Fall is in full swing with Belleville Chili Cook-Off, Halloween events and more this week
Noon Friday, Oct. 6, 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.
Send event info via email to lifestyle@bnd.com. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.
Halloween Fun
▪ Granite City’s Ghostly Glow Parade — 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Granite City. The parade travels down Madison Avenue and ends at Civic Park - Downtown in the District. Parade ends with the Monster Mash at Dracula’s Castle. For info: bwhitaker@granitecity.illinois.gov.
▪ Downtown Belleville Witches Brew Walk 2023 — 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. Downtown Belleville. Mark your cauldrons for the Downtown Witches Brew Walk 2023, presented by the Downtown Belleville Women’s Collective. Enjoy a spooktacular evening of enchantment and delight. Start at any Downtown participating location (map to be provided) Don’t forget to hit all of our women owned businesses for special treats. Don your best witchy attire, grab your brooms, and fly into downtown Belleville for an unforgettable night of mystical fun. facebook.com/events/968638967791785
▪ Boo at the Zoo — 5-8:30 p.m. every night Oct. 13-29. Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis. Families can enjoy festive decorations, entertainers, special food and drink menus and more at the Saint Louis Zoo’s nighttime, non-scary Halloween experience, Boo at the Zoo presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Please note, this is not a trick-or-treating event. Tickets must be purchased in advance. stlzoo.org/boo
▪ Howlin’ Hayride Moonlight Movie — 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13. Laderman Park, 1105 Mascoutah Ave., Belleville. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Movie starts at 7:15 p.m. Event includes hayride, bonfire, s’mores, costume contest and Scooby snack. Each paid participant will receive one entry bracelet for the hayride and movie, plus one Boo Bucket of goodies. Movie: Scooby-Doo: The Movie. Cost: $10 per person. Concessions open for purchases. Bring chairs or blankets for movie. No alcohol permitted. Registration deadline is Oct. 9. Register: belleville.net/currentactivities, 618-233-1416 or at 510 W. Main St., Belleville.
▪ DraculaFest 2023 — Noon to midnight Saturday, Oct. 14. Cosmic Comics, 132 W. Main St., Belleville. Celebrate all things Dracula all day long. The festivities include a special appearance from Dacre Stoker, author and great grandnephew of “Dracula” author Bram Stoker. facebook.com/cosmiccomicsbelleville
Events
▪ Tri Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 6. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted during the sale and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.
▪ Madison County Historical Society Living History Days Festival — 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6 thru 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. Various locations in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon. Experience a taste of history through concerts, children’s activities, reenactors, quilts, Native American crafts, “base ball,” a log cabin and other events offering something for everyone. For a full schedule of events, visit madcohistory.org.
▪ 39th annual Belleville Chili Cook-Off — 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Downtown Belleville. One of Belleville’s largest events, the Chili Cook-Off features culinary creations from more than 40 vendors representing individuals, local organizations and area businesses. There will be great chili, entertainment and other festivities. bellevillechili.com
▪ Best of Missouri Market — Noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 7-8. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. The Best of Missouri Market returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden this fall with more than 120 vendors offering handcrafted items, locally produced food, and much more. Featuring food, crafts, native plants, herbs, custom jewelry, handcrafted items and more. A kids’ corner will feature face painting, a petting zoo, pot-a-plant, crafts, and a “pumpkin patch” with sustainable pumpkin decorating, and circus performers. mobot.org/market
▪ First Friday Late Night Art and Shopping Experience — 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Downtown Alton. Alton Main Street and Jacoby Arts Center are partnering to present First Fridays, a late night art and shopping experience which spans multiple locations across the Downtown Alton district. This event is held on the First Friday of each month during the fall, providing an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit familiar favorites to experience art and great specials at each business. downtownalton.com
▪ Dandy Dancers Square Dance — 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Caseyville Township Senior Center, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Come out for an evening of fun. It is our 58th anniversary celebration and WE DONE IT dance with a tribute to Joe Obal and Kate Garrison for getting us through 57 years. Want to learn? For more information contact Rick 618-234-1311.
▪ ‘Stuff the Truck’ Event — 1-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Ruler Foods, 10850 Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights. Ruler Foods partners with USO (United Service Organizations) to host a ‘Stuff the Truck’ event. Fairview Heights customers and associates are all invited to join in and help reach the goal of stuffing the truck with much-needed supplies for service member care packs. Donations will help fill each truck on site, which will then be packaged into care packages for military members and their families. Each service member care package will include food, drinks, hygiene products, and toys. After the event, the care packages will be delivered to Scott Air Force Base.
▪ 22nd annual Vintage Voices Walking Tours — Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 7-8, & 14-15. Alton Cemetery, 5th and Vine streets, Alton. The hour-long walking tours will begin at noon all four days and leave from the main gate on Vine Street in Alton every 15-20 minutes. Tickets are on sale now online at vintagevoices.eventbrite.com. Pricing is $15 for adults and $10 for students with ID. A non-walking performance returns 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at Lovejoy Event Center, 401 Piasa St., Alton. Seating is limited to 60 people. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at vintagevoices.eventbrite.com.
▪ Blessing of the Animals — 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. St. Henry Catholic Church, 5315 W. Main St., Belleville. Feel free to bring your fluffy feline, cuddly canine, or any other critter that you’d like blessed.
▪ Free Genealogy Class — 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Belleville Public Library, 121 E. Washington St., Belleville. Topic: “Genealogy Gems in a Pile of Documents,” sponsored by the St. Clair County Genealogical Society and the Belleville Public Library. Diane Walsh, the Society’s webmaster and parliamentarian, with 40 years experience in family research, demonstrates information found in St. Clair County records over two centuries. Historical church, court cases, deeds, military, probate files, and vital records may hold the clue to break down a brick wall in family research.She also discusses resources that further explain strengths, weaknesses and accessibility of these records. Geared to adult learners. Open to the public. Registration requested to facilitate seating arrangements – call the library at 618-234-0441. Additional information at stclair-ilgs.org/events.
▪ EmmaFest: Third annual East St. Louis Family Fun Festival — 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Jones Park, 2920 Argonne Drive, East St. Louis. Parade starts at 11 a.m. from 3rd and State streets. Festival from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Food trucks, vendors, rides and fun. Free admission, free festival rides. emmafest.org
▪ Touch a Truck — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. St. Clair Square Mall parking lot (by the DXL), Fairview Heights. Come see the vehicles of Fairview Heights and this hands-on event for the kids. fairviewheightslibrary.org
▪ Scott AFB 35th annual Retiree Appreciation Day — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 14. Scott Event Center, Paegelow Street, Scott AFB. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. The event is open to all military retirees, immediate family members and surviving spouses from all branches. There will be more than 30 informational booths covering a wide array of services available for retirees. Some of them include ID card appointment scheduling, Military and Family Readiness Center help, Scott Pass registration (must have valid ID) among many more. The Army and Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) team at Scott will also be raffling off door prizes at the event. Colonel John Poole, who took command of the 375th Air Mobility Wing in July, will give a speech to open the event. https://bit.ly/48xsTex
Worth the Drive
▪ River-to-River Trail Society Fall Hike: Happy Hollow Trail, Ferne Clyffe State Park (Johnson County) — 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Meet at Ferne Clyffe State Park, State Park Road, Happy Hollow Trails parking area. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 4.6 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a loop hike. The event is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Hiking sticks and sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please. Free and open to the public. This leader for this hike can be reached at 618-926-3250. rivertorivertrail.net
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6 p.m. 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.
Theater/Concerts
▪ Funky Butt Brass Band — 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Alton Godfrey Rotary Park, 110 E. 3rd St., Alton. The band was formed in 2008 by six talented musicians who respect and revere the New Orleans brass band tradition. The FBBB takes traditional New Orleans brass tunes and sprinkles in their own brand of special Saint Louis musical magic. At any given gig, you’ll also hear some Chicago blues, Memphis soul, Southern rock and St. Louis R&B. Food and beverages available for purchase on-site. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Free admission. downtownalton.com
▪ St. Paul UCC Belleville Fine Arts Series Concert — 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. St. Paul UCC, 115 W. B St., Belleville. The program features St. Paul organist, Kevin Chunko and the St. Paul 49 rank Schantz organ. A free-will offering will be received. For more information, please call the church office 618-233-3303.
▪ ‘A Serenade to Music: Masterworks Reunion Concert’ — 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. Saint Clare Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., O’Fallon. Masterworks Chorale presents the opening concert of our 50th Anniversary Jubilee Season. We invite back our founder, Dr. Dennis Sparger, and Masterworks alums to join us for this “Serenade to Music,” featuring Ralph Vaughan Williams’s masterwork by that name; also featuring the world premiere of a new choral composition, based on Psalm 150, by current Masterworks Artistic Director Dr. Stephen Mager. Tickets available at the door or online at singmasterworks.org.
▪ Distinguished Speaker Series: ‘The Science of Stuck’ with Britt Frank — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. We all experience stuckness in our lives—in our relationships, careers, our bodies, habits, and more. We know we need to move forward, but don’t know how, creating a loop of self-doubt that goes nowhere. The problem has been exacerbated by the isolation and setbacks of the pandemic, resulting in unprecedented levels of dissatisfaction, and life questions. As a sought-after psychotherapist, Britt’s work focuses on the mental health myths that keep us stuck, stressed, and burned out. With just a few key pieces of information about the brain, the capacity for choice returns and we can get back into the driver’s seat of our lives. 618-537-6863 or thehett.com.
▪ Arts Education: The Music of Lewis & Clark — 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. Follow the amazing adventures of Lewis and Clark, with a musical journey from St. Louis, up the Missouri River, across the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Recommended for K-8. Presented in partnership with The Sheldon. 618-537-6863 or thehett.com.
▪ Belleville West Little Theatre presents ‘A Monster Calls’ — 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 thru Saturday, Oct. 14. Belleville West Performing Arts Center, 4063 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville. Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since she started treatments that don’t quite seem to be working. But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there’s a visitor at his window. It’s ancient, elemental, a force of nature. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth. In this powerful new adaptation, the bestselling novel by Patrick Ness is brought to the stage to tell the stunning story of love, loss, and courage. For tickets and info: showtix4u.com/event-details/76237.
▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and Brahms — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis. The Philadelphia Inquirer calls young violinist Benjamin Beilman “monstrously talented.” He brings an engaging stage presence and effortless technique to the SLSO for the first time with Mozart’s playful Fifth Violin Concerto. Cristian Măcelaru, a St. Louis favorite, brings a study in contrasts. We feel the heat in Hannah Eisendle’s virtuosic heliosis, then warm ourselves by the autumnal glow and golden hue of Brahms’ richly pastoral Second Symphony. For tickets and info: slso.org.
Community & Farmers Markets
▪ 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.
▪ Litchfield Pickers Market — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. 400 N. State St., Downtown Litchfield. Vintage, antique, industrial, architectural, repurposed and collectible goods. 866-733-5833 or facebook.com/litchfieldpickersmarket.
▪ 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
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ Garden Club of Lebanon — 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9. Horner Park Hall, Lebanon. Garden Club of Lebanon will host a talk on the “Plants that Changed the Course of History” presented by Carol Gravens in association with the STL Master Gardener Speakers’ Bureau. Gathering at 6:30 and meeting at 7:00. All are always welcome.
▪ Square Dance Lessons — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays. Caseyville Township Senior Center, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Dandy Dancers Square Dance Club is still accepting students for square dance lessons. If interested, stop by or contact Rick at 618-234-1311 for more information.
▪ 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.
▪ National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Alvin G. Bohley Chapter 1019 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. O’Town Food Hall and Tap House, 1214 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. Speaker on anxiety/stress at noon, followed by meeting. All active and retired federal and postal employees are welcome. Meetings held the second Wednesday of each month except for May and December socials. NARFE remains the go-to resource for the federal community. For information, contact James at jbflat2021@gmail.com or call 618-795-5174.
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. Heights Community Church, 231 S. Bluff Road, Collinsville, or online via Zoom. These support meetings are for family members, significant others and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. Facilitators: Mark and Kelly Jefferson. Held the second Wednesday of the month. 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.
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
▪ Quail Club Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Church Road, Belleville. Cod cut-ups, walleye, shrimp, burgers, sides and desserts. Carryout available. No phone orders.
▪ Aviston American Legion Fall Pork Sausage & Roast Beef Dinner — 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. Aviston American Legion, 601 S. Clinton St., Aviston. The menu includes whole-pork sausage, roast beef, mashed potatoes/gravy, sauerkraut, green beans, applesauce, dessert. Made-to-order carryout and sitdown dining available. The Ladies Auxiliary will also host its annual Holiday Rummage Sale the same day 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with brown bag 3-5 p.m. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas items only will be for sale. 618-228-7311.
Reservation/Registration Required
▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga with Anne — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. Online via Zoom. This Slow Flow practice will lead you through a series of yoga poses that focus on strengthening, lengthening, and stretching. Side effects may include a sense of well-being and feelings of peace and calmness. Requires registration: glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ Farm-to-Table Dinner — 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. Eckert’s Farm, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville. This exclusive, multi-course dinner in partnership with Chef Loryn Nalic of Balkan Treat Box and her team will be hosted under the pavilion of Eckert’s Cider Shed. Included are four courses of apple-inspired dishes, a welcome drink, a tractor ride around the farm, and a Pick-Your-Own apple experience. Each course will be paired with one of Eckert’s signature hard ciders. Cost: $60 per ticket. For tickets: belleville.eckerts.com
▪ Second Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk — 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 14. Moody Park, Fairview Heights. The event honors and celebrates the brave patients of the oncology center, as well as the supporters who have provided invaluable aid and assistance during these difficult times. This event is free for everyone. It is a 1.5-mile walk through the park (rain or shine). Participants will receive an event bag and other health information. Visit steliz.org/funwalk to register or call Karen Egerson at 618-607-5545 for info. Registration will not be available the day of the event.
