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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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 The 7th Annual Swing Fore More Monroe County golf tournament supports families with children in need in Monroe County begins at 7:30 a.m. at Acorns Golf Links in Waterloo. Find out more.
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 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.
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.
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!
The first event round up will appear on the site on Aug. 31 and it will feature events happening from Monday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 13.
Events will be highlights from the entire coverage area and will be organized by date and into three regions that I’ve designated: Metro East, Route 3 Corridor, and Little Egypt.
The Metro East region are the towns that are fairly close to the Missouri border like Edwardsville, Granite City, Belleville, Alton, Fairview Heights, Shiloh, Mascoutah, Columbia, and Waterloo. The Route 3 Corridor represents the towns a bit further from the St. Louis Metro area that are along and near Route 3 like Redbud, Sparta, Marissa, Chester, and Coulterville. The Little Egypt area is the largest geographical coverage area and includes towns like Mt. Vernon, Pinckneyville, Sesser, Marion, Carbondale, and all the small towns near the Shawnee National Forest to the southern-most tip of the state.
I can’t guarantee that I’ll get every event in every town in the coverage area, but I will share highlights like fall festivals, county fairs, and more.
I’ll also share feature articles showcasing the small businesses, artists, musicians, and organizations that make the Southern Illinois region special. Expect feature articles to begin within a few weeks of the site launch.
If you have an event coming up that you’d like me to include on the website, or you know of a person, business, or organization you think would make a good story, use the Submit an Event feature to tell me more and I may include your suggestion!
Please follow Small Town Socialite SoIL on Facebook to stay updated!
