Annual Festivals in Southern Illinois

Are you planning on a trip to Southern Illinois? Then you just may want to have some fun while you're visiting. Southern Illinois offers a variety of annual festivals. While planning your trip be sure to schedule in some trips to our annual festivals.

Parades, contests, pageants, good food, tournaments, musical entertainment and much more can be enjoyed at the Old King Coal Festival in West Frankfort. The Old King Coal Festival is held around Labor Day (usually in September). For more information and driving directions, visit their Web site (listed in resources).

Do you enjoy independent films? If so you'll enjoy the annual Big Muddy Film Festival in Carbondale. This 10-day festival is one of the oldest student and community run film festivals in the country. It was created to bring films which are not available to the public. The festival usually takes place in February or March. For more information, phone 618-453-1482.

For all of you, who love hunting and the outdoors, pay a visit to The Southern Illinois Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days in Carterville. This is a family event, and if you are traveling with children, it is encouraged that you bring them along too. Free admission and parking is available. For more information phone the committee at: 618-985-8392.

If you're traveling to Southern Illinois toward the end of May, pay a visit to Herrin for the Herrinfesta Italiana. There's lots of fun to be had at the Herrinfesta Italiana - live entertainment, car show, pageant, poker run, giveaways, contests, fireworks and much more! For more information, dates and schedules visit their Web site (listed in resources).

How about some summer fun! Dances, go-kart races, dirt bike races, car shows and more can be enjoyed in Mount Vernon during the Sweet Corn and Watermelon Festival. Plus, you also get all of the corn and watermelon you want, free! For more information, phone 618-242-3151.