Benton Illinois – Small Town Socialite

20 Fall Festivals Happening Around Southern Illinois in October

Posted on October 1, 2026September 30, 2026 by Amanda

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

Events

What’s Happening in Southern Illinois, Sept. 28 – Oct. 11, 2026

Posted on September 28, 2026 by Amanda

Over the next two weeks, find craft and vendor events, free and family-friendly activities, and fall-related events. And, if fall and spooky season is your favorite time of year, be sure to come back on Thursday, when I’ll have a fall festival event roundup.

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.

Did I miss an event that you think people should know about? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.

Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word!

Metro East events:

Wednesday, Sept. 30
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. Enjoy live music performed by Scott & Mechelle Acoustic Duo. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and are welcome to bring a picnic supper, snacks, and coolers, but no glass containers.
Find out more.

Thursday, Oct. 1
Love car shows and night markets? Sissy’s Market & Car Meet Night combines both concepts into one event at Sissy’s Space in Granite City. Find items from local vendors, food trucks, and cars at this unique event, happening from 5-8 p.m.
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 2
If you’re looking to make new friends, or simply a new spot to hang out with your current crew, consider checking out Friday Night Socials at SoCal Soul in Edwardsville. These monthly events offer the public an alternative Friday night hang out beyond a bar. Whether you want to spend your evening shopping in this plant store, bring your laptop in for some work on your side hustle, want to bring in outside food and drinks and hang with your favorite people, or if you’re flying solo and want to nerd out about plants with the SoCal staff, this event is meant to build community and has something for just about everyone.
Check the details.

Saturday, Oct. 3
The Whispering Roots in Alton is hosting its first craft and artisan event featuring local artisans, crafters, and makers from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Discover treasures, handmade home decor, unique gifts, custom apparel, and delicious local treats—all in one place.
Get more info.

Saturday, Oct. 3
Find your next favorite read at the Edwardsville Book Festival, happening at the City Park from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 3
Take a tour at Eckert’s Belleville and learn how the orchard apples become hard cider in this monthly tour, happening from 2-3 p.m.
Purchase tickets.

Sunday, Oct. 4
Happy Trails Farm Horse Rescue in Granite City is offering an open farm day, allowing the public to visit for free, although donations are accepted.
Get time and location details.

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.

Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10
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.

Saturday, Oct. 10
Play games and build a happy, healthy, community focused environment at Recovery Game Night at Sacred Grounds Cafe in Edwardsville. Games will be provided, but you shouldn’t shy away from bringing your own to share. This is a kid-friendly and recovery-friendly environment. Grab coffee, pizza, and a pastry from Sacred Grounds Cafe while playing games with your friends, family, and other people with lived experience. This event happens on the second Saturday of every month, from 5-9 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 10
The Nature Preserve Foundation at Watershed Nature Center is having a free family event called Pumpkin Glow 2026. The event is from 4-8 p.m. and will feature the park’s nature trails illuminated with glowing pumpkins carved by community members.
Get more info.

Saturday, Oct. 10
The Great River Road Cookie Company is hosting the First Annual Vendor and Resource Fair at the Granite City Head Start Niedringhaus Building. There will be vendors, resources, businesses, child and family activities, and more from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Get more details.

Route 3 Corridor events:

Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3
Head to Stubborn German Brewing in downtown Waterloo for its annual Oktoberfest celebration called Stubbornfest. This outdoor event will feature live music from German bands, and plenty of German beer. Free to attend, bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music and merriment.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 10
The Freeburg Recreation Park will be the site of a Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research fundraising event. The event will happen from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature food trucks, live music, raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and more.
Find out more.

Little Egypt events:

Every weekend in Oct.
Desel’s Mud Ranch in Zeigler is hosting Haunted Bus Tours every weekend in October. The tours will run from sunset until Midnight and there will also be concessions available as well as an escape room.
Get more info.

Saturday, Oct. 3
The 6th annual Sasquatch Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. in downtown Harrisburg. This free event features rides, live music, food trucks, tons of vendors, a Run Like A Squatch 5K, a car show, and more.
Find out more.

Thursday, Oct. 8 – Saturday, Oct. 10
Get ready for three days of laughs at the Little Egypt Comedy Festival, happening in Marion.
Find the lineup and tickets.

Saturday, Oct. 10
There will be a rummage and bake sale at the Galatia Community Center, to benefit the Ammon family. The event will happen from 8 a.m. – noon.
Learn more on Facebook.

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!

News and Features

Becca’s Homegrown Photography Captures Family Memories at an Affordable Price

Posted on September 10, 2026September 9, 2026 by Amanda

As someone who always liked taking pictures of nature, and had an eye for photography, Becca Murphy invested in a camera and started her own business, Becca’s Homegrown Photography, in April of this year. Her photo shoots involve families and kids, with most of her sessions taking place outdoors, with nature as the backdrop.

Although she’s only been in business a short time, Becca says she’s received a great reception in Franklin County, where she’s based, as well as in the surrounding communities. Besides her love of photography, another thing that drove her to start her business was a chance to help families capture memories in a more cost-effective way.

“Things are getting pretty expensive out here and I know I had sticker shock after looking into getting photos done after my twins were born,” she shares.

Becca has offered mini photography sessions around a theme, like this one depicting classic fair vibes at the Du Quoin State Fair. *Photo via Becca’s Homegrown Photography on Facebook.*

One way she helps families save money is by offering mini sessions, meaning a photo shoot with fewer pictures, around 10 shots, and usually around a theme like 4th of July, or Fair Sessions, which she took at the Du Quoin State Fair.

Additionally, she’s hoping to start shooting some stranger sessions, a concept photographers across the country are embracing right now. As the name suggests, the photographer selects two strangers to be in a photo shoot together.

While behind the scenes images of stranger sessions between two strangers posing like a romantic couple are popular across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, photographers are also arranging stranger sessions for people seeking friends and moms looking to connect with other moms.

A lighthearted family moment turned into a memory captured forever in a photo. *Photo via Becca’s Homegrown Photography on Facebook.*

In addition to the themed sessions she’s held in the past, coming up this fall, Becca’s offering Halloween costume mini sessions for $25, as well as fall family mini sessions for $50.

Sharing her story

Recently, Becca shared some of her personal story with her Facebook followers in order to bring awareness to childhood cancer. Becca and her husband have a seven year old son and 13-month old twins, a boy and a girl. However, on February 13, 2019, their first-born child, a daughter named Kinslee, passed away at age three, after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

“We found her cancer by a freak accident,” Becca shares.

Becca and her family were hiking at Kinkaid Spillway and Kinslee fell and hurt her leg. When the injury didn’t get better, she took Kinslee to the doctor to get X-rays, and that’s how they found the cancer. Besides leaning on their inner circle, Becca says that there was an organization she and her husband relied on during their family’s difficult time.

Becca’s daughter Kinslee passed away at age three after a battle with cancer. *Photo via Becca’s Homegrown Photography on Facebook.*

In a Facebook post from late August, Becca shared, “One of the organizations that helped families like ours was Friends of Kids with Cancer. They do so much for children and their families during an incredibly difficult time. From toys and art supplies to helping provide moments of normalcy and joy, they remind kids that they are still kids—even while fighting something as heartbreaking as cancer.”

Because the organization means so much to her, for every photo shoot booked with Becca’s Homegrown Photography during the month of September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, half of the session fee will be donated to Friends of Kids with Cancer.

If you’d like to book a session with Becca, or learn more about her business, follow her on Facebook.