Western Region Events

EVENTS GALORE!

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

Highland Art In The Park

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.

WWTR NHRA Drag Racing

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 Halloween-themed events in the fall, right? Make a trip to Lebanon on the evening of Sunday, 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

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.

Metro East Pride Fest

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!

Waterloo Pumpkinfest

MIDWEST SALUTE TO THE ART, Fairview Heights

It is year number 34 for one of the more recognizable arts festivals in ILLINOISouth – Midwest Salute to the Arts! Moody Park in Fairview Heights will come to life August 26-28 for the event which features a Children’s Gallery and Creation Station, artist demonstrations, and live music. The best part is admission is totally FREE!

SONGS4SOLDIERS, Columbia

One of the more popular concert-based events in ILLINOISouth is held in Columbia each fall. Songs4Soldiers is a benefit concert that has helped raise over $800,000 since 2013. All of those proceeds go towards combat veterans and their families! This year’s lineup on Friday, September 9th features Everclear, Tonic, Stir, and Feel – while Saturday’s entertainment is LoCash, Alexandra Kay, and the Mighty Pines. Enjoy some awesome music while knowing it’s all for an AMAZING cause. PUMPKINFEST Waterloo

In the heart of historic downtown Waterloo on the second Saturday of October, you will find the streets full of people celebrating PumpkinFest. It’s an event that is truly cherished in the community, with live music, craft vendors, games, and other activities (including a bubble truck during most years, which the kiddos love). Add in the fact that local eateries, microbreweries, and boutiques are all within walking distance, and you’ve got yourself a great little Saturday.

Maeystown Oktoberfest

MAEYSTOWN OKTOBERFEST

Oktoberfest events are pretty popular in southwestern Illinois, but few are as iconic as the event in historic Maeystown. Residents gather a couple weekends ahead of time to make huge pots of apple butter that are sold during Oktoberfest, which is a sight to behold. During the event itself, over 3,000 people come to this village of 157 residents for accordion music, vendor booths, and a ton of amazing food.

SPARTA STAMPEDE RODEO & GRAND AMERICAN TRAPSHOOTING COMPETITION, Sparta

Many events in our region attract folks from different counties and states, but there is one event in particular that draws people from other countries. The Grand American World Trap Shooting Championships hosted at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta brings in THOUSANDS of folks for a ten day span. This year is the 123rd year for the Grand which is the largest shooting event of its kind. This year’s Grand American World Trap Shooting Championships are slated for August 3-13th.

The other notable fall event in Sparta this year is the Sparta Stampede Rodeo! Check out the best riders in the Midwest on September 16th and 17th at the Sparta City Park. There will also be food, drinks, shopping, and mini broncs and bulls. This event was cancelled in 2020, and had restrictions last year, so this celebration plans to be a big one!

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