Events Calendar
for the Middle Mississippi River Valley

The Middle Mississippi River Valley is home to hundreds of special events throughout the year. Unique festivals, country fairs, historical reenactments, nature activities, ands artists exhibitions are just some of the events that await visitors to the region. At any given time there is always something going on. The listings below are just a sampling of the events that are scheduled for this month and the next. Links are provided below the listings to the more comprehensive regional calendar pages.

ART EXHIBITS
St. Charles, MO
  June 5 - July 24, 2009
Tuesday thru Saturday hours are 10 am - 5 pm
Open until 9 pm on Wednesdays
Sunday hours are 12 pm - 4 pm

Foundry Art Center, 520 N. Main Street
“Photography Unlimited 4”: This exhibit features artists working with photographic processes including traditional or experimental uses of the medium within expression, visual exploration, or theoretical concerns. The exhibits juror, Brooke White, is both a practicing artist and an educator who is currently area head and Assistant Professor of Imaging Arts at the University of Mississippi. ALSO FEATURED: Paperworks 3 – with pieces by Theresa Chiodini, Matt Moyer, Jaclyn Lawson, and Ron Lambert and the “Emerging Artist Series”: Snow Yunxue Fu a recent graduate of SE Missouri State University, and artist Xiaobing Liu direct from China, for our first mother and daughter exhibition.
Free

For more information call 636-255-0270
 or visit foundryartcentre.org
GEOCACHING WORKSHOPS
West Alton, MO
  June 6 - August 29, 2009
Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Environmental Learning Facility
Every Saturday from at 9 am - 11 am
Park Rangers from the National Great Rivers Museum will provide GPS units and demonstrate how to find hidden caches. These free workshops last approximately 2 hours. Workshops are outside, and visitors should dress for the weather. Limit 10 people per workshop.
Free
To pre-register or for more information call 618-462-6979

GUIDED PRAIRIE WALKS
Alton, IL
  Wednesdays, June 17 - August 26, 2009
6:30 pm
Gordon Moore Park, 4550 College Avenue
Enjoy an evening walk as a guide from the Nature Institute leads you through the Heartland Prairie at Gordon Moore Park. The park hosts nine species of native prairie grasses and 150 prairie wildflowers that are native to Madison County and surrounding Illinois counties. If you want to see wildflowers this is a great place and time to visit
.
Free
For more information call 618-466-9930

FESTIVAL AND FIREWORKS
Granite City, IL
  June 30 - July 5, 2009
Wilson Park, 2900 Benton Street
The Granite City Park District's celebration includes carnival rides, concerts, carriage rides, food, and entertainment. Fireworks at 9:15 pm on the 4th at the Coolidge Middle School Grounds, 3231 Nameoki Road.
Free
F
or more information call 618-877-3059

NATIONAL
TOM SAWYER DAYS
Hannibal, MO
  July 2 - July 4, 2009
Hannibal Historic District, Riverfront and Central Parks
Sponsored by the Hannibal Jaycees, this family oriented event is now in its 50th year. Activities include frog jumping, mud volleyball, Tom and Becky Contest, parade, Tomboy Sawyer Contest, 10-kilometer run, arts and crafts show and fireworks launched from the banks of the Mississippi River. Highlights include National Fence Painting Contest and a huge fireworks display launched from the banks of the Mississippi River on the evening of the Fourth.
For more information call 573-221-2477
or visit hannibaljaycees.org

RIVERFEST 2009
St. Charles, MO
  July 2 - July 4, 2009
Frontier Park
This Independence Day celebration includes fireworks, food & beverage booths, beer garden, live music on the Jaycee Stage or Music Tent, parade, carnival rides and other vendor booths.
Free
For more information call 1-800-366-2427

OLD GLORY JUBILEE
Elsberry, MO
  Saturday, July 4, 2009
10 am - 4 pm 
City Park
Spend an old-fashioned Fourth of July at this event that features a parade, food, games, crafts, music, Elsberry Idol Competition. Fireworks top the evening at dusk.
Free

For more information call 573-898-5588

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
Alton, IL
  Friday, July 3, 2009
Alton Riverfront, Grounds open at 5 pm
Annual Fireworks Festival presented by the Alton Exposition Commission features great food, a beer tent, and entertainment. The fireworks display will be at 9 pm.

Free
For more information call 618-465-6676

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Columbia, IL
  July 3 - July 4, 2009
Friday: grounds open at 4 pm
Saturday: grounds open at 11 am

American Legion Memorial Park, 375 E. Locust
The community of Columbia bands together to form the July Fourth Committee and puts on this Independence Day celebration that features food, beer and other refreshments, bingo, a washer tournament, a Kloepper tournament, and other entertainment. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Free
For more information call 618-281-4716

HERITAGE &
FREEDOM FEST

O'Fallon, MO
  July 3 - July 4, 2009
900 TR Hughes Blvd.
Monday, July 3: 6-10 pm
Tuesday, July 4: Noon - 9 pm
Celebrate Fourth of July festivities with all the trimmings in O'Fallon. Activities include a parade, fireworks, booths, music, a midway and carnival, entertainers, kids' activities and much more.

Free
For more information call 636-379-5614
  or visit heritageandfreedomfest.com

FAIR SAINT LOUIS
St. Louis, MO
  July 3 - July 4, 2009
Friday: 6 pm - 10 pm
Saturday: 11 am - 10 pm
St. Louis Downtown Riverfront
Patriotic fair celebrating America's birthday with national entertainment and a Family Fun Village. Fireworks presented at approximately 9:15 pm
.
Free
F
or more information call 314-434-3434
  or visit the event website.
MARK TWAIN
LAKE RODEO
Ralls County, MO
  July 3 - July 5, 2009
Warren G. See South Spillway, Route J
Rodeo Events begin at 8 pm
Popular attractions at this annual award-winning rodeo include charging bulls, bucking broncos, clowns, and refreshments. A fireworks display caps the final night.
Admission fee

For more information visit www.marktwainlakerodeo.org
LIBERTY BELL
OF THE WEST
CELEBRATION
Kaskaskia, IL
  Saturday, July 4, 2009
11 am - 3 pm
Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site

This annual celebration takes place at the site of the Liberty Bell of the West, which was rung when
Rogers Clark and his Long Knives captured Kaskaskia on July 4, 1778. A ceremony starts at 12:30 with speakers and the French Colonial Marines from nearby Fort de Chartres. The celebration also features live music, food and other refreshments, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception will be open for tours.
Free
For more information call 618-826-2667

FIREWORKS ON THE
WATERFRONT
Grafton, IL
  Saturday, July 4, 2009
Grafton Riverfront
Fireworks at dusk
Grafton business owners will be offering food and drink specials, live entertainment and games for children. Then watch the fireworks over the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers from the decks of one of the many businesses or from a spot on the riverbank.
For more information call 618-786-7000

4TH OF JULY
FESTIVITIES
Ste. Genevieve, MO
  Saturday, July 4, 2009
Fireworks and a free musical concert sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Ste. Genevieve in the city park overlooking the Mississippi River.
Free
F
or more information call 1-800-373-7007

FOURTH OF JULY
CELEBRATION
Louisiana, MO
  Saturday, July 4, 2009
Louisiana Riverfront
Booths open and music begins at 6 with the fireworks display beginning at 9.
Free

For more information call 1-888-642-3800

RANDOLPH
COUNTY FAIR
Sparta, IL
  July 9 - July 18, 2009
Randolph County Fair Grounds, W. Belmont Street
Special events, variety of foods, parade, 4H, livestock, and agricultural exhibits.
For more information call 618-443-2916

STE. GENEVIEVE
COUNTY FAIR
Ste. Genevieve, MO
  July 10 - July 12, 2009
9 am - 9 pm
County Fairgrounds
The Ste. Genevieve County Fair includes a parade, livestock shows, demolition derby, horse show, truck pulls, tractor pulls, queen contest, 4H and FFA exhibits and a band on Friday night. There is a lot to see and do for adults and children all weekend with plenty of good food and entertainment.
Free
For more information call 573-883-3548 or 1-800-373-7007

ANNUAL JURIED
EXHIBITION
Alton, IL
  July 10 - August 30, 2009
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 12 pm - 4 pm
Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway
The Annual Juried Exhibition features 2-D and 3-D works in various mediums by over 30 Illinois and Missouri artists.
Free
For more information call 618-462-5222
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  Saturday, July 11, 2009
8:30 am
Meet at the Visitors Center
Learn about the park's natural history and experience the beauty of nature by hiking along on one of the Park’s most interesting trails. Learn how the park originated and see rocks that were formed before the age of the dinosaurs. Wear good hiking shoes and bring a snack, a camera, and binoculars for this adventure that will last about 2 hours.
Free
For more information call 618-786-3323

JERSEY COUNTY FAIR
Jerseyville, IL
  July 11 - July 19, 2009
Jersey County Fair Grounds
IL-67, north edge of Jerseyville 
Annual County fair sponsored by the Jersey County Chamber of Commerce gives its visitors a chance to experience "Home Town Fun til the Cows Come Home." Promoting the agricultural heritage of Jersey County the fair features a variety of exhibits, a nightly carnival and featured Grandstand events.
Admission is $2, children under 12 are free
Additional fees for grandstand events
Parking Fee: $1

For more information call 618-498-3422

CATSUP BOTTLE
SUMMERFEST

Collinsville, IL
  Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm
American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia Street
Don't miss this annual Collinsville World's Largest Catsup Bottle Summerfest Birthday Party features old-fashioned birthday party games, craft booths, food & drinks, live music, classic car show and cruise, ketchup tasting contest, Princess Tomato & Sir Catsup Contest, and much more!
Free
For more information call 618-344-8775 or visit www.catsupbottlesummerfest.com
BLESSING OF THE FLEET
Portage des Sioux, MO
Grafton, IL
  Saturday July 18, 2009
Participating boats will launch at 1 pm from the Yacht Club of St. Louis proceeding downstream or at Harbor Point  proceeding upstream in the main channel of the Mississippi River. About 2:15 p.m. the parade will arrive at Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine in Portage des Sioux, and end in Grafton.  The parade will be visible from the Great River Road.
Free
For more information call 618-786-7678
 or visit www.blessingofthefleetstl.com

MADISON
COUNTY FAIR

Edwardsville, IL
  July 19 - July 24, 2009
Madison County Fairgrounds, Park Hill Drive
Product displays, livestock, arts and crafts, carnival rides, food, live music and arena events of stock car race, tractor pull, 4-H show and a demolition derby.
Free Admission to fairgrounds
For more information call 618-654-6656
  or visit www.madcofair.com

MONROE
COUNTY FAIR

Waterloo, IL
  July 19 - July 26, 2009
Monroe County Fairgrounds, IL-156 
This annual fair features agricultural exhibits and many horse related events. Other exhibits include arts and crafts, 4-H projects, floral arrangements, art and photography, and quilts. Carnival rides are a favorite and local organizations offer food and refreshments. The Fair Grandstand events range from tractor pulls to the FFA competition and the annual Fair Queen Pageant and the Little Miss contest.
See website for admission details

For more information call 618-939-7796
  or visit www.monroecounty-fair.org
FAUST VILLAGE
OPEN HOUSE

Chesterfield, MO
  July 25 - July 26, 2009
1 pm - 5 pm
St. Louis County Faust Park
Faust Park is home to many local structures rescued from destruction by real estate development. On selected dates the buildings will be open to park guests. Visitors to Faust Historic Village may tour the 1850s Conway house with its period herb garden and outdoor kitchen, the circa 1848 Metz log home, and the 1880s Hoch House. All homes will be staffed with docents in period dress.
Free
F
or more information call 636-532-7298
  10TH ANNUAL ELSAH PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
Elsah
July 25 - October 17, 2009

Friday - Sunday, 1 pm to 4 pm
Village of Elsah Museum
Amateur and professional photographers will be displaying photographs of the Village of Elsah and the immediate area in every season in an exhibit entitled "
Colors and Contrasts of Elsah."
Free
Click here for additional information

FOURTH FRIDAY
ART WALK

Ste. Genevieve, MO
  Friday, July 24, 2009
6 pm - 9 pm
Historic downtown Ste. Genevieve
Several galleries in Ste. Genevieve are offering the opportunity to view the art works of Ste. Genevieve area and regional artists with a variety of art forms that will offer something for everyone. Other retail businesses will also participate in the event by being open during the same hours. Refreshments will be served at various locations and maps are available at each location designating which galleries and studios are open.
Free

For more information visit http://stegenartwalk.blogspot.com

HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  Sunday, July 26, 2009
1 pm - 4 pm

Hummingbirds prosper in the wonderful environment of The Lodge, seeking it out on their annual migration. Join The Lodge’s staff at this annual Hummingbird Festival and be able to see these "always on the go" magnificent little birds up close. The Illinois Audubon Society will on hand banding the birds. Visitors will be able to adopt one for a small fee and receive updates on how your bird is doing and where it is
.
Free

For more information call 618-786-2331 ext. 338

PIKE COUNTY FAIR
Bowling Green, MO
  July 28 - August 1, 2009
Pike County Fair Grounds, US-54
Special events, variety of foods, parade, 4H, livestock, and agricultural exhibits.
For more information call 573-324-3992
  or visit www.pikecountyfair.org
 

ARCHEOLOGY DAY
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Saturday, August 1, 2009
10 am - 4 pm
Collinsville Road
This is the site's largest annual event and features specialists demonstrating ancient crafts such as pottery making, flintknapping, gourd carving, making tools and ornaments, bow and arrow making, and more. Food and drinks available.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160
 
ANNUAL CORN FEST
Schuline, IL
  Saturday, August 1, 2009
Charter Oak Schoolhouse, 9272 Schuline Road
This annual festival benefits the Charter Oak Schoolhouse. There will be large kettles of homegrown sweet corn, delicious Indian Pudding, fried chicken and home grown vegetables. This event also features a country market and craft sale, live music, and tours of the schoolhouse. Sponsored by Randolph County Historical Society.
Free
For more information
call 618-443-2812
 

JOUR DE FETE
Ste. Genevieve, MO
  August 8 - August 9, 2009
9 am - 6 pm
Held annually in the middle of August, this French cultural heritage event features and Arts & Crafts Show with nearly 200 booths of artists and colonial crafters. Special features include historical house tours, colonial crafts, antiques window displays, birds of prey, antique farm equipment exhibit, and a Classic Cruisers Car Show. The will be food, drink and entertainment both days.
Admission and parking free
Shuttle bus service, $1, leaves every 15 minutes from parking area at the industrial park, US 61 and M Road.

F
or more information call 1-800-373-7007 or 573-883-7097
 
SALT RIVER
FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL

Florida, MO
  August 8 - August 9, 2009
Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site
10 am – 5 pm
Experience the crafts and skills of the early 19th century at this annual Folk Life Festival. Entertainers and craft exhibitors dressed in historic attire will present music, crafts, games, and storytelling throughout the day. Crafts and skills displayed will include making blacksmithing, woodcarvers, soap makers, wheat weaving, wooden toys, willow furniture, Native American flutes, and quilted products. Period food and drink will be available. A kid's corner will be featured within a one-room schoolhouse. Free tours of the museum at Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site will be offered.
Free. The Friends of Florida will accept a $2 donation for parking.

For more information call 573-565-3449
 

GUTS & GLORY
5K RUN OR WALK

St. Charles, MO
  Sunday, August 9, 2009
7:30 am Check In, 8:30 am 5K Start
Katy Trail in Historic St. Charles

Do you want to make a difference today in someone’s life and do what you love – run or walk? Register for the 5K Competitive Walk and Run or 1 mile Fun Walk for the Mid-America Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America along the Katy Trail in Historic St. Charles. Help to raise money to find a cure for this horrible disease that has no known cause or cure.
$20 pre-registration until August 6, $25 day of registration. All registered participants will receive a Guts & Glory 5K T-shirt.
For more information call 314-863-4747 or 1-800-783-8006
  or visit http://midamerica.ccfa.org
 

PEACH FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  Sunday, August 9, 2009
10 am - 5 pm

If you like peaches then this is the festival for you and if it is made with peaches then you will find it here.  Come enjoy crafts, food, children's games, balloon artist, face painting, pie eating contest, largest peach contest, book signings, peach drinks, and of course peaches
.
Free

For more information call 618-786-2331 ext. 338
 
STATEHOOD DAY
St. Charles, MO
  Monday, August 10, 2009
10 am - 4 pm
First State Capitol Complex, 201-216 S. Main
Celebrate Missouri's birthday with a free open house. Activities include tours of Missouri's first state capitol on the hour and historical demonstrations depicting the lifestyle of the 1820s.
Free
For more information call 636-940-3322
 
COLUMBIA DAZE
Columbia, IL
  August 14 - August 15, 2009
4 pm - Midnight, both days
Turner Hall, 211 E. Cherry Street
Festivities of this annual event include carnival rides, games, live music, food and drinks, historic trolley tours, and fun. A parade is held at 5 pm on Main Street on Saturday and the event features live music beginning at 8 pm both nights.
Free

For more information call 618-281-5393
 
FESTIVAL OF THE
LITTLE HILLS

St. Charles, MO
  August 21 - August 23, 2009
Friday: 4 pm - 10 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am - 10 pm
Sunday: 9:30 am - 5 pm
Historic St. Charles Downtown District
St. Charles largest event of the year, drawing over 300,000 visitors annually. The event features over 300 craft booth, demonstrations, live music at venues throughout the grounds, other entertainment, food and refreshments.
Free
For more information call 1-800-366-2427
 or visit www.festivalofthelittlehills.com
 

ANNUAL
OLDEN DAYS FESTIVAL

Jersey County, IL
  August 22 - August 23, 2009
Saturday: 7 am - 7 pm
Sunday: 7 am - 5 pm
Tri-County Antique Club Grounds
Illinois Route 3 between Grafton and Jerseyville
Antique Tractors and Farm Equipment. Learn how people used to live from a variety of demonstrations. Arts & Crafts, Antique Car Show, Food and Live Entertainment!
Adults $3, Children under 12 admitted free.
For more information call 618-639-4192
 

FOURTH FRIDAY
ART WALK
Ste. Genevieve, MO
  Friday, August 28, 2009
6 pm - 9 pm
Historic downtown Ste. Genevieve
Several galleries in Ste. Genevieve are offering the opportunity to view the art works of Ste. Genevieve area and regional artists with a variety of art forms that will offer something for everyone. Other retail businesses will also participate in the event by being open during the same hours. Refreshments will be served at various locations and maps are available at each location designating which galleries and studios are open.
Free

For more information visit http://stegenartwalk.blogspot.com
 
RACE FOR THE
RIVERS FESTIVAL

St. Charles, MO
  August 28 - August 29, 2009
Frontier Park
Greenway Network, a non-profit citizens action group, is hosting two canoe and kayak races on the scenic Missouri River, a staged-event covering 65 miles from Washington Missouri to the Confluence and an Adventure Race from Weldon Spring to Frontier Park in St. Charles. The organization is also hosting the Race For the Rivers Festival at Frontier Park which will feature adventure and outdoor sports vendors and environmental educational displays and activities. Between the live bands, the hands-on art , environmental activities, and educational displays the festival will be a great place to hang out and wait for the racers to cross the flying finish line at the park.
Free; Registration fee for racers
For more information visit the www.racefortherivers.org website
 

MIDWEST SALUTE
TO THE ARTS

Fairview Heights, IL
  August 28 - August 30, 2009
Friday: 7 pm - 10 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm
Longacre Park
Since 1988 Fairview Heights, Illinois, has been host to the Midwest Salute to the Arts, rated the 40th best fine arts show in the nation. This prestigious event attracts people from across the Midwest and features some of the best sculptors, painters and creators of decorative and wearable art in the United States
.
Free
For more information call 618-257-0747
  or visit midwestsalute.com
 

THE LOT
MUSIC FESTIVAL

St. Louis, MO
  Saturday, August 29, 2009
2 pm - 12:30 am
Schlafly Tap Room parking lot, 2100 Locust Street
This annual music festival features up and coming entertainers. Festivities also include street performers and belly dancers, as well as food, drinks and booths from community organizations and vendors.
Free
For more information visit the event website.
 
FESTIVAL OF NATIONS
St. Louis, MO
  August 29 - August 30, 2009
Saturday: 10 pm - 7 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
Tower Grove Park, corner of Arsenal and Grand
Listen to traditional music and ethnic music and song from around the world at a variety of venues. Taste cultural treats from over 30 food booths and browse among the folk art gift booths. A Children's Area features ethnic storytelling, mask-making and other hands-on activities. A free shuttle service will be available throughout the park
.
Free
F
or more information call 314-773-9090
  or visit the event website.
     

The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway - Regional calendar pages for the Illinois Counties of Madison, Jersey, and Calhoun.

French Colonial Country - Regional calendar pages for the Illinois Counties of Madison, Jersey, and Calhoun and the Missouri Counties of Ste. Genevieve and Jefferson.

Gateway to the West - Regional calendar pages for St. Louis and St. Louis County.

Meeting the Missouri River - Calendar pages for St. Charles County, Missouri.

Missouri's Lincoln Hills - Regional calendar pages for the Missouri Counties of Lincoln, Pike, Ralls and Marion.

 
 
  Regional Guides
to the Middle Mississippi River Valley
 
 
Meeting of the Great Rivers
National Scenic Byway

Ste. Genevieve &
French Colonial Country

Gateway to the West
St. Louis & St. Louis County
        


Meeting the Missouri
Historic St. Charles County
 

The Lincoln Hills Region
Northeast Missouri
  
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