September 9, 2026

The Beans Have It During Annual Javapalooza Sept. 1 — Nov. 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Alton, IL- Sept. 8, 2026) Celebrate the love of the bean – the coffee bean that is – over the next three months during the Great Rivers & Routes…

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September 8, 2026

Local Tourism Economic Impact Climbs to Nearly $1.5 Billion in Southwest Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Alton, IL – Sept. 8, 2026) Tourism continues to strengthen the southwest Illinois economy in 2025, generating nearly $1.48 billion in total economic impact – a $79 million year…

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August 11, 2026

Nokomis Launches Innovative Small Business Competition

For Immediate Release NOKOMIS, IL. — In an ambitious effort to strengthen entrepreneurship, preserve historic buildings, and revitalize downtown, the volunteer-led community organization Newkomis is launching an innovative Small Business Competition unlike…

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July 26, 2026

Buy Tickets Now for Sept. 12 Craft Beverage Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Alton, IL – July 23, 2026) Tickets are on sale now for the third annual Great Rivers & Routes Craft Beverage Festival celebrating local beverage producers and restaurants Saturday…

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June 21, 2026

Route 66 Caravan Rolls In To Granite City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Alton, IL – June 18, 2026) It happens once every 100 years – the Route 66 Caravan is joining Big Texan Steak Ranch for a centennial celebration of the…

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June 21, 2026

New U.S. Flags Line Alton Streets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Alton, IL – June 15, 2026) In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, 100 new US flags are bringing their red, white and blue to the streets of downtown Alton…

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June 21, 2026

Celebrate 250 on the Mississippi In Alton July 1–3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Alton, IL – June 16, 2026) America's 250th birthday celebration is coming to Alton with a three-day festival aptly named "250 on the Mississippi" starting Wednesday, July 1 and…

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June 9, 2026

Collinsville Gearing Up for Great Race Stop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Alton, IL – June 10, 2026) The Hemmings Great Race presented by Coker Tire will shine the spotlight along The Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in southwest Illinois…

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May 6, 2026

Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower Celebrates Grand Re-Opening May 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Alton, IL – May 7, 2026) Experience the sights, history and expanded park-like experience at the newly renovated Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, 435 Confluence Tower Dr., Hartford, during…

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May 5, 2026

Great Rivers & Routes Participates in Brand USA Destination Immersion Showcasing Southwest Illinois to International Travel Trade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Alton, Illinois] — Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois today announced its participation in a recent Brand USA Destination Immersion with the support of Atlantic Joint…

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May 1, 2026

F1 Powerboat and Riverfront Thrills Return to Alton

3rd annual 2026 IHRA Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Championships set for July 17-19

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April 25, 2026

Celebrate Route 66 in 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Alton, IL – April 30, 2026) Get your kicks on Route 66 in southwest Illinois this summer. Communities and residents all along the Last 100 Miles of Route 6…

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