Calendar of Events
for the
French Colonial Country
of the Central Mississippi River Valley
including Ste. Genevieve & Jefferson Counties in Missouri
& Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties in Illinois

We regularly update this calendar to provide you with up to date information on a variety of events that take place in the French Colonial Country south of St. Louis.  Changes are made when we gather more information or when we learn of an event. If you know of an event that you would like to see posted contact the webmaster. We hope you enjoy the events you choose to attend.

Events Listed By Location


Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri
Ste. Genevieve highlights its historic downtown district with events throughout the year such as the Garden Tour in May, the French Festival in June, and Autumn Daze in October. By far the biggest and most popular event is Jour de Fete festival in August with thousands of visitors, hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, food, music, tours, and exhibits. The Felix Valle State Historic Site hosts several annual open houses.

Randolph County,
Illinois
Visitors to the Great River Road region of Randolph County will find a variety of historical and entertainment events and be able to experience the early French, British and American influences on the region. Events occur throughout the year at Fort de Chartres including the Annual Rendezvous in early June, one of the largest events of it's type in the Midwest. Music lovers will enjoy the Traditional Music Festival at Fort Kaskaskia and the Sparta Blues Fest. Every September the town of Chester holds a popular Popeye celebration.

Monroe County,
Illinois
The historic village of Maeystown leads the way in holding festivals in Monroe County with annual events such as the Apple Butter Festival and Oktoberfest. Other highlights include the annual Sheep & Craft Festival and the Porta Westfalica Festival in Waterloo.

St. Clair County,
Illinois
History buffs will find a number of events at the Colonial Cahokia State Historic Sites complex. Art lovers will enjoy what Belleville has to offer with events like Arts on the Square and exhibits at the Schmidt Art Center.

Jefferson County,
Missouri
Visitors will find a number of year round events in Jefferson county, particularly in the historic town of Kimmswick, which hosts the popular Strawberry Festival in May and the Apple Butter Festival in October.

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
Pickle Springs
Natural Area
Mary's River
Covered Bridge
Felix Valle
State Historic Site
Liberty Bell of the West
Kaskaskia, IL