Belleville’s Art on the Square and more are all on this week’s metro-east events calendar
Noon Friday, May 19 is the deadline to appear in next week’s What’s Happening. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions.
Due to the number of submissions received, events may run only one time in print. Submitted event info will be edited and run the week before the event date.
Email: lifestyle@bnd.com. Mail to: Lifestyle, Belleville News-Democrat, P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.
Featured Event
Art on the Square — 4-9 p.m. Friday, May 19, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 20, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 21. Public Square, Downtown Belleville. Featuring the original work of over 100 accomplished artists from over 30 states with over 50 new artists in 2023, wine court entertainment as well as delicious local food and drink, and children’s activities. Free and open to the public. artonthesquare.com
Events
▪ HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital E-Recycling Event — 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 20. Health Center parking lot, 3 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., O’Fallon. The hospital’s Reverence for the Earth Committee invites the public to do their part to support environmental recycling efforts. J&C E-Recycling will be managing the electronics recycling collection such as computer towers, computer components, laptops and wire. Anything with a cord will be accepted, including refrigerators, washer/dryers, dishwashers, freezers, small appliances (blenders, bread machines, hair dryers, etc.), TVs, lawnmowers, weed eaters, lawn tools and microwaves. Please note that there will be a $.50 per pound charge for TVs (plasma, console, projection-DLP), CRTs and monitors. For specific questions on if an item will be accepted, call J&C E-Recycling at 618-233-5009.
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 20. St. Clair Township Building, 107 Service St., Swansea. Accepting office equipment, vehicles, electronics, batteries, appliances, machinery. Fees for TV/Monitor, CRT. No paper, glass, plastic, wood, cardboard or tires. 618-344-7232 or powerrecycling.com.
▪ SCCTD ‘Day on the Trails’ Event — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 20. Belleville Transit Center, near Scheel Street, Belleville. This event kicks off the program that allows participants to track miles and earn prizes as they bike, walk, wheel, run, skate or skip along the MetroBikeLink System, which boasts 14 miles of continuous trails and bike paths adjacent to the MetroLink alignment in Southwestern Illinois. Registration is now open and can be completed at scctd.org. This event is free and open to the public.
▪ TNI Native Plant Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 20. The Nature Institute, 2213 S. Levis Lane, Godfrey. Various native plant species will be available for purchase for between $3-$7. This year the plant sale will be moved up to Talahi Lodge for better parking and to be more centrally located. This year the Restoration Ecology Program and River City Natives will be there to sell native plants. The Nature Institute will accept cash and card payments for plants. All vendors will accept cash, some may accept cards.
▪ Tri Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 20. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and on the day of the sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.
▪ Metro Transit Hiring Event — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Brentwood MetroBus Facility, 3000 S. Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis. On-site interviews will be conducted for MetroBus Operators, MetroLink Operators, Metro Call-A-Ride Operators and Traction Power Electricians, which are all eligible for special $2,000 signing bonuses. Interviews will also be available for dispatcher, fuel attendant and reservation clerk positions. Candidates who want to learn more about these positions or apply online can visit WorkAtMetroSTL.com. Qualified applicants may receive on-the-spot job offers at the May 20 hiring event following their application and on-site interview.
▪ Strawberry Festival — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through the weekend of May 27. Eckert’s Belleville Farm, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville. An all-American carnival with fun on the farm for the whole family. Enjoy tractor rides out to the pick-your-own strawberry fields, festival foods, carnival rides, a wagon ride, a petting zoo, and more through Memorial Day. This will be an unticketed event, but fees will be charged for some activities. eckerts.com
▪ History Museum of Monroe County: ‘Hawkins Hollow, Archaeological Excavations of a Rural Native American Homestead’ by Autumn Melby — 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 21. Museum of Monroe County, Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo. Archaeologists from the University of Pennsylvania will discuss new excavations and discoveries at the Hawkins Hollow site, a 14th-century Native American homestead located near Valmeyer. Learn more about the native peoples of the surrounding area, the project’s recent work with the Boy Scouts of America, and the Hawkins Hollow site’s relationship to Cahokia Mounds. monroecountyhistorymuseum.org
Farmers Markets
▪ Soulard Farmers Market — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays year round. 730 Carroll St., St. Louis. Fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheese, snacks, baked goods, spices, flowers, pets and other merchandise. soulardmarketstl.com
▪ Nashville Farmers Market — 7-11 a.m. Thursdays. In front of the Washington County Courthouse at 101 E. St. Louis St., Nashville. This year’s kickoff includes a plant swap, sponsored by the Washington County Master Gardeners. 618-327-3700 or facebook.com/NashvilleChamberofCommerce.
▪ Swansea Farmers Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Fresh local produce, baked goods, unique handmade crafts and more. Rain or shine. 618-520-5107 or facebook.com/SwanseaFarmersMarketInc.
▪ Monroe County Farmers Market - Columbia — 4-7 p.m. Thursdays. Turner Hall, 211 E. Cherry St., Columbia. Local vendors offering plants and produce, baked treats and more. facebook.com/monroecountyfarmersmarket
▪ Maryville Farmers Market — 5-7 p.m. Thursdays. Firemen’s Park, 300 N. Donk St., Maryville. Featuring goods from local farms, handmade goods and special guests. Produce, meat, dairy, honey, plants and baked goods. Healthy foods, healthy families. SNAP/EBT accepted. 618-304-8335 or facebook.com/MaryvilleILFarmersMarket
▪ Millstadt Township Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Fresh produce, baked goods, unique crafts, plants, honey, jams, jellies, flowers, jewelry, handmade soaps, eggs and vintage antiques. VFW also open for food, drinks and restrooms. Help support the veterans. 618-476-3037. Call, text or Facebook.
▪ Carlyle Farmers Market — 5 p.m. until dusk Friday, May 19. Carlyle VFW, 1250 Franklin St., Carlyle. Fresh produce, meat, eggs and bread. Freshly cut flowers, plants, fudge, syrup … you never know what you’ll find at the Market. Rain or shine; canceled only if serious thunderstorms are in the area. carlylelake.com/carlyle-courthouse-square-farmers-market
▪ Monroe County Farmers Market - Waterloo — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Monroe County Annex, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo. Produce, plants, baked goods, coffee vendors and so much more. Live entertainment and activities for the kids too. facebook.com/monroecountyfarmersmarket
▪ Belleville Old Town Farmers Market — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Northwest corner of East Washington and South Charles streets, Belleville. Fresh produce, grass fed beef and other meats, plants, honeys, jams and jellies, crafters, and more.
▪ Alton Farmers & Artisans Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street, Alton. An abundance of fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, plants and flowers, locally-raised, hormone-free meat, handmade soaps, jewelry, artwork, and much more. 618-463-1016 or facebook.com/AltonFarmersMarket.
▪ Land of Goshen Community Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. 100 St. Louis St., Edwardsville. Open rain or shine. Fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, crafts, live music and so much more. 618-307-6045 or facebook.com/goshenmarket.
▪ Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. O’Fallon Station, 212 E. 1st St., O’Fallon. Locally grown vegetables, flowers, fruits, eggs, cheese and meats. A selection of bakers and sweet treats along with coffee, craft brew beverages and artisans. Live music, patio seating, food truck on site. Bicycle and pet friendly. 618-624-0139 or ofallonvinestreetmarket.com.
▪ Tower Grove Farmers Markets — 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays and 4 p.m. to sunset Tuesdays. Just west of Center Cross Drive in Tower Grove Park at 4256 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis. Fresh, local produce, eggs, meats, a variety of vendors and goods. tgfarmersmarket.com
▪ University City Farmers Market — 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Along the Delmar Loop, 6655 Delmar Blvd., rear lot, University City, St. Louis. Fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, grass-fed beef, free-range eggs, trout, poultry, pork products, honey, baked goods, jams and jellies, nuts, coffee, chocolates and more. facebook.com/UCityFmsMkt
▪ Highland Farmers’ Market — 4-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Highland Square, 914 Main St., Highland. Local farmers, cottage food makers, and crafters will be present to sell a variety of produce, meats, desserts and more. Each Tuesday morning a map will be posted on the Highland Parks and Recreation Facebook page showing what vendors will be present.
Games
▪ Purse Bingo — 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18. Silver Creek Saloon, 2520 Mascoutah Ave., Belleville. Tickets are $35 for 10 bingo games, each an opportunity to win a designer purse. Three reverse bingo games ($5 each) to win special prizes. Appetizers provided, cash bar. Tickets and tables available at eventbrite.com or at the door. Proceeds to support Holy Rosary Ladies’ Sodality.
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 19. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6 p.m. Partner night. Snacks welcome. Water, soda and coffee will be available for purchase. Masks not required. 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.
▪ Holy Virgin Mary & Shoghagat Armenian Church Musical Trivia Extravaganza — 7 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Holy Virgin Mary & Shoghagat Armenian Church, 400 Huntwood Road, Swansea. Celebrate music from the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Includes silent auction, heads or tails. BYO food and drinks. Cost: $20 per person in advance, $25 after May 13 or at the door. Reserve a table of eight and get free mulligans. All proceeds will go towards maintaining the church grounds and facility. 618-531-0972 or bellevillearmenianchurch.org.
▪ Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge Sunday Night Bingo — 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Early Bird at 6:15 p.m. Cards sold at 5 p.m. Open to the public. Bring a canned good for one free card.
▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.
▪ Troy Senior Center Bingo — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. Skating Rink, 284 Riggin Road, Troy. Includes light snack, cash prizes. No cost to play, no RSVP required. 618-667-2022.
▪ Japan America Society of St. Louis Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, June 17. Community Christian Church, 623 Meramec Station Road, Ballwin, Missouri. Includes all the usual stuff – mulligans, silent auction, restaurant certificates, mini-games, 50/50, cash prizes – with a Japanese twist – one Japan-themed question round, Japanese auction items, Purikura photo booth, Jan-Ken-Pon minigame, Japanese sando dessert auction, Ichiban tables with Japanese treats and sake. Cost: $160 for JAS members, table of eight; $200 for non-members. Ichiban Premium tables (includes sake, onigiri, inarizushi and assorted snacks) an additional $120. Register at jasstl.org.
Theater/Concerts
▪ Twilight Thursdays Concert Series: Funkology 101 — 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 18. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis. Some say that funk was born in 1967 with the release of George Clinton’s “(I Wanna) Testify.” The sound of funk spread with Bootsy Collins, the Ohio Players, Rick James, and more. Now the funk continues with former Bootsy Collins and George Clinton guitarist Dee Dee James of the St. Louis band Dirty Muggs and Dave Grelle of the Playadors. Bring family, friends, food and blankets/lawn chairs, and revel in the music as the sun sets. The area’s best food trucks will be on hand. Concert-goers are invited to park on the lot at the Loop Trolley facility located at 5875 Delmar Ave. mohistory.org/twilight-thursdays
▪ Heartland Community Chorus Pops Concert — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Trinity Hall, St. Paul Church, 1411 Main St., Highland. Enjoy pops numbers, jazz standards and Broadway. There will also be some great solos, and the Chorus will be joined by a rhythm section of guitar, bass, piano and drums. Two numbers will be highlighted by trumpets, trombone and sax. Tickets can be purchased from Chorus members, at the door or online at heartlandcommunitychorus.org. Cost: $15 per person;16 and under are free.
▪ Chamber Music Society of St. Louis: ‘All About You Again’ — 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 22. 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., University City, St. Louis. A Pillsbury Cookie end-of-season concert featuring Mozart, Shostakovich, Ravel and Rachmaninoff. For tickets and info: chambermusicstl.org.
▪ Poetry at the Point — 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 23. Focal Point, 2720 Sutton Ave., St. Louis. Featuring Richard Stimac, Andy Chen, & Jill Firns. Brought to you by Saint Louis Poetry Center, Poetry at the Point invites local and regional poets to Focal Point in Maplewood for an in-person and live-stream event. Poets will read from their work, followed by a discussion with the series curator [NAME]. Reading begins at 7:30 p.m. at Focal Point, and will also be streamed live to Saint Louis Poetry Center’s website and Facebook page. Books may be for sale from the featured poets. This event is free. stlouispoetrycenter.org
▪ Music in the Park: Vince K — 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 24. Shiloh Community Park, 1 Park Drive, Shiloh. Bring a cooler, snacks and a lawn chair. Free parking. Sponsored by Village of Shiloh. 618-632-1022, ext. 119.
▪ The Philharmonic Society of Belleville presents ‘A Night at the Movies’ — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24. The Lincoln Theatre, 103 E. Main St., Belleville. An evening of favorite movie music including scores from “Superman,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and more. Tickets available at bellevillephilharmonic.org or at the theater box office.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ Eagle Wings Motorcycle Association — 6 p.m. Thursday, May 18. Alfonzo’s Pizzeria, 611 Edwardsville Road, Troy. Recruiting anyone interested in riding motorcycles, having fun and meeting new people. It doesn’t matter what kind of motorcycle you ride, all are welcome. Visit il-chaptero.weebly.com for upcoming rides and events. For more info: ilchaptero2022@gmail.com.
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18. Online via Zoom. The Family Support Meetings are for family members, significant others, and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. Third Thursday of every month. Facilitators: Diane Borawski and Pat Rudloff. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.
▪ Belleville ‘Sounds of Harmony’ Barbershop Chorus — 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. Men of all ages who like to sing are encouraged to attend. For info: Bob at 618-566-8574 or email RLCearnal@gmail.com.
▪ O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary Meeting — 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. O’Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. 618-210-8156 or ofallonsunriserotary.org
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group — 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Online via Zoom. Free peer-to-peer support group for adults with a mental health condition working towards recovery. Every Wednesday. Open the Zoom app and enter 3914844542. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.
Food
▪ Waterloo VFW Post #6504 Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. Waterloo VFW Post #6504, 406 Veterans Drive, Waterloo. Traditional Menu of cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp, chicken, chicken strips, hamburgers, fries, slaw, hush puppies, onion rings, fried green beans and fried mushrooms. Cash bar available. Dine-in or carryout. Credit/debit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-939-7999.
▪ O’Fallon Fish K of C Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Traditional menu of cod, tilapia, catfish, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and several side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229. facebook.com/KnightsOfColumbus4239
▪ Swansea Fish Stand – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays. 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Open for carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/swanseafishstand
▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Cod (baked or fried), catfish, shrimp, hush puppies, chicken strips, fries, baked potato, slaw, applesauce. Dine-in and carryout. 618-228-7311. avistonlegion.com
▪ Okawville American Legion Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 233, 205 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Dine in or carryout. Also serving lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday with a salad bar. Pizza made fresh and served every day. facebook.com/OkawvilleLegion
▪ Millstadt Sister Cities — Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 20, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 21. Millpond Maifest, 308 E. Washington, Millstadt. Serving potato pancakes and brat burgers. Net proceeds from food sales will be donated to Millstadt Township Senior Services to support its meal program.
Reservations Required
▪ Leaps of Love Just for Fun Friday: Dueling Pianos — 7-11 p.m. Friday, May 19. Lindendale Park Ballroom, 2005 Park Hill Drive, Highland. Live entertainment, cash bar, BYO snacks. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit the 2024 Ms. LOL Pageant. leapsoflove.networkforgood.com
▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 27. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga with instructor Sarah Hartwig. Space is limited. Registration required. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Triple Crown Dance — 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24. Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, 200 South Belt East, Belleville. Wear your fancy hats or fascinators and join St. Clair County and celebrate seniors at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds. RSVP Country Western Band 4-5:30 p.m. Dinner from Royel Catering 5:30-6:30 p.m. Frankie and the Houseshakers 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 if purchased by Friday, May 19; $10 at the door. Call 618-234-4410, ext. 7034 or 7044 for more information or to purchase tickets.
▪ ‘A Jewish Pioneer: John Hays in Cahokia’ — 11 a.m. Thursday, May 25. Belleville Public Library, 121 E. Washington St., Belleville. May presentation from Forward Into the Past: A Local History Series. Presentations are free to attend, but registration is required. Register at the circulation desk or call 618-234-0441.
▪ Miss Illinois Juneteenth Pageant — 6 p.m. Friday, June 3. Southern Illinois University East St. Louis, Wyvetter H. Younge Campus, Converse Avenue, East St. Louis. The Illinois Juneteenth Committee has launched a search for the next Miss Illinois Juneteenth Queen to represent the state of Illinois in 4 th Annual National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant in the fall. To be eligible to participate, one must meet the following: Be an African American female between the ages of 15 and 18; be born a female; be enrolled in school and have at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average; be able to commit to public appearances; have a cause to promote; be able to participate in the National Pageant. A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to the Miss Illinois Juneteenth 2023 Queen. Other categories will be awarded during the ceremony. 618-514-3199, 312-533-9382 or iljuneteenthcommittee.org.
