This weekend in Southern Illinois, IL

Life;Story is Centerstone’s national walk and run focused on suicide prevention, bringing together communities in Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and Florida for a day centered on hope, healing, and connection. People of all ages and abilities can participate, from seasoned runners to families with strollers. Children can take part in kids races, and leashed dogs are welcome. In person and virtual options are available, creating a meaningful experience that honors those affected by suicide while celebrating the strength it takes to keep moving forward. The semicolon in Life;Story represents a pause rather than an ending, reflecting the belief that every story continues. That message shapes an encouraging setting with community vendors, mental health resources, complimentary giveaways, and popular perks like a participant T-shirt, a medal for finishers, and a curated playlist on Spotify. Proceeds support Centerstone’s mental health and addiction services for people with limited or no resources, helping deliver lifesaving care, strengthen communities, and affirm that each person’s story is still unfolding.

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.

The BurmaShaver(s) take the Chamber Stage as a two-person act that blends acoustic sounds with new wave influences and an eccentric strain of Americana folk.

A fall vendor marketplace featuring crafts, clothing, food, and personal items. Vendor reminder: only Sheila Fisher manages vendor fee payments, and no other individual is authorized to do so.

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.

Multi-platinum recording artist Chingy brings a high energy live set to 618 Tap House as part of the 618 Concert Series, delivering a one-night showcase of his chart-topping hits.

Cheer on STL City as they face the New York Red Bulls at a local City Bar featuring a game-time giveaway. Arrive before halftime to receive a ticket for the giveaway. Settle in with fellow City fans and enjoy the match together.

Wayne Gottstine, who helped start Split Lip Rayfield, brings a live performance to PK’s, highlighting his work on guitar, vocals, and mandolin. Before that chapter he played in the Wichita scene with bands including Scroat Belly. A cancer survivor, he is back on the road and performing again.

A weekly effort brings people together to support a food pantry through shared cooking and cleaning. With plenty of ingredients on hand, the focus is on prepping food, cooking, portioning dishes, labeling, and keeping the space tidy. More regular volunteers are needed to help carry out these tasks.