Over the next two weeks there’s so many chances to get out and about in the Southern Illinois communities and support local businesses, makers, and vendors. If finding unique and handmade items are high on your list, you’re in luck because there are a number of craft and vendor fairs happening in areas throughout the Metro East, Route 3 Corridor, and Little Egypt Communities.
There’s also plenty of chances to experience community fairs and festivals, with celebrations like the DuQuoin State Fair happening until Labor Day, and numerous communities hosting festivals and homecoming events.
And if you want to get social at outdoor entertainment events, there’s plenty of chances for that with multiple car shows, outdoor concerts, movies, and a Shakespearean play.
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. 2
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 about future concerts.
Thursday, Sept. 3
Repurpose an old book into an art journal at the class offered at Alton Art Revival, beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Get tickets and learn more.
Thursday, Sept. 3
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival is bringing The Two Gentlemen of Verona to Metter Park in Columbia at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy this free performance of the legendary bard’s original rom-com.
Learn more.
Friday, Sept. 4
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, Sept. 5
Eckert’s Hard Pressed Cider Fest is a one-day celebration with over 40 unique hard ciders, craft beers, and specialty cocktails from local and regional cideries and breweries. There will also be an artisan marketplace with goods from local makers, live music, games, and eats from the Cider Shed and food trucks. General admission tickets start at $25 in advance and $30 at the door. General ticket prices include nine 3-oz pours of your choice + commemorative tasting cup, with VIP tickets prices starting at $40 in advance, $45 at the door, and earning ticket holders to early access, 13 pours, and more benefits.
Get more info.
Sunday, Sept. 6
The Metro East Comic Book Convention is for modern and vintage comic book collectors, as well as fan boys and fan girls. The event is held at the American Legion Post in Collinsville from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is free.
Find out more.
Sunday, Sept. 6
Collinsville VFW’s Annual Car Show & Vendor Fair is happening from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Come out to celebrate with the whole family and enjoy live music by Cherry Ice, take in the sights of unique cars, shop at the vendor fair, and find food available for purchase.
Get more info.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
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 Tony & Rhonda Hausmann. 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 about future concerts.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
Granite City is having a Civic Park Concert with Porch Band from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Get more info.
Thursday, Sept. 10
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, Sept. 11
The final Bellevue Park Nights of the season kicks off at 7 p.m. in Belleville. This event will feature a concert by Shortmist at 7 p.m., and a showing of the movie “Moana 2” at 9 p.m. There will also be activities for kids and food trucks.
Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 12
Help a worthy cause and have fun doing so at the craft fair and bowling fundraiser benefiting BackStoppers at Bowl Haven Lanes in Alton. The craft fair is free to attend and will be held outdoors. Inside, participate in three games of bowling to help raise funds, a silent auction and raffle basket. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. with bowling beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Get more info.
Saturday, Sept. 12
The Craft & Vendor Fair at Anderson Hospital in Marysville is an opportunity to shop local, support small businesses, and enjoy a fun day. Browse handmade crafts, unique gifts, boutique items, home décor, specialty vendors, delicious food, kettle corn, raffles, scratch & win prizes, and so much more. Support local while helping benefit the Anderson Hospital Auxiliary.
Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 12
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.
Friday, Sept. 12 & Saturday, Sept. 13
Kay Weber Presents is bringing a two-day craft and vendor show to Belleville. Find handmade goods, boutique items, gifts, home décor, treats, and more.
Find time and other info.
Sunday, Sept. 13
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.
Route 3 Corridor events:
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Shop to End Alzheimer’s from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Cedarhurst of Waterloo. There will be candles, t-shirts, plushies, baked goods, wreaths, and more to shop from.
Learn more.
Saturday, Sept. 5 & Sunday, Sept. 6
The Waterloo High School Band Flea Market and Craft Fair is happening at the Monroe County Flea Market. You can expect to find antiques and collectibles, crafts, home decor, handmade items, and more at this indoor/outdoor market.
Find times and more details on Facebook.
Saturday, Sept. 5 & Sunday, Sept. 6
Enjoy two days of parades and small town family-friendly fun at the Millstadt Homecoming. There will be rides, live music, food, and more.
Learn more.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Shop from a variety of vendors at the Finders Keepers Flea Market at Cole Memorial Park Fairgrounds in Chester. The event is happening from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Get more info.
Sunday, Sept. 6
Catch the Prairie Tractor Ride featuring older tractors and beginning at 1 p.m., with the route moving along Red Bud’s Prairie Roads.
Find the route details.
Friday, Sept. 11 & Saturday, Sept. 12
The 13th Annual Benefit Concert Songs4Soldiers is happening in Columbia, with two-days of musical performances by local bands as well as Joe Nichols closing out the concert on Friday, and former member of the band The Eagles, Don Felder, will be the final act on Saturday. In addition to the music, there will be beer and cocktails, as well as food available for purchase. Songs4Soldiers is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that supports local combat veterans through a benefit concert annually.
Get tickets, plus time and location details.
Saturday, Sept. 12
Experience unique farm life in Chester with the Rural Chester Family Farm Day. This event is meant to showcase both the educational and fun aspects at all of the farms involved. You can see how a horse farm is ran, meet some sweet baby alpacas, visit the cow farm and enjoy a hay ride, then move down to the Pygora goat farm for some love. From there you will meet a beekeeper to learn how honey is made, then over to the Chestnut tree farm. Each farm will have a fun activity for the kiddos to enjoy. This fun family day will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 4 p.m. This is a free event, however, there is an option to purchase food and drinks.
Get more details.
Saturday, Sept. 12 & Sunday, Sept. 13
Buttercup Ranch and Creamery in Millstadt is hosting Patriots Weekend Extravaganza. The event will feature a hot air balloon glow each night (weather permitting), live music, food trucks, cider pressing, backyard games, and on Saturday, watch the 6th Annual CiderMan Triathlon. Cost is $30 per car load to attend, and 20% of each dollar goes to Millstadt Fire and Police Department.
Learn more.
Sunday, Sept. 13
Golf Fore a Cause at the Kodiak White Golf Scramble happening at Triple Lakes Golf Course in Millstadt. Cost is $500 per team, and the event will feature cash prizes, raffles, and more. Food and drinks included.
Get more details.
Sunday, Sept. 13
The Cambria Farmers Market happens every Sunday, from 1-4 p.m. from April until the end of October. Stop by the market located at 301 S. Maple Street in Cambria to shop from local makers, crafters, and producers.
Learn more on Facebook.
Sunday, Sept. 13
The 2026 Butterfly Festival is from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Waterloo at Baebler Educational Farm. This family fun day will include educational booths, scavenger hunts, face painting, card-making, and more. Vendors onsite will be Donut Den, Purple Petal Flower Farm, Eschmann Bread Baskets, HCE, Post Oak Pottery, and native plants from Green Thumb Nursery. Connect with nature and learn different pollinator-themed poses at the Pollinator Yoga sessions. Dress like your favorite bee, butterfly, hummingbird, or other pollinator for the costume contest and settle in for Pollinator Story Time, offered at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Learn more.
Little Egypt events:
Friday, Aug. 28 – Monday, Sept. 7
You don’t miss the DuQuoin State Fair! Enjoy nearly two full weeks of fair fun, from carnival rides, to delicious fair food, live entertainment, livestock displays, motor sports, and much more. Admission is free, but midway rides require tickets or the purchase of a wristband.
Get the daily schedule of events and more info online.
Thursday, Sept. 3 – Saturday, Sept. 5
Head to Zeigler for three days of family-friendly fun like a kids parade, clown, outdoor movie, foam party, cake walk, live music, firework display, and more at the Zeigler Homecoming.
Find the schedule of daily events.
Saturday, Sept. 5
The Patch u-pick farm in Marion is hosting Mum and Market Day from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Find homegrown mums for your fall garden and shop from 40 local vendors, find bites from area food trucks, and enjoy family-fun activities like an on-site corn maze, carriage rides, and goat feeding, plus hear music from a live band.
Get more details.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Calling all car enthusiasts, Taco Trim’s Classic & Custom Car Show is happening at Herrin Park from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature food trucks, local vendors, a 50/50 raffle, and more.
Find more info.
Saturday, Sept. 5
The 5th Annual Cairo Magnolia Celebration is taking place from 12-2:30 at the Cairo Public Library. Refreshments will be provided at the informational reception that aims to give updates on the current historical preservation progress happening in Cairo.
Get more info.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Take advantage of goods offered by over 100 vendors from across the region at the September Shopapalooza inside The Pavilion in Marion.
Find the details on Facebook.
Saturday, Sept. 5
The Garden Glow Autumn Market is happening in Hurst, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Shop from over 30 local vendors, and find food from the Fire & Ice Food Trailer. The event is happening at The Whistle Stop on Bush Ave.
Find event address and more info.
Sunday, Sept. 6
The Cambria Farmers Market happens every Sunday, from 1-4 p.m. from April until the end of October. Stop by the market located at 301 S. Maple Street in Cambria to shop from local makers, crafters, and producers.
Learn more on Facebook.
Monday, Sept. 7
Celebrate Labor Day with Wildflower Fest 2026 at Blackberry Hollow Farms in Bonnie. The event is happening from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature over 40 area vendors to shop from, wildflower trails, an opportunity to build your own u-pick $10 wildflower bouquet, and food trucks.
Learn more.
Monday, Sept. 7
Head to the Saline County Fairgrounds in Harrisburg for a Labor Day car show from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. In addition to cars, there will be food trucks, live music, giveaways, and more.
Find out more.
Wednesday, Sept. 9 – Saturday, Sept. 12
The 75th Annual Murphysboro Apple Fest is a multi-day event that is family-friendly and features free entertainment, carnival rides, pageants, concessions, a car show, arts and crafts, and a menu of apple-themed treats.
Get more info.
Thursday, Sept. 10 – Saturday, Sept. 12
The McLeansboro Fall Festival is happening for three days and will have a pet parade, carnival rides, cultural arts show, entertainment, and more.
Find more information.
Friday, Sept. 11
Head to the Harrisburg Amphitheater for a free outdoor showing of the family-friendly movie “Up.” Attendees can tune into an FM station and watch the movie “drive-in” style, or they’re welcome to bring blankets and sit outdoors to get a little closer to the big screen. The film starts at 8 p.m.
Get more details.
Friday, Sept. 11
The Commons in Mt. Vernon hosts Friday’s Food & Art monthly from May through Nov. For this month’s event, enjoy live music by Fire & Ice, along with vendors and food, from 5-8 p.m.
Learn more.
Friday, Sept. 11 & Saturday, Sept. 12
The Southern Illinois Showdown is happening over two days in Nashville at The Track at Holzhauers. Watch a variety of pro stock tractors and pro stock diesel trucks on the track at this supercharged event.
Get more details.
Saturday, Sept. 12 & Sunday, Sept. 13
The Neighborhood Co-Op Grocery in Carbondale is having its annual Farm Crawl event. Funds from the event benefit Food Works, a local non-profit organization facilitating the development of a regional food economy in southern Illinois. Local farmers open up their farms to share with the community. It is a great way to connect with local growers and producers that sustainably supply our region and work hard to make it an amazing place to live. Purchasing a car pass is required to take the self-guided tour of the farms. A one-day car pass is $20 and a multi-day car pass costs $30.
Get more info and buy car passes.
Saturday, Sept. 12
Dames & Dudes Blingo fundraiser begins at 11:30 a.m. at St. John’s Community Center in West Frankfort. The event will feature a fun-filled day of Blingo, prizes, friends, food, and more. Grab your tickets, bring your friends, wear your bling, and prepare to have a great time while giving back to the community!
Learn more.
Saturday, Sept. 12
Take in an all makes and models car show in Metropolis while also helping an area no-kill animal shelter. The 3rd Annual Super Fast and Furriest Cruise-In is happening from 4-8 p.m. on Superman Square in downtown Metropolis.
Get all the details.
Saturday, Sept. 12
The Mill Testicle Festival in Sesser begins at 1 p.m. and will feature food available for purchase and live music all day.
Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 12
The Pavilion in Marion is hosting the Southern Illinois Made Expo, a showcase of local exhibitors to display and sell their products.
Learn more.
Saturday, Sept. 12
The Bush Monthly Farmers Market hosted by the Bush Fire Department begins at noon and will continue until dark, or when the last vendor has left. Find items from local growers and crafters at this community-focused market.
Interested vendors can contact the Bush Fire Dept. for more info.
Sunday, Sept. 13
The 6th Annual Hope Fest Auto Show & Biker Zone is a day of classic family fun that will include show cars, classic vehicles, and motorcycles, plus live music, a market, pony rides, food vendors, and much more.
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!
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