More spooktacular fun and fall festivals in the metro-east take place this weekend
Noon Friday, Oct. 20, 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 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
▪ Main Street Senior Day Trick-or-Treat — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20. Downtown Belleville. Join area seniors 55+ as they shop and dine along Downtown Belleville’s Main Street. Seniors will explore Main Street and enjoy an afterparty at the PSOP building (hosted by Main Street Senior Day sponsors, PSOP and St. Clair County Office on Aging) full of fun and giveaways provided by our Belleville Main Street merchants. Admission is $10 per person (cash only) the day of the event. Day-of registration is from 10-11 a.m. at PSOP where participants will receive their Senior Day passports and $5 in Downtown Dollars to spend during the event. A shuttle will be available to participants for transportation to/from PSOP and along Main Street.
▪ Carlyle Lake Haunted Trail — 6:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 20-21. Dam West Boat Ramp, Carlyle Lake, Carlyle. Participants will take a hayride down to the Little Prairie Nature Trail where ghosts and goblins await. Parking and tickets for the Carlyle Lake Haunted Trail will be at the Dam West Boat Ramp on the day of the event. Admission is $10 per person.
▪ Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat — 3:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Damascus Road Fellowship, 1485 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville. Free family fun that includes trunk-or-treating, a bounce house, pumpkin painting, a bonfire, games and food. Those who dress up are asked to wear kid-friendly costumes. Open to the public.
▪ 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
▪ Seventh annual Sip & Shop Vendor Fair — 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20. Fairview Heights Elks Lodge 664, 9480 Old Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights. Featuring more than 20 vendors. Free admission.
▪ Second annual Horner Park Boosters Pick of the Patch Festival — 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Horner Park, Lebanon. Includes 5k Trick or Trot and Kid Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. followed by costume contests. Chili & Soup Cook-off from noon to 5 p.m. ($10 wristband for unlimited samples). Decorated pumpkin contest at 2 p.m.
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 21. 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, Oct. 21. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Books 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.
▪ Treasures in the Park Craft Fair — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Community Park, 14 Park Drive, Shiloh. Featuring live music, food, many vendors and crafters, kids activities and more. 618-632-1022 ext. 119.
▪ Pick of the Patch Fall Festival — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Dam West Recreation Area, Carlyle Lake, Carlyle. This annual event will include fall-themed art, crafts, and food vendors.
▪ History Museum of Monroe County: ‘Cemetery Detectives’ — 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. History Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. Alexander and Brian Keller of the O’Fallon (Illinois) Historical Society will give an audiovisual presentation on the work of the Society’s Cemetery Committee, also known as the Cemetery Detectives. They will be presenting on their explorations of local cemeteries and their efforts to document and preserve them, find and repair tombstones, and help others to do the same. monroecountyhistorymuseum.org
▪ HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary Used Book Sale — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, Ungacta Conference Center, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. Featuring an impressive selection of fiction and nonfiction books, children’s books, cookbooks, puzzles, DVDs, CDs and more. Prices for hardback books will be $2, paperbacks are 50 cents, children’s books will be 25 cents and 50 cents, and oversized paperbacks, puzzles and DVDs/CDs are $1. Friday’s afternoon’s sale is a $3 Bargain Bag Sale. 618-651-2592.
▪ Pretrial Fairness Act Teach-In — 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26. YWCA, 304 E. Third St., Alton. During this teach-in, you will have the opportunity to learn about the Pretrial Fairness Act, and its implications for our communities. This event is open to all who are passionate about criminal justice reform, social equity, and ensuring that every individual’s rights are upheld, regardless of their financial status. Questions should be directed to YWCA at info@ywcaswil.org or to 618-465-7774.
Worth the Drive
▪ River-to-River Trail Society Fall Hike: Godwin Trail (Union County) — 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Meet at Godwin Trailhead - East, 3630 Bald Knob Road, Alto Pass. This will be a hike of extreme difficulty, 7 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a through 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 hike’s leader can be reached at 708-471-7500. rivertorivertrail.net
▪ Déjà vu Spirit Reunion — 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Ste. Genevieve’s Old Memorial Cemetery, 35 N. 5th St., Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Costumed Interpreters relaying the stories of Sainte Genevieve’s Early French Colonial families. Come experience the unique storytelling experience by lantern light, in Missouri’s oldest cemetery. For tickets and info: historicstegen.org.
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20. 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.
▪ Holy Family presents Cash & Quilt Bingo — 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29. St. James Gymnasium, 412 W. Washington St., Millstadt. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Food available for purchase at 11:30 a.m. - fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs. Bingo begins at 1 p.m. Raffles: queen-size quilt, baskets, 50/50. 618-779-6000.
▪ 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.
▪ YWCA Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Best Western Premier Conference Center, 3559 College Ave., Alton. Doors open at 6 p.m. Evening includes 50/50 raffle, heads & tails, silent auction and fun trivia. Cost: $25 per person, $200 table of eight. 618-465-7774 or altonywca.com.
▪ Missouri Chamber Music Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. The Heights, 8001 Dale Ave., St. Louis. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Missouri Chamber Music Festival is celebrating Season 14 with a fun and festive trivia night fundraiser. “Game Changers” will feature categories inspired by some of our favorite board games and, of course, some music related questions, wonderful silent auction items, a wine pull, mulligans, and 50/50 raffle too. Bring your own drinks and food. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting MOCM’s mission of great music performed greatly. Cost: $25 per person, $200 for a table of eight. For tickets: mochambermusic.org.
Theater/Concerts
▪ Philharmonic Society of Belleville: ‘A Grand Romance’ — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 W. B st., Belleville. Join us for the opening concert of the Belleville Philharmonic’s 157th Concert Season, with conductor Joseph Choi and guest artist May Phang. Featuring iconic selections from the glorious Romantic Era. Free and open to the public. bellevillephilharmonic.org
▪ Valerie Coleman and Louis Spohr: Winds with Strings — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra wind and string musicians launch the new Live at The Sheldon chamber music series with a fascinating program including music by Valerie Coleman and Carl Nielsen, plus Louis Spohr’s inventive and charming Nonet, and Richard Strauss’s playful take on a German prankster of lore in “Till Eulenspiegel, einmal anders!” 314-534-1700 or slso.org.
▪ Citywide Symphony Shabbat at The J — 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. JCC Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur - Gym, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis. Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra’s Kevin McBeth leads an SLSO string orchestra in performance of music by Jewish composers including George Gershwin, Ben Steinberg, and Ernest Bloch. Guest singers Rabbi Amy Feder (Congregation Temple Israel) and Cantor Ronald Eichaker, Rabbi (United Hebrew Congregation) join the SLSO musicians to perform both sacred and secular selections. This hour-long concert is free but RSVPs are requested. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 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
▪ 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
▪ 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 Saturday, Oct. 21. 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 Saturday, Oct. 21. 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 Saturday, Oct. 21. 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.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ 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
▪ Cahokia Archaeological Society — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. Collinsville Memorial Public Library, 408 W. Main St., Collinsville. The program presentation will be followed by a short CAS business meeting. The program is entitled, “Recognizing Mississippian Women: A Comparison of Joara, North Carolina, and Cahokia, Illinois,” and will be presented by Dr. Gayle Fritz, Professor Emerita of Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Fritz is an author and co-author of two chapters in an edited volume titled, “Mississippian Women,” in press, and she authored the book “Feeding Cahokia: Early Agriculture in the North American Heartland.” Both the program and the CAS meeting are free and open to the public.
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. 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.
▪ 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.
▪ 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.
▪ Metro-East Women’s Cancer Support Group — 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26. The Rec Complex, 9950 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. The intent is to build a supportive community for local women affected by any type of cancer. Through education, advocacy, and empowerment, the care team aims to improve the quality of life for those who are facing the challenges of cancer, during or post treatments. It will be a safe and inclusive space where women can find comfort, resources, and inspiration, as well as the opportunity to connect with others who understand what they are going through. Sessions will be facilitated by Kareen Egerson, RN, and Dr. Camille Williams, medical director of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Radiation Oncology Services. Fourth Thursday of the month (excluding July and December). There is no charge to attend. RSVPs are not required but are helpful. facebook.com/stelizhshs
▪ 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.
▪ Japan America Society annual Dinner & Meeting — 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. Kirkwood Performing Center, 210 E. Monroe Ave., Kirkwood, Missouri. Everyone is welcome to attend and meet old friends and make some new ones while sharing your appreciation of Japan and the Japan America Society. Learn about the amazing things we’ve done this year to build a relationship between Japan and the people of St. Louis, including travel scholarships; several sake events; and community partnerships with Laumeier Sculpture Park, University City Library, STL Art Fair, and more. Space is limited. For info and reservations: jasstl.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
▪ Corpus Christi Church Fall Chicken Dinner — 3-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. Corpus Christi Parish Center, 205 Rasp St., Shiloh. Menu: home style fried chicken, Italian mostaccioli, green beans, corn, herb dressing, mashed potatoes & gravy, cole slaw, dinner rolls, desserts and drinks. Carryout available. Cost: $15 adults, $8 kids ages 6-10. Raffle: $5 per ticket or three for $10. corpuschristishiloh.com
▪ 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. Friday, Oct. 20. For tickets and information: fbcofallon.churchcenter.com.
Reservation/Registration Required
▪ ‘Mapping Inequality: Redlining in East St. Louis & Belleville’ — 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26. Belleville Public Library, 121 E. Washington St., Belleville. October 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.
▪ 2023 Art & Wine Walk — 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Downtown Belleville. Hop on the trolley and then stroll along Belleville’s Main Street while sampling wines, viewing artists’ work, and listening to local musicians at more than 25 Main Street merchant locations. Attendees receive a commemorative wine tumbler for sampling up to 15 - 1-ounce samples of wine (per state regulations). Ticket holders must be 21+. bellevillemainstreet.net
▪ Madison County Historical Society Annual Dining in History Event — Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Olde Wicks Factory, 1100 5th St., Highland. Dinner in History will begin with tours from the Gatsby Room where patrons can take advantage of the cash bar while they wait for their tour. That will be followed by a catered dinner, and a brief annual meeting for the purpose of nominating new MCHS Board members. With business settled, the event will continue with a program and performance in the Grand Hall by Dave Stephens, who will tell how the organ was returned to Wicks and demonstrate how it is played. Tickets are $50 for MCHS members and $60 for non-members. Reservation deadline: Oct. 25. 618-656-1294 or madcohistory.org.
