Events in 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 For 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 For 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 For 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 For 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. For 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 For more information call 314-773-9090 or visit the event website.

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

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