Oktoberfest, chili and more: 15 metro-east fall festivities to check out this year
While fall officially begins Sept. 22, pumpkin spice season is underway and metro-east residents have plenty of upcoming festive events to mark on their calendars.
From Belleville’s famed Oktoberfest to O’Fallon’s quirky BaconFest, southwest Illinoisans have no shortage of fun options. Here’s what to check out this season, including traditional fall festivals and unique events.
Homestead Harvest Days
The Highland Historical Society’s 34th annual Homestead Harvest Days will feature pony rides, a petting zoo, barrel rides, rescued mustang horses, music, food and more.
You can take a tour of the homestead, view vintage fire engines and tractors and enjoy the Parade of Power.
When: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11
Where: Louis Latzer Homestead, south of Highland
Admission: $3 Friday, $5 Saturday, $5 Sunday
BaconFest 2022
The 6th annual BaconFest will include live music, children’s games and an estimated 65 vendors or more. All food vendors have at least one menu item with bacon, and offerings will include chocolate-covered bacon, maple bacon ice cream, pies, fudge, mac and cheese and more.
There will also be a bounce house, face painting and a dunk tank. For $30, you and your team can participate in a cornhole tournament. Organizers said all money raised goes toward supporting local veterans.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10
Where: Veterans of Foreign Wars, 221 W. 1st St. O’Fallon, IL 62269
Admission: No admission fee. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
St. Joseph Parish Picnic
Stop by St. Joseph Parish Friday for a fish fry and Saturday for a chicken dinner and quilt bingo. There will be live music both nights.
When: 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10
Where: Parish Grounds, 11 N. Alton St., Freeburg, IL 62243
Shiloh Homecoming Picnic
Enjoy live music, games, rides and food at the Shiloh Homecoming Parade. There will be a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Friday, weather-permitting.
Free parking will be available at the empty lot by Circle K at 121 S. Main St., the Methodist church at 210 S. Main St., Corpus Christi Church at 206 Rasp St. all day Friday and after 6 p.m. Saturday and the empty lot at 316 S. Main St.
When: 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, 4 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10
Where: Shiloh Community Park (14 Park Drive, Shiloh, IL 62269)
Admission: Free admission, ride tickets are available for purchase
Belleville Oktoberfest
Belleville’s 41st annual Oktoberfest will include a cornhole tournament, car show, live entertainment and 30 food vendors. There’s a children’s area, live dance performance and more.
There are also plenty of canine-friendly activities, such as the wiener dog race, dog yoga and costume contest. Registration is required for the cornhole tournament and wiener dog events.
When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16 and 17
Where: Downtown Belleville
Mississippi Earthtones Festival
The Mississippi Earthtones Festival celebrates the river through art, music and conservation education. There will be at least 50 educational booths, interactive art experiences and local food.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17
Where: Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, 1 Riverfront Drive, Alton, IL 62002
Admission: No admission cost, food and drink available for purchase
St. Augustine’s Parish Picnic
This picnic event will feature live music from The Saloonatics, an all-you-can-eat chicken dinner, outdoor food and drinks, games and inflatables for children. The buffet-style chicken dinner is $13.
You can also look forward to quilt and cash bingo, cakes, raffles, a Halloween stand and more.
When: 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 (Mass is at 4 p.m.)
Where: St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, 1910 W. Belle St., Belleville 62226
Lebanon Fall Festival
The Lebanon Fall Festival will feature live music, food, arts and crafts and more. Check out the event’s Facebook page for more information as the event date approaches.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Where: St. Louis Street, also known as “The Brick Street” in Lebanon, IL
TOCO Family Street Festival
The Tapestry of Community Offerings’ street festival will include live music by Lotus Lunabelle, Fleetwood and Family band and Spillie Nelson. There will be workshops, arts and crafts and more.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Where: 825 W. Main St., Belleville, IL 62220
Metro East PrideFest
You can check out Metro East PrideFest’s event Facebook page for more information closer to the event.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Where: Downtown Belleville
GlenFest
Visit GlenFest 2022 for music, local food, axe throwing and more. The Big Rigs from St. Louis will perform at 7 p.m.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Where: Miner Park, 194 S. Main St., Glen Carbon, IL 62034
Belleville Chili Cookoff
This chili gathering, hosted by The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, has been a local mainstay since 1983. More than 60 vendors now take part in the cook-off, which is free to attend. Make sure to bring cash so you can sample the dishes, and you can spend $1 to vote for your favorite for the People’s Choice Award.
Professional judges award first-, second- and third-place designations to the winners in two categories: “Non-Food Service Business/Organization” and “Restaurant/Caterer.”
When: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7 and 8
Where: Downtown Belleville
Fall Vendor and Chili Festival
This family friendly event is in its fifth year and will include DJ Oatmeal and vendors. Check online for more information as the event date approaches.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8
Where: 6755 State St., East St. Louis, IL 62203
Admission: Free, RSVP online. Masks will be mandatory.
According to the event’s Facebook page, the Fall Vendor and Chili Festival’s date and location are subject to change.
Highland Art in the Park
This indoor-outdoor event will have live music, food and opportunities to view and buy art. There is a “Kids Kreation Area” Friday and Saturday.
When: Friday to Sunday, Oct. 7 to 9
Where: Lindendale Park, 2005 Parkhill Drive, Highland, IL 62249
Witches and Wizards Festival
The Witches and Wizards Festival is open to those who are at least 21 years old. You can explore the Witches market, local food vendors and live entertainment.
When: 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8
Where: Downtown District, 116 E. 1st St., O’Fallon, IL 62269
Admission: Tickets range from $35 to $99 (plus service fees) and can be purchased online.
This story may be updated.
