October 9, 2026: Pet Parade, Bike Parade, Glow-in-the-Dark events, and a Festival Photo Contest October 10, 2026 (Main Festival Day): Over 37 vendors, gospel music in the morning, parade, historical fluorspar mining lecture, fluorite mine dig pile, car/truck/motorcycle show, must-see live music performances, Bandy’s Powerwheel derby, demonstrations, face painting, and Read more
The Little Grassy Get Down at SIU Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center is a family-friendly music festival featuring mostly original acoustic Americana music from around the Midwest. 618-453-1121
The Kincaid Mounds Archaeological Site was a large Native American town occupied from AD 1050 to 1450. During this time, a dozen large and many small mounds were built. The site is a National Historic Landmark and Illinois Historic Site and, part of which is under the management of the Read more
Come and experience living history as you tour authentic buildings and learn from reenactors. Southern Illinois history comes to life Visit us and experience this rare location in S. IL that is home to many rare and interesting buildings and cabins, including: actives for children, tours, a gift shop, food […]
St. Andrew WurstFest will featureGerman Dinner consisting of traditional pork sausage, brats, sauerkraut, potatoes, gravy, green beans, corn, slaw, homemade German desserts, and beverages. Homemade pretzels and beer cheese as well as beer available for purchase on the grounds. The band, Nine88 will be playing throughout the day. There will Read more
Discover how to create a bat-friendly garden by supporting dark skies, planting native species, preserving trees and snags, and removing invasive plants. This program also includes a bat box review and explores how citizen science can help monitor and protect local bat populations. Join Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Kim Rohling […]
One of the best mountain bike festivals in the midwest. at Camp Ondessonk located in Ozark, Illinois right in the middle of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. 618.622.1693
Plan your week of Saluki spirit! From parades to tailgates, contests to campus traditions, don’t miss a moment of the action, check out the full
SIU Homecoming/Carbondale Halloween Festival, we will be shutting down the strip once more! This year, we’ll be bringing a full festival style to our iconic downtown strip for this perfectly aligned SIU Homecoming/Carbondale Halloween celebration with carnival games, food trucks, vendors, and two alternating stages with a robust lineup of […]
Annual Fort Massac Encampment -Ft. Massac State Park, Metropolis. 10am to 5pm daily. Military and civilian craft activities and demonstrations. Both days begin with a post of colors. Highlights include mock battles and tactical demonstrations, voyagers, traders, craftsman, children’s games, music and period food and dress. Free admission. 618-524-4712
Each fall, vultures soar and glide over Makanda and the surrounding areas and signal the beginning of fall and the arrival of the incredible fall colors of Makanda and southern Illinois. Vulture Fest features live music, food, shopping, and art by local artists for purchase (618) 457-0360
Green Earth's Pumpkin Glow will once again be delighting visitors with our magical nighttime hike! Stroll through the woods at night to view over 750 jack-o-lanterns and witness the ethereal beauty that is this region's original Pumpkin Glow. You won't want to miss it! Children 17 & Under - Free Read more