Visitors Guide for Events in Collinsville, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Granite City, and Highland Madison County, Illinois
		This Calendar of Events only covers events located in southern and eastern Madison County, Illinois. There are a number of activities located in the immediate vicinity including Lewis & Clark events, events at the new National Great Rivers Museum, and the communities surrounding Alton. Listings of these events can be found on the Wood River Area (for Lewis & Clark and the National Great Rivers Museum events) page and the Alton page.

To find out about other activities in nearby areas check out our Main Calendar Page.
SIUE ANTIQUES SHOW AND SALE Edwardsville, IL		March 9 - March 10, 2012 Friday: 5 am - 9 pm; Early Bird 3 pm Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm Student Fitness Center, 636 Hairpin Drive, SIUE Campus This annual Antique Show and Sale feature over 80 antique dealers who display and sell furniture, china, glass, dolls, jewelry, silver, books, primitives, pottery, tools, clocks, porcelain, paper items, quilts, linens and country items. The event benefits the SIUE Lovejoy Library. Admission For more information call 618-650-2730
SPRING EQUINOX SUNRISE OBSERVANCE Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Sunday, March 18, 2012 Arrive by 6:35 am Collinsville Road Observe the spring equinox sunrise and learn of the discovery, form and function of an ancient post circle called Woodhenge that was used as a solar calendar by the Cahokians. No ceremony or ritual is presented. Woodhenge is located 1/2 mile west of Monks Mound and the main entrance to the site. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
SPRING INDIAN MARKET DAYS Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		April 13 - April 15, 2012 Friday: 12 pm - 5 pm Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm Sunday: 9 am - 4 pm Collinsville Road Native American artists and vendors display and sell painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, fetishes, dolls, herbals, soaps, food, and more. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
FUND RAISER FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Edwardsville, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA April, 2012 Registration at 11 am Walk starts at 12 pm Township Park, 6368 Center Grove Road Join other walkers in this signature fundraising event of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in routes of either 1 and 3 mile options. For more information call 618-830-3908
KID'S DAY Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Sunday, May 20, 2012 11 am - 4 pm Collinsville Road This special event features hands-on crafts and activities, such as arrowhead making, pottery making, face painting, spear throwing, corn grinding, Indian games; dance performances and more. For kids of all ages. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
NATURE/CULTURE HIKE Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Saturday, May 26, 2012 9:30 am - 1 pm Collinsville Road Take a three mile hike with an archaeologist and a naturalist through various habitats. Learn about the cultural and natural resources, excavation results, and native uses of plants of Cahokia Mounds. Canceled in case of rain. Free For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160
RAPTOR AWARENESS SHOW Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Sunday, June 3, 2012 2 pm Collinsville Road The World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis brings live birds of prey and teaches about habitats, differences and similarities between eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, buzzards, and others. Features a live flight over the heads of the audience. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
SUMMER SOLSTICE SUNRISE OBSERVANCE Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Sunday, June 17, 2012 Arrive by 5:10 am Collinsville Road Observe the summer solstice sunrise and learn of the discovery, form and function of an ancient post circle called Woodhenge that was used as a solar calendar by the Cahokians. No ceremony or ritual is presented. Woodhenge is located 1/2 mile west of Monks Mound and the main entrance to the site. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
INTERNATIONAL HORSERADISH FESTIVAL Collinsville, IL		June 2 - June 3, 2012 Woodland Park, IL-159 and Pine Lake Road Saturday: 10 am - 10 pm Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm This is one of Illinois’ hottest festivals. Collinsville is the self proclaimed "Horseradish Capital of the World" with two-thirds of the U.S. horseradish crop being grown in the area. Participate in unique events such as a "root derby" and "root sacking," along with such activities like cooking contests, and plenty of entertainment, food and family fun. Free For more information call 618-344-2884 or visit www.horseradishfestival.com
SCHWEITZERFEST Highland, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA June, 2012 Friday: 8 pm - 12 pm Saturday: 12 pm - 12 am Sunday: 12 pm - 10 pm Downtown on the Square The Highland Jaycees sponsor the annual Homecoming celebration called the Schweizerfest, celebrates city's Swiss heritage. There will be a huge assortment of foods, beverages, rides, & games on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a large parade on Saturday and Sunday evenings. There is also a live band for Friday night with beer, soda, and brats available. Come join the fun! Free For more information call 618-654-1080
ST. ELIZABETH PARISH PICNIC Granite City, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA June, 2012 2300 Pontoon Road Friday features a fish fry from 4 to 7 pm, Saturday features pigs 'n blanket from 4 to 7 pm, and on Sunday there’s all you can eat chicken dinner from noon to 6 pm. All three days features carnival rides, food, bingo, kids’ activities, and live entertainment. Free For more information call 618-877-3300
GLEN CARBON HOMECOMING Glen Carbon, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA June, 2012 Friday: 5 pm - 12 pm Saturday: 4 pm - 12 pm Main Street, Old Town Glen Carbon This annual event features a carnival & pony rides, black jack, dice & carnival games, live entertainment, karaoke & guitar hero, a wine bar & beer garden, variety of foods, a parade, and fireworks at dusk on Saturday. Free For more information call 618-288-1200
SPLASH CITY’S BATTLE OF THE BANDS Collinsville, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA June, 2012 10 Gateway Drive 7 pm - 10 pm Enjoy the Splash City Family Waterpark while watching some of the area’s top teen talent battle for a cash prize and a chance to play at the state-wide competition in Springfield, IL. Everyone gets in for just $5. For more information call 618-346-4571   or visit www.splashcity.org
FESTIVAL AND FIREWORKS Granite City, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA June, 2012 Wilson Park, 2900 Benton Street The Granite City Park District's celebration includes carnival rides, concerts, carriage rides, food, and entertainment. Fireworks at 9:15 pm on the 4th at the Coolidge Middle School Grounds, 3231 Nameoki Road. Free For more information call 618-877-3059
CATSUP BOTTLE SUMMERFEST Collinsville, IL		Sunday, July 8, 2012 Sunday: 9 am - 5 pm American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia Street Don't miss this annual Collinsville World's Largest Catsup Bottle Summerfest Birthday Party features old-fashioned birthday party games, craft booths, food & drinks, live music, classic car show and cruise, ketchup tasting contest, Princess Tomato & Sir Catsup Contest, and much more! Free For more information call 618-344-8775 or visit www.catsupbottlesummerfest.com
CONTEMPORARY INDIAN ART SHOW Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		July 14 - July 14, 2012 9 am - 5 pm Collinsville Road A juried show of fine arts by 25 Native American artists from across the nation, displaying and selling paintings, sculpture, silverwork, ceramics, paper art, pen and ink drawings, prints and more. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
MADISON COUNTY FAIR Highland, IL		July 24 - July 29, 2012 Madison County Fairgrounds, Park Hill Drive Product displays, livestock, arts and crafts, carnival rides, food, live music and arena events of stock car race, tractor pull, 4-H show and a demolition derby. Free admission to fairgrounds, small fee for parking For more information call 618-654-6656   or visit www.madcofair.com
BIG BOTTLE RIDE Collinsville, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA July, 2012 Registration: 7:30 am - 9 am Dorris Intermediate School, 1841 Vandalia Street A relishing ride on country roads, through horseradish country, including a stop near the world’s largest catsup bottle, the Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower. After the ride join the Summerfest Celebration where you will find food and drinks. Fees: $8 Member, $12 Non-member, $3 Child For more visit www.trailnet.org
DASH 'N SPLASH Collinsville, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA July, 2012 6 pm - 10 pm Splash City Family Waterpark, 10 Gateway Drive Take a dash and cool down with a splash. Start this fun filled evening with a 5K run/walk then cool off and relax with a private party, dinner and music at Splash City Family Waterpark. The party is open to friends and family members of those participating in the 5K run/walk. Proceeds go to help fund programs by the Collinsville Area Recreation District. Registration fees For more information call 618-346-4571   or visit www.splashcity.org
FAMILY NIGHTS AT SPLASH CITY Collinsville, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA June, 2012 10 Gateway Drive Every Tuesday from 5 pm - 9 pm Splash City Family Waterpark, operated by the Collinsville Area Recreation District, is open late so the whole family can enjoy Splash City. Half off admission For more information call 618-346-4571   or visit www.splashcity.org
ARCHEOLOGY DAY Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Saturday, August 4, 2012 10 am - 4 pm Collinsville Road This is the site's largest annual event and features specialists demonstrating ancient crafts such as pottery making, flintknapping, gourd carving, making tools and ornaments, bow and arrow making, and more. Food and drinks available. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
ANNUAL STREET ART FESTIVAL Highland, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA August, 2012 Saturday: 11 am - 8 pm Sunday: 11 am - 3 pm Historic Downtown Square Visitors can stroll the streets watching artists create masterpieces right on the pavement using chalks and. There is also a Creative Kids Corner with lots of activities for young, aspiring artists! An Arts Expo featuring several local artists and there will be live music and enjoying great food. Free For more information call 618-654-3721
I SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM RIDE Edwardsville, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA August, 2012 Registration: 7:30 am - 9 am The Cyclery and Fitness Center, 2472 Troy Road (IL-159) This beautiful ride through the country makes a stop at Annie’s Frozen Custard. The routes are on roads and portions of Madison County Transit Trails. Fees: $8 Trailnet Member, $12 Non-member, $3 Children under 13 For more visit www.trailnet.org
MIDWEST SALUTE TO THE ARTS Fairview Heights, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA August, 2012 Friday: 7 pm - 10 pm Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm Longacre Park Since 1988 Fairview Heights, Illinois, has been host to the Midwest Salute to the Arts, rated the 40th best fine arts show in the nation. This prestigious event attracts people from across the Midwest and features some of the best sculptors, painters and creators of decorative and wearable art in the United States. Free For more information visit midwestsalute.com
ATLATL COMPETITION Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Saturday, September 8, 2012 10 am - 4 pm Collinsville Road The atlatl is the weapon that transformed early humans from scavengers to big-game hunters such as the mammoth and the mastodon and predates the bow and arrow by thousands of years. The Missouri Atlatl Association, a group of primitive weapon enthusiasts will hold its annual competition and demonstration of this ancient spear throwing device. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
NATURE/CULTURE HIKE Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Saturday, September 22, 2012 9:30 am - 1 pm Collinsville Road Take a three mile hike with an archaeologist and a naturalist through various habitats. Learn about the cultural and natural resources, excavation results, and native uses of plants of Cahokia Mounds. Canceled in case of rain. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
FALL EQUINOX SUNRISE OBSERVANCE Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Sunday, September 23, 2012 Arrive by 6:20 am Collinsville Road Observe the fall equinox sunrise and learn of the discovery, form and function of an ancient post circle called Woodhenge that was used as a solar calendar by the Cahokians. No ceremony or ritual is presented. Woodhenge is located 1/2 mile west of Monks Mound and the main entrance to the site. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
ARTIFACT IDENTIFICATION DAY Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Sunday, September 23, 2012 12 pm - 4 pm Collinsville Road Archaeologists will identify artifacts brought in by the public, as to culture, time period, material and function. No monetary appraisals will be given. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
ITALIAN FEST Collinsville, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA September, 2012 Main Street, downtown Collinsville 11 am - 10 pm This annual festival, which began in 1984, features the Paisan Pedal Push, 5K Run-Walk, continuous entertainment on three stages, Fest Olympics, Italian Cooking Contest, Bocce Ball, Grape Stomp, Wine Garden, Craft Fair, Wine Making Contest, a Children’s area and But, the real calling card for the Italian Fest continues to be the authentic Italian fare. Free For visit www.italianfest.net
MEMORY WALK Edwardsville, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA September, 2012 Registration 8 am, Walk 9 am SIUE Campus Memory Walk is the Alzheimer’s Association’s signature event to help those battling Alzheimer’s disease. Memory Walk proceeds support programs, services and research. For more information call 314-801-0440
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		October 1 - November 17, 2012 Tuesday - Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Interpretive Center, Collinsville Road The photographs entered for the North American Indian Photography Contest will be displayed. The contest, sponsored by the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Cahokia Mounds Museum Society, is open to both amateurs and professionals and seeks photographs that transcend simple snapshots and evoke the spirit of the North American Indian: people, character, events, objects, symbols, environment, past or present culture, and soul. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
5K TRAIL RUN/WALK & KIDS FUN RUN Edwardsville, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 Kids Fun Run starts at 9 am, 5K at 9:30 am Watershed Nature Center, 1591 Tower Avenue Mark your calendar and get ready to lace up your shoes for the Watershed Nature Center 5K Trail Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run! Awards for top finishers in each age division.  Proceeds benefit the Watershed Nature Center. Entry Fee For more information call 618-692-7578
ART IN THE PARK Highland, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm Lindendale Park, 2025 Park Hill Drive The Highland Arts Council hosts this Annual 'Art in the Park' event. Artists will compete for over $10,000 in prizes at one the area's premier art events. There will be plenty of tasty refreshments to enjoy while listening to a great entertainment lineup. There will also be lots of fun things for the kids to do, too. Free For more information call 618-654-3721  or visit www.highlandartscouncil.org
ARTEAST Madison County, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 Saturday 9 am - 5 pm Sunday 11 am - 5 pm Various locations throughout Alton, Edwardsville, and other Madison County communities. ARTEAST is the annual studio and exhibit tour that showcases Madison County artists. This self-guided tour takes visitors through the neighborhoods, historic city centers, and the beautiful countryside of Madison County to see the work of over 150 local artists who participate by opening their private studios or exhibit through galleries and unique sites. Many sites are within walking distance from one another. Artists are at their site to talk about their work and provide demonstrations. Free For more information call 618-462-5222
ANNUAL LECLAIRE PARKFEST Edwardsville, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 Noon to 5 pm Leclaire Lake Park on Hale Avenue This festival features the sound of Dixieland Jazz by the St. Louis Levee Band Trio (Noon - 2:30) followed by old time folk music from the Lodge Brothers (2:30 - 5 pm), a wine and beer garden, festival food, crafts, pony rides, a display of vintage tractors, games & activities for children and the DAR’s annual book sale.  Narrated trolley tours of the Leclaire National Historic District run every half hour. Free For more information call 618-656-1294
RAPTOR AWARENESS SHOW Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Saturday, November 10, 2012 2 pm, no admittance after show begins Collinsville Road The World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis brings live birds of prey and teaches about habitats, differences and similarities between eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, buzzards, and others. Features a live flight over the heads of the audience. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
ANNUAL INDIAN MARKET DAYS Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		November 23 - November 25, 2012 Friday: 12 pm - 5 pm Saturday & Sunday: 9 am - 5 pm Collinsville Road Vendors and American Indian artists will have jewelry, paintings, crafts, clothing, weavings, carvings, baskets, pottery, sculpture and more for sale. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
WINTER EQUINOX SUNRISE OBSERVANCE Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, IL		Sunday, December 23, 2012 Arrive by 6:50 am Collinsville Road Observe the winter equinox sunrise and learn of the discovery, form and function of an ancient post circle called Woodhenge that was used as a solar calendar by the Cahokians. No ceremony or ritual is presented. Woodhenge is located 1/2 mile west of Monks Mound and the main entrance to the site. Free For more information call 618-346-5160
SIUE HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR Edwardsville, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA December, 2012 9 am - 6 pm each day Morris University Center - Main Floor, 1 Hairpin Drive This annual fair is sponsored by the Morris University Center Print and Design Shop and features handmade crafts by local artisans and original works by many artists around the area. Items available for purchase include many types of handmade goods including ceramics, wood, weaving, fiber, metal and glass, among others. Many of these articles are suitable for holiday gifts. Free For more information call 618-650-2178
EAGLE DAYS St. Louis County, MO Madison County, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA January, 2013 9 am - 3 pm Old Chain of Rocks Bridge This annual event features spotting scopes, live Eagle education program by the World Bird Sanctuary, and Lewis & Clark reenactors. The annual Eagle Days event is made possible through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation and Trailnet. Event is Free Free and Paid parking available For more information call 314-877-1309

This Calendar of Events provides listings free of charge for events that are of interest to visitors to the area and that are organized or sponsored by Non-Profit or community based organizations. To have your event listed here contact the webmaster. We reserve the right to limit content. We also willing to provide a web page free of charge for these types of events to provide more details for our readers.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE GREAT RIVER ROAD
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site	Mississippi River Ferries	Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail	Historic Elsah, Illinois