Alton Main Street Newsletter May 2023

Director’s Note ~

Join us on Tues, May 23rd from 5:30-7pm at Jacoby Arts Center for the next installment of our What’s Up Downtown Information Exchange, and get the scoop straight from the movers and shakers! The public is invited to learn the latest news about developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including business updates and details of upcoming events. Business owners are welcome to attend and share announcements.

We welcome more volunteers to get involved in the revitalization of Downtown Alton, especially gardeners! Meet at 3rd & Belle on Sat, April 29th at 2pm if you would like to help with a spring planting effort. We now have a page on our website where you can sign up for a shift for any of our upcoming volunteer opportunities in one spot. Visit www.DowntownAlton.com/Volunteer

~ Sara McGibany, Executive Director

Get ready for a taste of spring — eat local & fresh at the Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market!

The Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market starts on Sat, May 13th (always Mother’s Day weekend!) in the parking lot at the corner of Landmarks Blvd. & Henry Street. We will be open Saturday mornings from 8am-Noon through Oct 21st. You’ll find a wide selection of locally-grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables including heirloom varieties and sustainably grown crops, fresh cut flowers, potted plants, grass-fed meat, local honey, baked goods, hot & iced coffee, fresh farm eggs, handmade soap, and a large assortment of hand-crafted artwork such as pottery, jewelry, and woodworking items.

We have something special planned each week, and opening day will feature a Community Yard Sale—sign up for a booth on our website, we’ve got a built-in crowd of shoppers! On 5/20 we are excited to bring the circus to the market and introduce the Keep Alton Weird Sideshow! On 5/27 you’ll enjoy a colorful Lion Dance with Iron Dragon Kung Fu School.

We have so many awesome activities and entertainers on the calendar this season, including live music, artist demonstrations, goat yoga, an Art Playday with Jacoby Arts Center, a BIG farm equipment day with the Madison County Farm Bureau, a return of the Canine Carnival to benefit Hope Rescues, and a monthly pop-up roller skating rink!

Our vendors accept SNAP, and we have received a LinkUP Illinois grant to double your buying power; just visit the info booth! Vendor fees are $12 to sell homegrown or handmade products. For full details, visit www.DowntownAlton.com.

Stay up to date on what produce is in season and upcoming activities at

Facebook.com/AltonFarmersMarket
Instagram.com/AltonFarmersMarket

The Pup Crawl (that’s a Pub Crawl + dogs!) is Sat, May 20th!

You and your furry friends are invited to this fun event that spans 17 pet-friendly patios and businesses. With your $10 ticket you will receive a bandana for your pet, a passport listing food & beverage specials and pet-friendly activities, shuttle service from Noon-8pm, all-day access to the Alton Dog Park, and a chance to win prizes including a pair of Cardinals tickets! Tickets are on sale now at all participating locations, or you can get yours at the Alton Dog Park on the day of the event while supplies last.

The Old Bakery Beer Company will be set up at the Alton Dog Park where check-in will take place from Noon-5pm, located under the Clark Bridge – enter via Ridge Street and follow the signs! The dog park will be open to ticket holders all day and you can pick up information about how to purchase an annual pass.

For a traditional pub crawl experience, grab a bite or a beverage with your furry friend at:

The Lodge at The Lovejoy, Ragin Cajun Piano Bar, Tony’s Steakhouse & Bar Downtown Alton, Bubby & Sissy’s, Danny’s Lounge, The Brown Bag Bistro, FLOCK & Food Truck Park, The Conservatory, The Firehouse, Solera, and pay a visit to AP Cigar Alton.

The following businesses are also joining the fun! Families are welcome to start their day at the Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market, then check in at the Dog Park and make their way around this fun route for all ages: River Bend Yoga, It’s Raining Zen, Party on Broadway, Moon Drops + Wellness, and Picture This and More.

CLICK HERE to RSVP on Facebook

Pop-Up Clothing Swap

Clean out your closets and join us on Sunday, April 30th from Noon-4pm in the ballroom at Mineral Springs Mall, located at 301 E. Broadway. Bring clothing, shoes & accessories that you no longer wear and trade for as many new pieces for your wardrobe as you can carry! It’s only $5 to attend if you bring stuff to swap, or $10 if you just bring yourself.

Leave unwanted clothing behind to be donated to local charities and help those in need. Also, bring your worn-out clothing, blankets, fabric, towels, etc. in any condition which will be recycled with Remains Inc. We keep approximately 2,000 pounds of textiles from hitting the landfill at every swap! A drop off day will be held at the same location on Sat, April 29th from 4-6pm, enter through the door that faces Alton Street.

CLICK HERE to RSVP on Facebook

We could use some helping hands on Sunday! CLICK HERE to sign up for a shift.

Night Market on Broadway

Join us every Thursday night in June & July from 7-10pm for the Night Market on Broadway – an awesome summer series where you can enjoy live music in an outdoor setting, plus artwork and other handmade/homegrown products, as well as vintage & hip thrift items!

The event will take place both indoors in the gallery of Jacoby Arts Center (627 E. Broadway) as well as outdoors in the neighboring pocket park which bring the 600 block of Broadway to life. We’ll have Big Boys Q (BBQ and Southern Soul Food) on-site, or you can walk next door to have dinner at FLOCK food truck park!

Vendors wanted – only $10 per week to set up a booth, and you can register for either an outdoor or indoor space.

Announcing our 2023 band schedule:

June 1 – Spillie Nelson
June 8 – Ahna Schoenhoff
June 15 – The Intrusion
June 22 – Loftys Comet
June 29 – Bring Me The Fires
July 6 – Toxic Johnny
July 13 – HOOKiE
July 20 – Jazz Troubadours
July 27 – Crystal Lady

Thanks to our friends at The Conservatory for hosting a fundraiser on Sat, May 6th at 6pm to help us pay the bands for this free summer concert series!
$5 at the door – Located at 554 E. Broadway – CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Rock the Hops

Speaking of awesome local bands, did you hear that ROCK THE HOPS is back this year?!
Mark your calendar for this celebration of music, art and craft beer on Aug 12th.

Find full details at Facebook.com/RockTheHops

Shift Agency

Has started a new creative co-working space in the lower level of Post Commons at 300 Alby, aptly named The Basement. A membership includes 24/7 access to a common area to work in, coffee & snacks, high speed Wi-Fi, lounge, printer access, workshops, and the opportunity to be surrounded by other creatives…all for just $75/month! Sign on at TheBasementAlton.com

AJ Stotler Photography

Are you ready to take your professional headshot to the next level? Look no further than our Headshot Refresh Events on May 11th & 18th. Professional, high-quality headshots in just 90 minutes! This session includes: professional makeup & hair touch up, 2 wardrobe looks, multiple backdrops, and an image review/selection, resulting in 2 pro retouched high resolution digital images. Enhance your image for your personal or professional brand. our experienced team will work with you to create a look that leaves a lasting impression. To claim your spot or for additional questions, please visit ajstotlerphotography.com, or call 618-539-2468.

Mom Said No / Mississippi Hippie

It is once again time for our area’s annual Grateful Dead Day celebration, and Mississippi Hippie is your destination! Join us from Noon-4pm on Sun, May 7, at the historic Mineral Springs, 301 E. Broadway, for giveaways, face painting, raffles, and discounts on ALL Grateful Dead merchandise in-store. Mississippi Hippie is your source for boho clothing, tapestries, tie dye, jewelry, music shirts, and a complete Grateful Dead store. Next door, sister shop Mom Said No is chock full of retro toys, vintage comics, horror merchandise, a Pride section, gift ideas, and much more. Come out and enjoy the festivities!

Refabuloused Relics

We’ve expanded our hours! Now you can shop for our eclectic vintage items Thurs-Sat 11-4 and Sun Noon-4. Located at 615 E. Broadway next door to Germania.

CLICK HERE to follow us on Facebook!

OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center

Will be hosting a Skin Cancer Screening free to the community on Wed, May 24th from 4pm- 5:45pm at the OSF Moeller Cancer Center, 2200 Central Ave. Any questions, please call 618-433-7609 or email [email protected].

Senior Services Plus

Save the date for our Inaugural gala on Sat, June 10th at The Commons at LCCC to celebrate our 50th anniversary! Funds raised go toward SSP’s mission-driven programs like Meals on Wheels. Tickets are available online now at Senior ServicesPlus.org/gala.

We’ll have bingo on May 9th & 23rd from 1-3 pm in the Schoolhouse Grill, and a discussion with Ameren on Supplier Choice for Customers on Thurs, May 17th from 11am-12pm. For details call 618-465-3298. SSP is located at 2603 North Rodgers.

National Great Rivers Museum

It’s time to discover your recreational opportunities! The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to REC Fest (Recreation-Exploration-Conservation) to kick off the recreation season on Sat, May 13th from 10am-4pm. REC Fest features activity booths, outdoor games, recreational outfitters, wildlife education, safety demos, weather stations, and more. Venture into the National Great Rivers Museum and enjoy open tours of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam! CLICK HERE to RSVP on Facebook