Visitors Guide for Events
in Collinsville, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Granite City, and Highland
Madison County, Illinois

This Calendar of Events only covers events located in southern and eastern Madison County, Illinois. There are a number of activities located in the immediate vicinity including Lewis & Clark events, events at the new National Great Rivers Museum, and the communities surrounding Alton. Listings of these events can be found on the Wood River Area (for Lewis & Clark and the National Great Rivers Museum events) page and the Alton page.

To find out about other activities in nearby areas
check out our Main Calendar Page.
PHOTOGRAPHY
EXHIBIT

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  October 17 - December 13, 2009
Tuesday - Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Interpretive Center, Collinsville Road
The photographs entered for the North American Indian Photography Contest will be displayed. The contest, sponsored by the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Cahokia Mounds Museum Society, is open to both amateurs and professionals and seeks photographs that transcend simple snapshots and evoke the spirit of the North American Indian: people, character, events, objects, symbols, environment, past or present culture, and soul.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160
ANNUAL INDIAN
MARKET DAYS

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  November 27 - November 29, 2009
Friday: 12 pm - 5 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 9 am - 5 pm
Collinsville Road
Vendors and American Indian artists will have jewelry, paintings, crafts, clothing, weavings, carvings, baskets, pottery, sculpture and more for sale.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160
WINTER EQUINOX
SUNRISE OBSERVANCE

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  Sunday, December 20, 2009
Arrive by 7 am
Collinsville Road
Observe the winter 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
     

EAGLE DAYS
St. Louis County, MO
Madison County, IL
  January 16 - January 17, 2010
8 am - 3 pm
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
This annual event features spotting scopes, live Eagle education program by the World Bird Sanctuary, and Lewis & Clark reenactors. The annual Eagle Days event is made possible through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation and Trailnet.
Event is Free
Free and Paid parking available
For more information call 314-877-1309
SPRING EQUINOX
SUNRISE OBSERVANCE

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
March, 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
SPRING INDIAN
MARKET DAYS
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
April, 2010

Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 9 am - 4 pm
Collinsville Road
Native American artists and vendors display and sell painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, fetishes, dolls, herbals, soaps, food, and more.
Free
For more information call 618-346-5160 or 800-289-2388
PREHISTORIC PEDAL
BICYCLE RIDE
Granite City, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2010

Registration: 11 am - Noon
Horseshoe Lake State Park
Explore the forests and fauna around Horseshoe Lake State Park. Complete the bike ride on your own, map provided. After the ride plan a visit to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site hosting a Native American storyteller as part of the St. Louis Storytelling Festival at 2 pm. Choose your route length out and back o the MCT Schoolhouse Trail.
Free
For more information call 314-416-9930

KID'S DAY
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
May, 2010

11 am - 4 pm
Collinsville Road
This special event features hands-on crafts and activities, such as arrowhead making, pottery making, face painting, spear throwing, corn grinding, Indian games; dance performances and more. For kids of all ages.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160

INTERNATIONAL
HORSERADISH FESTIVAL

Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, 2010

Woodland Park, IL-159 and Pine Lake Road
Saturday: 10 am - 10 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
This is one of Illinois’ hottest festivals. Collinsville is the self proclaimed "Horseradish Capital of the World" with two-thirds of the U.S. horseradish crop being grown in the area. Participate in unique events such as a "root derby" and "root sacking," along with such activities like cooking contests, and plenty of entertainment, food and family fun.
Free
For more information call 618-344-2884
or visit www.horseradishfestival.com
SCHWEITZERFEST
Highland, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, 2010

Saturday: 12 pm - 12 am
Sunday: 12 pm - 10 pm
Downtown on the Square
The Highland Jaycees sponsor the annual Homecoming celebration called the Schweizerfest, celebrates city's Swiss heritage. There will be a huge assortment of foods, beverages, rides, & games on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a large parade on Saturday and Sunday evenings. There is also a live band for Friday night with beer, soda, and brats available. Come join the fun!
Free
For more information call 618-910-1981
ST. ELIZABETH
PARISH PICNIC

Granite City, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, 2010

2300 Pontoon Road
Friday features a fish fry from 4 to 7 pm, Saturday features pigs 'n blanket from 4 to 7 pm, and on Sunday there’s all you can eat chicken dinner from noon to 6 pm. All three days features carnival rides, food, bingo, kids’ activities, and live entertainment
.
Free
For more information call 618-877-3300

GLEN CARBON HOMECOMING
Glen Carbon, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, 2010

Friday: 5 pm - 12 pm
Saturday: 4 pm - 12 pm
Main Street, Old Town Glen Carbon
This annual event features a carnival & pony rides, black jack, dice & carnival games, live entertainment, karaoke & guitar hero, a wine bar & beer garden, variety of foods, a parade, and fireworks at dusk on Saturday.
Free
For more information call 618-288-1200
SUMMER SOLSTICE
SUNRISE OBSERVANCE

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, 2010

Arrive by 5:20 am
Collinsville Road
Observe the summer solstice 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
FREE CONCERTS
Edwardsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, - July 2010

Every Friday at 8 pm
As part of the Arts in the Park program the city of Edwardsville and the Madison County Arts Council sponsors concerts at the bandstand in Edwardsville City Park featuring a different band every weekend.
Free
For more information call 618-692-7538
FREE CONCERTS
Edwardsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June - August, 2010

Every Thursday at 8 pm
As part of the Arts in the Park program the city of Edwardsville and the Madison County Arts Council sponsor concerts at the bandstand in Edwardsville City Park by the Edwardsville Municipal Band.
Free
For more information call 618-692-7538

FESTIVAL AND FIREWORKS
Granite City, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
June, 2010

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
BIG BOTTLE RIDE
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
July, 2010

Registration: 7:30 am - 9 am
VFW Post 5691, 1234 Vandalia Street
A relishing ride on country roads, through horseradish country, including a stop near the world’s largest catsup bottle, the Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower. After the ride join the Summerfest Celebration where you will find food and drinks.
Fees: $8 Member, $12 Non-member, $3 Child
For more information call 314-416-9930 x114

CATSUP BOTTLE
SUMMERFEST
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
July, 2010

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

MADISON COUNTY FAIR
Edwardsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
July, 2010

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
CONTEMPORARY
INDIAN ART SHOW
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
July, 2010

9 am - 5 pm
Collinsville Road
A juried show of fine arts by 25 Native American artists from across the nation, displaying and selling paintings, sculpture, silverwork, ceramics, paper art, pen and ink drawings, prints and more.
Free
For more information call 618-346-5160 or 800-289-2388

ARCHEOLOGY DAY
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
August, 2010

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 STREET ART FESTIVAL
Highland, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
August, 2010

Saturday: 11 am - 8 pm
Historic Downtown Square
Visitors can stroll the streets watching artists create masterpieces right on the pavement using chalks and. There is also a Creative Kids Corner with lots of activities for young, aspiring artists! An Arts Expo featuring several local artists and there will be live music and enjoying great food
.
Free
For more information call 618-654-3721

MIDWEST SALUTE
TO THE ARTS

Fairview Heights, IL
  POSSIBLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
August, 2010

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 visit midwestsalute.com

ITALIAN FEST
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010

Main Street, downtown Collinsville
11 am - 10 pm
This annual festival, which began in 1984, features the Paisan Pedal Push, 5K Run-Walk, continuous entertainment on three stages, Fest Olympics, Italian Cooking Contest, Bocce Ball, Grape Stomp, Wine Garden, Craft Fair, Wine Making Contest, a Children’s area and But, the real calling card for the Italian Fest continues to be the authentic Italian fare.
Free
For visit www.italianfest.net
AMERICAN INDIAN
EDUCATION DAYS

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010

10 am - 4 pm
Collinsville Road
Native American individuals and groups will demonstrate and sell various crafts, have informational booths and hands-on activities for children.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160

ATLATL COMPETITION
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010

10 am - 4 pm
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
FALL EQUINOX
SUNRISE OBSERVANCE

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010

Arrive by 6:30 am
Collinsville Road
Observe the fall 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
FOOT HIGH PIE RIDE
Highland, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010

Registration: 7:30 am - 9 am
Highland High School, 12760 Troxler Avenue
This pleasant ride features flat to gently rolling terrain with no big hills through the countryside with a stop at Blue Springs Café to purchase great food and their famous Foot High Pies
!

Fees: $8 Trailnet Member, $12 Non-member, $3 Children under 13
For more information call 314-416-9930 x114
NATURE/CULTURE HIKE
Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010

9:30 am - 1 pm
Collinsville Road
Take a three mile hike with an archaeologist and a naturalist through various habitats. Learn about the cultural and natural resources, excavation results, and native uses of plants of Cahokia Mounds.
Canceled in case of rain.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160
ARTIFACT
IDENTIFICATION DAY

Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site
Collinsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010

12 pm - 4 pm
Collinsville Road
Archaeologists will identify artifacts brought in by the public, as to culture, time period, material and function. No monetary appraisals will be given.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160

MEMORY WALK
Edwardsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
September, 2010

Registration 8 am, Walk 9 am
SIUE Campus

Memory Walk is the Alzheimer’s Association’s signature event to help those battling Alzheimer’s disease. Memory Walk proceeds support programs, services and research.
For more information call 314-801-0440

5K TRAIL RUN/WALK
& KIDS FUN RUN
Edwardsville, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010

Kids un Run starts at 9 am, 5K at 9:30 am
Watershed Nature Center, 1591 Tower Avenue
Mark your calendar and get ready to lace up your shoes for the Watershed Nature Center 5K Trail Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run! Awardes for top finishers in each age division.  Proceeds benefit the Watershed Nature Center.
Entry Fee
For more information call 618-692-7578

ARTEAST
Madison County, IL
  PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
October, 2010

11 am - 5 pm each day
Various locations throughout Alton, Edwardsville, and other Madison County communities.
ArtEast, the Edwardsville-Alton Studio Tour is an annual event showcasing more than 100 artists living and working in Madison County and includes studio tours, multiple exhibitions, and the chance to meet the artists themselves.
Free
For more information call 618-462-5222
     
   

This Calendar of Events provides listings free of charge for events that are of interest to visitors to the area and that are organized or sponsored by Non-Profit or community based organizations. To have your event listed here contact the webmaster. We reserve the right to limit content. We also willing to provide a web page free of charge for these types of events to provide more details for our readers.

 
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