of locally owned favorites for the annual Grateful Dead Day on Broadway, a full block Love In you won’t want to miss!Browse and…
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May 9th, 2026

Lewis and Clark Departure Celebration 2026
Mark the departure of Lewis & Clark as they set out on an expedition of discovery! Reenactors, historic artisans, and more will commemorate this important date in Illinois and American history. Demonstrations…
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May 16th, 2026

Grafton Winery Vineyards Blues Festival 2026
Celebrate all things blues at the Grafton Winery Vineyards during their 16th annual Blues Festival! Enjoy a weekend of soulful tunes, delicious wine, and beautiful views on May 16 and 17 from…
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May 24th, 2026

Collinsville Memorial Day Festival
Celebrate Memorial Day with Collinsville's 7th Annual Firework Festival! This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, food, drink and craft vendors, kids activities and a show-stopping firework show to jump start…
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May 28th, 2026

115th Irish Days Celebration in Farmersville
Shamrock Down to Farmersville for Irish Days! Join Farmersville for the 115th Annual Irish Days Celebration along the historic Route 66. This long-standing tradition honors the town’s deep Irish roots with a…
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May 28th, 2026

115th Irish Days Celebration in Farmersville
Shamrock Down to Farmersville for 115th Irish Days! This celebration takes place in Farmersville Park along the historic Route 66. This long-standing tradition honors the town’s deep Irish roots with a full…
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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…
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