Songs4Soldiers Concert
EVENTS GALORE! ART IN THE PARK Highland If art strikes your fancy, keep an eye out for Art in the Park in Highland! This event is slated for October 7-9, and it’s definitely one to bring the family to. Kids have the opportunity to not only make their own art, but also to purchase their own art from a children’s section of pieces donated by artists. There will be over 60 booths representing 11 different mediums for parents to shop from as well. NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS WWT Raceway One of the biggest annual events at World Wide Technology Raceway each year is the NHRA Midwest Nationals, which is set for September 30th this year. It usually attracts a crowd of 20,000+ fans that have an awesome opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers. If speed is your thing, you should probably look into getting some tickets! LEBANON WITCHES NIGHT OUT There have to be some great Halloweenthemed events in the fall, right? Make a trip to Lebanon on the evening of Sunday, 2 2022 Fall Tourism Times
Mark Your Calendars for Fall Events in ILLINOISouth’s Western Region October 30th and you’ll find dozens of witches roaming about town…no joke. Lebanon’s Witches Night Out is held on the Historic Brick Street in town, and it’s full of fun. Many of the local shops are open with specials, and there is even a contest for ‘best cackle.’ Definitely something worth checking out on a Sunday night! MASCOUTAH HOMECOMING UND AUGUST FEST The Mascoutah Homecoming is definitely one that falls under the ‘timehonored tradition’ category. This event is now 96 years in the making, and it will certainly give you that small-town, Americana sort of vibe if that’s what you’re looking for. There are always rides, food, entertainment, and of course a parade. Check it out for yourself this year, August 5-7. BELLEVILLE – OKTOBERFEST, CHILI COOK-OFF, & METRO EAST PRIDE FEST Fall is a really busy time in Belleville, as the city plays host to three big events that draw some pretty large crowds. If you’re a fan of German heritage, we highly suggest
that you check out their 41st Annual Oktoberfest, which is always the third weekend in September. This festival gives folks the opportunity to enjoy three stages of live music, enjoy authentic German cuisine with American food as well; and participate in wiener dog races, a cornhole tournament, and enjoy carnival rides. Shortly after that, downtown Belleville will be a happening spot yet again. The Metro East Pride Fest is slated for October 1st, and it attracts thousands of people to downtown Belleville every year. The large outdoor gathering celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, and one of the main attractions each year is a High Heel Drag Race, which is usually followed by a Pride Drag Show, featuring the King and Queen of Pride. The second full weekend in October is all about chili in downtown Belleville. The Annual Chili Cook-Off has been apart of the community for more than 30 years. It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for many non-profit organizations, because over half the vendors are either a nonprofit organization, or a business raising money for a charity. You get to fill your belly and do it for a great cause! Western Region Events
