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 EXHIBIT
Belleville, IL
  January 21 - March 6, 2010
Tuesday - Friday: 11 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 11 am - 8 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 2 pm
Closed Sunday, Monday, and school holidays
Schmidt Art Center, Southwestern Illinois College

The Here's Looking at You: Contemporary Portraits exhibit highlights the ways artists use drawing, painting, printmaking, and photography to show the physical characteristics and personalities of interesting individuals. Participating artists include: Mary Borgman of St. Louis, Carol Carter of St. Louis, Frank DiPiazza of St. Louis, Anthony Gilpin of Evansville, Gary Luttrell of Belleville, Dennis Olsen of San Antonio, Rany Simmons of Paducah, Kentucky, and Victor Wang of St. Louis. The exhibit will also include portrait prints by Chuck Close, David Hockney, Alice Neel, and Preston Jackson on loan from the SWIC / Foundation permanent collection.
Free
For more information call 618-222-5278
  or visit www.schmidtartcenter.com
ART EXHIBIT
St. Louis, MO
  February 14 - May 9, 2010
Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm
Friday, 10 am - 9 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 2 pm
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day
Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park

African Ceremonial Cloths: Ceremonial textiles have long played a central role in African societies conveying wealth, status, artistry and fashion. This installation features a selection of large African ceremonial textiles shown in their entirety. A variety of techniques and materials such as bark cloth, resist dyeing, stenciling, strip weaving, embroidery and woven patterning will be presented. The exhibition also brings together works representing groups from West Africa, Central Africa and East Africa.
Free
For more information call 314-721-0072
  or visit www.slam.org

OAK LEAF ARTIST GUILD
JURIED ART SHOW

O'Fallon, MO
  February 26 - April 9, 2010
Monday - Thursday: 5:15 am - 10 pm
Friday: 5:15 am - 9 pm
Saturday: 7 am - 7 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm

Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle
The Oak Leaf Artist Guild is holding Treasures of Oak Leaf IX Art Show. This annual juried exhibit at the Cultural Arts Center Gallery will display the beautiful artworks of watercolor, oil, acrylic, drawing, collage, and photography of the Guild’s members.

Free
For more information call 636-614-4288 or 636-346-2127

MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  Sunday, March 7, 2010
11 am - 3 pm

Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
Celebrate your sweet tooth at the first Maple Festival at Pere Marquette Lodge. Shop the many vendor booths for unique items and learn how maple syrup is made!  Featuring live entertainment!
Free

For more information call 618-786-2331

MVC WOMEN'S
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

St. Charles, MO
  March 11 – March 14, 2010
The Family Arena, 2002 Family Arena Parkway
Fans are encouraged to make their team the home team during the 2010 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Women's Basketball Tournament, as the four-day tourney will feature all 10 league schools. The tournament weekend begins with opening-round action starting at 5 pm on Thursday, March 11, with all-conference awards handed out between games one and two. The quarterfinals begin at noon on March 12, with the semifinals starting at 5 pm on March 13. The tourney concludes with a 2:30 pm championship game on March 14.
Admission
For more information call 636-896-4242
  or visit www.mvcstcharles.com
QUILT SHOW
Bethalto, IL
  Saturday, March 13, 2010
10 am - 3 pm
Villa Rose, 401 S. Moreland Street
This annual quilt show features exhibitors that are willing to share their special treasured quilts a day. The event features quilt displays, vendors, special exhibits, a quilt raffle, and free refreshments.
Free.
For more information call 618-377-3239

MOOLAH SHRINE CIRCUS
St. Charles, MO
  March 18 – March 21, 2010
The Family Arena, 2002 Family Arena Parkway
Thursday, March 18: 7 pm
Friday, March 19: 10:30 am & 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 20: 10 am, 2:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 21: 1:30 pm & 6 pm
Hearing Impaired Performance: Sunday, March 21: 1:30 pm
Parade in Historic St. Charles: Saturday, March 6, 12 pm

The Moolah Shrine Circus is coming to town and you are invited to this St Louis / Saint Charles event for the whole family. Come watch the hysterical clowns and dazzling trapeze artists as they fly through the air. Touch the larger than life elephants while you ride them as a family. Taste the wonderful carnival treats. Listen to the deafening roars of the mighty lions and tigers. Be amazed as the circus takes over all of your senses. Don't forget to come kick-start the circus with us during the parade through historic Saint Charles on Saturday, March 6th at noon. Come watch those amazing little Shriner cars in all the colors of the rainbow. Enjoy the tumbling clowns as they dance around the numerous floats and world renowned marching bands.
Admission
For more information call 888-966-6524 ext 100
  or visit www.stlshrinecircus.com
GARRISON WEEKEND
Hartford, IL
  March 20 - March 21, 2010
10 am - 4 pm both days
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
Come and watch the Detachment participating in living history at this replica winter camp as they portray early 19th century army life. On Sunday visitors can observe what it was like for frontier women as they cook over an open fire, sew their family's garments, make candles at the new early 1800s American Bottom Cabin.
Free
For more information call 618-251-5811
SPRING EQUINOX
SUNRISE OBSERVANCE

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Sunday, March 21, 2010
Arrive by 6:45 am
Collinsville Road
Observe the spring equinox sunrise and learn of the discovery, form and function of an ancient post circle called Woodhenge that was used as a solar calendar by the Cahokians. No ceremony or ritual is presented. Woodhenge is located 1/2 mile west of Monks Mound and the main entrance to the site.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160

WORLD EAGLE DAY
Valley Park, MO
  Sunday, March 21, 2010
10 am – 4 pm
World Bird Sanctuary, 125 Bald Eagle Ridge Road, Valley Park, MO
Celebrate eagles from around the world! Learn more about these majestic creatures as well as fun raptor facts with presentations from World Bird Sanctuary naturalists throughout the day. This event includes many family fun activities. Be sure to bring your camera!
Free
For more information call 636-225-4390 ext 0
  or visit www.worldbirdsanctuary.org

FOURTH FRIDAY
ART WALK

Ste. Genevieve, MO
  Friday, March 26, 2010
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. Held on the third Friday during November because of the holidays.
Free

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

WILDFLOWER LETTERBOX WALK
Godfrey, IL
  Saturday, March 27, 2010
9 am - 12 pm
Talahi Lodge at the Olin Nature Preserve
Letterboxing combines navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry into a charming "treasure hunt" style outdoor quest. The Nature Institute is combining its annual orienteering hunt with the twist of finding, recognizing and appreciating spring wildflowers. Each “stamp” will belong to a common Illinois wildflower and participants can find each by reading and mapping the Nature Institute’s preserves.
Free, registration required
For more information call 618-466-9930

50 MILES OF ART
STUDIO & GALLERY TOUR
  March 27 - March 28, 2010
10 am - 5 pm both days
Hannibal, Louisiana, Clarksville, and Elsberry
Professional artists and artisans in the historic river towns of Hannibal, Louisiana, Clarksville, and surrounding communities are opening their studios, galleries, and retail spaces for their semi-annual Studio and Gallery Tour. Sponsored by the Great River Road Guild of Professional Artists, an outgrowth of The Provenance Project.
Free
For more information call 573-242-3132
  or visit www.50milesofart.com
TARTAN DAYS
St. Charles, MO
  April 9 - April 11, 2010
Frontier Park, Historic Downtown District
Tartan Days celebrates the Scottish heritage and culture in the region. Activities include a reception and crowning of Miss Tartan Day on Friday, a parade beginning at Noon on Saturday, a Tartan Music Fest at 7 pm, and “Kirkin of the Tartan” ceremony on Sunday morning.
Free, some activities charge a fee
For more information call or 1-800-366-2427
 or visit www.motartanday.com

THE ART FAIR
AT QUEENY PARK
Ballwin, MO
  April 9 - April 11, 2010
Queeny Park, 550 Weidman Road and 1675 S. Mason Road
Friday: 6 pm - 9 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 7 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm

This annual fine art and craft show is held by the Greater St. Louis Art Association and features over 140 national artists that exhibit their art in the following disciplines: clay/ceramics, digital art, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, acrylic, oil, watercolor, photography, sculpture, and wood.

Admission is $5
F
or more information call 314-889-0433
  or visit the event website.
ANNUAL SHEEP
& CRAFT FESTIVAL

Waterloo, IL
  Saturday, April 10, 2010
Grounds open to public at 8 am
Monroe County Fairgrounds, 1/4 mile west of Waterloo on IL-156
This annual festival's activities include sheep shearing, spinning, weaving, and working sheep dog demonstrations. Also featured are agricultural exhibits and displays, antique tractors, clinics, and entertainment. A variety of food and drink including a lamb lunch are available from local organizations.
Free

For more information call 618-939-8536

WILDFLOWER LETTERBOX WALK

Godfrey, IL
  Saturday, April 10, 2010
9 am - 12 pm
Talahi Lodge at the Olin Nature Preserve
Letterboxing combines navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry into a charming "treasure hunt" style outdoor quest. The Nature Institute is combining its annual orienteering hunt with the twist of finding, recognizing and appreciating spring wildflowers. Each “stamp” will belong to a common Illinois wildflower and participants can find each by reading and mapping the Nature Institute’s preserves.
Free, registration required
For more information call 618-466-9930
COLONIAL TRADE FAIRE
& MUSKET FROLIC
Prairie du Rocher, IL
  April 10 - April 11, 2010
9 am - 5 pm
Fort De Chartres
4 miles west of Prairie du Rocher on IL-155
This Juried Living History event depicts the Illinois Country during the period between 1750-1790. This event includes musket and rifle shooting matches, colonial games, and military demonstrations.
For more information call 618-284-7230

FUND RAISER FOR
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Edwardsville, IL
  Sunday, April 11, 2010
Registration at 11 am
Walk starts at 12 pm
Township Park, 6368 Center Grove Road
Join other walkers in this signature fundraising event of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in routes of either 1 and 3 mile options.
For more information call 618-830-3908

FUND RAISER FOR
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
St. Peters, MO
  Sunday, April 11, 2010
Registration at 11 am
Walk starts at 12 pm
Laurel Park, 181 Driftwood Lane
Join other walkers in this signature fundraising event of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. There will be food and music and volunteer opportunities are available. Lace up and step out to find a cure for MS.
For more information call 314-781-9020
  or visit www.gatewaymswalk.org for more information.

SPRING & MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton, IL
  Sunday, April 11, 2010
11 am - 3 pm

Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
Celebrate Mushroom season and the beginning of warmer weather with the first annual mushroom and spring festival.  The festivals features artisans and craft vendors displaying their wares for purchase, live entertainment and a competitive morel hunt in Pere Marquette Park (weather permitting) where the winner will get one free nights stay at Pere Marquette Lodge.
Free

For more information call 618-786-2331

ATLATL COMPETITION
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  April 16 - April 17, 2010
10 am - 4 pm each day
Collinsville Road
The atlatl is the weapon that transformed early humans from scavengers to big-game hunters such as the mammoth and the mastodon and predates the bow and arrow by thousands of years. The Missouri Atlatl Association, a group of primitive weapon enthusiasts will hold its annual competition and demonstration of this ancient spear throwing device.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160

FUND RAISER FOR
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Godfrey, IL
  Saturday, April 17, 2010
Registration at 10 am
Walk starts at 10:30 am
Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane
Join other walkers in this signature fundraising event of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in routes of either 1 and 3 mile options.
For more information call 618-830-3908
AUGUSTA PLEIN AIR
ART EVENT
Augusta, MO
  April 21 - May 1, 2010
Selected location throughout the area
The Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce hosts the Augusta Plein Air Event that has become one of the largest plein air events in the Midwest. In previous years over 100 artists from 6 states participated in this 10-day event. For the artists there will be a contest with prizes and an opportunity to sell their art. For the public this is an opportunity to chat with the artists and watch them work during a variety of special events. There will be an art sale and auction on Saturday, May 1st.
Registration fee for the artists
Free to the public
For more information call 636-228-4005
 or visit the augusta-chamber.org website

FOURTH FRIDAY
ART WALK

Ste. Genevieve, MO
  Friday, April 23, 2010
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

ANNUAL SPRING ARTWALK
St. Charles, MO
  April 23 - April 25, 2010
Friday: 5 pm - 8 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 8 pm
Sunday: 12 am - 5 pm
Historic St. Charles Downtown District
The annual Spring Artwalk features nearly artists exhibiting along Main Street and at the Foundry Art Centre with music and flowers enhancing the ambiance. Mediums represented include photography, watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings, earthen ornaments, blown glass, steel sculpture, drawings and pastels, clay and raku pottery, and more.
Free
For more information call 636-949-3231
 or visit  www.saintcharlesriverfrontarts.com

BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE
CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT

Keokuk, IA
  April 23 - April 25, 2010
Rand Park and other locations in Keokuk
If you are interested in the Civil War and want to get "up close and personal" with history then you will truly enjoy your time at this annual Civil War Reenactment. Activities include a Ladies Program and Tea, a Military Ball, Breakfast with the Troops, a National Cemetery Memorial and Church Service, campfires and two Battle Reenactments.  While in Rand Park, visitors can tour the camps, visit Sutler’s Row, snack on period food and enjoy period entertainment.
Activities at Rand Park are free, other activities may involve a fee
.
For information call 319-524-5599 or 1-800-383-1219
  or visit the keokukiowatourism.org website
ANNUAL ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION
Godfrey, IL
  Saturday, April 24, 2010
8 am - 2 pm
Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane
Join in the celebration of trees and the environment at this growing community event. Activities for children will include a fishing derby, tree climbing, environmental crafts, and other games. There will be tree seedlings as long as supplies last. Other activities include a Tree Memorial Program and demonstrations by expert climbers.
Free
For more information call 618-466-1483
SPRING PLANTING FESTIVAL
Defiance, MO
  Saturday, April 24, 2010
9 am - 5 pm

Daniel Boone Home, 1868 Highway F
Spring brings the creative artists to Boonesfield Village for a delightful day of merriment. Fiber artists will demonstrate and sell crafts made of wool, cotton, flax and natural dyes. Spinning, weaving and lace making are just a few of the skills offered during this unique festival.
Admission
For more information call 636-798-2005

FUND RAISER FOR
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Millstadt, IL
  Saturday, April 24, 2010
Registration at 11 am
Walk starts at 12 pm
Township Park, 6368 Center Grove Road
Join other walkers in this signature fundraising event of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in routes of either 1 and 3 mile options.
For more information call 618-830-3908
CANTON IN BLOOM
Canton, MO
  Saturday, April 24, 2010
Various locations throughout town
Arts and Crafts Show and Sale, Plant Exchange and Sale, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Mighty Mississippi River Walk and Run, Garden Tours, and live entertainment.
ST. LOUIS
EARTH DAY FESTIVAL

St. Louis, MO
  Sunday, April 25, 2010
11 am - 6 pm
The Muny Grounds in Forest Park
This event features an Earth Day Cafe that features the tastes of St. Louis restaurants and food vendors with a performance stage, Earth Day Bazaar featuring trendy fashions and accessories made from recycled materials, Earth Day Way featuring organizations and companies making a difference by focusing time and energy on environmental issues, Earth Day Exhibit showcasing Green Models, Eco-Life and Art & Nature through demonstrations and hands-on activities and much more.
Free
F
or more information call 314-961-5838
  or visit the event website.

ST. LOUIS
STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
St. Louis, MO
  April 28 - May 1, 2010
Various locations throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area
During this annual festival more than 60 professional storytellers and their audiences gather during this four-day event for the telling of many delightful tales. The Festival is coordinated by Continuing Education, and the College of Arts & Sciences, Special Programs, at the University of Missouri– St. Louis, in partnership with various organizations throughout the St. Louis area.
Free
F
or more information call 314-516-5961
  or visit the event website.
RUG RETREAT
Elsah
  April 29 - May 2, 2010
Professional rug hooker Kathy Meentemeyer is a certified McGown rug hooking teacher from St. Louis, Missouri. She teaches at workshops throughout the country, as well as her studio at home. Kathy is an accomplished dye artist and specializes in color planning. Her desire is to help students express their own creativity. The camp includes overnight accommodations at one of Elsah's bed and breakfast inns, catered meals by My Just Desserts, a house tour and a walking tour of the village.
Registration Fee.

For reservations or more information call My Just Desserts at 618-462-5881
     
   

 
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE GREAT RIVER ROAD
   
Fort de Chartres
State Historic Site
Mississippi
River Ferries
Lewis and Clark
State Historic Site
U.S. Grant
National Historic Site
     

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.