As the days get shorter, the evenings get cooler, and the leaves begin to change colors, communities across Southern Illinois are embracing the season with various fall festivals. From trunk or treat and pumpkin glow events, to witches night out evenings, hayrides, corn mazes, chili cook-offs, and more.
Get all the details in this post and start planning your October now!
Metro East festivals:
Sunday, Oct. 4
The FestiFall is happening in Columbia from 1-6 p.m. at Metter Park. Find kid’s activities including climbing wall, unique vendors, food, drinks, and live music.
Get more info.
Thursday, Oct. 8
Bonar Boutique in East Alton is hosting Witches Night Out from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. and the event will feature live music by Pugan, outdoor vendors, plus Rosewood Coffee Co. & Bakery will be open for business during the event.
Find out more.
Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10
Chili is one of those dishes that just screams fall weather, and the 42nd Annual Belleville Chili Cook-Off is happening for two days on Main Street in downtown Belleville. There will be live music, a 5k, vendors, and of course, plenty of chili.
Get more info.
Thursday, Oct. 15
Downtown Belleville will host Witches Walk, an evening that encourages attendees to patronize local businesses dressed in their pointy hats and witchy vibes outfits.
Find out more.
Friday, Oct. 16
Fur-ight Night Trunk or Treat for Dogs at It’s The Barkery in Belleville is a free, dog-friendly Halloween event where pups and their people come together for a festive trunk-or-treat experience. Featuring costumes, treats, photo ops, and plenty of wagging tails, it’s a playful community event designed to celebrate the joy of dogs while connecting local pet lovers and businesses for a howlin’ good time.
Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 17
Witches on the Water in Grafton will be a spooky and unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss! Find fun all throughout the streets — featuring contests, live music, vendors, entertainment, food & drink specials, spooky shuttles, and more.
Find out more.
Route 3 Corridor festivals:
Saturday, Oct. 10
The Marissa Fall Festival is happening from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. at Marissa City Park. The festivities will include live music, barbecue, a beer stand, vendors, and activities.
Get more info.
Thursday, Oct. 15
Waterloo is having its Witches Night Out event from 4-9 p.m. in downtown Waterloo. Dress in your finest witchy threads and head out to participating businesses for an evening of shopping, eating, and drinking. There will be a costume contest at 8:30 p.m. at Vintage Wine Bar.
Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 17
Head to Mascoutah for the Mascoutah Fall Fest 2026 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Main Street.
Follow the event on Facebook for more details.
Little Egypt festivals:
Saturday, Oct. 3
Forestry Coffee Roasters are hosting Boo and Brew Harvest Festival from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The family-friendly bash will feature local Adam’s Farm pumpkins, delicious Forestry coffee, and talented local vendors.
Get more info.
Saturday, Oct. 3
Du Quoin’s Fall Fest is happening from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This free event is held at Keyes Park, and will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, and activities for kids.
Get more info.
Saturday, Oct. 10
The 3rd Annual POLC Community Fall Festival is happening from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. This fun, free, and family-friendly event will feature barrel train rides, pony rides, carriage rides, a petting zoo, bouncy house, kids games, face painting, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, s’mores, cornhole and more.
Get more info.
Saturday, Oct. 10
The Carbondale Park District is hosting a Fall Festival from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Lakeland Center. Expect hayrides, pumpkin painting, inflatables, food trucks, music and other family activities.
Find out more.
Friday, Oct. 16
Blanca’s Corner in Du Quoin is combing the celebration of 20 years in business with its annual Witches Night Out event. Head to the store from 6-9 p.m. for an evening of fun.
Learn more on Facebook.
Friday, Oct. 16
The 2nd Annual The Enchanted Square, a witches night out event, is happening on the Marion Square from 6-8 p.m. Shop, eat, drink, and have a witchy night out.
Get more details.
Saturday, Oct. 17
Marion Connects Fall Fest will take place at the Williamson County Fairgrounds from noon until 7:30 p.m. The festivities will include inflatables, live music, food trucks, a beer garden, pie eating contest, vendors, farm animals, face painting, and more.
Find out more.
Saturday, Oct. 17
The Black Cat Bash at the Herrin Civic Center will help raise funds to support families and pets throughout Southern Illinois through the Infinity Project. Happening from 7-11 p.m., expect music, dancing, pizza, drinks, games, and more.
Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Crab Orchard Campground is having a trunk or treat event at the campground from 4:30-7:30 p.m. There will be a spooky campsite contest, a chili cook off, pumpkin carving, and more.
Get more details.
Saturday, Oct. 24
The Pumpkin Experience will happen in Murphysboro. This event will feature glowing pumpkins and vendors from 5-9 p.m.
Learn more.
Sunday, Oct. 25
St. Nicholas Brewing MDH at the Southern Illinois Airport is having a Trunk or Treat on the Tarmac event from 5-7 p.m.
Get more info.
*Later this month I’ll share a Halloween event round up with trunk-or-treat, parties, and other Halloween focused events
