Here’s a list of nearly 50 things to do in our region, many of them on Saturday
Noon Friday, April 21 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.
Earth Day Festivities
▪ eWaste Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday, April 21-22. Lewis and Clark Community College, Tolle Lane parking lot, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. For lists of what will and will be accepted, visit lc.edu. 618-659-9006.
▪ Alton City-Wide Litter Cleanups — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22. 200 W. 3rd St. (corner of 3rd and Belle streets), Alton. Pick up a donut, free gloves & bags and get directions to areas that need the most attention. Volunteers from the community unite in both Spring and Fall to clean up our neighborhoods. Over 48 different organizations, youth groups, clubs, churches, and corporations are committed to beautifying our neighborhoods by adopting a designated location. 618-467-2375.
▪ Madison County Earth Day Clean Up — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22. Corner of Madison Avenue and Wanda Road, Roxana. Help collect litter along the roads near the Roxana landfill. Safety vests, garbage bags, gloves and litter grabbers provided.
▪ Maryville Farmers Market: Earth Day Market & Community Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22. Firemen’s Park, 300 N. Donk St., Maryville. Local farm fresh goods, plant sale, coffee and bakery items, special guests and pop-up shops, activities for the kids and earth-friendly opportunities and info. 618-304-8335 or facebook.com/MaryvilleILFarmersMarket
▪ Scout Troop 40 E-Cycle Event — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22. 126 Seibert Road, Shiloh. Accepting anything with metal, a cord and/or a battery: 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. https://fb.me/e/2iE8El2fV
Events
▪ The Center for Racial Harmony presents: Critical Race Theory – What Does It All Mean? — 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20. Fairview Heights Community Recreation Room, 10025 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. The Center for Racial Harmony presents a public forum to explore the provocative topic Critical Race Theory. The discussion is intended to accurately define Critical Race Theory and discuss its impact on today’s academic and social climate. This session will involve a panel of educators, public policy makers, library science professionals, and parents of school-aged children. Join the conversation by hearing from knowledgeable panelists and sharing your thoughts respectfully in a non-judgmental environment. Complimentary pizza and cookies served. 618-234-0508.
▪ Chinese Culture Days at Missouri Botanical Garden — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring Chinese cultural performances, music, art and history while enjoying authentic cuisine. This annual celebration features a Grand Parade with 70-foot dancing dragon, authentic regional cuisine, t’ai chi, martial arts and more. Special tours in the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden (the Chinese Garden) focus on the symbolism of many plant species and architectural details. Please note: No trams, free hours or early morning walking hours on signature event weekends. Advance tickets recommended. mobot.org
▪ Riverside Flea Market — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23. The Boatworks at The Loading Dock, 401 E. Front St., Grafton. Featuring more than 60 vendors and a variety of goods including antiques, collectibles, crafts, clothing, plants, décor and more. graftonloadingdock.com
▪ Shiloh Carnival — 10 a.m. Saturday, April 22. Yorktown Golf Course, 300 Goalby Drive, Shiloh. Includes food trucks, live music, face painting, games, a Budweiser Clydesdale experience, drink specials and a visit from St. Louis Blues mascot Louie (at noon). facebook.com/shilohil.org
▪ History Museum of Monroe County: ‘America’s First Ladies’ by Emilie Land — 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22. History Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. Ever wonder about the women behind the most powerful men in our country’s history? They all have their stories to tell and deserve to be remembered. This presentation provides a background and interesting stories pertaining to America’s First Ladies. Emilie Land is a historian who works for the state in trying to preserve our cultural resources. monroecountyhistorymuseum.org
▪ Belleville Main Street Homebrew & Music Walk — 3-7 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Main Street, Downtown Belleville. Ticket holders will be able to sample Home Brewed Beers, judge who is the Best in Belleville, and enjoy live music throughout Main Street. Pick up your tasting glass between 3 and 5:30 p.m. at Shoehorn Brewing, and then visit local retailers’ shops to taste the beers. You get to judge the beers and vote for your favorite. Plus one lucky brewer (or team) will win the grand prize of brewing a large batch of their brew on Shoehorn Brewing’s 7 BBL system. facebook.com/events/204872928894034
▪ Red Cross Blood Drive — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 26. Lewis & Clark Community College, The Commons, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. Please eat and hydrate before donating and be sure to bring a valid photo ID. Those donating must present a photo ID to give blood. All donors will receive a Snoopy “Be Cool” T-shirt. To schedule an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor Code: LewisClark1 or call 800-RED CROSS. Walk-ins are always welcome, but scheduling an appointment helps the Red Cross make sure they have the right number of people and supplies on hand for the drive.
▪ Friends of the O’Fallon Public Library annual Book Sale — 9 a.m to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, April 30, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, May 1. O’Fallon Public Library, 120 Civic Plaza, O’Fallon. Featuring thousands of books, sorted fiction and nonfiction, young adult, children, DVD, CD, vinyl records, audio books, puzzles, games, special items. All proceeds go to Friends of the O’Fallon Public Library. Accepting cash, check and credit cards. Free admission. ofpl.info/booksale
▪ United Way Power of the Purse Fundraiser — 5 p.m. Thursday, April 27. Lewis and Clark Community College, N.O. Nelson Campus, 600 Troy Road, Edwardsville. Those in attendance will enjoy appetizers from Bella Milano, a cash bar, silent and live purse and accessory auction and a showcase of designer handbags highlighted by local community leaders and United Way-funded agencies. Admission is $35 per person, and additional sponsorship opportunities are also available. All proceeds will help local people served by United Way of Greater St. Louis. To purchase tickets or become a sponsorship, visit helpingpeople.org/purse or contact Millie Bond at 618-258-9800.
▪ ‘Help On the Move’ Fundraiser — 6-11 p.m. Saturday, April 29. Bluff City Grill, 424 E. Broadway, Alton. The annual fundraiser for Catholic Charities will include a cocktail hour, dinner, music featuring Flip The Frog, a $10,000 raffle, and activities. Dinner tickets are $50 each. Raffle tickets are $25 each or buy 2 and get 1 free. All tickets are available on our website cc.dio.org or by calling 618-462-0634.
Worth the Drive
▪ River-to-River Trail Society Free Guided Hike: Ruby Falls (Pope County) — 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29. Meet at Shawnee Mart, Eddyville. Led by Chris Drone, 618-926-3250. These hikes are of at least moderate difficulty, and are intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Boots or sturdy shoes and a walking stick are recommended for all hikes. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please. Free and open to the public. No reservations required. rivertorivertrail.net
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 21. 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 Historical Society Trivia Night (Rescheduled from March 31) — 7 p.m. Friday, April 21. Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Silent auction, 50/50 raffle, alive-or-dead and heads-tails contests, survivor round. Soda available and free water but no alcohol. Former BND Answer Man Roger Schlueter will emcee. Cost: $20 per person, tables up to eight players. For reservations: Larry Betz, 618-531-7753. Sponsored by Belleville Historical Society.
▪ Blue Storm: Experience the Magic Glo Bingo — 7 p.m. Friday, April 21. Belleville Campus Varsity Gym, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite Disney character. Silent auction. Cost: $25 per ticket, includes six bingo cards, glow hat, glow dauber and drink ticket. For tickets: 618-235-2700, ext. 5663 or thankyou.swic.edu/bluestorm.
▪ 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. Monday, April 24. Skating Rink, 284 Riggin Road, Troy. Includes light snack, cash prizes. No cost to play, no RSVP required. 618-667-2022.
▪ Beacon Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, April 29. St. Augustine Church, 1910 W. Belle, Belleville. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Includes silent auction and 50/50 raffle. MC Bruce Jovaag. BYO snacks. Beer, wine, soda and water available for purchase. Cost: $20 per person. To reserve a table, call Melinda at 618-509-2022.
Theater/Concerts
▪ Ethereal Visions: A Sight and Sound Creative Journey with the Belleville Philharmonic — 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22. The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. A unique, multi-sensory immersive experience that features artist Gary Karasek as he creates a monumental painting in real time inspired by the music of the moment as performed by the Belleville Philharmonic. thehett.com
▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Slatkin Conducts Strauss — 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 23. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin returns to Powell Hall with a program steeped in Spain and the Spanish language. Chabrier’s “España” sways with delight. Mason Bates creates a “psychedelic ‘Carnival of the Animals’” based on an Argentinian story collection. Joshua Roman’s cello plays the famous knight in Strauss’ “Don Quixote,” and SLSO Principal Viola Beth Guterman Chu plays his trusted sidekick. slso.org
▪ George Portz Memorial Fiddle Contest & Bluegrass Show — 5-10 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Klucker Hall, #1 Park Drive, Shiloh. A full night of fiddlin,’ pickin’ and down-home bluegrass. Contest registration starts at 5 p.m. and fiddle contest begins at 6:15 p.m. George Portz’s Friends of Bluegrass host special guest performances all evening including the Thunder and Lightning Cloggers, Ian Craft of the Howlin’ Brothers, and country singer Caitlyn Richards! Fiddle raffle tickets available and all proceeds from raffle will go to the George Portz Memorial Scholarship Fund. Admission: $7/person, children under 12 free. Dinners and refreshments available all evening.
▪ CAIN’s Live and In Color Tour with Special Guests Katy Nichole and David Leonard — 7 p.m. Saturday, April 22. First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, 1111 E. Highway 50, O’Fallon. Special for band members and audience members alike as each night CAIN is asking their audience to show up matching in the same color as their tour outfits. CAIN is inviting the audience to be a part of the show by showing up live and in color. This performance’s color is yellow. Tickets start at $26 each. For tickets and info: itickets.com/events/470795.
▪ Chamber Music Society of St. Louis: Spring String Fling — 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 24. 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., University City, St. Louis. For tickets and info: chambermusicstl.org.
▪ Poetry at the Point — 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25. Focal Point, 2720 Sutton Ave., St. Louis. Featuring Pamela Garvey, Brooking Gatewood & Karen Head. Brought to you by Saint Louis Poetry Center, Poetry at the Point invites local and regional poets to Focal Point in Maplewood for an in-person and live-stream event. Poets will read from their work, followed by a discussion with the series curator Kenneth Pruitt. Reading begins at 7:30 p.m. at Focal Point, and will also be streamed live to Saint Louis Poetry Center’s website and Facebook page. Books may be for sale from the featured poets. This event is free. stlouispoetrycenter.org
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ Friends of the Belleville Public Library — 1 p.m. Thursday, April 20. Belleville Public Library, West Branch, 3414 W. Main St., Belleville. New members are always welcome. facebook.com/FriendsofBellevilleILPublicLibrary
▪ Eagle Wings Motorcycle Association — 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20. Alfonzo’s Pizzeria, 611 Edwardsville Road, Troy. Recruiting anyone interested in riding motorcycles, having fun and meeting new people. All are welcome. ilchaptero2022@gmail.com or il-chaptero.weebly.com.
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20. Online via Zoom. The Family Support Meetings are for family members, significant others, and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. Third Thursday of every month. Facilitators: Diane Borawski and Pat Rudloff. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.
▪ 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.
▪ 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
▪ 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.
▪ ‘It’s Complicated: Grief and Loss After a Diagnosis of Mental Illness’ — 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27. Unity Baptist Church, 2500 St. Clair Ave., Granite City. In a collaboration with Heartlinks and NAMI Southwestern Illinois, speaker Diana Cuddeback, LCSW will provide grief education. The presentation will provide meaningful learning opportunities and strategies to express and learn from your grief, all in a safe environment with fun activities and ways to stay connected after the seminar. Space is limited and registration is required. 618-798-9788.
▪ Granite City Senior Social Club: Blast from the Past — 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 4. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar Ave., Granite City. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Catered meal and entertainment. Alton Little Theater community outreach presentation of the Living History Tour, A Tribute to Minnie Pearl, attendance prizes, 50/50 drawing, quilt raffle and more. Advance ticket sales through May 28. Cost: $13 for members, $15 non-members. For tickets and info: Diana, 618-444-6771; Marty, 618-797-6749; Granite City 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 Fish K of C 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 8 p.m. Fridays. 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Open for carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/swanseafishstand
▪ KC Club and Event Center Fish Fry — 3-7 p.m. Fridays. 5420 Old Collinsville Road, O’Fallon. Catfish plates, cod plates, barbecue chicken, fries, cole slaw, hush puppies, baked beans, potato salad. Dine in or carryout and drink specials. 618-632-5222 or facebook.com/KCClubEastStLouis.
▪ Friday Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt Sportsman’s Club, 4915 Schmidt Lane, Belleville. Cod, shrimp, walleye, salmon patties. Carryouts available. 618-476-1891.
▪ 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
▪ Edwardsville Masonic Lodge Breakfast — 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 22. Edwardsville Masonic Lodge, 90 Kriege Farm Road, Glen Carbon. Biscuits & gravy with scrambled eggs. Eat in or carryout. Recommended donation: $5. Proceeds benefit Glen-Ed Pantry. edwardsvillemasons.org
▪ Corpus Christi Church Spring Chicken Dinner — 3-7 p.m. Sunday, April 23. Corpus Christ Church, 205 Rasp St., Shiloh. Menu: home-style fried chicken, Italian mostaccioli, green beans, corn, herb dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cole slaw, dinner rolls, desserts and drinks. Cost: $15 per adult, $8 kids 10 and under. Carryouts available. Raffle: prizes include $500, Galaxy tablet, $100 Peel gift card, $50 gas card. Raffle tickets $5 each or three for $10. corpuschristishiloh.com
Reservations Required
▪ Kids Party at the Library — 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Belleville West Branch Library, 3414 W. Main St., Belleville. Children ages 5-14 are invited to a party in the library. Children who attend will receive a free book, courtesy of The Friends of the Library. The party will feature snacks, stories and fun activities for parents and children. RSVP by Friday, April 21 to Tam at 618-233-4366. Party hosted by The Friends of the Library.
▪ Citizens for Modern Transit: ‘Talking Transit’ Virtual Event — 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 26. Online via Zoom. This event will highlight the value and impacts of placemaking projects and how transit stops are a natural fit, while featuring the success of five “Transit Stop Transformation” Projects in the St. Louis region. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online at cmt-stl.org.
▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26. 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.
▪ Recognition Before Reconciliation: A Civil Rights Panel Discussion — 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26. Gateway Arch National Park, Tucker Theater in the Gateway Arch Visitor Center, St. Louis. The conversation will reiterate St. Louis’s role, alongside Little Rock’s, as part of the legacy of the American civil rights story, highlighting the Gateway Arch National Park, Old Courthouse, and Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. The 60-minute program will be followed by a reception in the lobby with light refreshments. Books will also be available for purchase at The Arch Store. Seating is limited. To register: https://bit.ly/43Be4VS.
▪ ‘Preserving Your Historic Photographs’ — 11 a.m. Thursday, April 27. Belleville Public Library, 121 E. Washington St., Belleville. April presentation from Forward Into the Past: A Local History Series. Presentations are free to attend, but registration is required. Register at the circulation desk or call 618-234-0441.
▪ Two-Person Night Golf Scramble — 6 p.m. Friday, April 28. Yorktown Golf Course, 300 Goalby Drive, Shiloh. Enjoy a night under the lights and celebrate Bob Goalby, Yorktown Golf Course Designer & 1968 Masters Champion. Two-Flight Division: Couple Division and Non-Couple Division. Register online at https://forms.gle/3GLp41xyNHSKxgzK8.
▪ Yorktown Golf Course Bob Goalby Junior Golf Classic — 8 a.m. Saturday, April 29. Yorktown Golf Course, 300 Goalby Drive, Shiloh. Boys and girls divisions, 18- and 9-hold divisions, four age divisions. Medal prizes to top 10 individuals in each division. Free entry tol golfers age 16 and older who volunteer at the Village of Shiloh Carnival on April 22. To register: https://forms.gle/FFEZ7C7JBparRuUUA.
▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29. 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.
