“We’ll sing in the sunshine, we’ll laugh every day.”
—Gayle Garnett
Listening to music in the great outdoors is a summertime delight. Come and stretch out on the grass with a blanket and a cool drink while listening to the sounds of the best summer music events in Clinton County. There are musical styles to suit everyone’s fancy, so find your favorite artist, or discover your new favorite. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss out!
Clinton County Fair
July 16 – 23
1899 Methodist St, Carlyle IL
The Clinton County Fair is so much more than the music. With an antique tractor pull, parade, livestock judging, and crowning of a queen, experience 8 full days of events and fun. The musical acts are outside in the Legacy Building:
Wednesday, July 20: L8R Dayz Band
8pm – 11pm
Thursday, July 21: Miranda Bury
8:30pm – 11:30pm
Friday, July 22: Black Top Boulevard
8pm-midnight
Centralia Downtown Summer Concert Series
Sundays, July 10 – August 14
The Yard at Crooked Creek Winery
110 E Broadway, Centralia IL
This summer, Crooked Creek Winery is hosting weekly concerts at its downtown venue. Concerts are Sundays from noon – 6pm, rain or shine. The event is family-friendly, featuring some children’s events. Food is provided by food trucks including Sugarfire Smokehouse, Ramblin’ Rooster, George’s Fish & Fry, Baldy’s BBQ, Centralia House, Farmhouse Foods, and Squishy’s BBQ.
There will be draft beer, and Crooked Creek spiked lemon drinks, among others. Performances are held between 2pm and 5pm. The scheduled artists include:
July 10: Cat Daddy’O
July 17: Taylor Steele and the Love Preachers
July 24: Champagne Fixx
July 31: Beaucoup Bottom Band
August 7: Teddy LaMaster Band
August 14: BoomBox All 80’s Band
Swamp Tales Bar and Grill
Summer Weekends
7901 State Rt 127, Carlyle IL
If you are looking for tasty food to complement some summer music, Swamp Tales Bar and Grill hosts music nights most weekends during the summer. Come in for some casual Cajun-style food (and the kids will love the life-sized alligators). Bands that have been featured recently include Champagne Fixx, the Andy King Band, and the Renegades Band.
Germantown Spassfest
Saturday, August 20, 9pm
Schoendienst Park, Germantown IL
The Germantown Spassfest began in 1968 when the citizens wanted to celebrate the dedication of a new park and Village Hall. The word “Spassfest” literally means “fun festival.” What was initially thought to be a one-time event has continued for over 40 years! Come and see The Gusto Band.
Hidden Lake Winery
Weekends through September
10580 Wellen Rd, Aviston IL
For a relaxing evening visit Hidden Lake Winery. Enjoy a glass of wine, some snacks or sandwiches, and live music on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as Sunday afternoons. Examples of the artists performing are:
Friday, July 22: Open Mic Night with Brad Noe
Saturday, July 23: Music by Pity Thy Neighbors
Sunday, July 24: Music by Bill Harper
Friday, July 29: Open Mic Night with Brad Noe
Sunday, July 31: Music by Graham Pagano
Friday, August 5: Open Mic Night with Brad Noe
Saturday, August 6: Music by Edwin Linson
Sunday, August 7: Music by Tim Crosby
Friday, August 12: Open Mic Night with Brad Noe
Saturday, August 13: Music by Robert Perry Band
Sunday, August 14: Music by Hunter Peebles
Friday, August 19: Open Mic Night with Brad Noe
Saturday, August 20: Music by Ribtip and Rogers
Sunday, August 21: Music by Dave Caputo
Friday, August 26: Open Mic Night with Brad Noe
Saturday, August 27: Music by Pity Thy Neighbors
Sunday, August 28: Music by Andrew Dahle
Don’t miss out on these fantastic music events while there is still summer left! It is wonderful that live music is once again thriving in this community. Take your pick, and enjoy the best summer music events in Clinton County IL.
(updated July 2022)