Family events in Southern Illinois, IL

The third annual car glow from Hot Rods For Hope will light up downtown O’Fallon. Registration is available for participants, and sponsors are being secured. Drivers who sign up early can receive a special event bundle. AD Rowntree from the KSHE 95 Morning Show will be on site, and the Scott Keller Band will perform live. Proceeds support Glow For Hope.

Magpie Market Days brings a fall vintage market to the Williamson County Fairgrounds, gathering more than 120 vendors from across the United States. Browse vintage finds, home decor, architectural salvage, handmade and boutique items, and gourmet specialties, then enjoy live music and bites from ten food trucks throughout the event. Admission is $10 on two days and $5 on the final day, children 12 and under enter free, and parking is free. Leashed pets are welcome. Only two vendor spots remain, with availability granted in the order requests are received.

Step into a color-splashed Splatter Room for a playful, family friendly painting session where you fling paint to create your own canvas masterpiece, and sometimes each other, if you like. Expect lively splatter games and activities suitable for kids and adults. Children ages 4 and up can participate, and infants up to age 3 may attend at no cost with a parent or guardian, though the accompanying adult must purchase a ticket. Everyone who uses the space is required to complete a waiver, and a parent or guardian must complete it for anyone under 18. Wear clothing you do not mind getting messy, such as old jeans and tees. White T-shirts and paint suits are available for purchase. You can leave your artwork to dry and pick it up the next day, but please collect it within seven days. Shipping can be arranged for an additional fee. A sink is available for basic clean up, yet expect to head out with paint on you. The paints are washable from hair and skin, though stains may remain on clothing. Materials used meet ASTM D-4236 safety standards, making it easy to relax and create lasting memories together.

SRS Super Dock is featured within Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days at John A. Logan College, a major outdoor sporting showcase that brings in more than 35,000 attendees and over 200 vendors each year. It celebrates Illinois hunting and fishing traditions with demonstrations, competitions, and family activities. This is an outdoor event, and a parking fee of $5 applies at the venue. The dock jumping lineup includes Super Fly check in and open practice, multiple competition splashes, Super V finals, Raider Run finals, and Fun Jumps that are open to the public. Each splash has a $25 entry fee. Super Fly finals include the top six from each division, and the top three in each category receive invitations to the SRS Crown Championship in Shreveport and Bossier City. The schedule is subject to change.

Art in the Garden returns for its fourth year with a full day of arts, crafts, food, live music, and creative energy. Designed for the Southern Illinois community, this festival offers a one-of-a-kind art experience where people can connect with one another, make art, and celebrate creativity. Expect live art and music along with a wide range of vendors showcasing and selling their work. Kids can take part in hands-on activities and bring their creations home. Presented by Gallery 111, Art Social, Union Street Arts, Project Human X, Artsco, and Mandala Gardens. Admission is 2 dollars, with free entry for children under 12. Artists, vendors, and musicians interested in participating can contact Greg Reid at mandala.gardens@gmail.com. Booth spaces are 10 by 10 feet for 30 dollars. Vendors may choose to pack up before the event ends or stay for the full duration.

The PMR Children’s Business Fair returns for its fourth year with a celebration of youth entrepreneurship in southern Illinois. Young creators ages 6 to 17 will launch and operate their own businesses for a day, taking charge of everything from product ideas and pricing to displays and sales conversations. Attendees can browse distinctive goods, explore inventive concepts, and meet the entrepreneurs behind each booth. The fair also includes awards that spotlight entrepreneurial talent, recognizing standout displays, persuasive pitches, and exceptionally original ideas. Vendor applications are open for ages 6 to 17, and monetary or in-kind sponsorships are being accepted to support these young business owners.