Updated for 2024. Remember when you were a kid and summer vacation stretched out before you? And how quickly it disappeared? Here is your handy dandy list of the most fun things to do this summer in Clinton County, IL! Ensure you don’t miss all the fun fairs, festivals, farmers markets, and special events!
Although we haven’t included making s’mores over a firepit or collecting fireflies in a glass jar, our list comprises organized events with actual dates. If you need help with anything else, let us know. We have tons of ideas for ageless summer shenanigans.
Many of these events recur yearly, so if you love them, plan to return next year! There is a mix of activities–fishing competitions, fairs, car shows, music, and historical celebrations. So, let’s get started!
Carlyle Lake Fireworks Spectacular Dam Jam
June 29, 2024
What is better than watching fireworks reflected over water? Building sandcastles, live music, and volleyball? There are six different live bands planned, starting at noon. The fireworks for the Spectacular Dam Jam are shot off point 1 at dusk.
Clinton County Fair
July 27 – August 3, 2024
Everything that you expect in a county fair and more! Tractor pulls, 4H animal judging, beauty pageants, rodeo, and demolition derby!
Cruz-in the Dam Car Show
August 9, 2024
The metro St. Louis area’s largest classic car show is back again! Come and see a fantastic variety of classic cars and stock and demos. You can also enjoy live music, fun games, and 50/50 drawings throughout.
Trentonfest Craft Fair
August 17, 2024
The Trentonfest Craft Fair returns for a day of arts and crafts for the whole family to enjoy. Come and enjoy vendors at Trenton Community Park.
Centralia Balloon Fest
August 16-18, 2024
The Centralia Ballon Fest is three exciting days of unique hot air balloons (over 35), five dozen craft vendors, and your favorite food vendors. Parking is available at 1490 Gragg Street in Centralia.
Friday | Park Hours: 3 pm – 10 pm
- Evening Balloon Flights at 5:30 pm
- Tethered Balloon Rides at 6 pm
- Balloon Glow at 7:30 pm
- Live music starting at 8:30 pm
Saturday | Park Hours: 3 pm – 10 pm
- Opening band at 3:00 pm
- POW/MIA Veterans Freedom Flight at 5:30
- Tethered Balloon Rides at 6 pm
- Balloon Glow at 7:30 pm
- Headline music starting at 8:30 pm
Sunday | Park Hours: 12:00 – 6:00 pm
- All Day Free Family Fun Day, including Cardboard Boat Races, Car and Motorcycle Cruise-in, and Tumble and Cheer Demonstration
- Evening Balloon Flights with Local Pilots at 5:30 pm
Albers Hootenannay
September 1, 2024
Enjoy a day of entertaining competition with 3-on-3 basketball, food trucks, concessions, live music, and inflatables to celebrate the opening of the new playground at Lehrter/JC Park.
Carlyle Street Fair
September 6-7, 2024
The Carlyle Street Fair is family fun all around Clinton County Courthouse Square. Don’t miss the Pet Parade, the tournaments, the delectable food, and live music.
Friday, from 4 pm
- Food Vendors
- Car Cruise
- Inflatables
- Laser Tag
- Live music starting at 8 pm
Saturday, from 9 am
- Pet Parade in the morning
- Food vendors open at 11 am
- 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
- Cornhole Tournament
- Zipline, Rockwall & Extreme Air open at 3 pm
- Live Music starting at 8 pm
Visit us and take advantage of the many things to do in Clinton County, IL, this summer! These events are just the beginning; we haven’t even mentioned the joy of fishing in our immense reservoir.
Whatever you love to do in summer, like biking or camping, we’ve got it! Start planning; you aren’t going to want to miss any of
Photo Credit: © MariuszBlach via canva.com