Central Region Events

EVENTS GALORE!

Mark Your Calendars for Fall Events in ILLINOISouth’s Central Region

DU QUOIN STATE FAIR

Simply put, this is a big one. Sure, many folks have likely heard of the Du Quoin State Fair because it lasts nearly two weeks, and attracts tens of thousands of folks every year for concerts, racing, rides, and food. But this year is special because it is the 100th Anniversary of the Fair! “Obviously anytime you celebrate a 100th anniversary it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” says Du Quoin State Fair Manager, Josh Gross. “I don’t want to give too many things away but I can tell you that we are excited to increase the amount of free entertainment we have brought to the grounds,” he adds. Visitors will also notice some impressive upgrades happening at the Fairgrounds. “We are repainting, repairing mortar, resurfacing the stage, and turning back on the historic neon lights,” Gross explains. “We are also working on improving the front entrance way and a number of smaller structures throughout the grounds,” he adds. This year’s Du Quoin State Fair is set for August 26th through September 5th and is definitely one that you won’t want to miss.

Pinckneyville Mardi Gras

PINCKNEYVILLE MARDI GRAS

Wait…Mardi Gras in October? The short answer is, yes indeed. Folks in Pinckneyville say that it started as a celebration for harvest time in the farming community, but it’s a bit of a mystery as to why it’s called Mardi Gras. This year actually marks the 100th Anniversary of the Pinckneyville Mardi Gras, so the celebration will be even more special than it usually is. It is slated for the weekend of October 29th, and in terms of entertainment, there will be a vendor fair, parades, business trickor-treating, costume contests, and a ton more.

OKAWVILLE WHEAT FEST

Here is yet another tradition that is decades in the making. For 74 years, the Okawville Wheat Festival has drawn not only Okawville natives, but folks from Washington County and other neighboring counties. This year’s festivities are scheduled for September 16-18, and folks can experience washers and bags tournaments, tractor pulls (including one for just kiddos), live entertainment, and of course food. Plus, everyone here is so friendly – you’ll probably leave with a few new friends!

Hill’s Fort Rendezvous

HILL’S FORT RENDEZVOUS

There is a place in Bond County that immediately transports you back a couple of centuries once you step foot inside. Hill’s Fort is located on the grounds of the American Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville, which is host to the Hill’s Fort Rendezvous September 16-17 this year. It’s a weekend full of reenactments, cannon firing, bullet molding, blacksmithing, rope making and more.

Kinmundy Log Cabin Fall Festival

Kinmundy Log Cabin Village

KINMUNDY LOG CABIN VILLAGE FALL FESTIVAL & HAUNTED TRAIL

The Kinmundy Log Cabin Village in Marion County is a really cool place to check out, especially if you have someone associated with the Village give you a tour of the 12 cabins on-site. The best time to visit this area is the fall, because it comes to life with their Annual Fall Festival celebration, and their everpopular Haunted Trail around Halloween time! The Fall Festival is always the last two weekends of September, and features craft and food vendors, demonstrations, and pony rides for kids. The Haunted Trail is set for the last two weekends in October. They had a whopping 1,760 folks

Wine & Ale With Abe

Jessamie Fallon

Centralia Balloonfest Danielle Higgins visit in 2021, and proceeds go towards scholarships as well as upkeep of the cabins and grounds. Certainly worth a visit if you’ve never been!

LITTLE EGYPT FESTIVAL, Salem

We have talked about events that spark a sense of pride in it’s community, and the Little Egypt Festival in Salem certainly fits the mold. It is always on the first Saturday of October (October 1st this year), and people line the parade route with blankets and chairs a day before the event to save their spots. This year marks the 51st Annual Little Egypt Festival which has become known for its car show, horse show, big wheel race, food and craft vendors, and of course the parade.

WINE & ALE WITH ABE, Vandalia

Walk the streets of downtown Vandalia where Honest Abe walked and enjoy some delicious beverages while you’re at it. The 5th Annual Wine and Ale with Abe Streetfest offers visitors a commemorative wine or beer glass, live musical entertainment, and of course local and international wine as well as craft and domestic beer. There are also new kids activities this year for families to participate in, so mark your calendars for September 24th!

Centralia Balloonfest

Danielle Higgins

CENTRALIA BALLOON FEST & RAIL MONSTER CRAWL, Centralia

One of the most visually appealing and popular events in ILLINOISouth each fall is the Centralia Balloon Fest! This three day event draws around 30,000 people each year and consists of balloon glows, balloon flights, two live entertainment stages, and a ton more. This is one of those events where the whole community takes advantage, including shops that have sales and restaurants and a winery where you can sit outside and enjoy the 32 balloons flying overhead while you’re enjoying a meal or beverage. Make plans to visit Centralia August 19-21 for this year’s 32nd Balloon Fest!

The other AWESOME gathering in Centralia is downtown at Halloween time. Saturday, October 15th is one to set aside in your busy schedule, because the Rail Monster Crawl is three hours of spooky fun from 5-8pm. Everyone dresses up in their Halloween costumes, and from there the entire downtown is like a scene from a certain Michael Jackson music video (you know the one). Bring your camera for this one, for sure!

CRUZ-IN THE DAM CAR SHOW, Carlyle

Another area that is always good for a few events is Carlyle Lake – the largest man-made lake in the state. To take in the beauty of some truly amazing cars while visiting the lake, you will definitely want to make room for this next event on Friday, August 12th. The Cruz-in the Damn Car Show Nationals at Carlyle Lake is slated for its 30th year, and features dozens of beautiful automobiles with live music as well.

Want to know about MORE events in ILLINOISouth this fall? Scan the QR code for a detailed calendar of events on our website!