Food Trucks, Music and Community Gatherings Fill Aug. 21-23 Calendar
From food trucks and farmers market finds to live music, family activities, opera and community fundraisers, the upcoming calendar offers plenty of ways to get out across the area. Find even more listings anytime at RiverBender.com Events.
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Calvary Men's Retreat invites participants to Calvary Baptist Church Gym in Alton beginning Friday, Aug. 21, with a 6:30 p.m. meal and fellowship, followed by a message from Evangelist Bill Britt. The free retreat continues Saturday at 8 a.m. with breakfast and sessions two and three. Registration is available through the church website listed in the event details.
Shotgun Creek - VFW Post 1308 brings live music to VFW Post 1308 in Alton from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21. The performance is open to the public.
Tri-County Antique Club 35th Annual "Olden Days" returns Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Tri-County Antique Club Grounds in Dow. The two-day event features antique tractors, hit-and-miss engines, sawmilling, antique tools and toys, live entertainment, a blacksmith shop, museums, arts and crafts, a flea market and family activities. Breakfast is served both days from 7 to 10 a.m.; admission is $5, with children 12 and under and exhibitors admitted free. Sunday admission is free from 7 to 9 a.m.
Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market 2026 Season! continues Saturday, Aug. 22, at the corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street in downtown Alton. The market runs from 8 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, with seasonal produce, meats, eggs, honey, coffee, baked goods, flowers, plants, handcrafted items and ready-to-eat breakfast and lunch options. The Aug. 22 market includes Brews & Brunch.
Benefit for John Green Jr will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Cottage Hills VFW. The community fundraiser will support John Green Jr. and his family with live music from the Spillie Nelson Band and other performers, food, a silent auction, raffles, a 50/50 drawing and more.
Alton Food Truck Festival 2026 rolls into the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, Aug. 22, with regional food trucks, Alton-area vendors and a Route 66-inspired theme. Admission and activities are free, with food and beverages available for purchase. The event features live music by Shaefor and Simes, a rock climbing wall, yard games, Mississippi River views and the nearby splash pad open until 8 p.m.
Alton Marina's 30th Anniversary Celebration! is set for 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Alton Marina. The evening includes a Miami Vice theme, drink specials, merchandise giveaways, live music by The Klose Kuarters Band featuring Mark Klose of KSHE 95 and food from the Rollin’ Dogs Food Truck.
Rock “n” Rascal - VFW Post 1308 takes the stage at VFW Post 1308 in Alton from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. The show is open to the public.
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
Samson et Dalila presented by Union Avenue Opera continues at Union Avenue Opera in St. Louis at 8 p.m. with Saint-Saëns’ grand opera exploring love, betrayal and power. Single tickets range from $25 to $60, with three-opera season tickets starting at $84.
YA Fridays at Hayner Library in Alton offers teens a Friday gathering with crafts, snacks, video games and time to relax, create and connect.
Young Artists Club: Ages 7-11 at Hayner Library in Alton gives young artists a chance to make art with supplies provided. Space is limited, and reservations are available.
Bridgerton Summer Soiree brings games, prizes, food, mocktails and a touch of gossip to the Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall Performance Room. Finest gowns and suits are encouraged but not required.
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
Messy Play Day at The Nature Institute in Godfrey invites children ages 18 months to 6 years to paint, splash, squish and stomp through sensory-based activities and water play. The open-house program offers sessions from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; preregistration is required, and the fee is $15 per child with adults admitted free.
"Thank You for Your Service" First Responder Appreciation Day at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Godfrey offers a free lunch for firefighters, police officers, sheriff’s deputies, EMTs, paramedics, disabled veterans, first responders and their families. The event is open to the public, with lunch $2 per person for other attendees and free for children 8 and under, plus inflatables for kids.
Our Vote, Our Voice: A Candidate Community Forum at Southern Mission Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis gives Metro-East residents a nonpartisan opportunity to hear from candidates for Illinois House of Representatives District 114 and ask questions about issues including clean air, water quality, public safety, data center development and state budget priorities for local schools.
WSIE Music Series Event w/ Dawn Weber – August 22, 7-9pm brings St. Louis-based trumpet player, songwriter and vocalist Dawn Weber to Harold Square Outdoor Amphitheater in Collinsville from 7 to 9 p.m. A suggested donation of $10 per entrant benefits WSIE 88.7 The Sound.
Samson et Dalila presented by Union Avenue Opera has an 8 p.m. performance at Union Avenue Opera in St. Louis, featuring Saint-Saëns’ score and dramatic choruses in a story of desire, faith, betrayal and power.
Riverside Flea Market is scheduled at The Loading Dock in Grafton.
Yacht Club Band is scheduled at The Loading Dock in Grafton.
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
Behind the Glass Brewery Tours at Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton offers a 3 p.m., 40-minute look at the company, the historic 1800s Colonial Bakery building and the beer brewing process. Tours are $10 per person and include a pint of beer and tank samples; groups of eight or more are asked to reserve a spot.
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