Whether you’re looking for live music, a festival, marathon, or something family-friendly to bring the kids to, Downstate Illinois has something for everyone! Each week we highlight a few fun events within southwest, south central and southeast Illinois.  Our region hosts over 900 events each year, and we pride ourselves on providing the most accurate event information so that you don’t miss a thing. For even more events, be sure to visit the Downstate Illinois Calendar of Events page here!

Thursday, March 10
Lucky Ladies Night Out on Historic Main Street
5-9 p.m.
Columbia, IL
Strike gold with shopping, food, and drink specials! You can purchase a $5 scratch card to win some BIG deals! Follow their Facebook page for participating businesses.  Click here for more info!

Friday, March 11 & Saturday, March 12
Shamrock Classic
4-10 p.m.
Du Quoin, IL 
It’s the 6th running of the Shamrock Classic! Two HUGE nights of action – make sure to reserve your tickets ASAP to get a FREE t-shirt! Click here for more info!

Saturday, March 12 

St. Patricks Day Block Party & Parade
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Downtown Belleville, IL 
Belleville kicks off their celebrations with the Lucky Leprechaun 5K at 9am! Then at 11am, get ready for the fun! This family-friendly event will have live music, DJs, food, a parade, and a block party! Follow their Facebook page for more updates. Click here for more info!

Saturday, March 12 & Sunday, March 13

Gun & Knife Show
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Belleville, IL 
There will be an opportunity to BUY - SELL - TRADE and a lot of Guns, Knives, Ammo and Scopes! This is the largest Hunting and Trade Show of Illinois so don't miss it! Click here for more info!

For even more events, be sure to visit the Downstate Illinois Calendar of Events page here!

*To submit an event to be published on the Downstate Illinois website, click here!