Belleville’s Chili Cook-Off hits downtown. See what else is in store this weekend.
Noon Friday, Oct. 7 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.
Highlighted Event
▪ 38th annual Belleville Chili Cook-Off — 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8. Downtown Belleville. Featuring the culinary creations of individuals, local organizations, and area businesses. More than 40 vendors. Live music. The weekend also includes the 9th annual Chili Chase 5K Run/walk and Kids Pepper Dash at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. bellevillechili.com
Events
▪ Swansea Farmers Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays through October. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea.
▪ Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 7. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted during the book sale and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.
▪ Best of Missouri Market — Noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, and Sunday, Oct. 9. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. The Best of Missouri Market returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden this fall with nearly 100 vendors offering handcrafted items, locally-produced-food, and more. Featuring food, crafts, native plants, herbs, custom jewelry, handcrafted items and more. A kids’ corner will feature a petting zoo, pot-a-plant, crafts, and a “pumpkin patch” with sustainable pumpkin decorating led by Perennial. Admission: $16 adults (ages 13+), $5 children (3-12), $8 Garden members and free for Member children. mobot.org/market
▪ Anime Senpai — Noon Friday, Oct. 7, through 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. Gateway Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville. The annual anime convention returns for three days of programming, events and more. Special guests include cosplayer Catnip Cosplay and voice actors Cris George, Kent Willams and Lauren Landa. For registration, event schedule and other info: animesenpai.org.
▪ Millstadt Township Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Fridays. 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.
▪ Oktoberfest at Soulard Market — 3-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Soulard Market St. Louis, 730 Carroll St., St. Louis. Celebrate both the city’s and neighborhood’s German heritage through two days of food, drink, live music and entertainment. 2022 will feature an open-air plaza, wine garden, live bands and audience competitions. soulard-oktoberfest.com
▪ John Dwyer Public Lecture: ‘Joseph Dalton Hooker: A Sikkim Adventure’ — 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. Missouri Botanical Garden, Leila J. and David N. Farr Auditorium, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. Seamus O’Brien, one of Ireland’s best-known horticulturists, will deliver the 35th (2022) John Dwyer Public Lecture focusing on his expeditions to the Sikkim Himalaya area following in the footsteps of the great 19th century botanist, Joseph Dalton Hooker. Free and open to the public. mobot.org
▪ 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
▪ Alton First Friday Late Night Art and Shopping Experience — 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. Downtown Alton. Alton Main Street and Jacoby Arts Center are partnering to present First Fridays, a late night art and shopping experience which spans 17 locations across the Downtown Alton district. Participants are offering a variety of discounts, refreshments, and giveaways. For more info: facebook.com/events/837196640792536
▪ Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. O’Fallon Station, 212 E. first St., O’Fallon. Locally grown vegetables, flowers, fruits, eggs, cheese and meats. A selection of bakers and sweet treats along with coffee, craft brew beverages and artisans. Live music, patio seating, food truck on site. Bicycle and pet friendly. 618-624-0139 or ofallonstation.com/vine-street-market.
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 8. 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.
▪ Pet Expo — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 8. Our Lord’s Lutheran Church, 150 Wilma Drive, Maryville. Includes canine demonstrations, pet/owner look-alike contest, puppy dog face painting, teddy bear clinic, rescue organizations, vendors, blessing booth for pet blessings, door prizes and a pet remembrance ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Free and open to the public. Rain or shine. Pets must be leashed or in a carrier. 618-345-5692.
▪ 5th annual Fall Vendor and Chili Festival — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Clyde C. Jordan Center, 6755 State St., East St. Louis. facebook.com/events/1796364263902372
▪ Community Link 16th annual Buddy Walk — 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Northside Park, North 10th Street, Breese. Join Community Link as we unite for a common cause and raise funds at the annual Buddy Walk. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support of people with developmental disabilities, take the first step and donate or register today! Help us spread the word; all are welcome for our day of celebration. For more info or to register: commlink.org.
▪ Zootoberfest — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, and Sunday, Oct. 9. Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive, St. Louis. Enjoy a Zoo-themed, family-friendly Oktoberfest! Take advantage of the cooler weather and visit the Zoo’s animals, exhibits and attractions. Kids can participate in fun activities, including an obstacle course and arts and crafts. German-inspired food is available for purchase, along with root beer and other soft drinks. Beer trailers throughout the Zoo offer a variety of canned and bottled brews (ages 21 and older) for purchase. An exclusive Zootoberfest beer stein with discounts for refills is available for purchase (while supplies last). Free admission. stlzoo.org/zootoberfest
▪ Highland Art in the Park — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. Lindendale Park, 2005 Parkhill Drive, Highland. Indoor and Outdoor Art in the Park is open to all to view and buy art. Kids Kreation area for kids to make art. Art Gallery ... Just for Kids to buy art. Live music. Food. highlandartscouncil.org
▪ 2nd annual Emmafest East. St. Louis Family Fun Festival — Parade 10:30 a.m. and festival 12:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Jones Park, 2920 Agonne Drive, East St. Louis. Food and fun. Free admission. emmafest.org
▪ Vintage Voices Tours — Noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, and Sunday, Oct. 9. Alton Cemetery, Fifth and Vine streets, Alton. Tours leave the cemetery gate every 15-20 minutes. A non-walking performance will take place at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 at Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton. Vintage Voices is produced by a volunteer committee and volunteer actors who bring the history of Alton to life. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 ages 6-18. vintagevoices2022.eventbrite.com
▪ Witches & Wizards Festival — 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Downtown District, 116 E. First St., O’Fallon. Entertainment and happenings, food vendors and much more. For tickets and info: facebook.com/WitchesandWizardsFestiv.
▪ Litchfield Pickers Market — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. 400 N. State St., Litchfield. Vintage, antique, industrial, architectural, repurposed and collectible goods. visitlitchfield.com
▪ Ladies Auxiliary Holiday Rummage Sale — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. Aviston American Legion, 604 S. Clinton St., Aviston. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas items for sale. Brown Bag sale 3-5 p.m. 618-228-7311.
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. 7. 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.
▪ Halloween Trivia Spooktacular — 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Trinity U.C.C., 47 N. Douglas Ave., Belleville. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Family-friendly event with special kids’ questions, costumes encouraged, contests. Cost: With reservations $10 plus two food items for adults, $5 plus two food items for 12 and under. Without reservations $15 per adult, $10 per child. Benefits Belleville Community Interfaith Food Pantry and Trinity U.C.C.’s wider mission. debjovaag@aol.com
▪ 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.
Theater/Concerts
▪ 2nd annual Haunted Garage Horror Festival — Friday, Oct. 7, through Sunday, Oct. 9. The Westport Playhouse, 635 West Port Plaza Drive, St. Louis. In addition to the horror shorts, feature films and documentaries, horror experts in the field will participate in “Dead Talks” over the three-day festival. Tickets are $30 for film series only, $30 for speaker series only or $50 for a three-day all-access festival pass. Tickets are on sale now at westportplay.com or at the Westport Playhouse box office. A portion of the proceeds will benefit metaSphere Industries and Heroic Hearts Project.
▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ — 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Celestial music by Saariaho opens the program led by conductor Jonathan Heyward in his SLSO debut. SLSO violinist Hannah Ji performs music by Bologne, an early Black composer for the symphony orchestra. We exit through the art gallery—Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” is an epic tour of musical paintings and vibrant orchestral colors slso.org
▪ ‘Poetry in Music: For Better or For Verse’ — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Carmelite Monastery, 9150 Clayton Road, St. Louis. Featuring Masterworks Chorale and Soloists. What comes first, the melody or the words? A dynamic blend of music and spiritual poetry, from Back to Whitacre. singmasterworks.org
▪ The Sheldon presents Calexico with Ada Lea — 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Ave., St. Louis. The Sheldon presents Calexico with Ada Lea in the perfect acoustics of the Sheldon Concert Hall. Calexico’s Joey Burns and John Convertino return in 2022 with their luminous 10th studio album, “El Mirador,” a hopeful, kaleidoscopic beacon of rock, bluesy ruminations and Latin American sounds. Convertino, who now resides in El Paso, and Burns, who relocated to Boise in 2020, channeled cherished memories of Southwestern landscapes and joyful barrio melting pots into an evocative love letter to the desert borderlands that nourished them for over 20 years. thesheldon.org
▪ Maryville Concert in the Park - George Portz — 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. Firemen’s Park, 300 N. Donk Ave., Maryville. Featuring George Portz and His Friends of Bluegrass, Fiddlers Frolic with Noah Feldt, Sammy Webb, Gloria Caughlin.
▪ ‘Poetry in Music: For Better or For Verse’ — 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., O’Fallon. Featuring Masterworks Chorale and Soloists. What comes first, the melody or the words? A dynamic blend of music and spiritual poetry, from Back to Whitacre. singmasterworks.org
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ Diabetes Support Group — 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. Frisse Conference Room, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. Open to those with diabetes and their family members and/or caregivers. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month. Participants will be required to wear non-cloth, medical-grade masks, as masks are still required in health care facilities per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Registration is required. 618-526-5743 or lisa.ketchem@hshs.org to register or for more information.
▪ St. Clair County Genealogical Society — 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. Online via Zoom. “Files, Folders, Pictures! Get Organized!” SCCGS President Samantha Bailey shares tips for those drowning in a sea of papers, or don’t know what to do with all those digital files. Learn how to organize your genealogy research into something more manageable. The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservation information is at stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.
▪ 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.
▪ St. Clair Woman’s Club — 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11. Bellecourt Place, 120 N. Jackson St., Belleville. A Day of Recollection will be held with members and their guests congregating at 10 a.m. Mass will be held at 11 a.m. with His Excellency, The Most Reverend Michael McGovern, Bishop of Diocese of Belleville, Celebrant and The Reverend Father Clyde Grogan, Concelebrant. Lunch to follow. Members may bring invited guests to the meeting.
▪ O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary Meeting — 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. O’Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. 618-210-8156 or ofallonsunriserotary.org
▪ Bible Study Fellowship Women’s Classes — 9:30-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. St. Matthew Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. Morning classes include teaching for newborn through Pre-K. Together with other women, we will be studying the later history of Israel. For info or to register, call or leave a message with Jane at 618-520-8357 or Candy at 618-363-3285.
▪ National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Alvin G. Bohley Chapter 1019 — 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12. Golden Corral, 3360 Green Mount Crossing Road, Shiloh. Guest speaker is Congressman Mike Bost at 11:30 a.m., followed by meeting. Subject is midterm elections and concerns of federal benefits. Attendees can purchase buffet or soda/coffee only. All active and retired federal employees are welcome to speakers/meetings held the second Wednesday of each month except for May and December socials. For information, contact James at jbflat2021@gmail.com or call 618-795-5174.
▪ The National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern IL (NAMI SWI) — 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12. Heights Community Church, 2227 Vandalia, Collinsville and online via Zoom. For family members or other caregivers of someone who has a mental illness. Meetings held the second Wednesday of each month. For information, contact Kelly at kellyjefferson@charter.net or call NAMI at 618-798-9788.
▪ 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.
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 Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Church Road, Belleville. Cod cut-ups, walleye, shrimp, burgers, sides and desserts. Carryout available. No phone orders.
▪ All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast — 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish Hall, 1900 W. Belle, Belleville. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit cocktail, coffee, orange juice and milk. Cost: $10 adults, $5 kids 4-12, under 4 free. No family pays more than $30. Carryout available. Sponsored by St. Augustine of Canterbury Building & Grounds. 618-233-3813.
▪ Aviston American Legion Fall Pork Sausage and Roast Beef Dinner — 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. Aviston American Legion, 604 S. Clinton St., Aviston. The menu includes whole-hog pork sausage, roast beef, mashed potatoes/gravy, sauerkraut, green beans, applesauce and dessert. Made-to-order carryout with sit-down dining space available.
▪ St. Liborius Parish Wurstmarkt — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. St. Libory American Legion Hall, 7236 IL State Route 15, St. Libory. Menu: pork sausage, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, applesauce, sauerkraut. Cost: $12 per dinner. Pre-orders preferred by texting Laura at 618-910-1038, no later than 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. Drive-thru pick-up only. While supplies last.
Reservations Required
▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12. 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, Oct. 13. 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
▪ HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Cancer Care Center Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk — 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Moody Park, 525 S. Ruby Lane, Fairview Heights. This is a free event to all, but donations of any amount are being accepted. The donations will be used to fund transportation needs for patients in long-term treatment. Family, friends, and co-workers are invited to come together for this community event to make a difference. Register for the walk online at steliz.org/Fun Walk. Registration will not be available the day of the event, but donations will be accepted. Donations can also be mailed to HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Foundation, 1 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., O’Fallon, IL 62269. Please note “Cancer Center Walk” on the check. 618-607-5545.
▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. 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.
▪ Picture It! Painting Fundraiser — 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18. Millpond Brewing and Incubator, 308 E. Washington St., Millstadt. An evening of drinks and painting to support the new Millstadt Library. Tickets at $25 each, include paints and canvas, and must be purchased by Tuesday, Oct. 11. ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/PictureIt
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
▪ 12th annual For Kids’ Sake Superhero 5K — 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Turley Park, 1010 N. Glenview Drive, Carbondale. Virtual participants can complete their 5K run/walk anywhere. In-person racers will run and walk along a certified 5K route with chip timing by So iLL Racing. The event will also have vendors, a live DJ, and an award ceremony with cash prizes for the fastest overall runners and top fundraisers. forkidssake.net
▪ River-to-River Trail Society Guided Hike: Garden of the Gods — 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Garden of the Gods, Gallatin County, Illinois. This will be a hike to Gorilla Rock and is free and open to the public. It will be a loop hike of moderate difficulty, approximately 6 miles in length, 4 hours of hiking time, this hike has creek crossings. The hike leader will be Sam Morales who can be reached at 618-384-1321 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10 a.m. at the Golden Circle Trailhead parking area. 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 snack. No dogs please. Check the post on our rivertorivertrail.net website for more information including a Google Maps link to the trailhead parking area.
