Did you know that downtown Belleville, IL has events year-round? All along main street and around the square, which is really a circle, is home to a wide variety of community events, some that have been happening annually for many years! Even the fountain at the square celebrates during the colder months with a festive display, and when the weather warms again the fountain is back running with a beautiful lighted display.
Visit the event calendar here on our website for dates on when these events will occur. Spring and summer events are already being scheduled. The first large event is the 20th Annual Law Day 5k Run, Youth 1k Run, and Toddler Trot in April benefiting the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation and Belleville Running Club.
The month of May will bring us not only the famous Art on the Square, a three-day event filled with food, music and featuring original artwork from over 100 artists from all over the world, but also a Skateboard contest and the Memorial Day Parade. Â
In June the Shriner’s Parade will be followed by the Shriner’s Feztival of Food the first Saturday of the month, this event will feature food trucks, vendors, music and more! Don’t forget about the Tour de Belleville later in the month. The Tour de Belleville began in 2006 to raise funds for the Belleville Police Department and has grown each year to over 1300 cyclists riding the 6- or 16-mile route.
Be sure to check back with us in July when we will be updating the calendar on our website with the fall/winter activities that include the Oktoberfest, Chili Cook Off, the Cookie Walk, Santa’s Village, and much more! The holiday season in downtown Belleville is truly magical with its festive decorations, lights, and of course the arrival of Santa’s House which has been a Belleville, IL staple since 1963. Generations of families have attended the Santa parade, which marks the arrival of Santa each year to his special house in downtown Belleville, IL.
In addition to all the community events, downtown Belleville is home to some truly amazing family-owned small businesses which we recommend you visit if you have not been yet. You can find a movie theater, a variety of stores/boutiques, bars and clubs, a cigar lounge and even a newly opened micro-brewery. If you’re looking for a variety of food, look no further than the numerous restaurants that call the area home…you will find your basic American fare, pizza, sushi, Cajun, Mexican and even dessert!
We can’t forget to mention Belleville’s Old Town Farmers Market which runs May-November each Saturday from 7:30am – 12pm. There you will find locally grown and locally sourced goods from produce to artisan creations. The market is located within the first block of Saint Charles Street, between E. Main and Washington.
Team leader, Craig enjoys craft beer, bourbon, food and cigars so a visit to downtown Belleville happens as often as his schedule allows it. Take a look at the attached images for a walking guide, created by the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce. It’s a perfect way to plan your visit so you can be sure to enjoy all that downtown Belleville has to offer!Â
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