From Elvis to fruit, here are 5 unique southwest IL festivals this spring and summer

Meredith Howard
·3 min read

The metro-east is known for several unique annual festivals, including the Belleville Chili Cook-off, Belleville Oktoberfest, Art on the Square and more.

While many local festivals take place in the fall, spring and summer have plenty to offer, as well. From fruit-themed events to a three-day Elvis celebration, southwestern Illinois has a wide variety of festival options coming up soon.

Here’s a look at five upcoming festivals in Belleville and nearby.

Belleville Strawberry Festival

Eckert’s Farm in Belleville will host strawberry festival days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19.

The attraction sells tickets to pick your own strawberries, and the festival days will also feature carnival rides, a petting zoo, wagon rides and more. Fees are charged for some activities and you can call 800-745-0513 for more information.

Location: 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville, IL 62220

What’s the secret to winning the annual Belleville Chili Cook-off? We asked past winners

Maryville Music Festival

The first Maryville Music Festival will be held from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. May 4 at Firemen’s Park. There’s a $20 entry fee and you can see 11 bands, including:

  • Sailing

  • Barnstormers

  • A.R.B.L.

  • Lanny & Julie

  • Strings & Keys

  • Sweetbottom

  • Dale Papp

  • Strange Buffalo

  • Clean Livin’

  • Nort’s Hammer

  • Electrik Baby Powder

The festival will also feature food trucks, a lemonade stand, kettle corn and beer vendors. The event is a fundraiser to build an entertainment stage at the park.

Location: Firemen’s Park at 300 N. Donk Ave., Maryville, IL 62062

Art on the Square

This annual mainstay event will be held from May 17 to 19 in downtown Belleville and will include original work from more than 100 artists.

Art on the Square will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 17, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 18 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 19 and admission is free.

Several local restaurants will participate in “Cafe on the Square,” including Beast Craft BBQ, Fletcher’s Kitchen, Pour@332 Coffeehouse, LongStory Coffee, Roy-el Catering, Swiney Ribbers BBQ and More and Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant. Pets are not allowed in the cafe zone.

Craft Fair & Vendor Event

This Craft Fair and Vendor Event in Swansea will take place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 11. Entry and parking are free.

The event will include door prizes, raffles, a DJ and trivia for vendors. Food will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the bar opens at 10:30 a.m.

Location: Swansea Improvement Hall at 216 Service St., Swansea, IL 62226

Illinois Elvis Festival

Check out the Illinois Elvis Festival June 28 to 30 in Collinsville. You can buy general admission or three-day admission tickets online.

Headliners for the 2024 festival include Dean Z, Bill Cherry, Cote Deonath, Ben Thompson, Jesse Aron, Alex Mitchell, Kevin Mills, Robert Washington and more.

Location: Gateway Convention Center at 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234

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