BETHALTO - The 107th annual Bethalto Homecoming kicks off this weekend and promises several days of fun.
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Starting from 6–10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, and running through Monday, Sept. 7, the event features a carnival by Luehrs’ Ideal Rides, live music, vendors and more. All proceeds benefit the Bethalto Fire Department, and President Derek Mormino hopes people enjoy the experience.
“We’re doing the best we can to put on this event for the community, and hopefully, everybody comes out and enjoys the wonderful weekend that we have lined up for them,” he said.
On Friday, Sept. 4, Steve Ewing will play until 10 p.m. The carnival rides will allow two people to ride for the price of one.
On Saturday, Sept. 5, the carnival opens at 1 p.m. and runs through 10 p.m. Soulshine Groove will play from 1–5 p.m., followed by Up All Night STL until 10 p.m.
Sunday’s live music includes Shotgun Creek from 1–5 p.m. and Superjam from 6–10 p.m. Rides are discounted until 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
On Monday, Sept. 7, all rides take just one ticket from 12–6 p.m. John Stimac will provide live music from 12–4 p.m.
Tickets for the carnival rides can be purchased at the event. There will also be several vendors onsite selling their wares, from craft and artisan items to baked goods and food trucks.
All proceeds from the Bethalto Homecoming benefit the fire department. These volunteer firefighters use the money to better serve the community. For example, proceeds from last year’s homecoming allowed them to purchase a side-by-side, which will make it possible for the department to access more spaces and help those in need.
“It’s a tremendous help for us from the community,” Mormino said. “Last year, we raised probably the most amount of money that I think we’ve raised in a while.”
While the fundraising is an important part of this event, the Bethalto Homecoming ultimately hopes to provide a fun weekend for the community to come together and enjoy. Mormino is looking forward to welcoming his neighbors and friends, and he can’t wait to see everybody enjoy a nostalgic, fun hometown tradition.
“It’s fun,” he added. “We look forward to this event every year.”
For more information about the Bethalto Homecoming, including a full lineup of events, click here or visit the official Bethalto Fire Department Facebook page.
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