Looking for something to do in the days ahead? More than 40 events to choose from
Noon Thursday, June 16, is the deadline to appear in next week’s What’s Happening. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions.
Due to the number of submissions received, events may run only one time in print, will be edited and appear the week before the event date.
Email: lifestyle@bnd.com. Mail to: Lifestyle, Belleville News-Democrat, P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.
Highlighted Event
▪ 11th annual Put Down the Guns and Pick Up Your Sons Father’s Day Weekend Event — 1-7 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Lincoln Park, 606 S. 15th St., East St. Louis. Includes go-karts, horseback rides, petting zoo, softball, face painting, bounce houses, music, car raffle and more. This annual event is geared towards raising awareness that Black males are key to dismantling gun violence amongst our youth in our metro-east communities. 618-310-9413 or facebook.com/showemwhatugotfoundation.
Juneteenth Events
▪ Emancipation Proclamation Display — 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 17, Sunday, June 19, through Friday, June 24; and Monday, June 27, through Thursday, June 30. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 112 N. Sixth St., Springfield. The proclamation will be displayed in the ALPLM’s library building, where there is no charge for admission, rather than the museum building. The ALPLM is also presenting a display about the history of Black Americans and their fight for full citizenship. The graphic appears on windows along one side of the museum and includes a timeline running from 1787 to present and touches on slavery in the supposedly free state of Illinois, a riot that targeted Black people in Springfield, and Juneteenth celebrations in Lincoln’s hometown. It was developed by Juneteenth Inc. and the Illinois State Museum. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov
▪ Stay Healthy Juneteenth Event — Noon to 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 17. SIHF Healthcare, 100 N. Eighth St., East St. Louis. Available services provided at the event will include school physicals, blood pressure checks, COVID testing, COVID vaccines/boosters, HBA1c testing, free insurance enrollment, and assistance scheduling healthy women appointments. Free hot dogs, water, juice and chips provided to attendees and activities for the kids. facebook.com/SIHFHealthcare
▪ 618 Day and Juneteenth Celebration — 9 a.m. Saturday, June 18. East St. Louis City Hall, 301 River Park Drive, East St. Louis, and the Clyde C. Jordan Senior Center, 6755 State St., East St. Louis. Festivities start at 9 a.m. with the Alpha Phi Alpha Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk at East St. Louis City Hall. Following the 5K, a Parade will begin at 5th and State streets to 65th and State streets. At noon, East St. Louis will host a Community Block Party at the Clyde C. Jordan Senior Center featuring a concert, 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, community service, retail and food booths.
▪ Juneteenth Celebration with Saint Louis Story Stitchers Performance — 12:30-1 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Maker District, Craft Alliance, 5080 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis. Saint Louis Story Stitchers youth artists will perform with messages about public health and safety — boosting vaccine confidence and encouraging their peers to take the lead on gun violence prevention. storystitchers.org
▪ O’Fallon Metro-East NAACP Branch Juneteenth Celebration — 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 18. O’Fallon Public Library, 120 Civic Plaza, O’Fallon. There will be a guest speaker, book reading, book giveaway, storytelling and refreshments.
▪ Juneteenth Celebration with Saint Louis Story Stitchers Performance — 2:30-3 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Old North St. Louis, 1307 Montgomery, St. Louis. Saint Louis Story Stitchers youth artists will perform with messages about public health and safety — boosting vaccine confidence and encouraging their peers to take the lead on gun violence prevention. storystitchers.org
▪ Free Concert Honoring Juneteenth — 2 p.m. Sunday, June 19. Greater Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 1617 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra musicians and vocalists from the SLSO’s IN UNISON Chorus and IN UNISON Scholars program will perform works by Black artists including Margaret Bonds, Florence Price, and more, as well as spirituals and hymns from Black American musical expression. Throughout the collaborative program, Rev. Nance and leadership from Greater Mount Carmel will teach about the importance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. No tickets or RSVPs are required.
▪ ROBERTNELSON: Song for My Father - A Juneteenth and Father’s Day Celebration — 7 p.m. Sunday, June 19. Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle, St. Louis. An introspective and bold celebration of American music that musically reveals and celebrates fathers and male voices in music. This jazz, soul and latin grooves party not only celebrates the art of the man and Juneteenth Pride, but also pops the cork in a passionate celebration of love and life. Tickets start at $20. bluestrawberrystl.com
Events
▪ HeartLands Conservancy Informational Open House — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16. Kappa House, 5101 Lake Drive, Cahokia Heights. Has flooding or water issues in western St. Clair County, IL, impacted you as a resident of the Prairie du Pont and Judy’s Branch watersheds? Come share information and input to help set priorities and goals for the Prairie du Pont Watershed. 618-566-4451, ext. 16 or heartlandsconservancy.org/pdp.
▪ Senior Diva Day — 10 a.m. to noon Friday, June 17. East Main Street, Belleville. Be a diva, grab your friends and spend the morning exploring, shopping and dining along Belleville East Main Street. Tickets are $10, includes passport to get stamped at various stops to qualify for prizes. Special prize for best dressed in rainbow theme. Lunch special: pizza, salads from Bennie’s Pizza Pub and a discount coupon book. Check in at 10 a.m. at Joe & Onie’s or Sugar High. Lunch and prize drawings at noon at Bennie’s. For tickets: 618-234-4410, ext. 7044 (Susan), 7034 (Mary), 7042 (Melissa) or 7043 (Theresa). Sponsored by the St. Clair County Office on Aging and PSOP.
▪ Peanut Butter and Jam Festival — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 17. Downtown Square, 948 Main St., Highland. Live entertainment by George Portz & Friends of Bluegrass with Twist and Bounce. 618-651-13
▪ Millstadt Township Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW Event Center, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Featuring everything: local plants, fruit, coffee, produce, flowers, honey, eggs, baked goods, jellies/jams and flea market items. No vendor fees. 618-476-3037.
▪ Metro East Model Railroad Club Train Show — 4-8 p.m. Friday, June 17, and 4-9 p.m. Saturday, June 18. The old Glen Carbon Town Hall/Fire House, 180 Summit st., Glen Carbon. Watch the trains running on the club’s 18 x 27 foot HO scale model railroad. Admission is free. For more information, 618-476-9228, 618-531-1589 or trainweb.org/memrc.
▪ Village of Glen Carbon 130 Year Anniversary and Homecoming Celebration — 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18. Miner Park, Main Street, Glen Carbon. Carnival rides, live music, shopping, food and more.
▪ Wurst Fest at the Haus — 11 a.m. Saturday, June 18. Hofbräuhaus St. Louis - Belleville, 123 St. Eugene Drive, Belleville. The day includes live music, car show, games, bounce houses, frankfurter eating contest, food and cold beer. Starting at 11 a.m., watch us grill a 100-foot bratwurst. All other activities start at 1 p.m. hofbrauhausstlouis.com
▪ Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 18. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted during the sale and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Masks required at the sale. 618-667-2133.
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 18. St. Clair Township Building, 107 Service St., Swansea. Accepting office equipment, vehicles, electronics, batteries, appliances, machinery. Fees for TV/Monitor, CRT. No paper, glass, plastic, wood, cardboard or tires. 618-344-7232 or powerrecycling.com.
▪ Strawberry Festival — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 111 O’Fallon Troy Road, O’Fallon. There will be a light lunch and individual strawberry desserts for sale with hamburgers and hot dogs. Pies can be preordered by calling 618-632-6168. There will be games and a bounce house for the kids. All are welcome. Handicapped accessible.
Games
▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 6 p.m. Thursdays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.
▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Mahjong — 12:30 p.m. Fridays. 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Mahjong is a game usually played by four people with 144 tiles that are drawn and discarded until one player secures the winning hand. Join our group and play this popular tile game. 618-234-4410, ext. 7034 or ext. 7044.
▪ Euchre — 7 p.m. Friday, June 17. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Partner night. Snacks welcome. Water, soda and coffee will be available for purchase. Masks not required. 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.
▪ Bunco Party — 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16. St. James Parish Center, 304 Madison St., Millstadt. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. Includes 50/50 drawing, homemade dessert buffet. Everyone wins a prize. Tickets are $10 and available at the door or call Patty at 618-476-3731. Proceeds benefit the Home Delivery Meal Program at the Millstadt Township Senior Center.
▪ Trivia Night at Turkey Hill Grange — 7 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Turkey Hill Grange, 1375 Illinois 15, Belleville (next to Eckert’s). Doors open at 6 p.m. Silent auction, heads-or-tails, 50/50. Desserts and soda available for purchase. Cost: $15 per person, eight players per team. Proceeds go to scholarships. turkeyhillgrange.org
Theater/Concerts
▪ Summer Concerts Nashville Square: George Portz & Friends of Bluegrass — 7-9 p.m. Thursday, June 16. Washington County Courthouse, 101 E. Saint Louis St., Nashville. Featuring guest singer Caitlyn Richards and junior fiddler Noah Feldt. Free concert.
▪ Monroe Actors Stage Company presents ‘Moon Over Buffalo’ — 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 19. Monroe Actors Stage Company, 202 S. Main St., Waterloo. “Moon Over Buffalo” is a non-stop comedy by Ken Ludwig that will have you belly laughing in your seats. The show follows the lives of the Hay family. For tickets and additional performances: 618-939-7469 or masctheatre.org.
▪ The Music of Whitney Houston — 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 17. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Vocalist Amanda Cole joins the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for this stunning tribute to the most-awarded female artist of all time: Whitney Houston. Get ready for a night of classic hits like “Saving All My Love For You,” “How Will I Know,” “Where Do Broken Hearts Go?” and “I Will Always Love You.” slso.org
▪ 2022 Summer Music Series: Portrait (Kansas Tribute) — 8 p.m. Friday, June 17. The Orris Theatre, 265 Merchant St., Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission: $20 at the door or online at stegenchamber.org/summer-music-series.
▪ Golden Anniversaries Film Discussion: ‘The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant/Die bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant’ — 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 18. St. Louis Public Library, 1301 Olive St., St. Louis. In the early 1970s, Rainer Werner Fassbinder discovered the American melodramas of Douglas Sirk and was inspired by them to begin working in a new, more intensely emotional register. One of the first and best-loved films of this period in his career is “The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant,” which balances a realistic depiction of tormented romance with staging that remains true to the director’s roots in experimental theater. Intro and discussion by Cait Lore, film critic for Cinema St. Louis’ blog, The Lens. cinemastlouis.org/golden-anniversaries
▪ Belleville Parks & Recreation’s Summer Concert Series: George Portz & His Friends of Bluegrass — 7 p.m. Monday, June 20. Downtown Belleville, 19 Public Square, Belleville. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/BellevilleParks
▪ Golden Anniversaries Film Discussion: ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ — 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 20. Livestream via Eventive (discussion). Motown star Diana Ross — nominated for a Best Actress Oscar in her first film role — portrays legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday in this biographical drama. Beginning with Holiday’s traumatic youth, the film depicts her early attempts at a singing career, eventual rise to stardom, and difficult relationship with Louis McKay (Billy Dee Williams), her boyfriend and manager. Intro and discussion by Charles Taylor, author of “Opening Wednesday at a Theater or Drive-In Near You: The Shadow Cinema of the American ’70s” and former film critic for Salon. cinemastlouis.org/golden-anniversaries
▪ Whitaker Music Festival 2022 Concert Series: Annie and the Fur Trappers — 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 22. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. Entry at 5 p.m. The Whitaker Music Festival offers a lineup of free Wednesday evening concerts under the stars. Pack a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the Garden grounds in summertime bloom as you listen to the tunes and rhythms of an eclectic rotation of artists from week to week. Live music will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 3. Free admission entry begins at 5 p.m. Last entry is at 8:15 p.m. Advance reservations required. mobot.org/whitaker
▪ Music in the Park Summer Concert Series: George Portz & the Friends of Bluegrass — 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 22. Klucker Hall (Upstairs), 14 Park Drive, Shiloh. Free parking. Sponsored by Village of Shiloh. 618-632-1022, ext. 119.
▪ ‘Nashville Live at The Sheldon’ featuring Ray Stephenson and Erin Enderlin — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23. The Sheldon Ballroom, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. The Sheldon and Stellar Gigs are pleased to present “Nashville Live at The Sheldon,” featuring Erin Enderlin and Ray Stephenson. Formerly “Nashville Live in Grand Center,” the series has presented numerous artists in intimate venues throughout the Grand Center Arts District, recreating the unique up-close and personal musical experiences found in the small venues of Nashville, where contemporary country stars hone their craft as they strive to make it in the business. thesheldon.org
▪ Neko Case — 8 p.m. Friday, June 24. The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. Neko Case is the consummate career artist–fearless and versatile, with a fierce work ethic and a constant drive to search deeper within herself for creative growth. 314-533-9900 or thesheldon.org.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ Friends of the Belleville Public Library Meeting — 1 p.m. Thursday, June 16. Belleville Public Library-West Branch, 3414 W. Main St., Belleville. All are welcome.
▪ The National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern IL (NAMI SWI) — 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, June 16. St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. For family members or other caregivers of someone who has a mental illness. Meetings held the third Thursday of each month. For information, contact Diane at diane.bski@live.com or call NAMI at 618-798-9788.
▪ Saint Louis Astronomical Society ‘Cahokia in Chesterfield’ — 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 17. Online via Zoom. “Cahokia in Chesterfield” an illustrated presentation by Mark Leach, local author and Native American burial mound preservationist will be featured at the June meeting. The event, cosponsored by NASA’s Missouri Space Grant Consortium, is open to the public free of charge. Zoom access information is posted on the Society’s website, slasonline.org.
▪ Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Online via Zoom. The PAL group provides education, support and hope to family members and loved ones of someone who has an addiction of substance use disorder. Free and open to all. For info or to join the Zoom meeting, contact Craig at 618-567-6095. palgroup.org
▪ Belleville Community Band — 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays. Belleville Philharmonic Hall, 116 N. Jackson St., Belleville. Currently seeking new members, particularly woodwinds, percussion and tuba. Visit the Belleville Community Band Facebook page for more info.
Food
▪ O’Fallon Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Traditional menu of cod, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and several side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229 or facebook.com/KnightsOfColumbus4239
▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Cod (baked or fried), catfish, shrimp, chicken strips, fries, baked potato, slaw, applesauce. Dine-in and carryout. 618-228-7311. avistonlegion.com
▪ Okawville American Legion Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 233, 205 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Dine in or carryout. Also serving lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday with a salad bar. Pizza made fresh and served every day. facebook.com/OkawvilleLegion
▪ Edwardsville Masonic Lodge Breakfast — 8-11 a.m. Saturday, June 18. Edwardsville Masonic Lodge, 90 Kriege Farm Road, Glen Carbon. Biscuits & gravy with scrambled eggs. East in or carryout. Recommended donation: $5. Proceeds benefit Faith in Action. edwardsvillemasons.org or facebook.com/edwardsvillemasons
▪ Father’s Day Breakfast — 8-11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 19. American Legion Post 1026, 600 N. Bertha St., Albers. Serving pork sausage, ham, eggs, fried potatoes, biscuits and gravy, pancakes. Cost: $10 adults, $5 kids 5-12, under 5 free. 618-248-5505.
Reservations Required
▪ Yes Committee for the Millstadt Library Pool Party — 6-8 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Millstadt Pool, 300 W. Parkview Drive, Millstadt. Snack bar will be open. BYO drinks (no glass). Enjoy music, hotdogs, chips, bottled water. Cost: $5 per person or $20 per family. Reservations with payments in advance at the Millstadt Library or online by 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 17, at givesignup.org/TicketEvent/VoteYesMillstadtLibraryPoolParty.
▪ Medicare Q&A with Jon Bergmann — 6-7 p.m. Monday, June 20. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Bring your questions on how to register and what is covered when you sign up for Medicare. Requires Registration. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Adult Zumba with Aimee — 6-7 p.m. Thursday, June 23. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Join us for an evening workout with our very own Zumba Fitness instructor! Come in comfortable exercise clothing and bring a water bottle. Space is limited. Requires Registration. glencarbonlibrary.org
