Tag: food

Posted in Events

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

Posted on 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.

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!

Posted in News and Features

Five Southern Illinois Coffee Shops You Should Visit This Fall

Posted on by Amanda

Maybe it’s a cliche, but writers run on coffee and I consider myself a connoisseur of this elixir of life. Whenever I’m passing through an area, I always look for a local coffee shop to support and today I’ve put together a list of a few standout places I’ve been to. Some of them I’ve only visited twice (in the same day!) while the majority of the shops listed are regular stops for me when I’m in the town where they’re located.

I hope you’ll consider stopping into one or all of these coffee shops the next time you’re in the area.

Meme’s Coffee Shop, Granite City

Named after a beloved Granite City community member, finding Meme’s Coffee Shop on a trip to Granite City this past summer felt like I was let in on a well-kept secret that only the locals know about.

With a selection of teas in addition to delicious coffees, what I loved the most about Meme’s is the fact that they make their own syrups. There’s a variety of flavors to choose from, in both sugar and sugar-free options. Those homemade syrups make a real difference in the flavor of the lattes, and really compliment the espresso.

The shop also serves pastries, breakfast, and lunch options, as well as other drink options. It also has a laid-back atmosphere that’s inviting enough for coffee dates as well as those who are looking for a place to work on their laptop.

Iced pumpkin spice latte from Meme’s Coffee Shop. Photo via: Meme’s Coffee Shop on Facebook.

The details:
1529 Johnson Road, Granite City
Find out more on Facebook

Salt + Honey Bistro, Waterloo

The town of Waterloo holds a special place for me. When I lived in Sparta as a teen, it was the place my family went when we wanted to see a movie in the theater and grab a nice dinner out. These days it’s a meeting spot for me and one of my sisters. We spend the day together thrifting, having coffee, and at least two meals, and our go-to coffee and healthy breakfast spot is Salt + Honey Bistro.

The inviting space features a mix of tables, bench seats, and cozy seating options, with outdoor seating available as well. Their regular coffee menu items are delicious, and while I’m a simple gal that loves the iced caramel latte, I’m also seasonally boujee. And the Salt + Honey fall and winter coffee drinks are some of my favorites, and not just because of the thought they put into their drink offerings with flavors that capture the season in a cup.

If you’re looking for a spot to work alone or sit and catch up with a friend in the Waterloo area, this is your place. You’ll find lots of food options – from gluten-free pastries to oatmeal, grits, and breakfast sandwiches, along with salads and protein bowls for lunch, plus coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

The brown butter praline latte has arrived at Salt + Honey just in time for fall. Photo via: Salt + Honey Bistro and Event Space on Facebook.

The details:
610 South Market Street, Waterloo
Learn more on Instagram

Taps & Vine Social House, Pinckneyville

I hadn’t been to Pinckneyville in years, but a few months ago I found myself in town for several hours at an impromptu sister meet-up and ended up making two trips to Taps & Vine Social House for coffee (both times) as well as breakfast and lunch. Here you’ll find numerous yummy lattes, pastries, food, and, they also have a full Bourbon bar, if that’s your thing.

The food offerings range from a bagel sandwich and breakfast burrito to salads, flatbreads, soups, and more. Some of their specialty lattes include delicious flavor combos like the bananas foster, which is a banana and butterscotch, to the snickerdoodle, a white chocolate, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oat milk latte. A few of the fall seasonal drinks sound fantastic like the ghostly salted white pumpkin, brown sugar bliss, and pumpkin cookie chai for those that like tea lattes.

Adding a marshmallow ghost inside a cup is a fun and yummy way to embrace fall and spooky season. Photo via: Taps and Vine Social House on Facebook.

The details:
9 W. Jackson Street, Pinckneyville
Follow on Facebook

Gambit Coffee Bar, West Frankfort

If I could go back in time and tell a younger version of myself that some day my hometown would have a cute, cozy locally owned coffee shop, I’m not sure I would’ve believed it. Whenever I make trips back to West Frankfort, I stop into Gambit. And while I could simply order my drink to go and head to my family event, I love to linger in the shop.

Located in a historic building on Main Street, Gambit Coffee Bar features high ceilings and large windows that line the front of the building that allow in natural light, while also keeping the overall vibe inside feeling intimate and cozy. There’s a blend of seating options, with tables, bench seats, and soft seating.

The regular menu features unique coffee items like an espresso tonic to classic espresso drinks like cortado, americano, and lattes. For fall, the coffee shop is offering the autumnal classic, also known as a pumpkin spice latte, as well as a cinnamon apple latte. Or dive into the sweet, warm flavors of the season with the cookie butter, the toasted marshmallow cold brew, or the dirty horchata, which combines the sweet, creamy cinnamon drink with espresso added in.

Whether you’re team hot coffee, or team iced, the crew at Gambit Coffee Bar has a drink for you! Photo via: Gambit Coffee Bar on Facebook.

The details:
103 E. Main Street, West Frankfort
Learn more on Facebook

Crown Brew Coffee Co., Marion

Whenever I’m in the Marion area, a stop at Crown Brew is a must. I love the vibes of the shop, with its blend of open seating and cozy nook space, and the coffee is always on point. This season, the fall menu features pumpkin of course, but I love that there’s also a selection of apple and maple flavored options.

Earlier this month, in a Facebook post, Crown Brew shared that their menu will include a spiced apple butter latte and a brown butter maple sage latte for coffee lovers, as well as a caramel apple matcha for the tea drinkers.

I have a trip to Marion on the books coming up and I can’t wait to try the spiced apple butter latte. I’m typically “team iced coffee” but if the weather cooperates on the day of my visit, I plan to try this drink hot because it sounds like the coziest fall drink in a cup.

While everyone loves pumpkin and maple, another fall flavor, apple is finding its way onto drink menus, and I’m here for it. Photo via: Crown Brew Coffee Co. on Facebook.

The details:
107 E. Union Street, Marion
Follow on Instagram

Don’t see your favorite coffee shop on the list? I plan on doing more of these roundup articles, and I’m always up for coffee recommendations. If there’s somewhere you think I need to visit, tag me on Facebook or Instagram and tell me what coffee shop I need to try next!

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Southern Illinois, Sept. 14 – Sept. 27, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

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.

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. 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!