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


September


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 Halloween

  • James Street Park Haunted Hayride/Drive
    Location: Starts at James St Park in Carterville, TBD dates and times

  • Chittyville 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.

Jessi Thomas

Midwestern mama who loves promoting small businesses, events, & nature in Southern Illinois!

Marketing advice, Creative Strategy, Recommendations, & Products! Check me out!

https://www.southernillinoissocialmedia.com
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Shawnee Hills Wine + Food Pairings