Plan your weekend. There are 40+ upcoming metro-east events to choose from
Noon Friday, Nov. 3, 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.
Events
▪ Tri-Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 3. Tri-Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and on the day of the sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133 or troylibrary.org.
▪ First Friday Late Night Art and Shopping Experience — 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3. 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
▪ National Great Rivers Museum 20th Anniversary Celebration — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. National Great Rivers Museum, 2 Locks and Dam Way, Alton. The event will include a commemoration of the museum at noon on a stage behind the museum. The day will also include informational tables and children’s activities at more than 20 stations, as well as several food trucks. mtrf.org
▪ 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
▪ 45th annual St. Louis Jewish Book Festival — Sunday, Nov. 5 thru Sunday, Nov. 19. The Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis. The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is an annual celebration of authors, books, and ideas. The range of author topics is vast: business, cooking, economics, family, fiction, history, music, religion, sports, and more. For tickets or to see the full schedule: jccstl.com.
▪ ‘A Female Pilot’s Journey’ by Lynn Rippelmeyer — 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. History Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. Rippelmeyer shares her amazing journey in an up-close and personal slideshow presentation, chronicling her travels from TWA flight attendant to first woman to pilot a 747 and first woman to Captain a 747 international flight. She has appeared on PBC, honored to be asked to be part of CNBC’s documentary covering the life and impact of the 747 Jumbo Jet and has authored two books, Life Takes Wings and Life Takes Flight. Her signed books will be available or you may place an order after the program. monroecountyhistorymuseum.org
▪ Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church Sixth annual Thanksgiving 2 Go — 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 616 Garfield Hubbard Blvd., East St. Louis. Morning Star will provide turkeys and meal boxes (while supplies last) to residents of the East St. Louis, St. Clair County and surrounding area. Each box will include a turkey and all the trimmings a family needs to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. For information or to support this event, call 618-397-9099.
Worth the Drive
▪ Fishing and Night Hike Owl Program — 5:30 p.m. (fish & fishing) and 7:30 p.m. (owls) Friday, Nov. 3. Pere Marquette State Park, 13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton. Meet at the Visitor Center at 5:30 p.m. for an educational program on fish and fishing with urban fishing coordinator Scott Isringhausen. Kids can fish at the bluegill pond. At 7:30 p.m. there will be a program on owls and other creatures one might hear at night when outdoors. The group will take a night hike (about 2 miles) to listen for owls and other night sounds. After the hike, enjoy a hotdog and marshmallow roast. Refreshments and drinks provided. Bring one flashlight per family. facebook.com/events/666558472050034
▪ River-to-River Trail Society Fall Hike: Lake Glendale (Pope County) — 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Meet at Lake Glendale Cardinal Bay Trailhead (boat ramp). This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 6 miles in length, 5 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 hike’s leader can be reached at 618-694-7034. rivertorivertrail.net
▪ River-to-River Trail Society Fall Hike: Secret Canyon, Lusk Creek Wilderness (Pope County) — 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, which will require walking on wet stones and climbing down rocks in two locations. This will be an out-and-back hike of about 3 miles. The event is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Boots and hiking sticks are strongly recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please. Because rules of the Forest Service limit the size of the group to no more than 10 people, the hike will be by reservation only. To register for the hike, call 630-470-7692. rivertorivertrail.net
Games
▪ 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
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3. 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.
▪ 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.
▪ Polish American War Veterans of Caseyville annual Turkey Shoot — Noon Sunday, Nov. 5. Polish American War Veterans Hall, 2180 N. 81st St., Caseyville. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Hall at 618-398-5040. Thank You for Supporting Veteran Organizations.
▪ Granite City Senior Social Club Bingo — 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar Ave., Granite City. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Cost: $1 admission and $1 for four cards. 618-444-6771.
▪ 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. Wiesemeyer Building, 410 Wickliffe, Troy. Includes light snack, cash prizes. No cost to play, no RSVP required. 618-667-2022.
▪ 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
▪ Triad High School presents ‘Radium Girls’ — 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Nov. 2-3. Triad High School, 703 US-40, Troy. Inspired by a true story, “Radium Girls” traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees. As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. triadhs.tcusd2.org
▪ ‘Cinderella Waltz’ — 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 3-4, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. Rosey Snow is trapped in a fairytale world that is by turns funny and a little frightening, with her stepsisters Goneril and Regan, her demented stepmother, her lecherous father, a bewildered prince, a fairy godmother who sings salty old sailor songs, a troll, and a possibly homicidal village idiot. This play investigates the archetypal origins of the world’s most popular fairytale, contrasting the familiar and charming Perrault version with the darker, more ancient and disturbing tale recorded by the Brothers Grimm. Grotesque farce and romantic fantasy blend in a fairytale for adults. For tickets and info: thehett.com.
▪ The Tesseract Theatre Company presents ‘The Mad Ones’ — 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 3-4, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Marcelle Theatre, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, St. Louis. Samantha Brown balances on the edge of her future, car keys in hand. Caught between a yearning for the unknown and feeling bound by expectation, she telescopes back to a time before her world had fallen apart. As she sits in the driver’s seat, she faces a choice: will she follow in her mother’s footsteps, or take the dare of her impetuous best friend and chart a new path? Additional performances Nov. 10-12. For tickets and info: tesseracttheatre.com
▪ Opera in Concert: Cavalleria rusticana — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., St. Louis. Sicily, 1900. A beautiful place with a passionate underbelly. The perfect setting for Pietro Mascagni’s legendary “Cavalleria rusticana,” a compelling story of love and betrayal. Turiddu and Lola have happily rekindled their old love, but Lola’s husband finds out, and Santuzza feels betrayed, all with dire consequences. Conductor James Gaffigan brings an international reputation as an opera conductor, and he tells this tale with white-hot intensity. slso.org
▪ United States Air Force Band of Mid-America: Spirit of the Season — 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 8-9, 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Mascoutah High School, 1313 W. Main St., Mascoutah. This year’s holiday series will feature a special guest reading of “The Christmas Truce” by USAF veteran Kathy Lawton Brown, host of Classic 107.3 FM. “The Christmas Truce” tells the story of a series of unofficial ceasefires that took place along with the Western Front of the First World War during Christmas of 1914. Additionally, Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead a performance of the Muppets’ song “Christmas is Coming,” and will be available to meet with young guests after the performance. Admission to these holiday performances is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Reserve your tickets today at afbandtix.com. This is a family-friendly, all-ages event.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3. Online via Zoom. The Family Support Meetings are for family members, significant others, and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. First Thursday of every month. Facilitators will vary. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.
▪ Metro East Herb Club — 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Millstadt Senior Center, 102 S. Jefferson, Millstadt. Special Program: Wild Mushrooms for Beginners with Mike Snyder, $35 for mushroom kit or $15 for presentation. Proceeds to fund horticulture scholarships for SWIC students. Call 618-530-0988 to reserve your ticket.
▪ 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.
▪ St. Luke’s Card Party & Luncheon — 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. St. Luke’s Parish Center, 226 N. Church St., Belleville. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Lunch served at noon. Play cards, board games and /or bingo. Menu: Salisbury steak, noodles and gravy, glazed carrots, cake, coffee, hot and iced tea, water. Cost: $10 (includes lunch or lunch carryout), Bring a canned food item for the food pantry. 618-236-1124.
▪ International Women’s Organization Speaker Series — 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Eden Village, 200 S. Station Road, Glen Carbon. Program: Women’s Health in Modern Pakistan with Raisa Rafique. Rafique is studying Nutrition and Dietetics at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and will discuss the intersection of traditional food, culture and women’s health in modern Pakistan. For more info: Esther 618-406-0259, Barbara 618-830-5804 or Joyce 618-791-3341.
▪ 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.
▪ 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
▪ 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.
▪ National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Alvin G. Bohley Chapter 1019 — 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. O’Town Food Hall and Tap House, 1214 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. Menu ordering begins at 11 a.m. At noon, various health insurance carriers will give details on their plans. The 2023 federal benefits open season runs Nov. 13 to Dec. 11. Federal retirees and survivors can enroll in or change health insurance. We welcome active and retired federal or postal employees and/or spouses to become a member of Chapter 1019. Meetings are the second Wednesday of each month except for special luncheons held in May and December. Contact jbflat2021@outlook.com or call 618-795-5174 with questions. narfe.net/site/chapter1019
▪ 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.
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. 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.
▪ 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.
▪ Granite City Senior Social Club Christmas Party — 11:30 a. M. Sunday, Dec. 10. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar Ave., Granite City. Includes a catered meal at 12:30 p.m., “It’s Magic!” starring Terry Richison at 1:30 p.m., and Tom Wilkerson’s Christmas Sing-along, attendance prizes, Christmas quilt raffle. Tickets on sale through Dec. 3. Cost: $13 for members, $15 for non-members. No tickets will be sold at the door. 618-444-6771, 618-797-6749 or 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 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, Nov. 3. Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Church Road, Belleville. Cod cup-ups, walleye, shrimp, burgers, sides and desserts available. Carryout available. No phone orders.
▪ New Athens Knights of Columbus Steak Dinner — 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. St. Agatha’s Parish Center, 205 S. Market St., New Athens. Menu: grilled ribeye steak, jumbo shrimp or marinated chicken breasts, baked potatoes or fries, salad bar, coffee or tea. Hamburgers and cheeseburgers also available. All are welcome.
▪ St. Augustine’s Wurstmarkt Sausage Dinner — 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, 1910 W. Belle St., Belleville. Dine-in and carryout available. Music by Polka Connection from 1-3 p.m. 618-233-3813.
▪ Whole Hog Pork Sausage Dinner (Drive-Thru) — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Marine United Church of Christ, 111 N. Center St., Marine. Menu: whole hog pork sausage, mashed potatoes & gravy, sauerkraut, green beans, applesauce, apple pie. Cost: $13. Event includes raffle of two queen-sized quilts, a baby quilt, side of beef, whole hog and four dinners for Nov. 3, 2024. 618-887-4465 or marineucc.org.
Reservation/Registration Required
▪ Cahokia Mounds City of the Sun 5K Trail Run — 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey St., Collinsville. Join the annual fundraiser. This 5K run winds through trails and paths not often taken by visitors. Surround yourself in the natural and cultural landscape of Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site while competing for a good cause. To register or for more information: cahokiamounds.org.
