Events in Marion, IL

Marion Aldersgate Church offers free, conversation-focused English classes for adults, open to learners of any background, language, or country of origin. Sessions are interactive and activity based, helping participants build practical, everyday language skills while connecting with others in a welcoming community. A brief level interview is completed during the first session to place each student appropriately. Classes are held on Tuesdays, with a summer break and a return to weekly meetings afterward. Instruction is free, and there is a $20 fee for the book and classroom materials. A short registration form is requested to collect student information, and confirmation will be sent by email or phone.

Lost Forest hosts a bingo night featuring prizes, coupons, and a few surprises. Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps are featured on the menu, making it easy to enjoy a bite between games. Attendees can expect a fun evening and the classic thrill of calling bingo.

This weekly cooking session brings community members together to prepare wholesome meals for the Rotary Serves Food pantry. Ingredients are available, and regular volunteers are needed for tasks such as chopping and prep, cooking, portioning, labeling, and cleaning. The meals made here are shared with pantry guests on Fridays and Sundays. #FeedingOthersIsLove

SI Cards and The Oasis Group partner to present a monthly sports card trade night at ThrillHouse in Marion. Collectors can bring their cards and connect with others to buy, sell, and trade in a relaxed setting. A dedicated area near the electronic darts and mini golf will be set aside for the event. ThrillHouse will offer food and beverage specials, and giveaways will take place throughout. The gathering is open to experienced collectors, newcomers, and families with young hobbyists.

Step into a special Splatter Room session where families and friends can unleash color together and make their own messy, memorable artwork. Participants ages 4 and up are welcome, with playful paint games and activities created for a family-friendly experience. Babies ages 0 to 3 may attend at no cost with a parent or guardian present, and the accompanying adult still needs a paid ticket. A waiver is required for every participant, and a parent or guardian must complete it for anyone under 18. Create a one-of-a-kind piece by tossing paint across blank canvases and even on one another. Wear clothes that can get messy, or purchase a white T-shirt or paint suit on site. Washable paints are used, and all glow colors rinse from hair and skin, though stains may remain on clothing. The paint meets ASTMD-4236 safety standards. A sink is available for quick cleanup of hands and faces, but expect to leave splattered. Finished canvases can be left to dry and picked up the next day, with a seven-day window for retrieval. Shipping is available for an additional fee.

The Moonshine Run sets a party mood with The Hoot N Holler Band performing. Rock tunes and good food come together for a lively night.

Explore a fall flea market and yard sale at the Williamson County Fairgrounds, featuring yard sale discoveries, flea market finds, antiques, crafts, and seasonal items. Admission for shoppers is free. Sellers can reserve space, with a 10 by 10 area priced at $10 and a 10 by 20 or trailer spot at $15 when paid in advance. A limited number of covered spaces are available for $15. For details or to reserve, contact Fair Board Member Cassie at 618-964-4987.

The Moonshine Run is the final stop of the Fire & Iron MC Station 77 Benefit Ride supporting Veterans Honor Flight. A pre-ride breakfast will be available for $10 per plate, and every dollar from breakfast goes directly to Veterans Honor Flight. All vehicles are welcome to participate. Ride registration takes place at Full House Gaming Parlor on Old 13 in Marion, and the finish is at The Moonshine Run in Johnston City, where attendees can enjoy food, drinks, live music, raffles, and door prizes while supporting those who served.

Drop in at the library for come-and-go activities for kids. Participants can have their activity cards stamped each month they take part in these activity days, and completed cards can be turned in for a prize at the end of the year.

Dance Monkey brings a festive, full-production show to Just Add Water. The Chicago-based group, formed in 2024, has performed across the Midwest at casinos, state fairs, weddings, corporate events, and bars and clubs. Their set spans multiple eras and genres, tailored to connect with audiences of all ages, and they add their own twist to familiar favorites. With smoke, lighting, video elements, and costume changes enhancing the performance, the band presents a musical journey through hits people know and love, creating a night to remember.

This weekly get-together supports a food pantry by turning available ingredients into meals. Volunteers are needed to help with washing and chopping, cooking, portioning, labeling, and cleaning so everything is organized for distribution. #FeedingOthersIsLove

A stewardship day at First Presbyterian Church of Marion, IL focuses on the Cultivating Care Food Donation Garden. Illinois Extension staff and volunteers offer hands-on guidance to build confidence in watering, weeding, and harvesting. Harvests are weighed, then delivered to the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Marion, supporting neighbors and families in need. It is also an opportunity to connect with community members and share practical gardening tips. Registration is recommended so participants can be contacted if poor weather leads to a cancellation. Local Illinois Extension contacts for this site include Horticulture Educator Kim Rohling, Horticulture Program Coordinator Erica Lunde, and lead Master Gardener volunteer Sasha Milburn.

Skyline Creek Productions presents Stryper live at Marion Cultural and Civic Center, bringing a landmark name in Christian hard rock back to the stage. More than four decades into a prolific run, the band continues its legacy with Throne of Thorns, the 18th studio album on Frontiers Music Srl that channels tight vocal harmonies, guitar‑driven power, and passionate delivery into songs that balance muscle, melody, and message. Recent milestones include When We Were Kings, which appeared on multiple Billboard charts and reached No. 2 on the Christian Albums list, along with the acoustic release To Hell With The Amps and the holiday collection The Greatest Gift of All from 2025. The group is also advancing a Kickstarter‑funded documentary that exceeded its original goal with support from more than 1,700 backers and earned a Projects We Love distinction. Stryper rose to prominence in the 1980s with Top 40 hits like Calling on You, Honestly, and Always There for You, surpassing 10 million albums sold worldwide. The multiplatinum To Hell with the Devil became a genre touchstone, and videos for Free and Honestly aired simultaneously in MTV’s Top 10. The current lineup features three original members Michael Sweet on lead vocals and guitar, Robert Sweet on drums, and Oz Fox on guitar, joined by bassist Perry Richardson, formerly of FireHouse.

Little Nashville partners with Glaciers End twice each month to serve slow smoked, flash fried wings coated in handmade sauces. Look for 75-cent wings on the first and second Wednesday and sample the full range of Glaciers End flavors.

Master Naturalist Lily Glaeser and Indigo Nathani lead an easygoing nature walk focused on spotting birds and building identification skills. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or experience. Registration is required in case of weather-related cancellation, and binoculars are available to borrow with a reservation. Sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and supported through partnerships with Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Giant City State Park, Green Earth, Southern Illinois Audubon Society, the Shawnee Chapter of Illinois Audubon Society, and the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Zoology Department.

The fifth annual Little Grassy Get Down returns to SIU Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in Makanda, Illinois, with a family friendly celebration of Americana and bluegrass. The festival spotlights primarily original sets by Midwest artists, alongside food, activities, and local vendors. Between performances, explore scenic trails for hiking and biking and take in the natural beauty of the Shawnee forest and Touch of Nature. A range of ticket options is available, from full weekend access to single day entry, and children under 15 attend free with a paying adult. A weekend pass costs 110 dollars in advance and 125 dollars at the gate. Friday day passes are 35 dollars in advance and 45 dollars at the gate, Saturday day passes are 65 dollars in advance and 75 dollars at the gate, and Sunday day passes are 35 dollars in advance and 45 dollars at the gate. SIU students can choose a weekend pass that includes tent camping for 75 dollars in advance or 85 dollars at the gate, as well as a Saturday student pass for 35 dollars in advance or 45 dollars at the gate. The complete lineup and ticketing information can be found on Touch of Nature’s website. On site lodging is offered only with a weekend pass and includes tent or car camping, camp cabins, bunkhouse accommodations, and a limited number of drydock RV spots. Nearby options include hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns, lodges, campgrounds, and rentals. Please note that dogs are not permitted in SIU buildings under campus policy. Service dogs are welcome.

This event features a solo performance.

Explore a creative twist on painting at Market Street Music Conservatory with a hands-on workshop for adults led by art instructor Lindsey Nelson. Participants use coffee grounds in a watercolor-style approach to craft original artwork while enjoying coffee. The fee is $30 and includes all materials and coffee. Suitable for experienced artists as well as those curious to try something new.

The Garden Club at the Library brings together plant lovers for conversations, guest speakers, and projects to work on. Everyone is welcome.

Welcome autumn with music, coffee, and kid friendly pony rides at Panther’s Rest Farm and coffee roasters. Watch beans roast on site and ask as many questions as you like. Admission is free, and pony rides are $10. The venue is about 20 minutes south of Marion, around 30 minutes southeast of Carbondale, and roughly 50 minutes northwest of Paducah.

The Little Egypt Comedy Festival presents Lukas McCrary, an Austin-based stand-up with roots in East Tennessee. His credits include being featured on Netflix’s 20 Somethings, sets at SXSW and Skankfest, and more than 7 million views across Instagram and TikTok. He has shared stages with Tim Dillon, Tom Green, Erik Griffin, Maria Bamford, and Brian Simpson. In Austin, he earned a place in the inaugural class of comedians at Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership following a successful audition.

A women-focused rock climbing getaway at Camp Manitowa blends skill-building at the crag with relaxing camp life. The experience begins with an arrival evening that includes dinner, a friendly meet and mingle, an overview from Sally Drake, and a bonfire with music. Over the next two days, participants travel by bus to Giant City State Park’s Devil's Standtable Area to work with Jon Richards of Vertical Voyages and climber-yoga instructor Debby Siegel. Newer climbers start with essential knots and belay technique, movement fundamentals, warm up climbs, and a first rappel, then progress to focused climbing on varied routes with an optional rappel on the second day. Experienced outdoor climbers can choose advanced coaching or a self-sufficient option if using their own approved gear. Each climbing day features coffee and a light breakfast at camp, sack lunches at the crag, and time to unwind before restorative yoga and a sound bath with Debby, dinner, and an evening bonfire with music. A hiking-only registration is available for those who prefer the nearby trails, with room for downtime such as reading or relaxing and the chance to watch the climbers. After the second climbing day, participants on the climbing-only plan may depart, or stay to bundle the experience with the Women’s Adventure Retreat, which welcomes an additional group and adds live Indie Folk and Americana music around the fire with Jeremy Todd. Instructional sessions include use of a harness, helmet, climbing shoes, a chalk bag, and a belay device with a locking carabiner, and personal gear may be used if approved by an instructor. For time outdoors, plan to bring snacks and a water bottle, comfortable weather-ready clothing that allows easy movement, closed-toe hiking or trail shoes, a backpack, necessary medications, sun protection, and a camera or phone. A hammock can be a nice addition at some crags. For camp life, pack bedding and towels, a yoga mat, a flashlight or headlamp, ear plugs, layers for changing conditions, a small blanket for bonfires, and a heated blanket or small space heater if staying in a yurt. Overnight accommodations include yurts and cabins, with the option to share with friends or a group and an additional fee for heated cabins or private yurts. Registration options are available to match different experience levels and interests.

Cheer on STL City against the Vancouver Whitecaps at a local City Bar, where City games are celebrated in a big way. A giveaway will begin at the start of the second half, and guests must arrive before halftime to receive a ticket. Enjoy the match with fellow City fans.

Celebrate International Credit Union Day with a complimentary on-site document shredding event. Bring up to 50 pounds of personal paper documents to be shredded at no cost, and please remain in your vehicle to help keep traffic moving smoothly. Examples of acceptable items include bank or credit union statements and old checks, medical and insurance forms, documents that list Social Security numbers, tax paperwork more than three years old, and credit card statements. Non-perishable food donations will also be accepted for a local food pantry.

Ceci offers tech support at the library for a variety of needs. Get help setting up a new phone, logging in and navigating a computer, or using a laptop, whether new or old. She can also assist with specific software programs and other technology questions.

At Camp Manitowa at Rend Lake, this women’s retreat with Sally Drake centers on connection, discovery, joy, and peace. All fitness levels are welcome. Participants choose how much adventurous activity to include and how much time to devote to spiritual reflection. A tentative schedule and updates are available on the event website. There is also an option to bundle with the Women’s Rock Climbing Retreat.

This facility drive brings the community together to support heroes and emphasizes transparency by allowing visitors to see how donations are used. The facilities open to the public one day each month so veteran residents can prepare for the occasion. At all other times, visits are by appointment. The setting is intended to be safe and quiet, offering a place where hope can grow.

The 2026 Makanda Vulture Fest brings a weekend of autumn fun to downtown Makanda, Illinois, celebrating all things vulture with live music, local art, tasty food, and unique shopping. Look for a festive atmosphere filled with seasonal flair and community creativity. Further details will be announced as the event approaches. The organizers are also seeking volunteers to support the parking crew and can be reached at makandafestevents@gmail.com.

Craft a ghost decoration using a mop and a vase in the YA Department. This hands-on activity is for teens ages 12 to 18.

Enjoy a free adult crafting class at West Frankfort Public Library, where the specific project will be revealed closer to the event. All materials are provided. Seating is limited, so call the library to reserve a spot.

Karaoke takes over The Ranch Bar Route 37 with a sing along lineup covering country, classic rock and more. Participants can grab the mic and perform favorites, whether showing skilled vocals or simply having fun. Expect an upbeat atmosphere with plenty of laughs, plus food and drinks available. It is a chance to share your voice and style with friends during a spirited night of music.

A solo appearance takes place at the vineyard location, offering a focused, one-person experience.

Howl-O-Ween Trivia Night offers a spooky, fall-themed evening that benefits Down the Leash Service Dogs. All proceeds support the program’s mission to help end veteran suicide. The organization provides struggling veterans with a new mission by teaching them to train their own service dogs at no cost.

A community e-waste drive, presented by the City of Herrin in partnership with CJD E-Cycling, provides a drop-off opportunity for unwanted electronics. Accepted items include most products with a power cord as well as metal items such as servers, network switches, desktop towers, printers, landline phones, cable boxes, cell phones, wireless modems, audio and video equipment, holiday lights, home electronics, telecommunication devices, and lead acid batteries. Televisions and computer monitors are accepted in a range of formats including CRT, console, projection, plasma, and flat screen. Certain materials cannot be taken. These include radioactive materials, alkaline batteries, light bulbs, household smoke detectors, hazardous substances like oil, antifreeze, and paint, flammable items, explosives such as firearms, ammunition, and shells, non electronic waste such as tires, wood, asbestos, office waste, furniture, fiberglass, insulation, roofing, and dirt, as well as other hazardous items including pesticides, oil filters, air bags, lead, mercury switches, and fluorescent lights. Media such as DVDs, CDs, cassette tapes, and VHS tapes are also not accepted. Items should meet these guidelines before drop-off.

A lively party fills The Log Cabin, and costumes are entirely optional. Whether you arrive in full costume or everyday attire, the focus is simply on having fun in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Master Naturalist Lily Glaeser and Indigo Nathani guide a relaxed walk focused on watching birds and learning how to recognize them in nearby natural areas. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experienced birders. Registration is required so attendees can be contacted if poor weather leads to a cancellation. Binoculars are available to borrow with a reservation. This program is offered by University of Illinois Extension with support from Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Giant City State Park, Green Earth, Southern Illinois Audubon Society, the Shawnee Chapter of Illinois Audubon Society, and the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Zoology Department.

Bill Harper delivers a solo performance at Teddy's Sports Bar & Grill during a rib night event.

Experience a lively night of nonstop karaoke at Ranch Bar Route 37. Take the mic and belt out favorites across country, classic rock, and more, whether you are aiming for standout vocals or just singing for fun. Bring your voice, your style, and friends to share the spotlight. Enjoy drinks and food, along with lots of laughs and an upbeat atmosphere. Step into the lights and make it a memorable karaoke night.

At Al Becken Pavilion at McAllister Park, this fun run event features multiple distances so participants can pick what fits their pace. First is a short kids dash of about 100 yards, followed by a half mile, a one mile option, and a 5K. You can run or walk, and take part in as many distances as you like. Water is provided at the starting area. The event is free and open to the public, endorsed by the Mayor’s Fitness Council and the City of San Antonio. It welcomes new runners of all ages, experienced runners working on race pace, and students on track or cross-country teams.

Merry & Bright Holiday Market is an annual, family-friendly shopping event that supports students. Shoppers can explore a wide variety of vendors offering holiday decor, boutique clothing, handmade wood crafts, artwork, bath items, candles, baked goods, candy, charcuterie, and more, making it easy to find gifts for everyone. Several food trucks will be on site, and seating will be available for meals or a quick break. Children can visit with Santa and take photos, with photography provided by BAT photography. Admission is $3 per person, children 12 and under are free, and parking is free.

A local City Bar in Southern Illinois will welcome City fans to watch the game together. A giveaway is scheduled for the beginning of the second half, so plan to arrive before halftime to take part.

At The Pavilion Events, this Christmas market features more than one hundred vendors, a variety of food trucks, and live performances. Guests can meet Santa and see his reindeer. Only two vendor slots remain; prospective vendors may reach out by text at (213) 218-5017, which is preferred, or by email at vfapply@gmail.com. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

At Creal Springs VFW, this yearly chili cookout features a community chili dump and a casual chance to spend time together. The focus is on sharing chili, having a drink, and enjoying good company in a cheerful setting.

Keb’ Mo’ appears at MCCC, bringing the artistry of a five-time Grammy winner with 14 Blues Foundation Awards and a career that spans nearly half a century. Raised in Compton, he first earned attention at 21 performing with Papa John Creach, then spent two decades honing his craft as a guitarist, songwriter, and arranger before stepping forward with a 1994 self-titled album that followed an early release under his birth name, Kevin Moore. He quickly earned a Grammy for Just Like You, later added four more, and led the Billboard Blues chart seven times. His path has included performances at Carnegie Hall and The White House, collaborations with Taj Mahal, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, The Chicks, and Lyle Lovett, songs recorded or sampled by artists from B.B. King to Zac Brown to BTS, signature guitar models with Gibson and Martin, and music composed for television series such as Mike and Molly, Memphis Beat, B Positive, and others. He has appeared on Letterman, Leno, Conan, Colbert, and Austin City Limits, as well as on nationally televised broadcasts from The Kennedy Center, The Ryman Auditorium, and Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival. On screen he has shown up as himself in Martin Scorsese’s The Blues, The West Wing, and Sesame Street, and he has portrayed Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, and the bluesman Possum in Honeydripper. He received the Americana Music Association’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement in Performance. His most recent album, The Breakdown, strips his songs to intimate solo acoustic performances that look squarely at time, change, loss, and gratitude following life-saving heart surgery and the end of a long marriage, while holding tight to hope, faith, and love. The music was recorded at his home studio outside Nashville and blends blues, folk, roots, jazz, and soul with the reflective clarity of an artist turning adversity into growth.

The Hoot N Holler Band returns to Ranch Bar Route 37 for a high-energy night that spans favorite music genres and keeps the dance floor buzzing. Look for a lively, eclectic set designed to lift spirits and shake off the winter blues. It is a party built for dancing and a night to remember.

This free crafting session for adults features a surprise project that will be announced closer to the event. All materials are provided. Phone reservations are required to secure a seat, and space is limited.

At The Ranch Bar Route 37, karaoke takes center stage for an upbeat evening of sing-along favorites. The song list ranges from country to classic rock and more, welcoming confident vocalists and first-timers alike. Guests can bring their voice, their style, and a few friends, and enjoy available drinks and food throughout the night. Expect a lively atmosphere with plenty of laughs and a friendly spotlight for anyone ready to take the mic.

A high energy show blends classic and modern country with southern rock, blues, and favorites from the 50s and 60s for a lively night of music.

Expect an outing focused on having a good time.

A festive, free hometown Christmas market brings holiday cheer to Marion. Visitors can browse booths from local makers, enjoy tasty treats, and take part in a playful polar bear hunt. Encounters with alpacas from Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch, carriage rides, and live music with carolers add to the atmosphere. Children will find free activities with Jack and Josies and Aisin, and families can visit with Santa and his friends. Ice skating is offered, and the Marion Cultural and Civic Center features complimentary Christmas movies. Additional free activities will be announced, and Downtown Marion offers plenty more to explore throughout the celebration.

An evening of karaoke takes over The Ranch Bar Route 37 with songs spanning country, classic rock, and more. Attendees can pick favorite tracks, sing solo or with friends, and enjoy drinks and food throughout the night. The atmosphere leans playful and welcoming, with plenty of laughter and room for both confident vocalists and those just in it for fun.

This event features a solo performance by one artist.

At Camp Manitowa at Rend Lake, this women-centered winter hiking retreat offers a peaceful break from the busy season with nature, light adventure, and connection. Cozy lodging is available in heated cabins or yurts, and guided excursions on the camp bus explore nearby state parks and scenic winter trails. The weekend begins with time to get settled, a camp tour, an overview of the plan with facilitator introductions, and a brief intention-setting meditation, then dinner, a bonfire, and stargazing. The next day features coffee and breakfast followed by multiple short hikes in Shawnee National Forest, with grab-and-go lunches enjoyed at picnic tables or on the bus between trails. After returning to camp, participants can warm up before an all-levels yoga session with a calming sound bath, then dinner and live music by the fire. The final morning offers coffee with fruit and yogurt, another all-levels yoga option, time to pack or choose a meditative hike, and a closing brunch with reflection, with the option to enjoy a bit more nature through kayaking, hiking, or art. All activities are optional, so everyone can shape the experience to match their pace, take free time, or sleep in and ask a friend to pick up breakfast. Suggested items to bring include bedding and towels, layered clothing and hats for changing weather, hiking boots or shoes, wool socks, gloves, a neck warmer, a small backpack for food and drinks, hand warmers, a refillable water bottle, a small blanket, a flashlight or headlamp, and earplugs. If staying in a yurt, a space heater or heated blanket is recommended, and some yurts include heaters. Lodging is in yurts and heated cabins, and retreat prices start at $275, with earlier arrangements helping secure preferred lodging or placement with friends or a group.

A festive holiday market at the mall offers local shopping, sweet treats, and family fun. Browse handmade crafts, boutique finds, and creations from local artisans. Sample specialty foods and baked goodies while discovering one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list. Meet Santa and the Grinch, and celebrate small and local businesses. Admission is free.

A one day Christmas market brings together shopping and family friendly fun inside the ThrillHouse Event Center. Browse more than 100 vendors from near and far, then let the kids meet Santa, enjoy face painting, and spend time with live reindeer for petting and photos. It is a festive stop for holiday gifts and memorable moments all in one place.

Expect a festive evening at The Moonshine Run as The Hoot N Holler Band brings upbeat live music. Enjoy tasty bites and a fun atmosphere while the band keeps the party going.

This free crafting session for adults takes place at West Frankfort Public Library. The specific project will be announced closer to the day. All supplies are provided, and seating is limited. To participate, call the library to reserve a seat.

Karaoke takes center stage at The Ranch Bar Route 37 with an open mic covering country, classic rock, and more. Step up for a solo or duet, whether you are a confident singer or just in it for the laughs. Food and drinks are available from the bar, and the atmosphere is upbeat and friendly. Bring your voice, your style, and some friends for a lively night of singalong fun.