Updated May 2022. Do you remember when you were a kid, and summer vacation stretched out in front of you? And how quickly it disappeared? Here is your handy dandy list of the most fun things to do in Clinton County, IL this summer! Make sure this summer that you don’t miss all the fun fairs, festivals, and special events that you have been meaning to attend!
Although we haven’t included things like making s’mores over a firepit or collecting fireflies in a glass jar, our list includes organized events with actual dates. If you need help with the other stuff, let us know…we have tons of ideas for ageless summer shenanigans.
Many of these events recur every year, so if you love them, plan on coming back next year, too! There is a total mix of activities–fishing competitions, fairs, car shows, music, and historical celebrations. So, let’s get started!
IHSA State Bass Finals
May 20 & 21, 2022
Come watch the Illinois High School Association State Bass Fishing Finals at Carlyle Lake. This year, 320 schools entered the competition, and sectionals were held on May 5. For the finals on May 20 and 21, boats will be released starting at 7 am and beginning to return at 3 pm. The final awards will be given at 4:30 pm on May 21.
Music in the Park
Thursdays June 2 – August 11, 2022
7pm – 9pm
Come with your family and a blanket or chair to Lehrter/JC Park Stage in Albens, IL for live music every Thursday night.
Carlyle Street Fair
June 3 – 5, 2022
Friday, June 3 from 4 pm – Midnight
- 4 pm
- Opening Ceremony – 10th & Fairfax
- Food, Rides & Vendors Open
- Car Show – 10th & Fairfax Street
- 8 pm – Live Music
- Baywolfe – Main Stage
Saturday, June 4 from 9 am – Midnight
- 9 am
- Pet Parade Registration Begins – Main Tent
- 10 am
- Pet Parade – Courthouse Square
- B3 Tough One/Strongman Competition
- 11 am
- Rides Open
- Noon
- T&T DJ – 9th & Fairfax Street
- 5 pm
- .5K – Run/Walk/Crawl Race – Starting at Rt. 127 – Ending at 9th Street
- 8 pm – Live Music
- Taco Truck – Main Stage
- 10 pm
- 50/50 Raffle Winner Announced – Main Stage
New Baden June Jamboree
June 17 – 18, 2022
Friday, June 17
- 5 pm – Food and Beer Stands
- 6 pm – Carnival Rides and Games.
- 8 pm – Midnight Shotgun Cree
Saturday, June 18
- 5 pm – Parade along with Food and Beer Stands
- 6 pm – Carnival Rides and games.
- 8 pm – Midnight Champagne FIXX
Juneteenth Celebration
June 18, 2022
11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Join in this annual celebration in Laura Leake Park in Centralia, IL Complimentary foods and refreshments, family games, and competitions. Specialty sandwiches will be sold.
Carlyle Lake Fireworks Spectacular Dam Jam
July 2, 2022
Beginning at Noon
What is better than watching fireworks reflected over water? Building sandcastles, live music, and volleyball?
Clinton County Fair
July 16 – 23, 2022
Everything that you expect in a county fair and more! Tractor pulls, 4H animal judging, beauty pageants, rodeo, and demolition derby!
Cruisin’ the Dam Car Show
August 12, 2022
The largest classic car show in the metro St. Louis area is back once again! Come and see an amazing variety of classic cars as well as stock and demos. You can also enjoy live music, fun games, and 50/50 drawings throughout.
Centralia Balloon Fest
August 19 – 21, 2022
Three days of unique hot air balloons (over 35) along with 5 dozen craft vendors, and your favorite food vendors. Parking is available at 1490 Gragg Street in Centralia.
Friday, August 19
- 3 pm – Foundation Park opens with a Hot Air Craft Fair and Food Vendors. Two Entertainment Tents will be set up with an entertainment schedule yet to be announced.
- 5:30 pm – Evening Flight Over Centralia
- 7 pm-9 pm – Balloons Set Up for Glow
Saturday, August 20
- 6 am – Morning Flight Over Centralia
- 10 am – Hot Air Craft Fair with Food Vendors and entertainment in Entertainment Tents
- 5:30 pm – Evening Flight Over Centralia
- 7 pm-9 pm – Balloons Set Up for Glow
Sunday, August 21
- 6 am – Morning Flight Over Centralia
- 10 am-2 pm – Hot Air Craft Fair with Food Vendors and entertainment in Entertainment Tents
Visit us and take advantage of the many things to do in Clinton County, IL this summer! Start planning, you aren’t going to want to miss any of the fun!