Southern Illinois Fall Bucket List
In my opinion, every season but winter is amazing in Southern Illinois. Winters here can be unpredictable, ice-filled, and many businesses on those winding roads shut down for the season as people choose to stay home.
But autumn or fall, whatever you call it, is magical in Southern Illinois. The leaves turn the most gorgeous shades of yellow, red, and orange. As they fall, the bluffs, lakes, and fields become more visible, framed by these vibrant colors.
Fall is time of return and traditions for us. Students returning to SIUC, homecoming games, fall harvest, pumpkin patches, festivals and fairs. It almost feels like a Hallmark movie, as the community excitedly gathers at these events. Organizations work to form trunk or treats or other events for children to enjoy. Communities host a Thanksgiving dinner, even offering delivery. Nostalgic Halloween movies are offered at events. Our tiny town has nights that every neighborhood smells of bonfire and grilling. There are tons of things to do across Southern Illinois, and you honestly probably can’t do everything I’m about to list due to event overlaps, weather, etc. But you should try!!
If I could recommend a time to visit Southern Illinois for the first time, I would suggest Fall first (then Spring of course). I consider Fall to begin in mid-August, when students return to school and summer businesses become weekends only before closing at Labor Day.
And if you’re wanting to make the most of your fall, here is a bucket list to help! Save this checklist or screenshot it, or bookmark this blog post for easy reference. Tag me in any photos of you completing the list!
August
DuQuoin State Fair
Location: DuQuoin, Illinois State Fairgrounds, typically last week of week - Labor Day weekend.
August 23rd - September 2nd, 2024Rendleman Orchards Flower Field Photos
Location: Rendleman Orchards, Alto Pass, IL. Open July/June - November 1st, but flower fields are dependent on weather.Flamm Orchards Apple Cider Donuts
Location: Flamm Orchards, Cobden, IL. Apples & apple desserts are seasonal, check their Facebook for announcements.Blues, Brews, and Bourbon
Location: Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. August 24th, 2024.
September
Carterville Lions Club Fair aka “Free Fair”
Location: Carterville, IL. Originally downtown then moved to Cannon Park, word is this year it’s being moved back to Downtown Carterville (Division St). Second weekend of September.St. Nicholas Brewing Co. Oktoberfest
Location: St. Nicholas Landmark in Chester, September 7th at noon.Murphysboro Apple Festival
Location: Murphysboro, IL. September 11th - 14th.Southern Illinois University Carbondale Football/Tailgates
Location: Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Games begin Sept.17th Street BBQ Cook - Off
Location: Murphysboro, IL, September 19th - 21st.Sugar Creek Music Festival
Location: Camp Manitowa, Benton, IL, September 19th - 21st, 2024.Bandy’s Pumpkin Patch
Location: Johnston City, IL, opens September 21st, 2024 for the seasonThe Patch
Location: outskirts of Marion, IL. Opens September 23 - last weekend of October. Hayrides, kids play area, corn maze, pumpkins & gourds, goats, food trucks, and occasional vendor fairs.Magpie Market Days - A Vintage Market
Location: Williamson County Fairgrounds, Marion, IL
September 27th - 29th, 2024Chittyville Haunted Escape Rooms
Location: Chittyville School off Chittyville Rd in Herrin, IL
Opens in SeptemberAlto Vineyards Sangria Festival
Location: Alto Vineyards. September 28th, 2024Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days
Location: John A. Logan College. September 28th - 29th, 2024.
October
Big Muddy Monster Brewfest
Location: Riverside Park, Murphysboro, IL. October 5th, 2024.Makanda Vulture Fest
Location: Makanda Boardwalk area. October 19th & 20th, 2024.Marion PD Spooktacular
TBD, previously at Mtn Dew Park in Marion the weekend before HalloweenJames Street Park Haunted Hayride/Drive
Location: Starts at James St Park in Carterville, TBD dates and timesChittyville School Haunted House
Location: Chittyville School, Herrin, IL. Haunted House opens in October with bookings available online. Escape room opens Sept.
John A. Logan College Pumpkin Plunge
Location: John A. Logan Fitness Center. Typically Saturday before Halloween.
GreenEarth Pumpkin Glow
Location: Carbondale, IL, typically the weekend before Halloween and from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.Local Pumpkin Paths and Trunk-or-treats
I will post these to stories as they become available. Carterville Pumpkin Path and trick or treating is typically held on Halloween night. Herrin has also had a Pumpkin Path in the past. Marion has many organizations offering trunk-or-treats, and has a large spectacular at the Mtn Dew Stadium the weekend before Halloween.
November
Shawnee Wine Trail Autumn Pairings Event
Location: Wine trail of a dozen wineries spanning 40-miles through Williamson, Jackson, and Union Counties. November 1st and 2nd. Tickets required.
Over the course of two days you will visit all 12 wineries on the wine trail, sampling a selected wine that is expertly paired with food that will bring out the wines best notes. Food and wine offerings vary at each location, all are delicious.Southern Illinois Chili Cook-Off
Location: Marion Elks Club, Marion, IL. November 2nd, 2024, 10am - 3pm. Pay for a ticket and taste over two dozen different chilis. Some booths even have surprises, like brownies, cookies, cocoa, grilled cheese, blood mary’s, apple pie shots, and more. You will definitely get full before you make it through half of the tents! Bloody Mary bar also offered for additional price inside, as there is a Bloody Mary competition too.