Art on the Square highlights metro-east calendar this weekend. Other fun events on tap
Noon Thursday, May 12, is the deadline to appear in next week’s What’s Happening. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions.
Due to the number of submissions received, events may run only one time in print, will be edited and appear the week before the event date. For the week’s full list of events, visit bnd.com.
Email: lifestyle@bnd.com. Mail to: Lifestyle, Belleville News-Democrat, P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.
Featured Event
▪ 20th annual Art on the Square — 4-9 p.m. Friday, May 13; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 15. Public Square, Downtown Belleville. Featuring more than 100 artists from around the world, live entertainment, food and drink, activities. Shuttle service available. Free and open to the public. artonthesquare.com
Events
▪ Spring Flower Bulbs Fundraiser — Now through Sunday, May 15. Help raise funds for Illinois Center for Autism while beautifying your garden. Dahlias, lilies, perennials, vegetables and much more can be purchased online at icaspring.fpfundraising.com through May 15. Your purchases will help provide education and services with hands-on job and social skills training and advocacy.
▪ Waterloo Mural Contest — Now through Friday, June 10. The city of Waterloo is inviting talented artists to submit mural designs for the Waterloo Mural Contest. Up to four finalists will be awarded a prize of $1,000 each, and will have the opportunity to install their mural on a building in Waterloo. All submitted designs must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 10. Winners will be announced Friday, June 24. Installation of murals must be completed between July 1-Aug. 12. 618-939-8600, ext. 211 or waterloo.il.us/our-community/mural-contest.
▪ Tower Grove Park Beer and Cocktail Garden — 4-8 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through October. Ruins Pond, Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis. Enjoy a variety of seasonal and classic Schlafly beer, four seasonally rotating cocktails from STL Barkeep, food truck fare, live music, yoga and yard games. Free to attend. A portion of the beer and cocktail proceeds will benefit Tower Grove Park. schlafly.com
▪ Sankofa Celebration Anniversary Dinner — 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 13. East St. Louis Higher Education Center (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s East St. Louis campus) 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., East St. Louis. Celebration of the work of Rev. Joseph A. Brown SJ, Ph.D. Free to attend, but registration is required. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sankofa-celebration-tickets-305029209577
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14. Public Parking Lot, 227 W. Main St., Collinsville. Accepting office equipment, vehicles, electronics, batteries, appliances, machinery. Fees for TV/Monitor, CRT. No paper, glass, plastic, wood, cardboard or tires. 618-344-7232.
▪ St. Clair County Republicans Governor Candidate Forum — 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14. Hofbräuhaus St. Louis - Belleville, 123 St. Eugene Drive, Belleville. Includes five participating candidates: Darren Bailey, Paul Schimpf, Max Solomon, Jesse Sullivan and Gary Rabine. Moderated by Annie Frey. Free and open to the public. stclaircountyrepublicans.com
▪ Sankofa Symposium — 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 14. East St. Louis Higher Education Center , 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., East St. Louis. Honoring an East St. Louis native’s decades-long career. Celebration of the work of Rev. Joseph A. Brown SJ, Ph.D.
▪ Edera Italian Eatery’s Community Night Market — 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 14. Edera Italian Eatery, 48 Maryland Plaza, St. Louis. Featuring more than 30 local vendors, food trucks and live music in front of the restaurant and into Edera’s courtyard patio. Free to attend. Edera’s rustic pizza, cocktails available for purchase. ederastl.com
▪ Special Olympics Illinois 2022 Region J Spring Games — 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 15. Edwardsville High School, 6161 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville. Families, volunteers, and spectators are invited to cheer on all Special Olympics Illinois athletes as they compete in this event. Approximately 110 athletes are expected to compete in athletics (track and field), the most popular of 18 sports offered by Special Olympics Illinois. soill.org
▪ Worship Service Catholic Mass — 10 a.m. Sunday, May 15. Saint Augustine Catholic Church, 408 Rev. Joseph A. Brown Blvd., East St. Louis. This Mass is part of a three-day celebration of the work of Rev. Joseph A. Brown SJ, Ph.D.
▪ Gardens in Bloom Tour — 4:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, June 3, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Tours in Belleville and Swansea. Tickets available at Sandy’s Back Porch, Effinger’s Garden Center, Creative Landscapes Garden Center, Ace Hardware – O’Fallon, Hometown Ace Hardware – Belleville, and University of Illinois Extension Offices in Waterloo or Collinsville or online at https://event.gives/gardensinbloom2022. Day of event tickets: West End Dental, 9460 W. Main St., Belleville. 618-939-3434.
Games
▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 6 p.m. Thursdays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.
▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Mahjong — 12:30 p.m. Fridays. 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Mahjong is a game usually played by four people with 144 tiles that are drawn and discarded until one player secures the winning hand. Join our group and play this popular tile game. 618-234-4410, ext. 7034 or ext. 7044.
▪ Euchre — 7 p.m. Friday, May 13. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Partner night. Snacks welcome. Water, soda and coffee will be available for purchase. Masks not required. 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.
▪ Oscar Skaer Memorial Euchre Tournament — 1 p.m. Sunday, May 15. St. Joseph Parish Hall, 6 N. Alton St., Freeburg. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. The fun tournament, hosted by the St. Joseph Men’s Club, is being held in honor of one of its former members and former parishioner of St. Joseph Church, Oscar Skaer, who passed away May 15, 2020. Cash prizes to first four finishers; top overall winner gets a “traveling trophy.” Beer and soda available for purchase, snacks served. Half of proceeds will go for cash prizes; the remaining half will go to the St. Joseph Men’s Club for the needs of the parish community. Cost: $10 per person. Reserve your spot: 618-623-2769 or 618-363-8067.
Theater/Concerts
▪ Live at Powell Hall: ‘Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi’ — 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12; Friday, May 13; and Saturday, May 14; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. In the spectacular climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance. The Rebels race to the moon of the planet Endor where they launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet. Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader face off one last time as the SLSO performs John Williams’ Oscar-winning score live to the film. Arrive early to take photos with members of the 501st Legion prior to the concert and during intermission. slso.org
▪ The Trophy Mules — 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 14. Millpond Brewing & Incubator, 308 E. Washington St., Millstadt. Corey Saathoff and Josh Kean acoustic. facebook.com/events/655241895688218
▪ Bach’s Mass in B Minor — 3 p.m. Sunday, May 15. First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Adams Ave., #4019, Kirkwood, Missouri. The Bach Society of Saint Louis concludes its 2021-2022 Season with a performance of J.S. Bach’s monumental masterwork, the Mass in B Minor. One of the most profound and astounding spiritual testaments ever composed, it took 35 years to complete and remains a living testimony to Bach’s deep faith and his artistic virtuosity. Every note from the opening “Kyrie” to the final “Dona nobis pacem” plays a part in making what many consider to be Bach’s ultimate musical legacy. bachsociety.org
▪ Benefit Concert for Ukraine — 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. The benefit concert, “Stand With Ukraine,” will feature a lineup of star-studded performers that people of all ages will enjoy. There is a minimum donation of $25 per person to attend the all-star concert. All proceeds will go directly to Ukraine Relief through the UMCOR. The event will also be livestreamed. For more information, contact the Hett Box Office at 618-537-6863 or thehett@mckendree.edu.
▪ Chamber Project Saint Louis: ‘SILVER LININGS’ — 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Chamber Project St. Louis returns to CAM with composer/musician Syrhea Conaway to perform her work “SILVER LININGS” in-person, a composition the ensemble premiered virtually in 2021. New music by Conaway, completed over the last two tumultuous years, is also slated for the program. Balancing the evening’s selections is the luscious Clarinet Quintet by Johannes Brahms. Free admission, registration required. camstl.org
▪ Todd Oliver’s Funniest Night of Your Life — 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 20. The Gaslight Theater, 358 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Get ready to meet the funniest comedian on four legs! “Irving the Talking Dog,” with a little help from his friend, Todd Oliver, is going to talk up a storm. If you ever wondered how a dog looks at life, this little home-raised companion is going to give it to you straight from the dog’s mouth. He won’t mince words, and if he does, it’s Todd’s fault anyway. Tickets and info: gaslighttheater.net.
Food
▪ O’Fallon Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Traditional menu of cod, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and several side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229 or facebook.com/KnightsOfColumbus4239
▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Cod (baked or fried), catfish, shrimp, chicken strips, fries, baked potato, slaw, applesauce. Dine-in and carryout. 618-228-7311. avistonlegion.com
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ Creating A Healthier Life: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wellness — 1:30-3:30 p.m. Thursdays through June 16. Community Hope Center, 1201 Hope Center Lane, Bethalto. A series of wellness workshops focusing on The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness. These fun interactive workshops might be just the boost needed to recover from the pandemic blues. To register for this free workshop: https://bit.ly/3ESyAW2
▪ Gift of Voice Winners’ Circle Peer Support — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays. Eden Church, 903 N. Second St., Edwardsville. This peer-led support group for people who have been in jail/prison and addresses the needs of those working on confronting life’s struggles, including mental health and legal challenges. The group offers safe, positive and relaxed space to share support, encouragement and success with others in similar circumstances. office@giftofvoice.com
▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Grief Support Group — 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, May 16. PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Diana Cuddeback, LCSW, with Heartlinks Grief Support Center facilitates this peer grief support group for older adults who have lost a loved one. Learning about the grief process and being with others who understand helps. This group meets on the third Monday of each month. Please call Susan at 618-234-4410, ext. 7044, to register.
▪ Wellness Recovery Action Planning — 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Edwardsville (address shared when you RSVP). Recover from difficult life circumstances and learn the skills necessary to accomplish your goals. Feel better again and live a normal life. To register: office@giftofvoice.com.
▪ Belleville Community Band — 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays. Belleville Philharmonic Hall, 116 N. Jackson St., Belleville. Currently seeking new members, particularly woodwinds, percussion and tuba. Visit the Belleville Community Band Facebook page for more info.
Reservations Required
▪ Spring Day of Reflection: ‘Let Your Light Shine’ — 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14. Online via Zoom. Together we will reflect on how Jesus lights up our lives, and then how we in turn bring His light to others. We will also invite you to share how other people in your life have been a light to you, and how you bring the light of Christ to others by what you say and do. Presented by Fr. Tom Santen. Cost: $20. Register online at snows.org/reflection514 or call 618-394-6281.
▪ Kiwanis Club of Belleville Blood Drive — 2:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 17. Crehan’s Restaurant Banquet Room, 5500 North Belt West, Belleville. Masks and appointments required. bloodcenter.org
▪ Madison County Historical Society Cemetery Restoration Workshops — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 7201 W. Main St., Maryville. Professional instructors. Last day to register, Friday, May 13. Cost: $75 registration fee, includes lunch. Call 217-525-2781 to register.
▪ Spring Cabin Restoration Weekend: Pere Marquette Preservation Project — All day Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22. Camp Ouatoga Road, Rosedale Township. The Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project is calling for volunteers for the Spring 2022 Pere Marquette Preservation Project, which has been restoring historically significant cabins in the Park’s Upper group camps since 2012. Local carpenters, roofers, and interested volunteers are invited to register for the event by Tuesday, May 17, via bit.ly/PM3PSpring22. 618-977-2319 or virginia.woulfe-beile@sierraclub.org.
▪ Second annual Sip, Sample & Stroll — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Grafton’s Main Street, Grafton. Participating establishments along Grafton’s Main Street will be serving a sample of signature foods and beverages for your enjoyment. Participants include Aeries Resort, Bloody Bucket, Grafton Harbor Arr Bar, Grafton Oyster Bar, Grafton Pub, Grafton Winery, Hawg Pit and Third Chute Bar and Grill. Tickets: $40 per person and must be purchased online by May 20 at graftonilchamber.com or through the Jersey County Business Association.
Worth the Drive
▪ Ste. Genevieve Farmers Market – 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays. KC Hall grounds, 600 Market St., Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Locally produced vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, canned goods, vinegars, jams, jellies and freshly baked goods. facebook.com/SteGenevieveFarmersMarket
▪ Salem in Ballwin United Methodist Church Bluegrass-Gospel Concert — 7-10 p.m. Saturday, May 14., Salem in Ballwin United Methodist Church, 14825 Manchester Road, Ballwin, Missouri. Featuring George Portz and His Friends of Bluegrass, Fiddlers Frolic and special guests Caitlyn Richards and banjoist Sammy Boy Webb. Admission is $5.
This story was originally published May 11, 2022 at 7:00 AM.