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.
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
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 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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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!
