Midwest Events

Nothing says summer in Wisconsin like beer gardens! The Franksville Craft Beer Gardenis Racine County’s first and only permanent beer garden is located in the Caledonia-Mt. Pleasant Memorial Park, 9614 Northwestern Ave., Caledonia. Open weekends (through September) from 12 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays and 12 to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. More info

Enjoy a Lake Michigan sailing excursion aboard a 49-passenger wooden tall ship. Public sail times are offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Red Witch is also available for private charters including corporate outings, birthday parties, wedding proposals, and more special occasions. More info

Downtown Belleville

Old Town Market offers a variety of vendors of homegrown produce, meats, preserves, james, jellies, soaps, art, and more.

Downtown Kankakee Corner of Schuyler & Merchant

A friendly community gathering to shop for local grown produce, flowers, made fresh daily foods to eat, activities and music to enjoy while shopping or eating. Spring market starts April 28-May 19 Summer market continues from then until Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to noon

Orleans Congress Square Park

Locally grown produce, baked goods, local handcrafted items, Buck-a-Book trailer, jammer tent, Master Gardener, and fun family activities. Sponsored by Orange County HomeGrown. More info

It is the 8th year for Historic Newburgh Farmers Market and it is going to be our best yet! We’ll take over the Edgewater Grille parking lot every Saturday this summer from 8am-12pm starting this Saturday, May 26th.

The Newburgh Farmers’ Market supports local entrepreneurs who are farmers, producers, bakers, artisans and more. All come from within a 60 mile radius of Newburgh. They offer seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, poultry, eggs, flowers, bedding plants, breads, pastries, and so much more. The Market also offers breakfast food, provides a variety of local art and entertainment, and offers learning opportunities and special programming.

Come by with the family, and stock up on some new items and old favorites. Grab a coffee and breakfast from one of our vendors while you shop.  Cleo’s Bakery, Lucid and Joe Brewski will all be serving up wonderful coffee selections.

If you’re looking for something to nibble while shopping, you’ll find delicious sausage biscuits from Cleo’s Bakery, breakfast burritos from Edgewater Grille, and lots of sweet treats from vendors like Sadie’s Sweets and Katy’s Kitchen & Garden. Ben and Penny’s is also open for breakfast and lunch.  

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French Lick Town Green

Locally grown produce, baked goods, local handcrafted items, Buck-a-Book trailer, jammer tent, Master Gardener, and fun family activities. Sponsored by Orange County HomeGrown. More info

2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays in historic downtown Momence on Washington Street. More info

The Kokomo Park Band continues its summer season with “Let Freedom Ring” on July Fourth in Highland Park. The band will perform every Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. though July 25. For more information, click here. 

Patoka Lake Marina

Experience this breathtaking tour of Patoka Lake. Search for Osprey, Balk Eagles and other wildlife as you cruise the lake in style. Listen to stories from the last and learn the history surrounding the 2nd largest man-made lake in Indiana. Reservations recommended. More info

The Racine Zoo hosts the 32nd Annual Animal Crackers Concert Series at its lakefront amphitheater stage in July and August. The shows start at 7 p.m. More info

The Abbeydell Hall at the Legend of French Lick

Re-live the music of the 1950’s as the cast Rock Around the Clock with the Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Patsy Cline and Elvis just to name a few. This cast will take you back to the era of rich harmonies, classic love songs and unforgettable dances that will leave you wanting to “Twist the Night Away”! More info

Head to the Indianapolis Zoo for Animals and All That Jazz, featuring modern rhythms to R&B to world sounds. Concerts run Thursdays, July 5 – Aug. 2 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., FREE for Zoo members or included with regular admission. Visit with the animals after hours, go on some rides and enjoy new foods and beverages each time to make for a great summer experience.

A pop-up German-style Biergarten featuring Hofbrauhaus Bier from Munchen runs Thursday through Sunday, July 12-15 atl Smolenski Park, 438 Stuart Road, in Mount Pleasant. Enjoy beers from Hofbrau as well as US craft cider and beer with authentic sausages. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 12 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 to 7 p.m. Sunday. More info

The Ionia Free Fair, founded in 1915 by Ionia Mayor (and future Governor) Fred Green, celebrated 100 years of momentous carnival history in 2015. Together Mayor Green and co-founder, Fred Chapman, began the journey to create what is now referred to as the World’s Largest Free Fair. In August of 1915 the inaugural Free Fair was held featuring an automobile parade, horse races, airplane flights, balloon ascensions and parachute drops. The Midway included candy booths, ice-cream parlors, motion picture shows, merry-go-rounds and ten cent dances at the pavilion. Upwards of 20,000 people attended. The Fair’s fame and prosperity withstood two World Wars and eventually attained a national reputation due to spectacular grandstand productions and concerts. In the early 1960s big name personalities were booked to attract literally millions of fair goers over the course of the next 40 years. Minnie Pearl, Al Hirt, Sonny and Cher, Roy Clark, Bobby Vinton, Johnny Cash, Barbara Mandrell, Kenny Rogers, The Beach Boys, George Burns, The Judds, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Toby Keith, Def Leppard and New Kids on The Block are just a sampling of the entertainers who once graced the grounds here in Ionia. Additionally, generations of farming families began bringing their animals to the fair and continue to share their expertise through local 4-H programs. The Ionia Free Fair isn’t just one of Michigan’s greatest and longest running outdoor events, it is a tradition. We proudly celebrate 100 years of making memories, bringing joy to countless families and continuing our quest to entertain the masses for 10 fun filled days every summer. More info

Experience museums like you never have before! Tickets are on sale now for the 8th Annual Museum Crawl on July 13. This is a progressive adults-only, after-hours party at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Civil War Museum, and Kenosha Public Museum featuring live music, food and drink by local businesses, exhibits, transportation via the Electric Streetcar, games, and more. 

Stonefield

Join us and First Lady Tonette Walker as we walk through the picturesque grounds at Stonefield. Afterward join us for water, apples, and ice cream. More info

Eckert’s Belleville Country Store & Farms More info

Patoka Lake Marina

Enjoy a relaxing evening aboard the Patoka Voyager. Admission includes five to seven tastings, two glasses of your choice and a souvenir wine glass. More info

People of all ages gather at the end of the week over lunch to enjoy some community fun! Local charities, businesses, and vendors come together to provide a place to eat and relax, while taking in some great entertainment. More info

Downtown Champaign is the backdrop for 40 North’s Friday Night LIVE, a free street-side performance series open to the general public.  Friday Night Live is held from 6-8pm every Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Performances are held at the intersections of Neil & Church, Neil & Park, and Walnut & Chester in Downtown Champaign.

Friday Night Live includes an eclectic mix of music and street performances including bluegrass, jazz, folk, rock, and blues, along with a cappella, bellydancing, and live painting.  More info

An annual tradition for fishing fans, the Big One is back! Salmon-A-Rama, a favorite fishing tournament of Lake Michigan anglers, runs from 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 13 to 11 a.m. Sunday, July 22. Tournament headquarters are at Pershing Park, 500 Pershing Drive, on Racine’s lakefront.

Stop by the headquarters tent daily to check on the leaderboards for who is in the running for the $25,000 grand prize for the largest fish. The Salmon-A-Rama grounds feature vendors, food and drink each day. There is live music July 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21.

Salmon-A-Rama is presented by Salmon Unlimited of Wisconsin. More info

A variety of farm equipment will be on on display for you to sit in, take pictures of, or even go for a ride. Chat with your local farmer about what their equipment is used for and learn all about their job. Also included with your admission is a 10-minute wagon ride. Be sure to check out the rest of the farm, including a huge playground, rubber ducky water park, gift barn, bakery and homegrown produce (season permitting) on July 14 from 10 AM to 4 PM at Skelly’s Farm Market.  More info

Venture to the Indiana Landmarks Center Saturday, July 14, for a Treasure Hunt. The antiques market, which is accompanied by plentiful y’arrrd sales throughout the Old Northside, features vendors, food trucks, performers and a scavenger hunt.  Check out more than 60 dealers in antiques, collectibles and architectural salvage from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for FREE.  Early admission at 8 a.m. is $5.

Field of Dreams Movie Site

Laughter, music, dancing, a bit of baseball, pranks, wholesome family fun and more return to the Field of Dreams Movie Site this summer as the Field of Dreams Movie Site Ghost Players begin their series of five appearances on Sunday, July 1.

This free 90-minute “greatest show on dirt” begins at 1 p.m. Ballpark fare, beverages, souvenirs and free parking are available on site. Admission is free and contributions to keep the Field beautiful for generations to come are welcome.

Every other Sunday through August 12. More info

Amana Colonies

July 14 and 15 is Bike and Hike Weekend in the Amana Colonies. Bring your bike or walking shoes and enjoy a great summer weekend outdoors. The centerpiece of the weekend takes place with Millstream Brewery’s Tour de Brew, but you’ll find bike and hike trails for every age and ability level.

We have planned three biking events for this weekend and seven walking routes. More info

Join us for the 2nd Annual Sounds of Summer Concert Series which will be held in Bower Park in Olney IL each Thursday in June and July (with the exception of July 12th)  More info

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of Michigan’s finest summer traditions and one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the nation. From Thursday, July 19 to Sunday, July 22, the streets of Ann Arbor will transform into an art lover’s paradise where you can experience and enjoy original works of art, street performances, culinary treats and a variety of sidewalk sales. From seasoned art enthusiasts to novice collectors, thousands will make the trip to discover something truly inspiring. More info

Watch the magnificent and breathtaking views of hot air balloons floating in the summer skies over Waterford! The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce presents this journey of magic in the sky! This year, Balloonfest will be hosting the US Women’s National Balloon Championship from Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22.

You’ll find a host of activities at the festival grounds, 817 West Main St.,  including tethered rides, pilot meet-and-greet, arts and crafts fair, music, pancake breakfast and much more! This is a family event you will not want to miss!  Free admission. Festival lot parking: $10. More info

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W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds

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Spend an evening at the first ever ‘Friday Night Lights Fest’ kickoff event for 7UP Chicago Bears Training Camp! Enjoy activities, entertainment and the chance to receive an autograph from a Chicago Bears alum…all while experiencing an Illinois Made Maker! More info

West Baden Springs Hotel Atrium

Enjoy the ultimate expression of West Baden Springs Hotel—the luxury of Europe with the warmth of home. Decadent desserts made in-house and served with expertly paired wine varietals from around the world; hosted by their very own wine expert. More info

Yankton Trail Park

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West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time…and it all takes place in downtown Kankakee, Illinois. If you’ve never experienced theater under the stars, now’s your chance! More info

French Lick Scenic Railway

Climb aboard for an hour and a half long train ride through the hills of Southern Indiana while sampling a variety of different Scotches. More info

Tour eight local home gardens and Rotary Botanical Gardens on July 21 from 9 AM to 3 PM to gain knowledge and inspiration for your home garden. Learn about the history of each garden, listen to live music and meet the homeowners. Tickets may be purchased at Rotary Botanical Gardens. More info

A trend that’s hitting the nation! Use the practice of yoga to connect and celebrate with breathing techniques, partner poses, song and guided meditation, all while in the friendly company of goats.

A session is set for Saturday, July 21 at Oak Hollow Farm, 2208 Springwood Lane, rural Burlington. It’s the perfect blend of fitness, laughter, family fun and relaxation. Please bring a mat or towel. Appropriate for children ages 3-12 and their playful adult(s). $25 per family (up to 3), $10 for each additional person. More info  

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8:15 a.m., except August 11, which is 7:10 p.m. Gates open 45 minutes prior to practice.

Kankakee County is excited to welcome the Chicago Bears back to Olivet Nazarene University for the 2018 7UP Chicago Bears Training Camp! Share your love for the Chicago Bears with the entire family, and plan your visit today! More info

West Baden Springs Hotel Atrium

Enjoy the soothing sounds of live classical harp music as you delight in a proper afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones and petit fours in the atrium. Sip and savor from a variety of gourmet teas sure to refresh you. More info

West Baden Springs Hotel

Rub shoulders with some of the rich, famous, and notorious guests who visited West Baden Springs during its heyday in the ’teens and ’20s. On select Saturdays, Twilight Tours explore what it was like to be a guest of the West Baden Springs Hotel during its grand era. More info

Head out to McCloud Nature Park, just outside of North Salem, on Saturday night at 9 p.m. for Hendricks County Parks & Recreation’s Astronomy program.

Members of the Indiana Astronomical Society begin the evening with a Sky Seminar inside the Nature Center at the park at 9 p.m., and then everyone goes outside at 9:30 p.m. to view the night sky through some powerful telescopes. Guests can also bring their own telescopes if they’d like.

Given McCloud Nature Park’s location within Hendricks County, light pollution is minimal, making it a fantastic spot to see what’s out there in space.

This program is free to attend. For more information about this monthly program, click here.  

Come to this fantastic show of warbirds lined up for the entire family to enjoy, with air-rides, ground-tours, live 1940s music, reenactors, vehicles, displays, and food and ice cream vendors on July 21 & 22 from 8 AM to 6 PM at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport. Follow the link for more information on historic aircraft and event activities. More info

The restored 1860s mansion on the Kemper Center grounds features the largest suspension stairway in the state. Admission is free. More info

The oldest, largest and longest bicycling touring event in the world begins at the Missouri River, travels 400+ miles across the state and ends at the Mississippi River. This year’s overnight towns: Onawa, Denison, Jefferson, Ames, Newton, Sigourney, Iowa City and Davenport. More info

Pro-Am Beach Soccer brings a qualifying tournament to Racine’s North Beach, 100 Kewaunee St. on Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22. Teams from throughout the U.S. will have opportunities at this and six other tournaments to qualify for the U.S. Beach Soccer National Championship, also held at North Beach, on Aug. 17-19. Free for spectators. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. More info  

As the oldest 4-H fair in the United States, the Rock County 4-H Fair in Janesville, WI has plenty to offer each and every visitor from 7 AM to 11 PM, July 24 – 29. From the numerous animals to the carnival and every unique exhibit in between, the Rock County 4-H Fair allows visitors one special week a year to experience the many projects and learn from the county’s youth. Follow the link to learn about this year’s entertainment.  More info

Patoka Lake Beach, 9:30 p.m.

Race 3.1miles through the woods on roadways, a well-maintained gravel and grass lane and paved bike trail lit by moonlight and luminaries. Race for a cause! All proceeds from this event will go to support Patoka’s non-releasable raptors; a red-tailed hawk, eastern screech owl and bald eagle. More info

Washington Township Park

Live performances by Audiodacity on June 15; Guys On A Bus on July 27; and The Doo on August 10. More info

Discover why Brown County is known as the great Art Colony of the Midwest as you stroll the downtown Village, admiring original local and regional fine arts and crafts during this free, self-guided tour! Meet the artists, see them at work, and enjoy some music, food, and wine while you’re at it.

A new feature of Burlington’s Maxwell Street Days, The Vintage Square is a curated 2-day outdoor street market with a focus on all things vintage, antique, reclaimed, repurposed, upcycled and handmade. See it at Wehmhoff Square Friday and Saturday, July 27-28.

There will be a craft beer trailer, food, music and 60+ artists/vendors to shop. More info  

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Jam out in Kankakee County at this year’s Merchant Street MusicFest! The two-day fest includes Illinois bands, a craft fair, local cuisine, and fun for all ages! Kids are free on July 27 from 2-5PM (score!). Hop on over to the fest after a day at 7UP Chicago Bears Training Camp…it will not disappoint! More info

Looking for a fun day trip this summer?  Check out the Bright Community Festival, where food, fun and fabulous prizes are on the agenda July 27-28.  A special fundraiser for the Bright Fire Department and EMS, the Bright Festival is known for its legendary raffles and giveaways.  In addition to the great prizes, visitors will find lots to see and do, including free live music and entertainment throughout the weekend.  Other popular activities include a parade and chicken dinner on Saturday, carnival rides and games, a beer garden, gaming, crafts, and more.

More info

Sioux Falls, SD
July 28
Folk Off & Rib Challenge
Strawbale Winery

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The annual Rhumfest will be Saturday, July 28, in Foster Park. The day-long festival will feature bands and musicians of all ages from Rhum Academy of Music. WLRS will be the event’s headliner. Get all the details here.

Racine’s North Beach, 100 Kewaunee St., hosts the ONLY Midwest stop for the Pro Watercross National Tour on Saturday and Sunday July 28-29. The Tour features the best personal watercraft teams in the world competing for cash prizes in racing and freestyle divisions. Spectator admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. More info

French Lick Scenic Railway

The bandits known as the Lost River Renegades strike again on the French Lick Express. Local marshals are lookin’ for brave souls to climb aboard the next train ride to help catch the scoundrels. More info

Don’t miss this two day event at Raccoon Lake in Centralia, Illinois! Admission is only $2.00 for adults (children 12 and under free) and concessions will be available. The Outboard Power Boat Races are presented by the National Boat Racing Association and Outboard Drivers Association. More info

Bring a towel and an extra set of clothes as kids may get wet, slimed or splattered! Activities include sling shot paint toss, slimy crawl, water balloon scoot, muddy tire run, baggie burst volcanoes, bubble wrap slime and fire truck water fights. More info

Gourmet food trucks from around the Urbana-Champaign area will converge on the Urbana Civic Center located at 108 E. Water Street on the last Tuesday of each month in April, May, June, July, August, September and October for a lunchtime food truck rally series.

This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. There will be outdoor and indoor seating (inside the Civic Center) and access to restrooms.

Take this chance to get out of your office and head over to Urbana’s Civic Center to socialize, enjoy our beautiful downtown area, and feast on a great selection of C-U’s finest street food. More info

On the First Friday of the month, June through September, DTSF treats you to the ultimate block party experience. These FREE events are located on the Eastbank of downtown Sioux Falls.

Enjoy live music, food vendors, beer, wine, and shopping at some of the most unique stores along the boardwalk of the 8th & Railroad Center.

Block party events provide a casual atmosphere that is family-friendly and fun for all ages. Picnic tables will be provided, but feel free to bring your own lawn chair. Kick back and enjoy the sounds of local and regional acts performing each evening including Minneapolis blues, South Dakota folk, and everything in between.

Retail, food, and interactive vendors are set up along the venue’s peripheral which complements the great retail stores along the boardwalk of the 8th & Railroad Center, providing a marketplace type atmosphere to purchase unique gifts. More info

French Lick Scenic Railway

Come celebrate old world German tradition with American pride! Climb aboard the French Lick Scenic Railway and travel to Jasper for the traditional German-themed Strassenfest! The train will have a 4.5 hour layover allowing you to enjoy food, fun and festivities before heading back to French Lick. More info

Veteran’s Park, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Market Days is Mt. Vernon’s very own outdoor flea market and vendor fair. Now located at Veteran’s Park, 800 S. 27th St. Market Days occurs on the first Saturday of every month between May and September. At Market Days, a variety of vendors sell diverse items such as antiques, collectibles, handmade items, plants, jewelry, blacksmith, flea market finds, produce, baked goods, kettle corn and much more. Admission is free and kids’s activities such as inflatables are provided. Visit, shop, and enjoy the Market atmosphere at Mt. Vernon’s Market Days. For more information call (618) 242-3151.

The Wind Point Lighthouse, 4725 Lighthouse Drive, should be on everybody’s bucket list! A climb to the top of the 108-foot tower delivers spectacular views.

The lighthouse is open to the public for guided tours and climbs up the 144 tower steps on  Sunday, July 1 (as well as the first Sundays of June through October). Sunday tours take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., every half hour. The tower climb is also offered Saturdays, June 30, Aug. 4 and Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Admission is $10 per adult (ages 12 and up) and $5 for children (ages 6-11). Due to safety and liability concerns, no children under age 6 are admitted to the tower. Walk-ups are welcome; advance reservations are recommended. For more information or to make a tour reservation online, click here.

Parade, pie-eating contests, Rotary fly-in, pancake breakfasts, classic car show, craft fair, and sidewalk sales More info.

Balloon Fest is a three-day hot air balloon festival featuring 40 hot air balloons, entertainment, crafts, tethered balloon rides, cardboard boat races, car show, fireworks, children’s activities and lots of good food. The event is attended by approximately 40,000 visitors in scenic Foundation Park. The Balloon Fest is held the third full weekend in August. Details about Balloon Fest.

The 28th Annual WeatherTech Berwyn Route 66 Car Show will be held on Ogden Avenue in Berwyn on Sat, Aug 25. Berwyn has always been a great Route 66 town with a thriving, dynamic and fast-growing community at its heart. The Route 66 Car Show is the area’s best and biggest car show where visitors can soak up the classic car culture of Historic Route 66 with a stroll down the Mother Road itself. Marvel at over 550 vintage and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles! The event also features live entertainment (see schedule below) and a variety of hometown eats.

Spectator admission is free so bring the whole family! Event takes place on Ogden Ave, running between Oak Park Ave & Ridgeland Ave. For those seeking an early peek, vehicles start their procession to their parking spots around 7AM. The event officially runs from 10AM to 4PM on Sat, Aug 25. This event is rain or shine! No rain date.

The Abbeydell Hall at The Legend of French Lick

A Branson, MO styled show featuring music of the 1960’s and 70’s. This new hit musical production will take you back to the days of beach blankets to the BeeGees, the British Invasion and Motown. Audiences enjoy the high energy of this outta site journey of music, dance and the rockin’ harmonies of the day. More info

“Harley-Davidson is gearing up to celebrate 115 years of the world’s best motorcycles here in Milwaukee,” said Bill Davidson, Vice President, Harley-Davidson Museum. “We’re welcoming everyone, motorcycle riders and non-riders alike from around the world, to the birthplace of Harley-Davidson to join in the celebration.”

New for the 115^th anniversary in Milwaukee will be motorcycle events throughout the city. Harley-Davidson will host – for the first time ever – beach motorcycle racing on Bradford Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as sponsoring “Run What You Brung” drag racing, Flat Out Friday flat-track racing and more.

A complete list of 115^th Anniversary events and activities – including rides home details, Rally-Pack specifics and their exclusive benefits, motorcycle rentals, organized local rides, tour routes, street parties, as well as lodging and camping – is available at H-D.com/115th.

A World War II amphibious vessel arrives in the Quad Cities on August 30, 2018.  The USS LST 325 (which is almost as long as a football field!) will dock on the Mississippi riverfront at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa.

The last time this vessel visited the Quad Cities was 10 years ago, and it saw over 16,000 visitors when it was here.

Tours of the ship will be available daily from August 30 through September 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will last approximately 45 minutes.  Tour prices are Adults $10; Ages 6-17 $5; 5 years and under and WWII Veterans are free.  Group ticket pricing is available.  For more information on the ship, visit www.LSTmemorial.org.

Editor’s Note: We toured the USS LST-325 in Evansville a few years ago. Read about it here.

Since 1995, families from across the nation have come to Haunted Atchison Tours, a one-hour narrated ride aboard the Atchison Trolley to see the sites and hear about the mysteries. More info

French Lick Resort

Enjoy local food vendors at food truck alley at the Event Center Plaza at French Lick Springs Hotel. This event is open to the public and does not require tickets. More info

The Abbeydell Hall at The Legend of French Lick

A Branson, MO styled show featuring music of the 1960’s and 70’s. This new hit musical production will take you back to the days of beach blankets to the BeeGees, the British Invasion and Motown. Audiences enjoy the high energy of this outta site journey of music, dance and the rockin’ harmonies of the day. More info

Enjoy food vendors, music, crafts, parade and fun for the entire family. Located on the Historic Paoli Square. More info

Patoka Lake

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon aboard the Patoka Voyager. Admission includes five to seven tastings, two glasses of your choice and a souvenir wine glass. More info

West Baden Springs Hotel Atrium

Enjoy the ultimate expression of West Baden Springs Hotel—the luxury of Europe with the warmth of home. Decadent desserts made in-house and served with expertly paired wine varietals from around the world; hosted by their very own wine expert. More info

The second annual event of its kind in South Haven – a free event with local talent, wine, and activities on the beach. More info.

Downtown French Lick

“Cutting Edge Art” at it’s finest! Watch some of the top chainsaw carvers in the nation up close and personal downtown French Lick during this annual bash. Live chainsaw carving, carving auction, live entertainment, wine & beer gardens, car show, artisan marketplace and more! More info

West Baden Springs Hotel

Experience a rewind through sports history at Vintage Base Ball, which portrays America’s pastime as it was played in the earliest days of the sport. Vintage teams will take the lawn of West Baden Springs Hotel for a weekend exhibition from the period when “base ball” was two words and the game was played with rudimentary rules of the mid-1800s. More info

French Lick Scenic Railway

Climb aboard for an hour and a half long train ride through the hills of Southern Indiana while sampling a variety of different Bourbons from around Kentucky. More info

The 7th Annual Mt. Vernon Fall Fest will be held September 28-30. This year’s theme, “Illinois Proud,” will focus on the state’s bicentennial. 2018 is Illinois’ 200th birthday, and Mt. Vernon’s Fall Fest will participate as an official bicentennial event for the state. Illinois officially became a state on Dec. 3, 1818, and events are being held throughout the year in cities across the state to celebrate. The Illinois bicentennial is an opportunity to recognize the widespread impact Illinois’ residents have made and celebrate the state’s rich history and culture.

The “Illinois Proud” theme will permeate throughout the entire three-day festival. A celebrated, 100+ entry parade, that features a Marching Band Expo awarding $4000 in prizes to help fund regional middle & high school bands, returns to Fall Fest 2018 on Saturday, September 29. This year, participants will build floats, decorate trailers, trucks & automobiles, gather families and friends, and even develop impressive marching band routines all to the theme “Illinois Proud” to celebrate the state we live in!

From Friday at 5 p.m. until Sunday at 5 p.m. entertainment at Fall Fest will, once again, be in abundance. Performer details will be announced soon, but Blues Sunday is confirmed to return in 2018! The Kids Zone, Fall Fest 5K for Special Olympics, DMDC Cruise-In, Tri-State Treasure Hunt for Kids, and the Mt. Vernon Business Women’s Club “Great Pumpkin Contest” are all on schedule to return in 2018, as well.

Fall Fest 2018 is opening the doors to Southern Illinois as we celebrate “Illinois Proud”. Consider this your invitation to the most exciting three days you’ll spend in the festival arts city from September 28 – September 30! Watch for more information soon at www.facebook.com/mtvfallfest.

Wilstem Ranch

Pick out a pumpkin and experience some other fun family activities amidst the fabulous fall foliage! Take a wagon ride through the pasture to see zebra and bison. Don’t miss our petting farm! More info

The Mansion

Be scared out of your boots in this eerie mansion gone ghoulish complete with spiders, creaking doors and startling creepiness. An actual ghost sighting is always a possibility at The Mansion any time of the year! More info

Carnival, food booths, vendor booths, flea market, games, entertainment and more. Parade will be held on Sunday. More info

Figge Art Museum
From October 9, 2018, to January 6, 2019, the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa, presents the exhibitionFrench Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850-1950 from the world-renowned collection of the Brooklyn Museum in New York. The exhibition, organized by the Brooklyn Museum, brings together 60 paintings and sculptures by some of the world’s most treasured artists including Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse, Degas, Rodin, and many more. Members of the Figge Art Museum will be allowed access to the exhibition during a special member preview weekend on October 6-7 and the exhibition will open to the public beginning October 9.

The Figge will offer a variety of programs related to the exhibition including lectures, films, exhibition tours, free family day, classes and more to be announced. For complete details, visit www.figgeartmuseum.org as the exhibition opening date nears.

Downtown French Lick

Find unique works of art by regional artists and craftsmen during this juried art show. Meet the artists and watch demonstrations daily. Featuring ceramic art, garden art, jewelry, lapidary art, metal art, photography, primitive dolls, textiles and much more. Entertainment daily. Food and fun for the whole family. More info

French Lick Scenic Railway

The bandits known as the Lost River Renegades strike again on the French Lick Express. Local marshals are lookin’ for brave souls to climb aboard the next train ride to help catch the scoundrels. More info

Pumpkin chuckin’, zombie runs, haunts, pies, cider, and free live music More info.

Experience wine tasting at West Baden Springs Hotel paired with five courses of a variety of hors d’oeuvres. The event includes American and European wine presentations by their house wine expert highlighting a different imported or domestic varietal with each pairing. The Atrium is the ultimate wine tasting room! Reservations required. More info

West Baden Springs Hotel

You’ve always wondered how to mix drinks like a master. French Lick Resort will help you get it down to a science. More info

Month-long activities, small-town holiday charm, merrily lit streets, Mistletoe Market, holiday parade and more! More info.