Annual Events

From a high-speed bike race through the streets of a thriving city’s downtown district to a slower-paced depiction of the life of early settlers along the banks of the Illinois River, the Great Rivers & Routes region has a number of events you can set your watch to.

Some of the biggest draws to the area are the fairs and festivals put on annually in the region. Collinsville is home to the International Horseradish Festival every summer, which salutes all things – you guessed it – horseradish. In the fall, downtown Collinsville is painted red, white and green for the Italian Fest.

The Mississippi Earthtones Festival in downtown Alton celebrates the nearby river with a day of art, music and conservation. The Edwardsville Art Fair pairs masterful works of art with beautiful surroundings in Edwardsville’s City Park. And speaking of pairings, who doesn’t love jazz and wine? The Alton Jazz & Wine Festival blends the two for a sweet finish to summer.

Grafton knows a little something about wine, and the Grafton Winery Blues Festival has a ton of both wine and blues music to sample.

It’s all about the experience when you step back in time at Kampsville's Old Settlers Days, where re-enactors depict the life and times of the early settlers in Calhoun County.

If you’re looking to get your blood racing, the Edwardsville Rotary Criterium is your scene. The bike race through Edwardsville’s scenic downtown streets also includes food, drinks and games for those not racing competitively.

Food truck festivals, farmers’ markets, carnivals – there’s always something fun and fascinating going on in the Great Rivers & Routes region. Come see for yourself!

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Dec 25th, 2024

Begin your holiday celebration when you experience the enchantment of Christmas at the "Christmas Wonderland" holiday light display. The "Grandpa Gang" has been at it again transforming Rock Spring Park in Alton…
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