COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Village offers support to various groups and organizations that sponsor community-wide events that are free to the public throughout the calendar year. Watch for specific community events on the Events Calendar. To submit information for the Community Events Calendar, contact the Village Clerk’s office at 618-377-8051. Please make all submissions at least 14 days prior to the event.

Easter Egg Hunt – The annual Easter Egg Hunt is hosted by the Bethalto Rotary Club.  The 2024 event is set for March 30 at noon in Central Park.

Bethalto Jaycees Country Fair – Join the Bethalto Jaycees for a fun way to kick off summer at their annual carnival.  Food, rides, and fun are on the schedule for May 23-26, 2024 in Bethalto Central Park.

Music in the Park – Join us for FREE concerts in the park each Thursday from mid-May through mid-August.  Bethalto Spirit sponsors a variety of weekly entertainers, and you’re sure to find something to please everyone!  Concessions are available, bring your lawn chair and enjoy the show.

Bethalto Spirit Plant Sale – Help support Bethalto Spirit at its annual plant sale held in Central Park.  A variety of plants will be available, so stop by & shop local.  The sale date for 2024 has  been scheduled for May 18th.

Memorial Day Service – The Memorial Day Ceremonial Service is held annually on Memorial Day.  Plans for 2024 have not yet been finalized.

Bethalto Spirit Market Days – Stop by for local fresh fruits & vegetables, baked goods, arts & crafts & so much more!  Market Days will be held every Sunday in Central Park, from 9am – 1pm starting June 9th and ending in mid-October.  Keep an eye on Facebook for more details.

Bethalto Splash Pad – Beat the heat at the Bethalto Splash Pad!  Follow our direct link to the Splash Pad on our home page.

Homecoming – A Labor Day weekend tradition, this highly anticipated annual event features food vendors, carnival rides and games, BINGO, and live music at the bandstand.  Come join us for family fun as we remember the homecoming of our troops many years ago.  The Bethalto Volunteer Fire Department coordinates the Homecoming. Vendors should contact the Fire Department for applications.

Family Fun Day – Join hundreds of children as they celebrate National Day for Kids in Steve Bryant Park on Culp Lane. The free event, sponsored by the Bethalto Boys and Girls Club, features a kids fishing derby, face painting, and various activity booths and treats for children. Family Fun Day is always the third Saturday in September.

Fly-In and Car Show – Whether you prefer your feet firmly planted on the ground, or your hair flapping in the wind, the Airport Fly-In and Car Show has something for everyone. View collectible show cars and vintage planes and sample a delicious variety of tasty treats on the grounds of St. Louis Regional Airport.  Watch Facebook for dates and times.

CMHS Homecoming Parade – Notably the largest community parade, the Civic Memorial High School Homecoming Parade features the CMHS Band, appearances by queen and king candidates, dozens of floats representing youth organizations, and LOTS of candy.  The parade is held each year on the Friday during CM’s Homecoming Week.

Halloween Parade – The annual Halloween Parade, sponsored by the Bethalto Rotary Club, is held the Monday of Halloween week beginning at 6:30pm, and concludes in Central Park with a FREE Trunk or Treat event.  This year’s event is set for October 28th.  NEW ROUTE:  The parade now stages at the north entrance to Rose Lawn Memory Garden, then travels down Erwin Plegge Boulevard into the Park for Trunk or Treating.  For more information on the parade & Trunk or Treat, contact Bethalto Rotarian Alan Winslow at (618) 977-6519.

Lifebrook Chili Cook-Off – Join in the fun at the annual Lifebrook Church Fall Festival and Chili Cook-Off each October. The event features live music, door prizes and giveaways, bounce houses, chili tasting and judging, and more. Check the Events Calendar for a specific date and time. To register your chili call 618-377-8804. For more information visit Lifebrook Church.

Trunk or Treat – Join hundreds of trick-or-treaters in Central Park immediately following the Halloween Parade for the annual Trunk or Treat. Representatives from local businesses, churches, and civic organizations line the perimeter of the park with their Halloween-themed vehicles waiting for visits from trick-or-treaters.

Trick or Treat – Trick-or-Treating is allowed in the village on October 30 and 31 from 6-8 p.m.

BAMA Community Thanksgiving Service – Each year the Bethalto Area Ministerial Alliance holds a community Thanksgiving Service on the Tuesday evening prior to Thanksgiving. The event, which features music, prayers, and sermons conducted by multiple local pastors, demonstrates the shared worship and fellowship among the local church leaders and congregations. The event is open to the public and is hosted by a different BAMA member church each year. Check the Events Calendar for specific dates and times.

Kiwanis’ Breakfast with Santa – Enjoy pancakes with the whole family while the children visit Santa and make known their Christmas wishes. The free event is held on the second Saturday morning in December at the Bethalto Senior Citizen’s Center.

Christmas Village – Come take a stroll through our free mile-long holiday display in the Village’s Central Park and Arboretum. The lighted displays are open nightly throughout the holiday season, with even more fun with vendors, barrel train rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturdays and Sundays from 5-8pm!  Let Bethalto Spirit help lift YOUR Christmas spirit!  For the latest info, follow Bethalto Spirit on Facebook.  The 2024 Christmas Village opens on November 30th and will be open Saturdays & Sundays until December 22nd.

Bethalto Spirit Victorian Christmas Walk – Step back in time and stroll through the downtown area enjoying the Christmas Spirit Victorian style! Find costumed street vendors peddling roasted chestnuts, cookies, wassail, popcorn, and other goodies. Experience the sounds of bell choirs and singers caroling through the streets. And maybe even take a ride in the horse-drawn carriage. The event is free and occurs on the second Sunday in December from 4-7 p.m.