Howl’oween pet parade, DraculaFest, other Halloween events highlight this weekend
Noon Friday, Oct. 13, 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
▪ Boo at the Zoo — 5-8:30 p.m. every night Oct. 13 thru Oct. 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
▪ Waterloo PumpkinFest — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. 100 S. Main St., Waterloo. Free fall festival including a 5k run/walk, pumpkin games, contests, character meet & greets, pumpkin trains, rock climbing wall, hayrides, magician, juggler, live music, washer tournament, over 150 craft, retail and food vendors and more. facebook.com/events/280009158072383
▪ 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
▪ Belleville Area Humane Society Howl’oween Block Party & Pet Parade — 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. Downtown Belleville. The block party starts at 10 a.m. in the Bennie’s Pizza Pub/Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant parking lot on North High and East A streets. Includes a DJ, spooktacular vendors, dog games. Annual pet contest at noon. Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. and makes its way down and around North High Street to Main Street, left on North Charles and back down East A Street. Tickets are $10 per pet pre-registration and $15 per pet on the day of the parade. bahspets.org
Events
▪ Opening Reception: Gateway to Art at the Schmidt — 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. Schmidt Art Center, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. The new exhibition (Oct. 16-Nov. 15) includes work by members of the Gateway East Artists Guild. Members are from a wide variety of artistic backgrounds and skill levels. Free and open to the public. geag.net
▪ History Museum of Monroe County: ‘Guerrillas in Civil War Missouri’ — 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. History Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. During the Civil War, Missouri was in constant turmoil from raids by heavily armed bands of marauders loosely affiliated with the Confederate army. Federal troops fought more than 1,000 battles in Missouri – mostly with guerrillas. Ordinary persons felt the dread of uncertainty when riders approached their homes. Were they Union soldiers or guerrillas? Sometimes it did not matter. Presenter James W. Erwin is an author and a past President of the Civil War Roundtable of St. Louis. monroecountyhistorymuseum.org
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 14. 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.
▪ Troop 40 Ecycle — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. 126 Seibert Road, O’Fallon. Got dead or old junky electronics, computers, phones, appliances, metal gas appliances, lawn equipment or metal of any kind you want out of your basement, garage or yard? Bring it to the Troop 40 Ecycle event. There will be a team of Scouts ready to lift it out of your vehicle to disappear from your life forever.
▪ Flag Unveiling for Hispanic Heritage Month — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Missouri Botanical Garden, Farr Auditorium in the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. A history-making flag will make its debut at the Missouri Botanical Garden this weekend. The Hispanic Heritage flag, created by the Hispanic Festival, Inc. in collaboration with the Regional Arts Commission and the Latinx Arts Network, will be unveiled at the Garden Saturday morning. Created by local Hispanic artist José Garza, this flag serves as a cultural symbol recognizing and celebrating our Hispanic community’s many contributions, diverse cultures, and histories. Garza, along with Elisa Bender of LatinxArts, will share more about the history and purpose of the flag Saturday at the Garden. mobot.org
▪ SciFest: The Great Outdoors/Eclipse Expo — 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. St. Louis Science Center, 5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis. The popular program will feature activities and engagement in areas such as space, nature, agriculture and solar eclipses. The free program includes partial eclipse viewing opportunities using solar telescopes outside the Planetarium (weather permitting), and the first 4,000 attendees will receive eclipse viewing glasses to watch the eclipse in the GROW gallery. Throughout the day, guests will have opportunities to interact with local astronomers, scientists and a variety of outdoor-related STEM experts; watch demonstrations; and create objects to better understand what’s happening in the skies above and on the ground around our region. slsc.org
▪ 22nd annual Vintage Voices Walking Tours — Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 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.
▪ Metro Transit Hiring Event — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Illinois MetroBus, 801 N. 47th St., East St. Louis. On-site interviews will be conducted for mechanics, Metro Call-A-Ride operators and MetroBus operators, which are all eligible for Metro Transit’s $5,000 signing bonus. Candidates are encouraged to learn more about these positions and to apply online in advance of the hiring event on Saturday by visiting WorkAtMetroSTL.com. Interested individuals should bring their resumes to make the on-site application process quicker and easier. Qualified applicants may receive instant job offers following their on-site interviews.
▪ River Bend Astronomy Club Viewing of the Solar Eclipse — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Carlyle Lake, Dam East Boat Ramp, Carlyle. Telescopes will be set up for public use and club members will be available to educate visitors on the astronomical event. In addition to the eclipse event, an Owl Prowl will be held at the Carlyle Lake Outdoor Classroom from 6-8 p.m. Uncover the characteristics that make owls such a mystery, then embark on a guided hike in hopes to hear these fascinating creatures. 618-594-2484.
▪ Highland Art in the Park — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Lindendale Park, Highland. See works from over 65 artists in multiple media. Other features include art for kids, performing artists, food and more. highlandartscouncil.org
▪ Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off — Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. The Lodge at the Lovejoy, 401 Piasa St., Alton. In addition to the big chili contest, enjoy live music from Big George Jr. and the NGK Band. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids and will be available at the door. Rain or shine event. downtownalton.com
▪ 31st annual Leclaire Parkfest — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Leclaire Park, Edwardsville. This beloved fall tradition for the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon community features live music, festival food, a beer and wine garden, craft booths, a used book sale benefiting the American Cancer Society, children’s activities, a vintage vehicle exhibit, trolley tours and much more. historic-leclaire.org
▪ Blueprint Coffee X Left Bank Books: Banned Books Pop-up @ High Low — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Blueprint High Low, 3301 Washington Ave., St. Louis. The event will offer coffee and booklovers the chance to browse curated literary selections from books that have been banned across Missouri schools and libraries, as well as merchandise from the Left Bank team outside the cafe, amongst the Walls Off Washington murals. facebook.com/events/1366756727556486
▪ McKendree Homecoming Weekend — Oct. 20-22. McKendree University, Lebanon. McKendree University invites its alumni to come back to campus for their traditional Homecoming Weekend, which takes place Friday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 22. To see a list of events or to register, visit mckendree.edu/homecoming.
Worth the Drive
▪ River-to-River Trail Society Fall Hike: Saltpeter Cave (Pope County) — 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Meet at Lusk Creek Trailhead on Straight Street. Reservations required. Max of 20 people allowed on hike. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 5.5 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. Hike Leaders: Sam Morales/Fred Scott 618-384-1321. rivertorivertrail.net
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13. 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.
▪ Optimist Club of Belleville Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament — 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. The Orchards Golf Club, 1499 Golf Course Drive, Belleville. Registration starts at noon. Four-person scramble with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Cost to play: $100 per person/$400 per team. Includes green fees, cart, range balls, lunch, prizes by flight, beverages, games/contests. 618-741-3345.
▪ 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.
▪ Belleville Area Humane Society Glo Bingo — 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3. Tribout’s Belle Vegas Bingo Hall, 517 S. Illinois St., Belleville. A lot of bingo, as well as raffle prizes, 50/50, grab bags, games, music and more. Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Ticket includes six bingo cards for 10 games, a glo bingo hat, light-up foam stick and neon dabber. Ages 18+ only. Cash bar, BYO snacks. bahspets.org/events
▪ Holy Family Church Men’s & Women’s Club Trivia — 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3. Holy Family Church, 116 Church St., Cahokia Heights. Doors open at 6 p.m. Raffles, baskets and more. Call 618-779-6000 to reserve a table.
Theater/Concerts
▪ Golden Anniversaries Film Discussion: ‘F for Fake’ — 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Hi-Pointe Main Theatre, 1005 McCausland Ave., St. Louis. Documents the lives of infamous fakers Elmyr de Hory and Clifford Irving. De Hory, who later committed suicide to avoid more prison time, made his name by selling forged works of art by painters like Picasso and Matisse. Irving was infamous for writing a fake autobiography of Howard Hughes. Orson Welles moves between documentary and fiction as he examines the fundamental elements of fraud and the people who commit fraud at the expense of others. Intro and discussion by Joshua Ray, film critic for KMOV and Co-Founder and Contributing Editor of The Take-Up. cinemastlouis.org/golden-anniversaries
▪ Beethoven’s Piano Cycle: Ingrid Fliter Plays the Third — 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Ingrid Fliter captivates in the passion and brilliance of Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto. Conductor Elim Chan paints vivid natural landscapes: the bracing Scottish winds of Mendelssohn’s Third Symphony, and the still night air of Elizabeth Ogonek’s “Moondog.” slso.org
▪ The Fabulous Thunderbirds — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20. The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. Legendary musical group The Fabulous Thunderbirds will bring their iconic sound, style, and showmanship to the Hett stage in a performance that is sure to both bring back old memories and create new ones. thehett.com
▪ Family Concert: A Zoo Called Earth — 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Dress up for Halloween and join your SLSO for an afternoon of fun. Through Peter Schickele’s “A Zoo Called Earth,” you’ll hear creatures ranging from fish and dinosaurs to kangaroos and elephants come to life from the perspective of an extraterrestrial tourist. Recommended for ages 5-10 years. slso.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.
▪ Harvest Market at Herald Square — 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, 115 E. Clay St., Collinsville. Fresh seasonal produce, pasture raised meat, eggs, honey, salsa and more. Plus unique locally made goods and great craft beverages and food from the Old Herald, acoustic music on the patio. LINK/SNAP and LINK match up to $25. facebook.com/MaryvilleILFarmersMarket
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ 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.
▪ Home and Community Education Marine Unit ‘Lessons for Living: Don’t Go It Alone’ — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17. Marine Activity Center, 101 W. Silver St., Marine. Home and Community Education is for everyone and offers education for both the home and the community. HCE provides unique and inventive ideas to its members through “Lessons for Living,” some of which comes from the University of Illinois Extension programs. Visitors always welcome. 618-792-1546.
▪ 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
▪ 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.
▪ Friends of the Belleville Public Library — 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. Belleville Public Library, West Branch, 3414 W. Main St., Belleville. New members are always welcome. facebook.com/FriendsofBellevilleILPublicLibrary
▪ Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary 26th annual Luncheon, Style Show, Silent Auction & Bazaar — 10 a.m. (Doors open) Thursday, Nov. 2. St. Clair Country Club, 100 S. 78th St., Belleville. Cost: $50 per person. For reservations: 618-236-0661 or 618-806-6949.
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
▪ Queen of Peace Fish Fry — 4:30-7:30 Saturday, Oct. 14. 5915 N. Belt West, Belleville. Enjoy cod, fish (baked) tacos, peel-and-eat shrimp, salad, homemade sides – French fries, QP slaw, mac & cheese, potato salad. Dine in/carry out. facebook.com/QPRaiders
▪ First Baptist Church of O’Fallon’s annual “BeastFeast” (formerly Men’s Wild Game Dinner) — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, North Gym, 1111 E. U.S. Highway 50, O’Fallon. Come get your fill of a variety of different meats (including elk, bison, venison, swordfish) at this fantastic dinner. This year’s guest speaker is Dr. Heath Peloquin, who served as the Senior Pastor at Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, since 2018. Peloquin previously served as the Associational Strategist of the North Texas Baptist Association, and Director of Pastor/Church Relations at the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. Cost: $25 for men, $15 for boys under 12. Registration closes 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20.For tickets and information: fbcofallon.churchcenter.com.
Reservation/Registration Required
▪ 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.
▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga with Anne — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18. 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.
▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga. Space is limited. Requires registration: glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ 20th annual Center for Spirituality and Sustainability Leadership Awards Dinner — 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Fuller Dome, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville. Doors open at 5 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and live music. The awards dinner is open to the public. Tickets are $65. To reserve your ticket, call Tovia Black at 618-650-3246, email fullerdome@outlook.com, or visit fullerdome.org.
