Even though the days are still plenty warm, fall fun is in the air over the next two weeks in Southern Illinois. There’s Oktoberfest celebrations, food festivals, arts and vendor fairs, plus community markets, creative and crafting events, and tons of opportunities to hear live music.
While I strive to curate a list of events that are diverse and up to date, I can’t keep up with every event in every community, and won’t always know when something is canceled. As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.
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Metro East events:
Wednesday, Sept. 16
Tunes at Blum is a free outdoor concert series Wednesdays in September on the front lawn of the Collinsville Blum House from 6-8 p.m. Hear a live musical performance by Meatwood Flack. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and are welcome to bring a picnic supper, snacks, and coolers, but no glass containers.
Get more details.
Friday, Sept. 18 & Saturday, Sept. 19
The 45th Annual Belleville Oktoberfest will include two stages with live music, a car show, weiner dog races, a root beer stein holding contest, food, drinks, and more. It’s all happening on Main Street in Belleville, beginning at 11 a.m. each day.
Get more info.
Friday, Sept. 18 & Saturday, Sept. 19
Collinsville will host its annual Italian Fest on Main Street. The two day event will feature live music, a 5k, parade, pageant, local food, grape stomp, bocce ball, and much more.
Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 19
The Mississippi Earthtones Festival is happening in Alton from noon – 10 p.m. This free and family-friendly event will feature 100+ booths with environmental education, interactive art experiences and performances, as well as great local food and beverages.
Learn more.
Sunday, Sept. 20
Happy Trails Farm in Granite City is having a vendor event from 12-5 p.m.
Learn more.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Tunes at Blum is a free outdoor concert series Wednesdays in September on the front lawn of the Collinsville Blum House from 6-8 p.m. Hear a live musical performance by Scott & Carrie Joy Acoustic. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and are welcome to bring a picnic supper, snacks, and coolers, but no glass containers.
Get more details.
Friday, Sept. 25 – Sunday, Sept. 27
The 2026 Edwardsville Art Fair is happening at the City Park. The free, three-day celebration of art and community features 90+ juried artists, live performances, family activities, emerging artists, food, and more.
Get more info.
Saturday, Sept. 26
Head to the New Baden Farmers Market for a free yoga session from 9 – 9:45 a.m. Registration is required to attend.
Find out how to save your spot.
Saturday, Sept. 26
It’s a busy day on Main Street in Belleville. The Belleville Marathon and Half-Marathon are taking place, as well as the Belleville Apple Festival. The festival begins at 10 a.m. and will include fresh apples and apple-inspired treats available for purchase, live music, fall decor, and much more.
Learn more.
Saturday, Sept. 26
The 47th Annual Relleke Pumpkin Festival + 5th Annual Vendor Fair are happening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Relleke Pumpkin Patch in Granite City. There will be kid-friendly activities, games, vendors, fall food and treats, and more.
Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 26
The Mill Events in Granite City is hosting a concert featuring the iconic sounds of the disco era. Dancing Queen, (an ABBA tribute band), and Night Fever, (a Bee Gees tribute band) will perform in the same night. The event kicks off at 8 p.m., with tickets starting at $20.
Find tickets.
Saturday, Sept. 26
Makers on Main Street in Columbia is having a Book Garden Block Party event. This craft event will have attendees creating a custom painted brick that looks like their favorite book cover.
Register to attend.
Sunday, Sept. 27
The Mascoutah Farmers Market happens from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Get more info.
Route 3 Corridor events:
Thursday, Sept. 17
Head to Stubborn German Brewing in downtown Waterloo for Bingo at the Brewery: Stubbornfest Style. The event begins at 7 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to dress in their Oktoberfest threads and bring their own food.
Learn more.
Friday, Sept. 25
The VFW in Sparta is having an Oktoberfest event, complete with German beer and German food and dessert.
Find out more.
Little Egypt events:
Thursday, Sept. 17 – Sunday, Sept. 20
The Sugar Creek Music Festival in Benton at Camp Manitowa will feature live music, a silent disco at night, family-friendly activities, daily yoga and workshops, and more.
Find more info.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Moonlight Madness in Du Quoin is a chance to shop and eat local while catching views of impressive rides that are a part of Cruising Du Quoin. Participating businesses will be staying open, running specials, serving food and refreshments, hosting activities and finding their own ways to join in the fun. The event is from 4 – 10 p.m.
Learn more.
Saturday, Sept. 19
The Silver Jewels Fall Warehouse Market is happening from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in West Frankfort.
Get more details.
Saturday, Sept. 19
The Craft & Vendor Show in Herrin is happening from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.at 320 N. 14th Street.
Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Fall Market at the Mall is at the West Frankfort Mall, and the event is from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Shop from local artisans, find baked goods and sweet treats, and food trucks.
Learn more.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Shop at the Pop-Up Market at The Space on Main in Anna from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Get more info.
Sunday, Sept. 20
Country music star Jamey Johnson will perform live at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center at 7 p.m.
Find tickets.
Friday, Sept. 25 – Sunday, Sept. 27
The Magpie Market Days – Fall Vintage Market is happening for three days at the Williamson County Fairgrounds in Marion. Shop from over 100 vendors, enjoy live music, and food trucks all weekend long.
Get more info.
Friday, Sept.25 & Saturday, Sept. 26
The Mt. Vernon Fall Fest is happening at 9th and Jordan Streets. The two day celebration will include free live music, a kids zone, food and drink available for purchase, and much more.
Get more details.
Friday, Sept. 25
The VIP Game Night at The Patch in Marion is the perfect opportunity for a girls night out or friend group. There will be a corn maze, kids area, plus farm trivia, and your VIP ticket gains you access to one complimentary drink.
Get your tickets, spots are limited.
Friday, Sept. 25
Lost Forest Coffeehouse and Pub in Carbondale is hosting a Paint & Sip Night at 7 p.m. Create a fall-themed painting while enjoying your drink of choice. Cost is $35 per person.
Find out how to reserve your spot.
Saturday, Sept. 26
Art in the Garden at Mandela Gardens in Marion will feature live music, vendors, food, and lots of fun. The event is from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Find the list of musicians and vendors.
Sunday, Sept. 27
The 1st Annual Pistons for Pins Car, Truck, & Motorcycle Show is happening at the VF Factory Outlet Mall in West Frankfort from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Get more details.
In addition to events, I’m here to tell the stories of local artists, people, and small businesses, so make sure you’re following me on Facebook, Instagram, and my YouTube podcast (Southern Illinois interviews coming this fall!) so you never miss an article!
