Get ready for the weekend! Nearly 50 southwest IL events are on this week’s calendar

Noon Friday, April 28 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

▪ 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

▪ Free Clothing Event — 9-11 a.m. Friday, April 28. 1050 N. State St., Freeburg. Free men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, toys, shoes and miscellaneous items. Sponsored by Freeburg Food and Clothing Bank. 618-539-5070.

▪ ‘The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz’ — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays from April 28 to July 21. Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, St. Louis. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the Peanuts Gang at the Field House Museum in the traveling exhibit, “Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz.” Explore Schulz’s personal history and his role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind Peanuts and its unique cast of characters. Follow Schulz from his Minnesota roots to his life in California and tracks the development of the characters that make up the unique world of Peanuts from comic strips and Schulz quotes to photographs that illuminate the story behind the creation of this most popular and influential cartoon strip. fieldhousemuseum.org

▪ Dandy Dancers Square Dance — 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, April 28. Caseyville Township Senior Center, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Dandy Dancers invites you to join an evening of fun (and exercise). Want to learn? Ask about lessons. For more information contact Rick 618-234-1311. Our next dance will be June 2 with the Sprosty twins.

▪ St. Clair County Garden Club Spring Plant Sale — 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29. In front of Wild Birds Unlimited, 2657 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Some annuals, mostly perennials. These plants have been grown by the club’s members, so usually do well in local gardens. There will be three varieties of milkweed for monarch butterflies, as well as hostas, irises, daylilies, phlox, small shrubs, geraniums, herbs and some surprises waiting to bloom.

▪ Caffeine and Chrome — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 29. Gateway Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Drive #1, 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 is a family and pet friendly event. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/1467388670415073

▪ Metro Transit Hiring Event — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29. Brentwood MetroBus Facility, 3000 S. Brentwood Blvd., Brentwood, Missouri. Available positions include MetroBus operators, Metro Call-A-Ride operators, mechanics and electricians. All of these essential positions qualify for special $2,000 signing bonuses. On-site interviews will also be conducted for Metro Transit maintenance positions and several positions with the Gateway Arch and the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch, which are also Bi-State Development enterprises. Available positions include Arch tour guides, deckhands, cooks, ticket sales agents, and more. To apply online, or for more information about the hiring event and available positions, visit MetroStLouis.org/Hiring.

▪ Pop-Up Clothing Swap — Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 30. Mineral Springs Mall, 301 E. Broadway, Alton. Bring gently used clothing, shoes and accessories that you no longer want and trade for as many new pieces as you can carry for your wardrobe. Bring your worn out clothing, blankets, towels, etc. in any condition to be recycled with Remains Inc. It’s just $5 to attend if you bring clothes to swap, or $10 to attend empty-handed. A drop off will be held 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 29.Leftover clothing will be donated to local charities to help those in need. facebook.com/events/1292133708400518

▪ St. Joseph Church Food Truck and Vendor Spring Festival — Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 30. St. Joseph Church grounds, 6 N. Alton St., Freeburg. Featuring Not Too Slabby BBQ, and food trucks offering a variety of menu items from Clara B’s, Takozz, The Spud Shack, The Sweet Side, Fantastick Pops, and The Coffee Pot. Local artists and vendors offer unique items and fun for the young and old and everyone in between. Enjoy a variety of soft drinks and a beer garden featuring margaritas. Live music by Lukcan 12:30-3:30 p.m., 50/50 drawing at 3:30 p.m.; special appearances by Fred Bird of the St. Louis Cardinals 1:30-2 p.m., and Louie from the St. Louis Blues 3-3:30 p.m. Held rain or shine.

▪ Empty the Shelters Adoption Event — May 1-15 at multiple area shelters. BISSELL Pet Foundation is helping homeless pets go from shelter kennels to the couches of loving homes by sponsoring reduced adoption fees of $50 or less during its Spring National “Empty the Shelters” adoption event. From May 1-15, BISSELL Pet Foundation is teaming up with Dogtopia to host our largest “Empty the Shelters” event yet, with more than 350 participating shelters in 45 states, including St. Clair County Animal Adoption Center in Belleville and Gateway Pet Guardians in East St. Louis. To see the full list of participating locations, visit bissellpetfoundation.org.

▪ First United Presbyterian Church of Collinsville 200th Anniversary Celebration — 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 3. Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, 115 E. Clay St., Collinsville. The celebration kicks off May 3 with a Story & Trivia Night at Old Herald. A Block Party will be held at the church, 201 E. Church St., noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 6. A Worship Service will be held at the church 10 a.m. Sunday, May 7, followed by a luncheon. 618-344-1109.

▪ Millstadt Village-Wide Yard Sale — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Millstadt. More than 100 families are participating in this event. A map will be available Thursday, May 4, online at millstadthistoricalsociety.org. Start out at the Community Center (under the big water tower) on South Jefferson Street for complimentary coffee, a limited number of participant maps and advertised items for sale at key addresses on the day of the event. Breakfast egg burritos and fresh baked items are also for sale this year during the morning. Rolls, lunch, drinks and homemade desserts for purchase at the Community Center. Participating residents and businesses will have yellow markers in their yards. Event sponsored by the Millstadt Historical Society.

Worth the Drive

▪ Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance Beltane Ritual — Noon Sunday, April 30. Giant City State Park, Shelter 2, 235 Giant City Road, Makanda. Traditionally, Beltane is a fire festival, welcoming the warmth of summer and fertility. Participants are asked to bring 15-30 feet of ribbon to wrap around the maypole. Think about what you want to weave into your world, and what you want to grow in your mind, body, and spirit. Choose a color and pattern with your intentions in mind. The gathering starts at noon. A children’s maypole will be at 1:30 p.m. with the full ritual to follow at 2 p.m. A potluck will follow. Please bring something you’d like to share. Free and open to all. Rain or shine. Text Tara at 618-924-0263 for more info.

▪ Green Door Art Gallery: ‘Botanicals & Blooms III’ — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday May 3 through June 24. Green Door Art Gallery, 21 N. Gore St., Webster Groves, Missouri. Green Door Art Gallery presents “Botanicals & Blooms III,” a celebration of all things floral and botanical, featuring silver and stone jewelry by Debbie Garavaglia, botanical bas relief by Catherine Myre, mixed media paintings by Angie Pasternak, watercolor paintings by Karen Romani, oil paintings by Terri Shay and watercolor paintings by Linda Wilmes. The artwork will be on display and available for sale. Opening reception held 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 19 at the gallery. 314-202-4071 or greendoorartgallery.com.

▪ River-to-River Trail Society Free Guided Hike: Max Creek (Johnson County) — 10 a.m. Saturday, May 6. Meet at Taylor Methodist Church in Vienna. Led by Fred Scott, 618-841-4838. 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 28. 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.

▪ 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, May 1. 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

▪ St. Teresa Tiger Tale Players: ‘Princess Whatshername’ — 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, April 28-29. St. Teresa School, 1108 Lebanon Ave., Belleville. Tickets are $5 adults, $3 students, available at the door. Concessions snacks available. Lighted fairy wants, DVDs and St. Teresa Rosary bracelets available for purchase. 618-235-4066.

▪ Belleville Philharmonic Society: Music in the Cathedral — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29. Cathedral of St. Peter, 200 E. Harrison St., Belleville. The Chorale and Orchestra perform music of Haydn, Schubert and Respighi. No ticket required. Free will donation gladly accepted. bellevillephilharmonic.org

▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: ‘The Rite of Spring’ — 8 p.m. Saturday, April 29, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 30. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Stéphane Denève explores the crossroads of human, spirit and nature. Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Apu” recounts mischievous spirits from Andean Perú and Stravinsky’s primally rhythmic “Rite” ends with a sacrifice. Pianist Piotr Anderszewski, known for adding “infectious, rhythmic vitality to his playing” (The New York Times), returns for Bartók’s Third Piano Concerto. slso.org

▪ Kaskaskia College Spring Choir Concert — 3 p.m. Sunday, April 30. Jane Knight Auditorium, Kaskaskia College, 27210 College Road, Centralia. Featuring performances by the Kaskaskia College Concert Choir, KC Blues, and the Community Chorale under the direction of Professor Lynda Marshall. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/kaskaskiacollege

▪ Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra: A Schubert Spring — 3 p.m. Sunday, April 30. St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., O’Fallon. Featuring the music of Franz Schubert with Stella Markou, guest soprano. For ticket info, visit singmasterworks.org.

▪ 16th annual QFest St. Louis — May 4-10. Hi-Pointe Theatre, 1005 McCausland Ave., St. Louis. QFest St. Louis uses the art of contemporary gay cinema to spotlight the lives of LGBTQ people and to celebrate queer culture. The event will excite, entertain, and enlighten audiences of all identities. This year marks the 16th anniversary of QFest. The fest, which largely features films that would not otherwise screen in St. Louis, is presented by Cinema St. Louis (CSL), organizers of the St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF). This year’s QFest features 26 films from 9 countries (Brazil, Canada, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Morocco, Spain, U.K., and U.S.), including eight narrative features, two documentary features, 15 narrative shorts, and one documentary short. For more info and the full schedule, visit cinemastlouis.org/qfest.

Clubs & Support Groups

▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28. Online via Zoom. These support meetings are for family members, significant others and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. Facilitators: Pat Rudloff and Beverly Churchill. Held the fourth Thursday of the month. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.

▪ St. Clair County Garden Club — 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 2. McGraw’s Irish Pub, 5500 North Belt West, Belleville. Meetings are held every first Tuesday September through May with field trips in June, July and August.

▪ St. Luke’s Perpetual Help Sodality Luncheon & Card Party — Noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 2. St. Luke’s Parish, 226 N. Church St., Belleville. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Lunch served at noon. Cards, bingo, games with prizes. Menu: chicken ranch pasta casserole, Jell-o salad, roll and butter, cake, coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water. Event ends at 3 p.m. Cost: $10 per person. Bring a canned food item for the food pantry. 618-236-1124.

▪ International Women’s Organization — 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 2. Eden Village, 200 S. Station Road, Glen Carbon. Speaker: Yelyzaveta Baurda. Topic: “Voices From Ukraine.” Baurda, a journalism student from Odessa, Ukraine, will talk about the reality that Ukrainians continue to live in. For additional information: Esther 618-406-0259, Barbara 618-830-5804, Joyce 618-791-3341.

▪ 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

▪ Metro East Herb Club — 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 3. PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Spring Herbal Tea Party. Bring an herbal finger food and wear your favorite hat. Guest speaker, Bob Smejkal, master gardener and naturalist will speak about growing native pollinators. New members always welcome.

▪ 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.

▪ Diabetes Support Group — 4 p.m. Thursday, May 4. Frisse Conference Room, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. Open to those with diabetes and their family members and/or caregivers. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month. Participants will be required to wear non-cloth, medical-grade masks, as masks are still required in health care facilities per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Registration is required. 618-526-5743 or lisa.ketchem@hshs.org to register or for more information.

▪ St. Clair County Genealogical Society — 7 p.m. Thursday, May 4. Online via Zoom. Program: “Exploring Croatian Genealogy and Investigating Your Croatian Roots.” St. Clair County native Michelle Petroff discusses research in Eastern Europe, particularly her ancestral homeland Croatia, including history and language barriers, work-arounds and resources she used in researching family who immigrated from both Croatia and Macedonia. The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservation information: stclair-ilgs.org/events or facebook.com/STCCGSIL.

▪ 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

Reservations Required

▪ 32nd Women of Distinction Celebration — 6 p.m. Thursday, May 4. Julia’s Banquet Center, 101 Eastgate Plaza, East Alton. Doors open at 5 p.m. Reservation deadline is Thursday, April 27.The event will feature Rachelle Aud Crowe, US Attorney as the Emcee and Keynote speaker. The 2023 Honorees include Felicia Alexander, Erin Bickle, Lisa Brown, Creola Davis, Christine M. Favilla, Bonnie Hindelang, Dr. Dorothy Mosby, Dr. Ameera Nauman, Stephanie Schrage and Maura Wuellner. Tickets are $65 per person or $520 per table of eight. Reservations can be made online at altonywca.com or by calling 618-465-7774. All proceeds from the celebration support YWCA mission related programs including Child Enrichment, Girls Circle, Boys Council, Riverbend Reading Club, Community Tutoring, Racial/Social Justice, and women’s economic advancement and empowerment.

▪ Rosé Day Saint Louis — Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Fountain at Maryland Plaza, 50 Maryland Plaza, St. Louis. Join us and help spread the word about an annual festival that celebrates organizations dedicated to improving quality of life for women and girls – all tickets purchase support that work. Cost: $35 per person. Includes passport, branded wine glass, 10+ wine samples, access to the festival marketplace of local vendors, live music, games, photo ops and more. rosedaystl.com

▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Triple Crown Dance — 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24. Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, 200 South Belt East, Belleville. Wear your fancy hats or fascinators and join St. Clair County and celebrate seniors at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds. RSVP Country Western Band 4-5:30 p.m. Dinner from Royel Catering 5:30-6:30 p.m. Frankie and the Houseshakers 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 if purchased by Friday, May 19; $10 at the door. Call 618-234-4410, ext. 7034 or 7044 for more information or to purchase tickets.

▪ Fresh Fire Youth Retreat — June 8-11. Mariner’s Village at Carlyle Lake, 1 Resort Drive, Carlyle. Join Redeeming Love of Christ Church and Higher Ground International Ministries Inc. for our annual, action-packed Youth Retreat. Activities include ATV rides, boat rides, fishing, games, engaging breakout sessions, a talent show and high-energy praise and worship services nightly. The retreat will culminate with glorious Sunday morning worship in the Conference Center. Youth (ages 8 and up), teens, and young adults are welcome to join us for this anointed Holy Ghost-filled weekend. Cost: $65 per person. For tickets: eventbrite.com/e/579895381697. redeemingloveblvl.org