Belleville Oktoberfest and Collinsville’s Italian Fest return this weekend
Noon Friday, Sept. 15, 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. Submitted event info will be edited and run 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.
Featured Events
▪ 42nd annual Belleville Oktoberfest — 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Downtown Belleville. Authentic German cuisine, three stages of live entertainment, children’s area, games and contests, a car show and plenty of beer. bellevilleoktoberfest.com
▪ Italian Fest - 40th Anniversary — 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 15-16. Uptown Collinsville on Main Street, Collinsville. Celebrate Italian culture at the annual event, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Enjoy food, entertainment, contests and games, kids activities and so much more. Admission and musical entertainment are free. italianfest.net
Events
▪ Lewis & Clark Community College Garden Festival — 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. Lewis & Clark Community College, Godfrey Campus, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. Take a stroll across campus to discover eight beautiful themed garden locations and 14 unique bronze sculptures, which are permanent fixtures on the Godfrey Campus. Includes food, activities, live music, and fun for the whole family. Free and open to the public. lc.edu
▪ Stuffy Sleepover — Friday, Sept. 15. New Athens District Library, 201 N. Van Buren St., New Athens. Drop off your plushy friend anytime through Friday Sept. 15. On Friday evening, they will have a fun-filled library sleepover. Pick them up on Friday, Sept. 16, and check our Facebook page for pictures of what they got up to. Plus: take home a new stuffy pal. facebook.com/newathensdistrictlibrary
▪ Oasis Town Hall — 1:30-3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15. O’Fallon Public Library, 120 Civic Plaza, O’Fallon. Oasis joined forces with AgeSmart in O’Fallon to bring new recreational education programs to the community. Learn about upcoming classes on a variety of topics, from art and history to pop culture, fitness, current events, science, and technology/digital literacy skills with new courses continually added to the roster. Oasis also offers day trips, health and fitness programs, technology training, and more. Give feedback on your interests and find out how to get involved. st-louis.oasiseverywhere.org
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 16. St. Clair Township Building, 107 Service St., Swansea. Accepting office equipment, vehicles, electronics, batteries, appliances, machinery. Fees for TV/Monitor, CRT. No paper, glass, plastic, wood, cardboard or tires. 618-344-7232 or powerrecycling.com.
▪ Tri Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 16. 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.
▪ Metro East Railroad Club Fall Open House — 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Old Glen Carbon Fire House/Village Hall, 180 Summit St., Glen Carbon. Come watch the trains running on the club’s 18 x 27 foot HO scale model railroad. Free admission. Snacks too. For more information, please call Bob at 618-476-9228, or Bill at 618-531-1589, or check the website at trainweb.org/memrc.
▪ 17th annual Buddy Walk — 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Northside Park, N. 10th St., Breese. The annual Community Link fundraiser celebrates the extraordinary powers of individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, as well as their family members, friends and supporters. All will fill the streets of Breese again early this fall for the 1-mile fun walk. This year’s theme is “Superheroes.” For info and registration: commlink.org.
▪ World Bird Sanctuary 2023 Educational Series: All About Owls — 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 16. Loop Creek Park, 428 Stone River Road, Belleville. Live animals at the presentation. Bring a chair or blanket for seating. Provided by St. Clair Township. 618-233-3437.
▪ Urban Eats Food Day: Hispanic Heritage Celebration — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Urban Eats, 3301 Meramec St., St. Louis. A unique celebration of culinary dreams, community spirit, and the rich Hispanic heritage. This isn’t just a food day; it’s a testament to the power of community collaboration, dreams realized, and the vibrant tapestry of flavors and cultures that make up our beloved city. facebook.com/UrbanEatsFoodHall
▪ South Grand Fall & Music Fest — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis. The annual event returns and features 70 retail vendors, music (Ritz Park, 3147 S. Grand Blvd.). Businesses on the boulevard will offer varying specials, discounts and entertainment. Free parking available in the lot at 3500 Hartford St. southgrand.org
▪ 17th annual Mississippi Rivertones Festival — Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, 1 Riverfront Drive, Alton. Free and family-friendly celebration of the river through art, music and conservation. Features eco-friendly vendors, art exhibits, food and beverages, canoe/kayak race, live music and more. downtownalton.com
▪ 35th annual Parks Biathlon and Third annual 5K Parks Run — 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Liederkranz Park, 301 N. Jefferson, Millstadt. The Millstadt Biathlon tests your fitness level along with your cycling skills. The biathlon consists of a 5-mile run through scenic farmland, then grab your bike for a 22-mile ride. The high speed turns, rolling hills and scenic farmlands make this a can’t miss event. The 5K run is an out and back course. Join us for post-race beer and food afterwards. Race day registration is available onsite.
▪ Polka Dance — 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Knights of Columbus, 12454 State Route 143, Highland. Doors open at 1 p.m. Music by Polka Connection. Cash bar and kitchen. Admission: $10 per person, kids free.
▪ Square Dance Lessons — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18. Caseyville Township Senior Center, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. If interested, stop by or contact Rick at 618-234-1311 for more info.
▪ Grow Solar Metro East: Solar Power Hour — 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19. Tri-Township Public Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Learn the basics of solar, its financial implications for your property and how the program works. Free and open to the public. growsolar.org/metro-east
▪ Grow Solar Metro East: Virtual Power Hour — 3-4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21. Online via Zoom Learn the basics of solar, its financial implications for your property and how the program works. Free and open to the public. growsolar.org/metro-east
▪ Blues & Brews — 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 1200 Lynch St., St. Louis. This outdoor street party will include live music, appearances by Blues players and alumni, food trucks and more on the historic streets of the brewery. Attendees can soak up the atmosphere of the iconic brewery setting with a visit to the Clydesdale stables, food trucks, pop-up bars, games in the Biergarten and a complimentary Bud Light (for guests 21+) or bottled water. Exclusive Blues & Brews merchandise will also be available for purchase. Free parking will be available in front of the tour center and other nearby lots. Attendees are allowed to bring their own lawn chairs, but they must be removed from any cover or bag. Tickets are just $20 and are on sale now at stlouisblues.com.
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6 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.
▪ Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge Sunday Night Bingo — 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Early Bird at 6:15 p.m. Cards sold at 5 p.m. Open to the public. Bring a canned good for one free card.
▪ 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.
▪ Troy Senior Center Bingo — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 112 N. Border, Troy. Includes light snack, cash prizes. No cost to play, no RSVP required. 618-667-2022.
▪ Troy Senior Center Pokeno — 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 112 N. Border, Troy. No cost to play, no RSVP required. 618-667-2022.
▪ Queen of Hearts — 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Copper Fire, 200 E. Main St., Belleville. Tickets sold at Copper Fire Wednesday-Sunday starting at 7 a.m. Benefits Notre Dame Academy (formerly Cathedral Grade School) in downtown Belleville. facebook.com/events/765257498543973
Theater/Concerts
▪ Golden Anniversaries Film Discussion: ‘The Long Goodbye’ — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Hi-Pointe Main Theatre, 1005 McCausland Ave., St. Louis. In 1970s Hollywood, Detective Philip Marlowe tries to help a friend who is accused of murdering his wife. Presented by Robert Hunt, who has been writing and occasionally teaching about movies since 1981. cinemastlouis.org/golden-anniversaries
▪ Fall Concert: Strings Under the Stars — 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20. Blazier House/Midcentury Modern Architecture Museum of Belleville, 6 Oak Knoll Place, Belleville. The Belleville Historical Society will host a lawn concert in cooperation with the Belleville Philharmonic String Quartet. Donations appreciated and will be shared by the Philharmonic Society and the Belleville Historical Society. Bring your own seating and refreshments.
▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Free Community Concert — 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21. Art Hill at Forest Park, 1 Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Stéphane Denève open its 2023/2024 season with a free community concert featuring classical music, film music, and patriotic tunes. The event concludes with a festive fireworks display. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy offerings from local food trucks too. slso.org
▪ Philharmonic Society of Belleville Stars of Tomorrow Concerto Competition — 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Belleville Philharmonic Hall, 116 N. Jackson St., Belleville. All skilled instrumentalists or vocalists ages 10-22 are encouraged to audition. Application and video submission deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1. For details and application: bellevillephilharmonic.org.
Community & Farmers Markets
▪ Swansea Farmers Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Fresh local produce, baked goods, unique handmade crafts and more. Rain or shine. 618-520-5107 or facebook.com/SwanseaFarmersMarketInc.
▪ Monroe County Farmers Market - Columbia — 4-7 p.m. Thursdays. Turner Hall, 211 E. Cherry St., Columbia. Local vendors offering plants and produce, baked treats and more. facebook.com/monroecountyfarmersmarket
▪ Millstadt Township Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Fresh produce, baked goods, unique crafts, plants, honey, jams, jellies, flowers, jewelry, handmade soaps, eggs and vintage antiques. VFW also open for food, drinks and restrooms. Help support the veterans. 618-476-3037. Call, text or facebook.com/MillstadtFarmersMarket.
▪ Monroe County Farmers Market - Waterloo — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Monroe County Annex, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo. Produce, plants, baked goods, coffee vendors and so much more. Live entertainment and activities for the kids too. facebook.com/monroecountyfarmersmarket
▪ Belleville Old Town Farmers Market — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Northwest corner of East Washington and South Charles streets, Belleville. Fresh produce, grass fed beef and other meats, plants, honeys, jams and jellies, crafters, and more.
▪ Alton Farmers & Artisans Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street, Alton. An abundance of fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, plants and flowers, locally-raised, hormone-free meat, handmade soaps, jewelry, artwork, and much more. 618-463-1016 or facebook.com/AltonFarmersMarket.
▪ Land of Goshen Community Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. 100 St. Louis St., Edwardsville. Open rain or shine. Fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, crafts, live music and so much more. 618-307-6045 or facebook.com/goshenmarket.
▪ Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. O’Fallon Station, 212 E. 1st 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 ofallonvinestreetmarket.com.
▪ Highland Farmers’ Market — 4-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Highland Square, 914 Main St., Highland. Local farmers, cottage food makers, and crafters will be present to sell a variety of produce, meats, desserts and more. Each Tuesday morning a map will be posted on the Highland Parks and Recreation Facebook page showing what vendors will be present.
Clubs, Support Groups & Classes
▪ Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance Mabon Celebration — Noon Sunday, Sept. 17. Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Road, Makanda. Mabon is the second of three harvest festivals and the second time of the year when day and night are equal in length. This balance encourages pagans to reap what they sow, both literally and figuratively. Gathering begins at noon. Ritual begins at 2 p.m. A potluck will follow. Bring what you can to share. All ages are welcome. facebook.com/sipafan
▪ Grief Share Seminar/Group — 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays thru Dec. 5. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, lower level, 1300 Beltline Road, Collinsville. Grief Share is for people grieving the death of a loved one. The seminar features practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts and others who have experienced the death of a loved one. Can start at any session. Cost: $20 for the workbook. 618-344-3151 or bklee54@yahoo.com.
▪ Belleville ‘Sounds of Harmony’ Barbershop Chorus — 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. Men of all ages who like to sing are encouraged to attend. For info: Bob at 618-566-8574 or email RLCearnal@gmail.com.
▪ 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
▪ Free (Virtual) Class: Oasis Stand Strong, Live Long: A Falls Prevention Awareness Event — Noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20. Online via Zoom. Learn about risk factors for falls, ideas for preventing falls and ways to test your risks. Expert speakers from a variety of sectors will share their knowledge about preventing falls through their professional lens. oasisnet.org
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group — 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Online via Zoom. Free peer-to-peer support group for adults with a mental health condition working towards recovery. Every Wednesday. Open the Zoom app and enter 3914844542. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.
▪ Bible Study Fellowship — 9:30-11 a.m. or 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. St. Matthew Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. The morning group includes classes for newborn through pre-K. Examine the biblical truth for your life along with other women as they study the Gospel of John. For more info, call Jane, 618-520-8357 or Candy, 618-363-3285 or visit bsfinternational.org.
▪ Granite City Senior Social Club Fall Dance — 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar Ave., Granite City. Featuring Flip the Frog. Advance tickets available Aug. 1 through Sept. 19. Cost: $8 per person, $15 per couple, or $10 per person at the door. Refreshments included. For tickets and info: Diana, 618-444-6771; Marty, 618-797-6749; Township office, 618-877-0513.
Food
▪ Waterloo VFW Post #6504 Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. Waterloo VFW Post #6504, 406 Veterans Drive, Waterloo. Traditional Menu of cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp, chicken, chicken strips, hamburgers, fries, slaw, hush puppies, onion rings, fried green beans and fried mushrooms. Cash bar available. Dine-in or carryout. Credit/debit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-939-7999.
▪ O’Fallon Knights of Columbus & Ladies Auxiliary Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Fridays. 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
▪ Swansea Fish Stand — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. KC Club & Event Center, 5420 Old Collinsville Road, O’Fallon. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Open for carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/KCClubEastStLouis
▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Cod (baked or fried), catfish, shrimp, hush puppies, 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
▪ Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast — 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Edwardsville Masonic Lodge, 90 Kriege Farm Road, Glen Carbon. Biscuits & gravy with scrambled eggs. Recommended donation: $5. edwardsvillemasons.org
Reservation/Registration Required
▪ Mississippi Earthtones Festival Great River Clean-Up — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 23. Lighthouse Park/Public Boat Launch, Vine Street, Grafton. The Mississippi Earthtones Festival Great River Clean-Up coincides with the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)’s National Public Lands Day (NPLD). During the clean-up, volunteers will work together to remove litter and debris from the Mississippi River and its shoreline. Volunteers will receive a free boat ride, lunch, and a T-shirt. Cost: Free. Reservations needed: bit.ly/MEFriver23. For more info: Christine Favilla, 618-401-7870 or christine.favilla@sierraclub.org.
▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga. Space is limited. Requires registration: glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ Harvest Brunch & Historic House Tour — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24. Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, St. Louis. The Field House Museum invites the public to a Harvest Brunch, followed by a tour of the National Historic Landmark Field family home as they’ve never seen it before - under renovation. On Dec. 24, 2022, a pipe burst in the attic of the historic Field House, built in 1845, sending water pouring down all three of its floors, damaging the home’s historic structure, furniture and artifacts. All proceeds from this event will go towards restoring the historic house for future generations. Tickets are $75 per person or $250 as an underwriter for two. fieldhousemuseum.org
