We have some great upcoming opportunities to offer our small business owners! With support from our sponsor, Partner Engineering & Science, Inc., we are offering $5,000 in Facade Improvement Grants to spruce up downtown properties. The deadline to apply is June 9th, and the application can be found on the homepage of our website.
We are also teaming up with Coco+Oak to present FREE educational workshops about best marketing practices for growth. Join us at 110 W. 3rd St. on Tuesday, June 10th at 5:30 for "Marketing online locally and why I should invest", and Tuesday, July 8th at 5:30 for "Web and ad design and getting a return on your investment". A link to register can be found at www.DowntownAlton.com/Events/SmallBusinessResources
~ Sara McGibany, Executive Director
A Pup Crawl? That’s a pub crawl + dogs! On Saturday, May 31st you and your furry friends are invited to this fun event that spans 18 pet-friendly patios and businesses. Your $10 ticket includes a bandana & frisbee, food & beverage specials, pet-friendly activities, shuttle service from Noon-8pm, all-day access to the Alton Dog Park, and a chance to win great prizes! Registration will take place at the Alton Dog Park from Noon- 5pm and the event will continue until 8pm. We will offer a traditional pub crawl experience, as well as a family-friendly route!
The Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market invites you to join them for their weekly market of handmade and homegrown items every Saturday until mid-October from 8am-Noon at the corner of Landmarks Blvd and Henry Street! Shop from over 100 local vendors each week and enjoy a rotating schedule of FREE special activities and live musicians.
Coming up in June:
6/7 - Live music from Jenny's Paradox
6/14 - Artist demo: Pottery wheel throwing demo with Bob Sancamper
6/21 - Live music with Diamond Duo
6/28 - Goat Yoga from 9-10 *ticketed event, buy tickets here!
Stay up-to-date on what produce is in season and upcoming activities on Facebook & Instagram @AltonFarmersMarket
Night Market on Broadway returns from 7-10pm Every Thursday in June & July (Except for July 3rd, fireworks night!) Join us in the green space on 3rd St. between Catdaddy’s & Chez Marilyn and along Sugar Alley for art, handmade wares and vintage & hip thrift items. Find us on Facebook here!
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE:
June 5 - Hookie
June 12 - Psychedelic Symphony
June 19 - Silver Creek Bluegrass Band
June 26 - Wherehouse Project
July 10 - 29 Steps Band
July 17 - Liver Jones & The Flatworms
July 24 - Erin Jo & The Greater Good
July 31 - Lonesome Blues
Downtown Alton’s 28th annual All-Wheels Drive-In Car Show will be held on Sunday, June 8th from 8am-4pm. The event attracts over 200 classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles, which the public is welcome to browse on 3rd, 4th, State and Belle Streets as well as Sugar Alley - there's no charge for admission! Alton Main Street organizes this tradition with support from The Dynamic Duo Car Club.
Come out for the automobiles and stay for the music, 50-50 drawing & vendor displays, and have lunch downtown!
This year we will have live music from The Outlaw Opry! From 1-3pm the band will perform some great old country music! We will also be featuring a pin-up contest at 3pm with the Kittenz of the Kulture Social Klub to celebrate the glamour, sophistication and class of the 50’s.
Registration for automobiles is open from 8am - Noon, and trophies will be given at 4pm. Details on the 37 classes and 7 specialty awards can be found on our website: DowntownAlton.com. The fee is $20 to enter the judging, or just $10 to display your wheels. Dash plaques & goodie bags are given to the first 150 registrants. If your company has promotional items that you would like to contribute to the bags, please call 618-463-1016 to arrange pickup by Tuesday, June 4th. For car show-related questions, please call Leslie Tepen at 618-946-0159.
Jacoby Arts Center is thrilled to announce their grand reopening in June in their brand new location at 208 State Street in beautiful Downtown Alton! Classes, Workshops, and Summer Art Camp registrations are located on their website at www.jacobyartscenter.org. Their yellow doors will be open for drop-in projects during the Night Market on Broadway each Thursday in June and July from 7-9pm. Bring the kiddos and help paint the new Little Free Art Libraries on June 5th, sign up for the last seat at their Stained Glass Workshop on June 12th (a paid event), or drop in free to make a magnet on June 19th! Is Clay your thing? You can also enjoy drop-in Open Clay Studio time every Thursday this summer from 6-9pm. Find registration for that here or drop in and pay via QR code!
The Episcopal Parish of Alton invites you to a Trivia Night on June 14th at St. Paul’s Church at 10 E. 3rd Street, supporting our Education Fund to grow youth ministries and scholarship opportunities. You can support this event by becoming a sponsor, contributing to the basket raffle, or purchasing a table for the event and join the fun for a worthy cause. For more info: 618-465-9149.
Alton Odyssey Tours is offering a Prohibition Tour on Saturday, June 14th from 2-5 pm. The tour meets at The Conservatory, 554 E. Broadway, and is $55 per person. This unique experience includes stops at five locations where characters from the Roaring Twenties share stories about the “wettest county in the country.” Tour begins and ends with a prohibition era cocktail.
The Benjamin Godfrey Legacy Trail on Saturday, June 21st from 10am-1:30pm meets at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 10 East 3rd Street and is $50 per person. Historic re-enactor John Meehan portrays Benjamin Godfrey on this tour of four historic locations followed by a delightful lunch!
And the Welcome to Alton Tour on Saturday, June 28th, from 1:30–3pm, meets at Post Commons, 300 Alby Street and is $20 per person. This 90-minute historic walking tour includes tunnels of the Underground Railroad and a visit to the once majestic Stratford Hotel. For reservations please visit AltonOdysseyTours.com, or call 618-433-1392.
305 State Street is now the creative home of nationally recognized artist Charles Mooneyham. Known for his surrealist-pop art and charitable outreach, Charles also curates work from numerous regional and international artists. Each artist brings a compelling personal story, and the gallery also features handcrafted jewelry and rotating exhibits that foster emerging talent. With a mission rooted in healing and community empowerment, Mooneyham Art LLC is more than a gallery—it’s a vibrant, evolving space where every piece has a story, and every visit inspires.
Join us on Thursday, June 26th to celebrate pride! The Proud Market features a variety of local LGBTQIA+ artisans selling their pride-inspired creations. We will also have drink specials and Spread Love merchandise available for sale.
Stock up on all the beach reads you need for summer at the Books & Brunch Market at on Saturday, June 21st! The market featuring numerous local authors will take place from 9am-Noon, just in time to enjoy brunch and a beverage while you shop. Available genres include fantasy, horror, romance, children's books, and more!
Looking for your next plant treasure or a thoughtful gift? Visit Plant Em, a welcoming space filled with rare and hard-to-find plants, plus beginner-friendly favorites. More than just a plant shop, Plant Em is rooted in mental health and positivity—where a $5 plant can brighten your day. You'll also find high-quality soil, LED grow lights, pots, macrame hangers, and local art. Stop by this great new weekend shop at 302 E. Broadway and join them for upcoming classes: Guide to Succulents on 6/13 and Kokedama on 6/27.
The Wedge Innovation Center is where vision meets velocity! Uniting community, sparking change, and elevating every voice. As the city’s vibrant hub for inspiration and opportunity, The Wedge empowers residents, schools and businesses to develop ideas, launch startups, and solve community problems together. Additionally, the partnership between Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and The Wedge is a transformative alliance designed to drive innovation, education, and economic growth throughout the region. By transforming two historic downtown buildings into a 55,000-square-foot innovation hub and co-working space, The Wedge serves as a social business center, think tank, and incubator. The Wedge is building a brighter, more connected Alton and uplifting a community where every idea matters, and every person can thrive.
The Miles Davis Jazz Festival will be held on Saturday, June 7th from 6-8pm at Post Commons, 300 Alby. Entertainment will be by the Alton High School Jazz Band and Saman and the Black & White Band. The $40 ticket includes dinner. To purchase call Abe Lee Barham at 618-799-9157!
The Rockin' With Robert Concerts are returning Tuesdays from 6-8pm at 2180 College Ave near the Robert Wadlow Statue thanks to the Upper Alton Association!
The schedule of performers is:
June 3—Jared Hennings Trio
June 10—NGK Band
June 17—Ivas John Trio
June 24—Porch Café
July 1—Flip the Frog
July 8—Number4Combo
OSF St. Anthony's is hosting its first ever FREE Healthcare Camp for Kids, with a goal to provide local teens with ideas for future careers in healthcare, and hopefully have them return to OSF. We’re sponsoring this event to foster bonds within the community and to help local kids see different jobs in healthcare! Students who are currently in 7th and 8th grade who have an interest in healthcare careers are welcome to join us on Wednesday, July 16th from 8am-12pm, with breakfast provided. The event will be held at the 1st Floor Perpetual Health Center, #1 St. Anthony’s Way. Registration closes June 30th, for more info: healthcarecampforkids@osfhealthcare.org
Our 2025 Riverlands Wellness Series runs through September and aims to elevate our connection with nature and the related benefits to our emotional, physical, and social health. You’re invited to join us for Kayaking on Ellis Bay and Bikes, Birds, & Brews. Space is limited, register online at THIS LINK. See you soon at the Center, everyone is welcome at Riverlands!
Whether it’s behind-the-scenes support or simply giving you back a few hours each week, our goal is to make your day-to-day feel a little lighter. The Bridged Team is here to offer thoughtful support that fits your rhythm and lets you breathe a little easier. Connect with us today! Email: Hello@BridgedLLC.com / Call or Text: 314-884-0033
Alderwoman Rosie Brown invites area youth to a movie night at NCG Theater on Tuesday, June 17th and four sack lunch giveaways on Wednesdays over the summer. For more info, please email rbrown@cityofaltonil.gov