My Favorite Autumn Events In & Around Carbondale
When autumn rolls around in Southern Illinois, people get ready for some of the best events . Many of our favorite local businesses, organizations and schools are getting fall festivities planned out for families and friends to enjoy. Below are a few of my personal favorite events that happen every year in Carbondale and surrounding towns.
Pictured: Paint & Sip Party with Project Human X at Blue Sky Vineyard in 2023
Painting with the Alpacas
Sunday, October 27th 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Makanda, IL
Bring the family to local alpaca ranch, Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch. All ages are welcome! You’ll be able to pet the alpacas, feed the alpacas and paint your own alpaca! All canvases will be sketched with an alpaca prior to the event. Then you can customize your canvas alongside a live art teacher!
Sign Up: https://projecthumanx.com/pages/all-events
The Landings Trunk or Treat Bash
Sunday, October 25th 1:30pm - 3:30pm | Carbondale, IL
Come to a spooktacular evening filled with fun and festivities! Bring your family and friends for the annual Trunk or Treat Bash!
Event Highlights:
Costume Parade, Show off your creative costumes and strut your stuff!
Monster Mash Dance, Games Galore, Face Painting, Photo Booth, Trick or Treating, Refreshments & More!
Bring your best costume and a spirit for fun—let’s make this Halloween unforgettable!
We can’t wait to see all the little monsters and their families!
Learn More Here
Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
Saturday, October 12th 9:00am - 12:00pm | Carbondale, IL
Talented students from SIU’s glass blowing program are displaying and selling their works at the annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch. Beginning at 9am October 12th, visitors can come to SIU’s campus (between Pulliam & Wham Education Building) to view over 400 glass pumpkins. Purchasing a pumpkin helps undergraduate and graduate students’ educational experiences. Programs such as the field trips, Artist series, Visiting Scholar/Artist-in-Resident Program, glass blowing equipment and more in the School of Art & Design are benefitted from the proceeds.
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/southernglassworks.siuc/
Makanda Boardwalk’s Vulture Fest
Saturday, October 19th & Sunday, October 20th | Makanda, IL
This might be the biggest extravaganza in Southern Illinois. Come together to celebrate our rich culture, music, art and community. Local food trucks, live music and much more will be at this spectacular event. Come on down to the Makanda Boardwalk to join in on the fun!
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/southernglassworks.siuc/
Paint & Sip at Alto Vineyards
Sunday, October 20th | Alto Pass, IL
Enjoy a cozy atmosphere as you paint your own pumpkin at Alto Vineyards. At this experience, you will have the pleasure to indulge in wine, exquisite food and learn a new skill all in Alto Vineyard's comfy environment. Project Human X’s artist team will guide you through each step of a masterpiece for you to take home and hang up on your walls as new decor! Each canvas will be sketched prior to the event. Beginners are welcome!
More Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/autumn-paint-sip-at-alto-vineyards-tickets-997319578707?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Green Earth Trail Pumpkin Glow
Thursday, October 24th, Friday, October 25th & Saturday, October 26th
5:30pm - 9:30pm | Carbondale, IL
Take an evening stroll through the woods to see over 750 jack-o-lanterns carved by the community! This annual event showcases the community’s creativity and ability to put together a spectacular display of glowing jack-o-lantern art. This is a family friendly event open to all ages - no jump scares or scary characters to frighten the little ones! Enjoy hot cocoa and glow sticks and a photo-opp at the entrance.
LEarn More: https://www.greenearthinc.org/pumpkin-glow-2024
Haunted Hollow at Touch of Nature education Center
Sunday, October 20th 11:00am - 4:00pm | Makanda, IL
Experience tons of fun activities at Touch of Nature Education Center! From hayrides to nature walks there’s something exciting for everyone. And the best part is the event is free!
LEarn More: https://ton.siu.edu/community-events/haunted-hollow.php
Mommy/Daddy & Me Halloween Paint Party
Sunday, October 27th 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Carbondale, IL
We welcome you to join a bonding experience perfect for kids and parents. All ages are welcome! Dress up in your favorite halloween gear or costume and enjoy treats as you paint these cute kitties step by step.
