Whether you’re looking for live music, a festival, marathon, or something family-friendly to bring the kids to, Downstate Illinois has something for everyone! Each week we highlight a few fun events within southwest, south central and southeast Illinois.  Our region hosts over 900 events each year, and we pride ourselves on providing the most accurate event information so that you don’t miss a thing. For even more events, be sure to visit the Downstate Illinois Calendar of Events page here!

 

Continuing Events

Bond County Fair

Bond County Fairgrounds, Greenville, IL

Thursday, August 4, 2022 - Tuesday, August 9, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

There's no better way to celebrate heritage than with the Bond County Fair! Visit and enjoy livestock exhibitions, talent & beauty competitions, amusement rides and nightly grandstand events.

Grand American World Trapshooting Championships

World Shooting & Recreational Complex, Sparta, IL

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 - Saturday, August 13, 2022 @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Spanning several days with more than 20 events shooters from all over the globe come to compete in hopes of claiming one of the available prestigious titles such as “Clay Target Champion."

 

Wednesday

Prairie du Rocher Party in the Park

Prairie du Rocher Village Park, Prairie du Rocher, IL

Wednesday, August 10, 2022 @ 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Come and bring your lawn chairs with you to enjoy the music and food in the Village of Prairie du Rocher. Food purchases begins at 6 p.m. and the music begins and 7 p.m. and usually runs until 8:30 p.m.

 

Friday

Oblong Antique Tractor and Engine Show

Oblong, IL

Friday, August 12, 2022 - Sunday, August 14, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This annual event draws visitors from all over to view actual working antique tractors and engines. Located at the fairgrounds in Oblong.

National Boat Racing Long Course Championships

Raccon Lake, Centralia, IL

Friday, August 12, 2022 - Sunday, August 14, 2022 @ 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Please visit the website for more details on this event. 

Tunnels to Towers Golf Event

Annbriar Golf Course, Waterloo, IL

Friday, August 12, 2022 @ Noon - 7 p.m.

Please visit the website for more details on this event. 

Cruisin' the Dam Car Show

Mariner's Village Resort, Carlyle, IL

Friday, August 12, 2022 @ 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Come to the annual Cruz-In the Dam Car Show event at Carlyle Lake! Cars, bikes, and more are put on display at Mariner's Village Resort until they all take a sunset cruise across the Carlyle Lake Main Dam.

Midnight Madness

World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, IL

Friday, August 12, 2022 @ 6 p.m.

The popular Ranken Technical College presents Midnight Madness fueled by NOS Energy Drink features Test ‘n’ Tunes for street-legal cars and motorcycles, drifting, DJs, contests and attractions. The program is offered as a safer alternative to illegal street racing. All drivers and riders must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and have proof of insurance. Drivers and riders younger than 18 must present a signed minor’s release. Cars and motorcycles must be street-legal, registered and plated, and must pass a safety inspection.

 

Saturday

CHIEF Summer Jeep Jam & Poker Run

Columbia, IL

Saturday, August 13, 2022 @ 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

2nd Annual CHIEF Summer Jeep Jam & Poker Run hitting several Monroe County watering holes culminating in an after-party with bbq/sides, drinks & live music provided by Black Top Boulevard. All proceeds will be donated in remembrance of Bill Browne's father & brother-in-law to brain cancer awareness & research (Glioblastoma Foundation). Pre-registration is highly recommended due to the anticipated attendance numbers.

Cumberland County Fair 

Greenup, IL

Saturday, August 13, 2022 - Saturday, August 20, 2022 @ Noon - 11 p.m.

Come out to the fair for rides, shows and plenty of food and drink.  Fun for the entire family.

"Pandemic"

History Museum of Monroe County, Waterloo, IL

Saturday, August 13, 2022 @ 1:30 p.m.

Nancy Quernheim will be discussing her book “Waterloo 2020, A Year in Our Town”.

Randy's Double R Bar Block Party

Randy's Double R Bar Block Party, Waterloo, IL

Saturday, August 13, 2022 @ 2 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Live bands, food, and drink specials! 

 

Sunday

Millstadt Summer Social 

Liederkranz Park, Millstadt, IL

Sunday, August 14, 2022 @ Noon - 4 p.m.

The Millstadt Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free, family-friendly event where you get a chance to meet your local businesses and organizations by playing games and participating in activities of their choosing! Food and drink will be available from local restaurants and vendors as well as a limited-edition t-shirt for the Summer Social.

 

*To submit an event to be published on the Downstate Illinois website, click here!