Make your plans for the week? Here are 50 things you can do for fun in our region
Noon Friday, July 14, 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.
Events
▪ ‘How the Pioneers Came into Monroe County’ — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13. History Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. This family-friendly program presented by Sue Barker will emphasize how the Revolutionary War and the worst volcanic explosion in history motivated the first pioneers to move into Monroe and Randolph counties. Topics will touch on the 1816’s year without summer, keelboats, Revolutionary War action and a visit by Meriwether Lewis to Waterloo. monroecountyhistorymuseum.org
▪ Peanut Butter & Jam Festival — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 14. Downtown Square, Highland. Spend time with family and friends on Fridays during the summer. There will be free PB&J sandwiches, popcorn, family entertainment, food vendors. This week featuring music by Babaloo. For more info, visit the Highland Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
▪ Book Signing: Ed Wheatley — 4-6 p.m. Friday, July 14. Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, St. Louis. Local sports historian, author, and documentarian Ed Wheatley joins the Field House Museum to sign copies of his books on St. Louis sports history. Free admission. Books available for purchase. fieldhousemuseum.org
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 15. 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, July 15. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and during the book sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.
▪ Christmas in July Food Drive — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Drop off at Lafayette and Washington streets, Millstadt. Help the Knights of Columbus #4741 stock the shelves at Millstadt Food Pantry. Please check expiration dates before donating food items.
▪ Free Genealogy Class — 10 a.m. Saturday, July 15. Belleville Public Library, 121 E. Washington St., Belleville. Topic: “The Truth About Online Genealogy Resources,” sponsored by the St. Clair County Genealogical Society and the Belleville Public Library. Diane Walsh, the Society’s webmaster and parliamentarian, with 40 years experience in family research, discusses strengths and weaknesses of often-used online genealogy databases. Geared to adult learners. Open to the public. Registration requested to facilitate seating arrangements; call the library at 618-234-0441. stclair-ilgs.org/events
▪ Metro Transit Hiring Event — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Illinois MetroBus Facility, 801 N. 47th St., East St. Louis. On-site interviews will be conducted for Metro Call-A-Ride Van Operators, MetroBus Operators, and Fuel & Oil Attendants, which are all eligible for Metro Transit’s new $5,000 signing bonus. This new signing bonus was introduced at the end of June 2023 to address critical workforce shortages at Metro Transit and is only available for 90 days. Candidates are encouraged to learn more about these positions and to apply online in advance of the hiring event by visiting WorkAtMetroSTL.com. Qualified applicants may receive instant job offers at the hiring event following their on-site interviews.
▪ World Bird Sanctuary 2023 Educational Series: All About Eagles — 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 15. Centennial Park, 300 North Belt East, Swansea. Provided by St. Clair Township. 618-233-3437. Additional programs: Raptors Awareness, Aug. 19; All About Owls, Sept. 16. Live animals at all presentations.
▪ Bastille Day at the Jarrot Mansion — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site, 124 E. First St., Cahokia Heights. The oldest brick building in Illinois will open its doors to give the public a rare glimpse of the unique mansion and to celebrate the state’s French heritage in honor of Bastille Day.
▪ Belleville Sister Cities Paderborn Square Dedication — 3 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Corner of Church and East Main streets, Belleville. The City of Belleville and Belleville Sister Cities are dedicating an area downtown to honor its Sister City of Paderborn, Germany. The event includes a sign installation with information in both English and German.
▪ 26th annual All-Wheels Drive-In Car Show — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 16 (Rescheduled from June 11). On 3rd, State and Belle streets in Downtown Alton. Come out for the autos and stay for the live music, 50-50 drawing, vendor displays and festival food court. For info: 618-792-8901 or downtownalton.com.
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 14. 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.
▪ Troy Senior Center Pokeno — 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 112 N. Border, Troy. Sponsors are Friends of the Seniors, Gary and Sharon Koenig. Thank you to the Koenig family! Cash prizes. A light snack will be served. No RSVP required. Free to participate.
▪ Queen of Hearts — 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Copper Fire, 200 E. Main St., Belleville. Tickets sold at Copper Fire Wednesday-Sunday starting at 7 a.m. Benefits Notre Dame Academy (formerly Cathedral Grade School) in downtown Belleville. facebook.com/events/765257498543973
Theater/Concerts
▪ Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents: ‘The One-Hour Star Wars Trilogy: A Parody!’ — July 13-16 and 20-22. Whitaker Hall, Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis. Strap yourselves in for an interstellar rollercoaster ride filled with laughs, lightsabers, and iconic characters brought to life. This trip through the iconic trilogy will blast your funny bones into hyperspace. For performance and ticket information: umsl.edu/touhill/index.html.
▪ Funky Butt Brass Band — 7-9 p.m. Friday, July 14. Alton Godfrey Rotary Park, across from Alton City Hall at 101 E. Third St., Alton. The band was formed in 2008 by six talented musicians who respect and revere the New Orleans brass band tradition. The FBBB takes traditional New Orleans brass tunes and sprinkles in their own brand of special Saint Louis musical magic. At any given gig, you’ll also hear some Chicago blues, Memphis soul, Southern rock and St. Louis R&B. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food and beverages available for purchase or BYO. downtownalton.com
▪ Golden Anniversaries Film Discussion: ‘The Three Musketeers’ — 1 p.m. Sunday, July 16. Hi-Pointe Main Theatre, 1005 McCausland Ave., St. Louis. The young D’Artagnan arrives in Paris with dreams of becoming a king’s musketeer. He meets and quarrels with three men, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, each of whom challenges him to a duel. D’Artagnan finds out they are musketeers and is invited to join them in their efforts to oppose Cardinal Richelieu, who wishes to increase his already considerable power over the king. D’Artagnan must also juggle affairs with the charming Constance Bonancieux and the passionate Lady De Winter, a secret agent for the cardinal. Presented by Robert Hunt, who has been writing and occasionally teaching about movies since 1981, mostly for The Riverfront Times. cinemastlouis.org/golden-anniversaries
Community & Farmers Markets
▪ Nashville Farmers Market — 7-11 a.m. Thursdays. In front of the Washington County Courthouse at 101 E. St. Louis St., Nashville. This year’s kickoff includes a plant swap, sponsored by the Washington County Master Gardeners. 618-327-3700 or facebook.com/NashvilleChamberofCommerce.
▪ 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
▪ Maryville Farmers Market — 5-7 p.m. Thursdays. Firemen’s Park, 300 N. Donk St., Maryville. Featuring goods from local farms, handmade goods and special guests. Produce, meat, dairy, honey, plants and baked goods. Healthy foods, healthy families. SNAP/EBT accepted. 618-304-8335 or facebook.com/MaryvilleILFarmersMarket
▪ Night Market on Broadway — 7-10 p.m. Thursday, July 13. Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton. An awesome summer series where you can enjoy live music in an outdoor setting, plus artwork and other handmade/homegrown products, as well as vintage and hip thrift items. Live music this week by HOOKiE.
▪ 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.
▪ Tower Grove Farmers Markets — 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays and 4 p.m. to sunset Tuesdays. Just west of Center Cross Drive in Tower Grove Park at 4256 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis. Fresh, local produce, eggs, meats, a variety of vendors and goods. tgfarmersmarket.com
▪ Highland Farmers’ Market — 4-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Highland Square, 914 Main St., Highland. Local farmers, cottage food makers, and crafters will be present to sell a variety of produce, meats, desserts and more. Each Tuesday morning a map will be posted on the Highland Parks and Recreation Facebook page showing what vendors will be present.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ 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
▪ 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.
▪ Cahokia Archaeological Society — 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, July 20. Collinsville Memorial Public Library, 408 W. Main St., Collinsville. Don Booth, Senior Archaeologist for SCI Engineering, Inc., to present “Investigations at the Renner Village Site, Riverside, Missouri” (near Kansas City). The Renner Site is the type site for the Kansas City Hopewell. Both will describe the long history of investigations at the site, SCI’s work there, and the site’s apparent connections and parallels to the Illinois Valley Hopewell. The program will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m., followed by a short business meeting 7:30-8:00 p.m. Enter the library from the parking lot side and proceed to the basement meeting room for the program and the CAS meeting. No reservations are required, and both the program and the CAS meeting are free and open to the public.
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
▪ 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 Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast — 8-11 a.m. Saturday, July 15. Edwardsville Masonic Lodge, 90 Kriege Farm Road, Glen Carbon. Recommended donation: $5. Sponsored by Edwardsville Masonic Lodge for Glen-Ed Food Pantry. Will also collect donated canned goods and non-perishable food items for the pantry during the breakfast. edwardsvillemasons.org or facebook.com/edwardsvillemasons
Reservations Required
▪ Troy Senior Center Live and Learn Event — 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 20. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 112 N. Border St., Troy. Marsha Griffin from the Attorney General’s Office will talk about the most recent scams targeting seniors. RSVP required. 618-667-2022.
▪ Jammin’ at the Zoo — 6-10:30 p.m. Fridays, July 21 and Aug. 18. Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis. A 21-and-over summer event with live music and wine and beer tastings with more than 50 selections of wines, specialty canned cocktails and beers from St. Louis breweries. Proceeds benefit the Saint Louis Zoo and its conservation efforts. Advanced tickets available at stlzoo.org/jammin.
▪ Another Disney VBS — 6-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, July 24-28. O’Fallon Assembly of God, 1400 N. Green Mount Road, O’Fallon. A free vacation bible school for ages 4-12 that includes games, crafts, lessons, snacks, music and more. To register: ofallonassembly.com.
▪ Little Patriots Embraced Hitting 4 Heroes with the Grizzlies — 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29. Grizzlies Ballpark, 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd., Sauget. Pre-game concert at 5:30 p.m. Game at 6:45 p.m. Affordable family fun that supports military children and families. Tickets: $20 general admission/lawn; $25 field box seats. Each ticket includes a hot dog, chips and soda. For tickets and info: littlepatriotsembraced.org.
▪ Kids Chorus Camp 2023 — 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday, July 31-Aug. 4. First Baptist Church, 2709 Poplar St., Highland. The camp is sponsored and led by Heartland Community Chorus. Registration fee: $45. Additional registrations from the same family are $30 each. Need-based scholarships available. Registration deadline: July 21. To register: heartlandcommunitychorus.org.
