Events & Festivals
Rarely a week goes by without some type of community
activity in town - something that appeals to every age
group. Residents and visitors alike are invited to
participate in the events, many of which occur
annually. From time to time, new events are
added to the schedule.
The Christmas Market
This unique event is held the first full weekend in December in the City's historic downtown area. Visitors will delight in the festive atmosphere as they wander through heated tents filled with fine arts, folk art and craft items. The entire family will enjoy such activities and entertainment as pony and sleigh rides, children's activities, carolers, musicians, clowns, magicians and visits with Santa.
City-Wide Yard Sales
Look for this much anticipated annual event in May. Residents and visitors alike are sure to find that special item they've been looking for at one of the many sales around town.Spring Festival
Thousands of visitors roll into town each year when the Macoupin County Historical Society hosts its annual Spring Festival on the museum grounds during the observed Memorial Day weekend. Arts and crafts, antique equipment and machinery, museum tours and great home-cooked food are highlights of this event.
Fourth of July
July is a flurry of activity beginning with the Fourth of July Star-Spangled Celebration at Macoupin County Fairgrounds.
Macoupin County Fair
In mid-July the Macoupin County Fair gets into full swing with top entertainment, midway rides and games, pageants, demolition derby, harness racing, tractor pulls, talent show and much more. For additional information, contact the fairgrounds at 217-854-9422.
Summer Repertory Theatre at Blackburn College
In the words of Artistic Director, Richard Young, "Carlinville was a summer theater waiting to happen." Since July 1994, the Summer Repertory Theatre has produced quality, affordable, family-oriented musical theater at Bothwell Auditorium, and the community has responded with enthusiastic support. The Summer Rep provides opportunities for local residents to share their artistic talents with friends and neighbors. Local volunteers participate in all facets of production-set design, costumes, music, acting, choreography and publicity. In recent years, the base of volunteers has grown to include talented people from several surrounding counties. The Summer Repertory Theatre sponsors three productions during the year:- July An intergenerational musical
- August Geriatric Dinner Theater-a lively production in which the cast and crew are 55 and over
- December The Nutcracker Ballet
Super Summer Weekend
Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the last weekend in July is the Super Summer Weekend in Carlinville. This event features Sidewalk Sales, not only at businesses on the square but also at those located throughout the city. Other activities during this event include cookouts on the square, Rotary Club Ice Cream Social, and band concerts under the gazebo.
Carlinville National Bank Summer Concerts
Carlinville National Bank has been sponsoring summer concerts on the Square since 1995. Each year, three different regional-known bands feature a variety of music including classic rock, jazz, country big band, bluegrass and more. Area residents bring their lawn chairs and blankets to the gazebo on the square where bank employees serve cold drinks and popcorn during the free concerts.
Carlinville Kickoff Classic
Each year the Carlinville Youth Soccer League sponsors the Carlinville Kickoff Classic during the Labor Day weekend. Over 50 teams participate in this annual tournament held at Loveless Park.
Lions Carnival
For more than 50 years, the Lions Club Carnival has been a tradition in Carlinville. In fact, the event has become a veritable homecoming weekend for Carlinville residents. For two magical nights in early September, Main Street and the Square are transformed into a festive street carnival complete with game booths, amusement park rides for the youngsters, bingo tables, a cake walk, dunk tank and plenty of food.
Fall Festival
On the third weekend in September, the Macoupin County Historical Society hosts the annual Fall Festival at the Anderson Mansion. A variety of attractions fill the museum grounds: row upon row of antique farm machinery; treasures waiting for the right owner at the flea market; craft vendors and artists; live music; and plenty of tasty food-hot, homemade dishes, barbecued pork burgers, fresh Kettle Korn and other snacks. Members of the MCHS are also on hand to provide tours of the Anderson mansion and other restored buildings.
Orchard Festivals
Broom's Orchard hosts an Apple Festival and a Pumpkin Festival each fall. At each of these festivals, visitors can harvest their own selections or choose from alreadypicked items. Food, entertainment and a wide array of activities are available at this not-to-be-missed event!
Blackburn College Homecoming
Blackburn students and alumni invite visitors to share in Homecoming Events, including three sports events: a golf tournament at the Carlinville Country Club on Friday, soccer matches and a football game at the College on Saturday.
Rotary Halloween Parade
October's big event is the Halloween Parade sponsored by the Carlinville Rotary Club. This is the largest Halloween Parade in the area and features marching bands, floats, costume contests and more.
Trick or Treat Night with the Merchants
The Halloween fun continues when the Carlinville Chamber of Commerce sponsors this event. One night close to Halloween merchants extend their hours to hand out candy and treats to young ghosts and goblins. The children in their costumes - accompanied by parents who sometimes dress up as well - create their own makeshift parade around the Square as they visit with family, friends and merchants, and fill their bags with Halloween treats.