Looking for something to do in the days ahead? Here are 12 events to consider in our region
Noon Thursday, May 26, 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. For the week’s full list of events, visit bnd.com.
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.
Events
▪ Waterloo Mural Contest — Now through Friday, June 10. The City of Waterloo is inviting talented artists to submit mural designs for the Waterloo Mural Contest. Up to four finalists will be awarded a prize of $1,000 each, and will have the opportunity to install their mural on a building in Waterloo. All submitted designs must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 10. Winners will be announced June 24. Installation of murals must be completed between July 1-Aug. 12. 618-939-8600, ext. 211 or waterloo.il.us/our-community/mural-contest.
▪ Author Visit: Bill Clevlen — 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26. Case-Halstead Library, 550 Sixth St., Carlyle. Author Bill Clevlen will share stories about writing his new book “The Ultimate American Music Bucket List” and sign copies of the book for those who attend. 618-594-5210.
▪ Free Day — 9-11 a.m. Friday, May 27. 1050 N. State St., Freeburg. Free men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, toys, shoes, books and miscellaneous items. All free. Sponsored by Freeburg Food and Clothing Bank.
▪ 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.
▪ Schlafly Beer Art Outside Festival — 4-10 p.m. Friday, May 27; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 28; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 29. Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, Missouri. A free, family-friendly festival that aims to raise awareness of art and music in the community. Guests can shop more than 60 local artists and enjoy festival food, live music and Schlafly beers. schlafly.com
▪ Caffeine and Chrome — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 28. Gateway Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. Cruise in with your collectible car or daily driver and bring your appetite. Indulge in pastries and coffee while supplies last. All makes and models are welcome, with plenty of parking space. This family and pet friendly event is free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/2744441022531626
▪ 9th annual Rally on the River — 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 28. 303 Broad St., Evansville. The Knights of Columbus invite you to join them as they support Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital with this annual event. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Evansville. A Salute to our Veterans begins at noon. Immediately following the salute, the Rally begins. Registrations and donations are still being accepted. Additional information can be found at the Knights of Columbus website, evansvillekc.org.
▪ Mustang Meet & Greet and Mustang Adoption Event — 1 p.m. Sunday, May 29. Legendary Mustang Sanctuary, 10107 Klenke Road, Alhambra. Legendary Mustang Sanctuary welcomes the Mustang Discovery Ride team for a “Meet the Mustangs” Event, Mustang Adoption Event, Demo and Film Screening of, “The Mustangs America’s Wild Horses.” Open to the public. 618-616-8875.
▪ Second annual Justice for Gregory Stewart Rally/March — 5 p.m. Sunday, May 29. 2408 Bond Ave., East St. Louis. The event is in memory of Gregory Stewart, who was shot and killed at this location on May 29, 2020. This homicide remains unsolved.
▪ Food on the Move — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 1. New Shining Light HDNC, 740 Broadway Ave., Venice. Free food distribution. SNAP support and referrals provided. Masks and social distancing required and enforced. stlfoodbank.org
▪ Gardens in Bloom Tour — 4:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, June 3, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Tours in Belleville and Swansea. Tickets available at Sandy’s Back Porch, Effinger’s Garden Center, Creative Landscapes Garden Center, Ace Hardware – O’Fallon, Hometown Ace Hardware – Belleville, and University of Illinois Extension Offices in Waterloo or Collinsville or online at https://event.gives/gardensinbloom2022. Day of event tickets: West End Dental, 9460 W. Main St., Belleville. 618-939-3434.
▪ The Square in Bloom Garden Tour & Antique Fair — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Lafayette Square, St. Louis. From sleek, modern patios to vibrant plant-filled courtyards and hidden gardens, Lafayette Square’s annual Garden & Urban Oasis Tour offers the chance to get a glimpse of some of the city’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. This year, we also welcome back the popular outdoor Antique Fair, as well as numerous other favorites. For tickets and info: lafayettesquare.org.
Games
▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 6 p.m. Thursdays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.
▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Mahjong — 12:30 p.m. Fridays. 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Mahjong is a game usually played by four people with 144 tiles that are drawn and discarded until one player secures the winning hand. Join our group and play this popular tile game. 618-234-4410, ext. 7034 or ext. 7044.
▪ Euchre — 7 p.m. Friday, May 27. 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.
Theater/Concerts
▪ ‘The Karate Kid: The Musical’ — Performances through Sunday, June 26. The Ross Family Theatre, Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Monroe Ave., Kirkwood, Missouri. For generations, audiences have cheered the 1984 blockbuster, “The Karate Kid.” Now this iconic story comes to the stage as a thrilling and inventive new musical. For tickets and info: stagesstlouis.org/the-karate-kid.
▪ The Trophy Mules — 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 28. Bennie’s Pizza Pub, 113 E. Main St., Belleville. Corey Saathoff and Josh Kean perform. https://fb.me/e/4uLKUxyZf
▪ The Saint Louis Chamber Chorus: ‘Celebrations and Memorials’ — 3 p.m. Sunday, May 29. First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, 100 E. Adams Ave., Kirkwood, Missouri. Even in the depths of the Second World War, the Hungarian master Zoltan Kodaly expressed his faith and his hope in a startlingly original “Missa Brevis.” Its demands for a grand organ accompaniment are met by the magnificent Casavant instrument at First Presbyterian Church. Kodaly’s sacred fervor is offset by secular part-songs from Clare Maclean and Mårten Jansson. Masks required. For tickets and info: chamberchorus.org.
▪ Whitaker Music Festival 2022 Concert Series: Jeremiah Johnson Band — 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 1. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. Entry at 5 p.m. The Whitaker Music Festival offers a 10-week lineup of free Wednesday evening concerts under the stars. Pack a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the Garden grounds in summertime bloom as you listen to the tunes and rhythms of an eclectic rotation of artists from week to week. Live music will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 3. Free admission entry begins at 5 p.m. Last entry is at 8:15 p.m. Advance reservations required. mobot.org/whitaker
Food
▪ 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, 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 or 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
▪ St. Louis County Greekfest — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 27; through Sunday, May 29; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, May 30. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 1755 Des Peres Road, Town and Country, Missouri. Customers can choose from a variety of plated dinners, appetizers and desserts. Expect traditional favorites, including Dolmades, Baklava, Spanakopita, Gyros, Souvlaki, Kataifi and more. Order online at stlgreekfest.com.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ O’Fallon Woman’s Club — Noon Thursday, May 26. Bella Milano, 455 Regency Park, O’Fallon. Luncheon to recognize the past presidents, two scholarship winners from O’Fallon Township High School from the 2022 Class. A check for $11,000 will be presented to the Food Pantry from the Empty Bowl event chaired by Beth Lundy. Art contest winners from the Junior High Schools will also be announced. Reservations are required for this meeting. O’Fallon Woman’s Club, Inc. Email: ofallonwomansclub@gmail.com; Facebook: O’Fallon Woman’s Club, Inc. Regular Meetings are at noon on the fourth Thursday of the month, September - May.
▪ Creating A Healthier Life: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wellness — 1:30-3:30 p.m. Thursdays through June 16. Community Hope Center, 1201 Hope Center Lane, Bethalto. A series of wellness workshops focusing on The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness. These fun interactive workshops might be just the boost needed to recover from the pandemic blues. To register for this free workshop: https://bit.ly/3ESyAW2
▪ Highland Garden Club — 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26. Korte Rec Center, 1 Nagel Drive, Highland. The Program, “Care and Repotting of Orchids,” will be presented by Kent Weil of Prairie State Orchid Society. Visitors are always welcome.
▪ Gift of Voice Winners’ Circle Peer Support — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays. Eden Church, 903 N. Second St., Edwardsville. This peer-led support group for people who have been in jail/prison and addresses the needs of those working on confronting life’s struggles, including mental health and legal challenges. The group offers safe, positive and relaxed space to share support, encouragement and success with others in similar circumstances. office@giftofvoice.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
▪ Wellness Recovery Action Planning — 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Edwardsville (address shared when you RSVP). Recover from difficult life circumstances and learn the skills necessary to accomplish your goals. Feel better again and live a normal life. To register: office@giftofvoice.com.
▪ Gateway East Artist Guild — 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 1. PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Meetings are open to all art enthusiasts with any level of skill from beginner to professional. The public is invited. This month’s program is presented by Alison Erazmus who will explain and demonstrate cynotypes. GEAG meets the first Wednesday of every month. GEAG.net.
▪ 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.
▪ PFLAG Edwardsville — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 2. Rainbow House on Main, 808 N. Main St., Edwardsville. We offer support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ people and their allies. Contact Amy for more information, 618-977-5078 or pflagedwardsville@outlook.com.
▪ St. Clair County Genealogical Society — 7 p.m. Thursday, June 2. Online via Zoom. Program: Pioneers of Greater Appalachia: Research in the Draper Manuscripts. St. Louis County Library History & Genealogy Reference Specialist Daniel Lilienkamp discusses the Draper Manuscript Collection, a unique resource for researching eighteenth and nineteenth century Appalachian and Ohio Valley ancestry. The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservation information is at stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.
Reservations Required
▪ Granite City Seniors Social Club ‘Back on the Farm’ Event — 1 p.m. Sunday, June 5. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar Ave., Granite City. Doors open at noon. Event includes a catered meal, Country Cooking with Marge Comedy Show, Kate Garrison and the Dandy Dancers, Barnyard Bazaar, performance and dancing, prizes and raffle. Cost: $13 members, $15 non-members. Tickets are limited. 618-444-6771, 618-797-6749 or 618-877-4373.
▪ St. Clair County Transit Summer Riding Program — Wednesday, June 1, through Monday, Aug. 15. MetroBikeLink System. The St. Clair County Transit District is encouraging people of all ages to register now for its annual Summer Riding Program, so they are ready to hit the trails when the program gets underway on June 1. The program allows participants to track miles and earn prizes as they bike, walk, wheel, run, skate or skip along the MetroBikeLink System, which boasts 14 miles of continuous trails and bike paths adjacent to the MetroLink alignment in Southwestern Illinois. Mileage tracking begins June 1. Register: scctd.org.
▪ HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Party on the Patio — 6 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Schlafly Highland Square, 907 Main St., Highland. Fundraiser to support health care initiatives at St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland. The event will feature food, drinks — including 15 Schlafly beers — music and a silent auction. Tickets are $150 for attendees and are available now at stjosephshighland.org/foundation.
▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging - Coffee, Cars & Conversation — 10 a.m. Monday, June 6. Gateway Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Drive, #1, O’Fallon. What was your first car or the one you dreamed of owning? Join us at Gateway Classic Cars where we will learn about all the classic cars they have to see. Refreshments provided. Reservations required. Call 618-234-4410, ext.7044 or 7034 to save a spot.
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
▪ Benld Italian American Days Car Show — 8 a.m. Saturday, May 28. Benld City Park, 305 N. Main St., Benld. Registration 8-11 a.m. Professional judging at noon. Trophies presented after judging. Registration fee: $15. First 50 entries get a car show T-shirt and dash plaque. Food and refreshments. Rain or shine. 217-835-2268 or 217-556-4286.
