Events in Southern Illinois today

Free English classes for adults are offered at Marion Aldersgate Church. Lessons emphasize real-world communication through lively, conversational activities that keep learners engaged while building community and friendships. Classes meet on Tuesdays, and a short placement interview is given on the first day to place each student at the right level. Instruction is free, and there is a $20 fee for the book and classroom materials. The schedule includes a summer break, with sessions continuing afterward through the fall. A brief registration form is requested so organizers can learn more about each participant, and confirmation will be sent by email or phone.

MixTape Bingo at ThrillHouse turns a classic game into a music challenge where songs replace numbers. Participants listen for tracks spanning decades and genres, from classic rock and country to pop, hip hop, throwbacks, and current hits. Mark matches on your card, sing along, and compete for prizes in every round. Admission is free, and food and drinks are available. It is a welcoming pick for friends, families, date nights, and groups seeking a fun night out.

Have a shirt that needs a little care or want to try visible mending? This monthly club focuses on repairing and rewearing favorite pieces to reduce waste. Supplies are on hand, including thread, needles, and a small selection of patches. All skill levels are welcome. Bring clothing you would like to fix and enjoy mending alongside others in a friendly setting.

This free weekly pop culture trivia night is presented by Chill Trivia Company. Expect questions on fan-favorite television, blockbuster films, popular music, and celebrity and entertainment headlines. Participants test their fandom knowledge and compete for bragging rights, with the chance of a few fun surprises.

Bingo returns to Lost Forest for an upbeat evening of play with prizes, coupons, and surprise extras that keep things unpredictable. Drinks are available before the games begin, creating a relaxed setting for friendly competition and the thrill of calling bingo.

A weekly, hands-on cooking session focused on preparing real food for distribution through the Rotary Serves Food pantry. There is plenty of food to cook, and steady volunteers are needed to assist with prep, cooking, dishing, labeling, and cleaning. #FeedingOthersIsLove

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.

Syberg's (O'Fallon) hosts a returning acoustic performance from an artist who calls this venue a favorite. Guests can enjoy live acoustic music alongside tasty food, cold drinks, and a welcoming crowd, creating a relaxed, music-filled atmosphere.

Hosted by Lindsey Nelson, this Paint and Sip at Lost Forest features painting, drinks, and time to relax with others. The cost is $35 per person. Call to reserve a spot.

The Hoot N Holler Boys return to The Log Cabin Tavern for a lively night of fun.

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.