Mark your calendars for next year’s parades, festivals and church picnics in Belleville
It may be too early to put out your lawn chairs, but several organizations are getting a head start on planning for next year’s parades, festivals and picnics by submitting permit applications.
Here’s what Belleville City Council approved Monday night:
Bierstachelm Winter Festival
Shoehorn Brewing will sponsor a Bierstacheln Winter Festival from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. The outdoor event will feature portable firepits in Paderborn Square and a food truck.
“Bierstachelm is an old tradition of warming a beer with a red hot stainless steel rod,” according to the permit application. “This changes the flavor and temperature of the beer.”
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Belleville’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians Michael P. Keeley Division 1 in St. Clair County, will kick off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
The route will begin on West A and go south on North Third, east on West Main, pause at Veterans Memorial Fountain for a moment of remembrance, continue east on East Main, pause at Bennie’s Pizza Pub, Tavern on Main, Copper Fire and Big Daddy’s for Irish music and end at Oak.
Memorial Day Parade
The city of Belleville’s Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, 2025. It will start on North Third and go east on West Main and East Main and southeast on Mascoutah to Walnut Hill Cemetery.
The Honoring the Legacy Memorial Day 5K will start and end at Laderman Park.
Ainad Shriners Parade
The Ainad Shriners Parade, known as the largest parade in southern Illinois since the 1950s, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2025.
It will begin on A Street and go south on North Third and east on West Main and East Main, ending at Oak.
St. Teresa picnic
St. Teresa Catholic Church will hold its annual parish picnic from 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, on the church grounds, 1108 Lebanon Ave. The public is invited.
Activities will include bounce houses, food, bingo, an auction and music from 6 to 10 p.m.
St. Augustine picnic
St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church will hold its annual parish picnic from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, on the church grounds, 1910 W. Belle St. It’s open to the public.