It’s fall festival time in southwest IL! Here’s your guide to 5 ones to try in 2024

Now that autumn is officially here, metro-east residents may be ready to get some seasonal activities on the calendar.

Although daylight saving time is in effect until early November, the sun is already setting earlier in southwestern Illinois as the year progresses. By the end of October, the sun will set by 6 p.m. in Belleville.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service forecast a chance of above-normal temperatures through December, which could lead to delayed and less intense fall foliage , though the region’s recent rainy weather may help. Southwestern Illinois had previously been in a moderate drought , but fallout from Hurricane Helene brought some relief from the dry period.

The metro-east has a variety of fall festivals coming up to celebrate the season. Here’s when you can check them out.

Fall Festival: Glow in the Park!

Harmony District 175 will host a fall festival at Stookey Township Park this year, with food trucks, inflatables, games and more. Wristbands are $15 and can be purchased at the event. The wristband includes a hayride, inflatables and games, and additional activities may be cash only.

This event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, with a rain date of Saturday, Oct. 5.

Lebanon 55th Annual Fall Festival

Lebanon’s 55th fall festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 on the downtown brick street. More than 100 vendors will attend, including arts and crafts shops, food trucks and more. You can also enjoy listening to music while perusing the offerings.

This event has no entrance fee.

Columbia fall festival

First Baptist Church Columbia will host a free, family friendly fall festival from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.

You can take a hayride and explore the corn maze, and crafts will be available for children. There will also be a bonfire.

O’Fallon YMCA Fall Festival

The YMCA in O’Fallon will host its annual YMCA Fall Festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. There will be games, inflatables, trunk or treat, concessions and more.

There is no fee to attend, but concession booths are cash only.

Smithton fall festival

St. John’s United Church of Christ Smithton will host its second fall festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, with trunk or treat from 2 to 3 p.m. The event is open to the community and has no entrance fee. The church will collect donations for the Smithton food pantry.

Costumes are encouraged, and activities include decorating your own treat bag, pumpkin or cookie, yard games like Jenga and cornhole and more.

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