Make your plans for the weekend. Halloween highlights this week’s calendar
Noon Friday, Oct. 28, 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.
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.
Halloween Festivities
▪ Boo at the Zoo — 5-8:30 p.m. daily through Sunday, Oct. 30. St. Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive, St. Louis. Families can enjoy festive decorations, entertainers, special food and drink menus and more. Timed-ticket reservations are required and can be purchased in advance online. stlzoo.org/boo
▪ Zips Haunted Car Wash on Behalf of Illinois Center for Autism — 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27. Zips Car Wash, 4192 IL-162, Pontoon Beach. A spooktacular fundraiser that includes free candy (while supplies last) for the kids, a haunting good time and a boo-tifully clean vehicle at the finish.
▪ Downtown Trick or Treat — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. East Main Street between High and Charles streets, downtown Belleville. For Belleville children ages 12 and under. Free hot dogs, treats and drinks. Event includes music, stories and more. 618-233-6810, ext. 1237.
▪ Booze, Brews & Boos Event — 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29. Eckert’s Cider Shed, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville. Get decked out in your scariest costume, grab some friends, and head to the Cider Shed to enjoy an adults-only Halloween-themed celebration. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased online at eckerts.com.
▪ Trunk or Treat Car Show — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Gateway Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. Cruise in with your classic decked out in its best Halloween dress for all the little ghouls and gals. There will be special awards given out to the best tricked out trunk as well as for best costume. Enjoy pastries and coffee (while supplies last), along with themed games and activities. Attendance prizes will be announced throughout the event. All makes and models are welcome with plenty of parking available. This event is free and open to all ages of the public. facebook.com/GatewayClassicCars
▪ Halloweekends at the St. Louis Zoo — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 30. Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive, St. Louis. Drop by for a weekend visit and let us see your family-friendly costumes. The too-cute-to-spook decorations throughout the Zoo will provide plenty of perfect photo ops. Free admission. stlzoo.org/halloweekends
▪ ‘Night of the Living Mixtape’ — 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 29. Platypus, 4501 Manchester Ave., St. Louis. Platypus, 1220 Spirits, 4 Hands Brewing Co., and Liquid Death are teaming up for the ultimate Halloween celebration. Halloween lovers can party like it’s 1999 and enjoy games, Halloween-themed drinks, and a costume contest. Almost from the dead, the metaphorical mixtape returns to blast all the old punk, rock, indie, and hardcore music and videos just like in the old days. The evening will wrap up with a costume contest at midnight.
▪ Trick-or-Treat at the City Foundry STL Food Hall — 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. City Foundry STL, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis. City Foundry STL merchants such as STL Toasted, 4Hens Creole Kitchen, Golden Gems, Procure, Sanctioned, May’s Place, Kalbi Taco Shack, Fordo’s Killer Pizza, and Buenos Aires will be handing out treats. People trick-or-treating are encouraged to wear their costumes and enjoy the night before Halloween exploring City Foundry STL. cityfoundrystl.com
▪ Trick or Treat Tent City — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31. East St. Louis City Hall, 301 Riverpark Drive, East St. Louis. The Trick or Treat Tent City at City Hall will provide candy, treats and the Mayor’s Haunted House to youth free of charge who are residents of East St. Louis. Hosted by Mayor Robert Eastern III, The City of East St. Louis and the National Pan-Hellenic Council of East St. Louis.
Events
▪ Swansea Farmers Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea.
▪ Free Clothing — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. 1050 N. State St., Freeburg. Free men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, toys, shoes, books and miscellaneous items. Sponsored by Freeburg Food and Clothing Bank. 618-539-5070.
▪ Millstadt Township Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Millstadt VFW Event Center, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Featuring everything: local plants, fruit, coffee, produce, flowers, honey, eggs, baked goods, jellies/jams and flea market items. No vendor fees. 618-476-3037.
▪ Tower Grove Park Beer and Cocktail Garden — 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. 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
▪ Boy Scout Troop 40 Ecycle Drive — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. 126 Seibert Road, Shiloh. Accepting vehicles, batteries, machinery, appliances, electronics, office equipment. Not accepted: glass, paper, plastic, tires, hazardous materials, wood, concrete. https://fb.me/e/3KPxjOs9d
▪ Annual Arch Builders of the Gateway Arch — 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 29. Gateway Arch, tram lobby, lower level of the Visitors Center, St. Louis. At “Meet the Builders,” visitors will be able to meet the engineers, tradesmen and support staff who contributed to the construction of the Gateway Arch. At the event, a small group of builders will share memories, private memorabilia and photographs with attendees, and sign autographs. The Arch Store, located in the Arch tram lobby, will sell $1 commemorative posters for autographing. This is a free event that is open to all ages.
▪ Walk to End Hunger — 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1. YMCA parking lot, 2627 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. Southwestern Illinois College’s Student Veterans Association and Veterans Services are hosting the walk in partnership with the local YMCA. Participants are encouraged to walk with 22 pounds of nonperishable food in bags or backpacks, in honor of the 22 veterans lost to suicide each day. Walk begins at YMCA and ends at SWIC’s Quad. Refreshments, entertainment provided afterwards. The event is free and open to the public. All nonperishable food donations will go to the opening of the Student Life Food Pantry. The food pantry’s goal is to provide nutrition and support to the campus community. For info: yasin.jackson@swic.edu.
▪ Town Hall on SAFE-T Act — 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1. Edwardsville Gun Club, 4104 Staunton Road, Edwardsville. There is a lot of controversy and confusion regarding the SAFE-T Act and what it will mean for public safety. Please join Sen. Jason Plummer to hear from local criminal justice experts and find out what it will mean for your community.
▪ Dia de los Muertos Exhibit — Tuesday, Nov. 1 and Wednesday, Nov. 2. Six Mile Regional Library District, 2001 Delmar Ave., Granite City. Visit our exhibit to view an ofrenda, learn about the history of the Day of the Dead celebration, and honor your own loved ones who have passed. smrld.org
▪ Food on the Move — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2. New Shining Light HDNC, 740 Broadway Ave., Venice. Free food distribution. SNAP support and referrals provided. Masks and social distancing required and enforced. stlfoodbank.org
Games
▪ Mahjong — 12:30 p.m. Fridays. PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Join the group and play this popular tile game. American version. 618-234-4410, ext. 7034 or ext. 7044. Sponsored by the St. Clair County Office on Aging.
▪ Euchre — 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Snacks welcome. Water, soda and coffee will be available for purchase. Masks not required. 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.
▪ Cash & Quilt Bingo — 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. St. James Gymnasium, 412 W. Washington St., Millstadt. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Food available for purchase at 11:30 a.m. and includes fried chicken, pulled pork sandwiches. Raffles: queen-size quilt, baskets, 50/50. 618-779-6000.
▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.
▪ BAHS annual Glo Bingo — 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5. Tribout’s BelleVegas Bingo Hall, 517 S. Illinois St., Belleville. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. both days. Raffle prizes, 50/50s, grab bags, games, music and more. $25 advanced admission. Must be 18+. Proceeds provide hope, healing and homes for countless pets each year. bahspets.org
▪ Holy Family Men & Women’s Club Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. Holy Family Gymnasium, 109 Church St., Cahokia Heights. Doors open at 6 p.m. Table decorating contest, raffle baskets, beverages for sale. BYO food. Cost: $10 per person or $100 per table. For reservations (recommended) call 618-779-6000 or 618-337-7842.
▪ Alton YWCA Southwestern Illinois Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. Best Western Premier Conference Center, 3559 College Ave., Alton. Doors open at 6 p.m. Basket raffles and 50/50 drawings, mulligans, cash bar, snacks. Attendees can bring food. Cost: $25 per person, tables of 8-10. 618-465-7774 or altonywca.com.
Theater/Concerts
▪ McKendree presents ‘Vampire Circus’ — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. Heralded as a mix of circus cabaret and theatre, The Vampire Circus is a mysterious, tantalizing, fun, dark, cutting-edge production guaranteed to amaze the senses. A fusion of Tim Burton and Cirque Du Soleil, the Vampire Circus is a journey that takes audiences into an immersive experience, plunging guests into a deep hypnotic state while breaking the fourth wall. For tickets and info: thehett.com.
▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto — 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Thomas Søndergård makes his SLSO debut conducting Anatoly Liadov’s “The Enchanted Lake” and Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 7. Then, pianist Stephen Hough returns to Powell Hall’s stage for a performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto. slso.org
▪ Music for Young Voices: The Magic of Singing — 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., O’Fallon. Opening performance of the 2022-23 season for the Masterworks Children’s Chorus. Tickets start at $10 per person. singmasterworks.org
▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: ‘Psycho’ — 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. The SLSO is checking into the Bates Motel as Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” comes to the big screen at Powell Hall for an evening of spine-tingling and hair-raising terror. From the shrieking strings and the slashing chords, the SLSO performs Bernard Herrmann’s suspenseful score live and intensifies this black & white psychological thriller. Join in on our costume contest at 6:30pm prior to the concert in the foyer, and enjoy Halloween themed cocktails. Prizes for costumes in categories: best overall costume, scariest, most creative. slso.org
▪ Triad High School presents ‘Lizzie Borden of Fall River’ — 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, and Friday, Nov. 4. Triad High School cafetorium, 703 US-40, Troy. Tickets: $5 adults, $3 for students and seniors.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ Highland Garden Club — 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27. Highland Senior Center, 187 Woodcrest Drive, Highland. Rich Crain of Crain Tree Farm will talk about planting and care of trees, disease, pests and other issues. Visitors are always welcome.
▪ Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance Samhain Celebration — 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship, 105 N. Parrish Lane, Carbondale. The gathering starts at 6 p.m. with a meet and greet. The ritual will follow at 7 p.m. A potluck will follow. Please bring what you can share. The two main interactive elements of this year’s ritual are the ancestor altar and the banishment box. The ancestral altar honors those you have loved and lost, recently, or long ago, including dear pets. These items can range from photos, keepsakes, cards, or other memories. Candles will be available to light. The second portion of the ritual will focus on banishing. Water will be the elemental focus for this part of the ritual. For more info: text 618-924-0263 or 618-262-1526. sipagan.com
▪ GriefShare Seminar/Group — 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 6. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, lower level, 1300 Beltline Road, Collinsville. A special weekly seminar and support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. Featuring practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts and others who have experienced the death of a loved one. Participants can start at any time. Cost: $20 for the workbook. 318-344-3151 or bklee54@yahoo.com for info or to register.
▪ Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Online via Zoom. The PAL group provides education, support and hope to family members and loved ones of someone who has an addiction of substance use disorder. Free and open to all. For info or to join the Zoom meeting, contact Craig at 618-567-6095. palgroup.org
▪ St. Clair County Genealogical Society — 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3. Online via Zoom. Annual meeting for election of officers for 2023-2024 term. Program: “Hassloch Emigrants to Mascoutah and St. Clair County Environs.” More than 40 families came to Mascoutah from Hassloch, Germany, some as early as the 1830s. Others followed, settling in the fertile land of St. Clair and contiguous counties. Presented by Christine Smith, a native of Hassloch, and David Braswell, German language instructor, historian, and manager of Corner George Inn in Maeystown. The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservation information is at stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.
▪ Salvation Army WAX of St. Clair County Luncheon/Fashion Show/Bazaar/Silent Auction — 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4. St. Clair Country Club, 100 S. 78th St., Belleville. The cost is $50. Proceeds to benefit the underprivileged children and families of St. Clair County. Mail your reservation to Jeanne Edgar, 142 Shar Rye Drive, Belleville, IL 62220, or call 618-806-6949.
Food
▪ Swansea Fish Stand – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Saturday: fried chicken. Open for carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/swanseafishstand
▪ 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, tilapia, catfish, 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. 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
▪ Okawville American Legion Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 233, 205 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Dine in or carryout. Also serving lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday with a salad bar. Pizza made fresh and served every day. facebook.com/OkawvilleLegion
▪ Quail Club Meat Shoot — Noon to dusk Sunday, Oct. 30. Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Road, Belleville. Meat and pot shots, free bean soup, $1 draft beer. Open to the public.
Reservations Required
▪ Walk-Run-Roll to Build Community for Friends of Fisher House St. Louis — 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Jefferson Barracks St. Louis County Park, Gold Star Shelter, 345 North Road W., St. Louis. (Virtual option available) Registration 7 a.m. fisherhouseinstl.org
▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga with instructor Sarah Hartwig. Space is limited. Registration required. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ Black Men Vote Speaker Series: ‘There is Power in Voting’ — 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Clark-Fox Auditorium, Hillman Hall, Washington University, Forsyth Boulevard at Wrighton Way, St. Louis. Community leaders will discuss evidence on the electoral barriers Black men commonly face, changes in voting laws, navigating the electoral system, and opportunities to participate in the electoral process. Free and open to the public. Registration required: https://bit.ly/3grGAot
▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2. Online via Zoom. A Slow Flow mixed levels practice that will lead you through a series of yoga poses that focus on strengthening, lengthening, and stretching. Requires Registration. Instructed by Anne Hughes. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ Adult Zumba with Aimee — 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Join us for an evening workout with our very own Zumba Fitness instructor! Come in comfortable exercise clothing and bring a water bottle. Space is limited. Requires Registration. glencarbonlibrary.org
Worth the Drive
▪ Ste. Genevieve Farmers Market – 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 29. 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
▪ River-to-River Trail Society Hike: Bobcat Loop Trail in the Ferne Clyffe State Park — 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Meet at the Goreville Village Park, Goreville. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 4 to 6 miles in length, 4 hours minimum hiking time depending on water levels in the creek crossings. Hikers will need to be shuttled for this hike and it will be a loop hike once shuttled. The leader of the hike will be Bill Gilmour who can be reached at 270-331-1533 for more information. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some walking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks. No dogs please. Free and open to the public. rivertorivertrail.net
▪ River-to-River Trail Society Hike: Schwegman Hollow and Horse Cave — 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. Meet at the Forest Service Office (Hidden Springs Ranger Station), Vienna. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 3 miles in length off trail. The leader of the hike will be Bill Gilmour who can be reached at 270-331-1533 for more information. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some walking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks. No dogs please. Free and open to the public. rivertorivertrail.net
▪ Autumn Olive Removal at Garden of the Gods — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 29, and Saturday, Nov. 12. Garden of the Gods, Observation Trail entrance road, Garden of the Gods Road, Equality. Volunteers needed for work that includes lopping trees, wrenching out trees, chopping out roots, cutting branches and removing debris from the area. Advance registration appreciated: go.illinois.edu/AutumnOliveRemoval. facebook.com/shawneefriends
▪ Green Door Art Gallery: Face 2 Face Art Exhibit — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2. Green Door Art Gallery, 21 N. Gore, Webster Groves, Missouri. A new figurative art exhibit featuring watercolor collage portraits by Gail Crosson, mixed media portraits by Allisson Norfleet Bruenger, digital illustrations by Michael Plurad, portrait and figurative drawings by Douglas Simes, and silver and stone jewelry by Joe Bova Conti. Opening reception 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18. Exhibit closes Dec. 31. Gallery hours are 10 a.m .to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. 314-202-4071 or greendoorartgallery.com.
This story was originally published October 26, 2022 at 9:00 AM.