FALL FESTIVALS THROUGHOUT THE REGION- SEPTEMBER 2022
September 2- 11
Gallatin County Fair- Ridgway
Including Popcorn Days
Live entertainment, vendors, amusement rides, games, and lots of free popcorn! Popcorn Day celebration is the second weekend in September every year. During this weekend we have live entertainment, vendors, amusement rides, games, free popcorn, and the big parade on Saturday at 1:00 pm. Ridgway is also home to the unique family-owned business, Dinger Bats. Here, the first wooden bat company in Illinois crafts wooden baseball bats for players at every stage of the game from little league to the Major League. Website is www.dingerbats.com. Tours can be arranged with Kyle Drone at (618)841-1259.
Gallatin County Fair- Ridgway
Including Popcorn Days
Live entertainment, vendors, amusement rides, games, and lots of free popcorn! Popcorn Day celebration is the second weekend in September every year. During this weekend we have live entertainment, vendors, amusement rides, games, free popcorn, and the big parade on Saturday at 1:00 pm. Ridgway is also home to the unique family-owned business, Dinger Bats. Here, the first wooden bat company in Illinois crafts wooden baseball bats for players at every stage of the game from little league to the Major League. Website is www.dingerbats.com. Tours can be arranged with Kyle Drone at (618)841-1259.
September 9-11
Carterville FREE Fair-Carterville Illinois
Carterville FREE Fair-Carterville Illinois
September 8th-11
Cache River Days in Ullin
Cache River Days in Ullin
he 27th Annual Cache River Days are planned Sept. 8th-11th at the Ullin Ballpark, 550 Ullin Avenue, Ullin, Illinois. The theme for this year’s festival is “Wings Over the Cache.”
Cache River Days will feature a pageant, baby contest, 5K, flea market, food vendors, parade, children’s train rides, bounce houses, softball tournament, corn hole tournament, exhibits, and new this year, a motorcycle show.
Events are scheduled to kick off on Thursday, Sept. 8, with a community worship service at the ballpark pavilion at 6 p.m. There will be a short message, songs, hot dogs for roasting, homemade desserts, and drinks. Bring lawn chairs. All are welcome.
The Cache River Days pageant and baby photo contest are scheduled Friday, Sept. 9 at the Leona Brust Civic Center, 611 Ullin Ave. The events begin at 6 p.m. To enter, or for more information about the pageant, contact pageant director, Hannah Miller, at 618-697-4592 or email cacheriverpageant@gmail.com.
Saturday will feature a full schedule of events. Please visit the welcome tent at the entrance of the ballpark to pick up a schedule.
Registration for the 5K walk/run begins at 8 a.m. and the run will start at 9 a.m. You can sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Ullin/CacheRiverDays5K, by obtaining a form at Ullin City Hall, or request one by email at Cacheriver5k@outlook.com.
A flea market is scheduled to open at 8 a.m Saturday. For more information, contact Lawanda Jones at 618-845-3721 or Mike or Millie DeWitt at 618-845-3445 or 618-697-1748.
A slow pitch softball tournament begins at 8 a.m. For more information, contact Jerrod George at 618-306-4409.
A parade is planned Saturday morning. Line up begins at 10:30 a.m. on Kentucky Street in Ullin (site of old Bell Chapel), with the parade starting at 11 a.m. following Foster Street, crossing over to Ullin Avenue, and concludes at the Leona Brust Civic Center. For parade information, contact Mike or Millie DeWitt at 618-845-3445 or 618-697-1748.
A corn hole tournament is scheduled on Saturday at 12:30 pm. For more information, contact Justin DeWitt at 618-697-3786.
Food vendors will be present at the ballpark Saturday and Sunday. Bring your lawn chairs, have some good food, and enjoy the weekend activities.
Cache River Days will feature a pageant, baby contest, 5K, flea market, food vendors, parade, children’s train rides, bounce houses, softball tournament, corn hole tournament, exhibits, and new this year, a motorcycle show.
Events are scheduled to kick off on Thursday, Sept. 8, with a community worship service at the ballpark pavilion at 6 p.m. There will be a short message, songs, hot dogs for roasting, homemade desserts, and drinks. Bring lawn chairs. All are welcome.
The Cache River Days pageant and baby photo contest are scheduled Friday, Sept. 9 at the Leona Brust Civic Center, 611 Ullin Ave. The events begin at 6 p.m. To enter, or for more information about the pageant, contact pageant director, Hannah Miller, at 618-697-4592 or email cacheriverpageant@gmail.com.
Saturday will feature a full schedule of events. Please visit the welcome tent at the entrance of the ballpark to pick up a schedule.
Registration for the 5K walk/run begins at 8 a.m. and the run will start at 9 a.m. You can sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Ullin/CacheRiverDays5K, by obtaining a form at Ullin City Hall, or request one by email at Cacheriver5k@outlook.com.
A flea market is scheduled to open at 8 a.m Saturday. For more information, contact Lawanda Jones at 618-845-3721 or Mike or Millie DeWitt at 618-845-3445 or 618-697-1748.
A slow pitch softball tournament begins at 8 a.m. For more information, contact Jerrod George at 618-306-4409.
A parade is planned Saturday morning. Line up begins at 10:30 a.m. on Kentucky Street in Ullin (site of old Bell Chapel), with the parade starting at 11 a.m. following Foster Street, crossing over to Ullin Avenue, and concludes at the Leona Brust Civic Center. For parade information, contact Mike or Millie DeWitt at 618-845-3445 or 618-697-1748.
A corn hole tournament is scheduled on Saturday at 12:30 pm. For more information, contact Justin DeWitt at 618-697-3786.
Food vendors will be present at the ballpark Saturday and Sunday. Bring your lawn chairs, have some good food, and enjoy the weekend activities.
September 10th
Paducah Dragon Boat Festival- Paducah KY
All day- so fun to watch
Dragon boat racing is an ancient Chinese sport dating back 2500 years. In the early 1990’s, it swept into North America, and today it is the fastest growing team sport. 22 Dragons, out of Montreal Canada provides the event management including all equipment, race day oversight and the professional steersmen for all the teams.
Paducah Dragon Boat Festival- Paducah KY
All day- so fun to watch
Dragon boat racing is an ancient Chinese sport dating back 2500 years. In the early 1990’s, it swept into North America, and today it is the fastest growing team sport. 22 Dragons, out of Montreal Canada provides the event management including all equipment, race day oversight and the professional steersmen for all the teams.
Art Wine and Blues Festival- Murphysboro Illinois
Riverside Park in Murphysboro 1pm- 8pm ( Gates open at noon.
Riverside Park in Murphysboro 1pm- 8pm ( Gates open at noon.
September 12th
Family Fun Day- Marion
Family Fun Day- Marion
September 14-17
Murphysboro Apple Festival
Always held the second weekend after Labor Day, this four-day event packs downtown Murphysboro with family-friendly activities, including free entertainment, carnival rides, pageants, concessions, a car show, and a menu of apple-themed treats.
For full schedule go to website at
murphysboroapplefestival.org/schedule/
Murphysboro Apple Festival
Always held the second weekend after Labor Day, this four-day event packs downtown Murphysboro with family-friendly activities, including free entertainment, carnival rides, pageants, concessions, a car show, and a menu of apple-themed treats.
For full schedule go to website at
murphysboroapplefestival.org/schedule/
September 14-17th
Eldorado Town and Country Days
Eldorado Town and Country Days
September 16-18
Ina Fall Festival, Ina Illinois
Ina Fall Festival, Ina Illinois
September 17th 2022
Golconda Shrimp Festival, Golconda Illinois 10am- 10 pm
Golconda Shrimp Festival, Golconda Illinois 10am- 10 pm
Golconda Shrimp Fest is back! Head on down for what National Geographic Traveler magazine recognized as the #1 food festival in Illinois! Come join the celebration for one fun-filled day of delicious food, music, crafts, live entertainment and much, much more!
September 17th and 18th, 2022
Kunstfest- New Harmony Indiana
Kunstfest- New Harmony Indiana
Kunst” means “art” in German, and you can expect to see a lot of it. Artists from across the region will sell and showcase their creations. With so many unique pieces, you’re sure to find something you’ll love! Add “fest” – short for festival. Kunstfest is a fun, German festival with art, entertainment, food, and learning opportunities, too! New Harmony's largest and most anticipated event of the year - Kunstfest! This celebration of German heritage and art is one of the biggest of its kind in Indiana.
Arts, Crafts, Antiques and MoreAt Kunstfest, vendors line the streets, showcasing art, gifts, antiques, crafts, and more on Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-4pm. Many of the local storefronts will also be open with special promotions during the festival.
Festival FoodBe sure to come hungry! We plan to have all of your German favorites — bratwurst, kraut balls, kuchen, apple cider, chicken and dumplings, German potato salad, brain sandwiches, fried bologna, ice cream, kettle corn and more! New Harmony also has delightful restaurants, bars, and a coffee shop that will be open during the weekend.
EntertainmentEvents include musical performances of many types. You will hear dulcimer players, blue grass tunes, a few polka selections and some German Folk Music genres. Plus, there will be music Friday evening on the Patio at the Red Geranium.
On Saturday evening, don’t miss the Biggest Liar’s Contest at the Murphy Auditorium, a tradition for more than 25 years. Perhaps you want to sign up in advance to compete yourself as a master prevaricator! There are also children’s activities at the family stage at Maclure Square, and more!
One of the most popular attractions at Kunstfest is the group of historical craft demonstrations. Each year, children stand in awe as they watch experts demonstrate blacksmithing, rope making, pottery, weaving, spinning and more. Some of these creations will be available for sale, and demonstrators will be present to explain the art of each craft to audiences.
ParkingDon’t worry about having to park far away from the festival! Parking will be available at the Atheneum visitor’s center, as well as the former location of the New Harmony School and with shuttles taking visitors to and from the festival.
Arts, Crafts, Antiques and MoreAt Kunstfest, vendors line the streets, showcasing art, gifts, antiques, crafts, and more on Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-4pm. Many of the local storefronts will also be open with special promotions during the festival.
Festival FoodBe sure to come hungry! We plan to have all of your German favorites — bratwurst, kraut balls, kuchen, apple cider, chicken and dumplings, German potato salad, brain sandwiches, fried bologna, ice cream, kettle corn and more! New Harmony also has delightful restaurants, bars, and a coffee shop that will be open during the weekend.
EntertainmentEvents include musical performances of many types. You will hear dulcimer players, blue grass tunes, a few polka selections and some German Folk Music genres. Plus, there will be music Friday evening on the Patio at the Red Geranium.
On Saturday evening, don’t miss the Biggest Liar’s Contest at the Murphy Auditorium, a tradition for more than 25 years. Perhaps you want to sign up in advance to compete yourself as a master prevaricator! There are also children’s activities at the family stage at Maclure Square, and more!
One of the most popular attractions at Kunstfest is the group of historical craft demonstrations. Each year, children stand in awe as they watch experts demonstrate blacksmithing, rope making, pottery, weaving, spinning and more. Some of these creations will be available for sale, and demonstrators will be present to explain the art of each craft to audiences.
ParkingDon’t worry about having to park far away from the festival! Parking will be available at the Atheneum visitor’s center, as well as the former location of the New Harmony School and with shuttles taking visitors to and from the festival.
September 22-24TH
PRAISE THE LARD: MURPHYSBORO BARBECUE COOK-OFF MURPHYSBORO ILLINOIS
17th Street Barbecue
Features three-day barbecue festival with live entertainment, street dance, raffle. Judging commences Saturday with Grand champion and other winners announced at 6 p.m. The Warehouse, 214 N. 17th Street, Murphysboro. Watch 90 teams from around the world vie for top awards at the 29th annual cook-off. Events include a Steak Cook-off, Kids’ Que, fish fry, grand champion buffet, and live music each night, as well as a market area with a variety of vendors. eat17bbq.com, 618-684-8902
SEPTEMBER 22ND- 24TH
Dairy Days- Norris City Illinois
Dairy Days- Norris City Illinois
SEPTEMBER 24TH AND 25TH
Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days- DuQuoin State Fair, DuQuoin Illinois
The Schedule of Events is not yet posted.
For more information go to https://sihfd.org/
September 24th
Magpie Market Days-Vintage Inspired Market
WHERE: Williamson County Fairgrounds
WHEN: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
ADDRESS: 101 North Fair Street, Marion, IL 62959
Magpie Market Days-Vintage Inspired Market
WHERE: Williamson County Fairgrounds
WHEN: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
ADDRESS: 101 North Fair Street, Marion, IL 62959