AREA EVENTS

 

 

LUNCHTIME CONCERTS
Carbondale, IL Through September 24, 2014
Every Wednesday: Noon - 1 pm
Town Square Pavilion, corner of Route 51 North and Route 13 West
Local musicians play a series of free concert in the Town Square Pavilion. Order lunch from a downtown restaurant, or bring your own. Bring a lawn chair, and we'll see you downtown!
Free
For information call 618-529-8040
or visit https://www.carbondalemainstreet.com


FULTON BANANA FESTIVAL
Fulton, KY September 12 - September 21, 2014
Fulton was once known as the "Banana Capital of the World" because 70% of imported bananas to the United States used to be shipped through here. Since 1962 Fulton has held a weeklong celebration of everything bananas with events that include parades, contests, pageants, carnival rides, live entertainment, and more.
Free, some activities charge a fee
For information visit https://www.thebananafestival.com


MURPHYSBORO BARBECUE COOK-OFF
Murphysboro, IL September 18 - September 20, 2014
Thursday: 5:30 pm - 9 pm
Friday: 3 pm - 9 pm
Saturday: 8 am - 6 pm
32 N. 17th Street
People come from miles around for the Thursday's fish fry, for the barbeque, for dancing and fun at this annual event. The Grand Champion wins the right to compete in Memphis in May for the World Championship, at the American Royal in Kansas City, and wins the title of the State of Illinois Championship. Friday features the Grand Champion Buffet and Band & Street Dance. Awards judging takes place on Saturday and there will be KCBS Great American BBQ Tour demos throughout the day. Sponsored by the 17th Street Bar & Grill.
Admission
For information call 618-684-8902
or visit www.17thstreetbarbecue.com


RIVERSIDE BLUES FESTIVAL
Murphysboro, IL Saturday, September 20, 2014
11 am - 10 pm
Riverside Park, 24th and Commercial Streets
Come and listen to the sounds of the blues at the premier blues festival in Southern Illinois. There will be bands from Chicago, St. Louis, and Memphis playing all day long. Food and refreshments will be available on the grounds.
Admission, tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.
For information call 618-684-6421
or visit https://www.murphysborochamber.com


SOUTHERN ILLINOIS IRISH FESTIVAL
Carbondale, IL September 20 - September 21, 2014
Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm
Lenus Turley Park, West Main Street
This festival celebrates the music, the spirit, and the traditions of the Irish people with special concerts, a Celtic Fair, dance workshops and demonstrations, Celtic arts and crafts, and merchandise, children's activities, and more. There will be evening concerts on Friday and the Celtic Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday. For information on the Friday concerts visit the website below.
Admission
For information call 618-549-3090
or visit
 
SIUC FAMILY WEEKEND CRAFT SALE
Carbondale, IL Friday, September 27, 2014
10 am - 5 pm
SIUC Student Center Art Gallery (1st Floor)
Each year the SIUC Saluki Family Weekend celebration brings excitement to the Student Center. Hundreds of parents, students, and members of the Southern Illinois community take part in many campus events including this craft sale.
Free For information call 618-453-3636


"RADDLE THE BOTTOMS" BLUEGRASS & FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Raddle, IL Sunday, September 28, 2014
11 am - 8 pm
St. Ann's Churchyard
This annual festival features a variety of bluegrass bands. The event also features a silent auction, T-shirts, food and beverages, and raffles. All proceeds benefit Sandra's Comfort Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports existing pancreatic research organizations.
$2 per person, Children 10 and under Free
For more information call 618-559-4287


CIVIL WAR DAYS
Columbus, KY October 10 - October 12, 2014
Friday: 9 am - 9 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 10 pm
Sunday: 9 am - 6 pm
Columbus-Belmont State Park
This annual event includes battle reenactments, living history, and encampments. Friday is "education day". Schools, scouts, groups, & clubs are encouraged to schedule field trips. Battles will be held at 2 pm Saturday and Sunday. There will be a Ghost Walk on Friday evening and a Civil War Ball on Saturday night. Sunday morning features services and a Memorial Service at Columbus Cemetery. Sutlers and food vendors will be on site to serve the needs of the reenactors and visiting guests. Special entertainment daily.
Free For information call 270-677-2327

UNION COUNTY COLORFEST CELEBRATION
Union County, IL Saturday, October 11, 2014

Various locations
Celebrate the fall season throughout Union County. Join the P.A.S.T. Historic Walking Tour from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm by purchasing a $5 self-guided tour booklet at Stinson Library Flea Market in Anna. Participate in the biathlon race, tour the Shawnee Hills wine trail, and visit the area’s orchards. Kid Fest will be held at Anna’s city park from 9 to 5 on Saturday and features the Annual Wiener Dog Derby. Activities at Stinson Library include a flea market, a book sale, crafts, jewelry, food and music, and the South End Stump Jumper annual variety show Sat. at 7pm. At the Anna Arts Center local artists provide hands-on workshops in painting, drawing, weaving, 3-D design, mosaic, and jewelry making & evening Stage performances feature local story tellers, poets, musicians, and comedians.
Free, some activities charge a fee
For information call 1-800-248-4373


VULTURE FEST
Makanda, IL October 20 - October 21, 2014
Saturday 11 am - 7 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm
Downtown Makanda
Black vultures and turkey vultures fly and swoop in the skies surrounding Makanda each fall. Local residents await their return each fall as an end to the hot summer and the beginning of cooler fall weather. This celebration of the Vulture's annual migration features live music and displays by local artists for purchase. Come join the celebration and see this awesome unique event as these birds return.
Free For information call 618-618-457-6282
or visit villageofmakanda.com

TOUR DE SHAWNEE BIKE TOUR
Olive Branch, IL Saturday, October 25, 2014
Horseshoe Lake Community Center, 22434 Railroad Street
Great Routes, Great Rest Stops, Great People make this ride a Great Event. The Tour offers rides of 15, 30, 62, and 100 miles. All proceeds from the ride will go toward Alexander County Tourism projects.
Registration fee
For information call 1-866-407-1450 or 618-776-5893
or visit tourdeshawnee.com


CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Cobden, IL November 15 - December 13, 2014
Saturdays: 8 am - 4pm
Sundays: 1 pm - 4 pm
Union County Museum, 117 S. Appleknocker Drive
This annual event features Christmas decorations and gifts at reasonable prices. The bazaar begins Saturday, November 16 and runs every weekend through Saturday, December 14.
Free For information call 618-893-2865

ANNA ARTS CENTER
HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Anna, IL Saturday, November 29, 2014
10 am - 5 pm
Anna Arts Center, 125 West Davie Street
Come find that unique gift. Art work, stain glass, knives with deer horn handles, quilts, festive cards, jewelry, and more. So get your Christmas list and come find a gift for your family and friends and support the artists and crafters. Make a FREE Christmas ornament at the Anna Arts Center booth. Everyone is invited – kids of all ages! .
Free For information call 618-833-6525

SIUC HOLIDAY CRAFT SALE
Carbondale, IL December 4 - December 6, 2014
Thursday & Friday: 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm
Art Gallery & Renaissance Room (Student Center 1st floor), 1255 Lincoln Drive
This annual Holiday Craft Sale features more than seventy-five regional craftspeople. Many people take advantage of this annual event to do their holiday shopping for holiday decorations, gifts, and unique items.
Free For information call 618-453-3636


CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE
Cobden, IL Saturday, December 6, 2014
Downtown Cobden
Santa Claus, strolling carolers, surrey rides, piņatas, Christmas Bazaars and lighting of the village tree. 5K run & walk, along with other activities and entertainment.
Free For information call 618-893-2425

A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM
Cobden, IL December 12 - December 14, 2014
First Baptist Church, 200 South Walker Street
Walk through the streets of Bethlehem. Talk to shopkeepers, shepherds, Roman guards, and townspeople. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the “first” Christmas. Have your family’s picture taken with the little town of Bethlehem in the background. Make a toy in the carpenters shop, make your own pottery, purchase soap and spices with (provided) shekels. Take home homemade breads and taste candy from the candy shop. As you wind through the streets of Bethlehem, you will hear the exciting story of what has happened there.
Free, reservations recommended but not required
For information call 618-893-2261 or 618-697-1051
or visit the event website

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Carbondale, IL PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
December, 2014 Friday: 7 pm
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7168 Old Highway 13
Kick of the season with this interfaith concert that celebrates the birth of the Savior of the world. The concert features a variety of area musicians and bands that provide a great night of musical entertainemnt, nativity sets from around the world will be on exhibit for three days with musical entertainment on Friday and Sunday.
Free For information call 618-684-8587


LIGHTS FANTASTIC PARADE
Carbondale, IL PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA
December, 2014 6 pm
Downtown Carbondale
Since 1990, this winter-time celebration has warmed the hearts of the young and young at heart. Drawing participants not only from Carbondale, but also many of the surrounding communities. Over sixty entries including dancers, musicians and some very unique floats travel down Illinois Avenue with Santa Clause as the jolly conclusion. Parking and shuttle buses available at Murdale Shopping Center and University Mall beginning at 4 pm.
Free For information call 618-529-8040
or visit https://www.carbondalemainstreet.com

SIUC VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFT SALE
Carbondale, IL Friday, February 13, 2015 10 am - 5 pm
SIUC Student Center Art Gallery (1st Floor), 1255 Lincoln Drive
This Valentine’s Day Craft Sale fits the bill for those last minute shoppers searching for the perfect gift for that someone special. Everyone from SIUC faculty, staff, and students to the local community shops at this special one day sale.
Free For information call 618-453-3636


BIG MUDDY FILM FESTIVAL
Carbondale, IL February 24 - March 1, 2015
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
The Big Muddy Film Festival, based at SIUC, is among the longest-running student-organized film festivals in the United States. The Big Muddy is dedicated to supporting the work of emerging and accomplished filmmakers and video artists. The Festival showcases experimental, documentary, narrative, and animation films of all genres and themes.
Some events are free and some charge admission
For information call 618-453-7703
or visit
www.bigmuddyfilm.com

 
 
 
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Reece Ridge Cabins
10 Joyful Brooke
Murphysboro, IL 62966
 
 618-559-5170

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