Live music, veterans tributes, holiday shopping and hands-on family activities offer plenty of ways to spend Nov. 13-15, 2026, around the region. Explore the highlights below and visit RiverBender.com Events for the complete calendar.
Start the weekend with City Heat Live at VFW Post 1308 in Alton. The band will perform from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, giving listeners an evening of live music at the post. The event is open to the public.
Naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw will share a close look at great horned owls during Forest Park Owls: Hunting and Feeding from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Held in Hayner Library’s upper-level performance room at Alton Square Mall, the program draws on his observations of the Forest Park birds, including their hunting perches, predatory attempts and feeding of owlets. Photos and videos will illustrate the talk. Call 1-800-613-3163 to register.
Riverbend Rescue will bring music and giving together at the 3rd Annual Keys for Kids Dueling Pianos Fundraiser, scheduled for Nov. 14, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Rustic Roots Event Space in Wood River. Riverbend Dueling Pianos will provide the entertainment, with a catered meal, drinks, raffle baskets and a 50/50 drawing also planned. Tickets are $50 and include dinner and four drink tickets. The listing’s description calls the date Friday, but Nov. 14, 2026, is Saturday.
Traditional country music will take center stage at A Salute to Veterans featuring The Glendale Riders at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, in Hatheway Hall at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. The performance is Alton-Godfrey Rotary’s 14th annual benefit concert. Tickets are $20 and are available from club members, Norton-Rain Insurance and Scheffel Boyle on State Street in Alton, and Carrollton Bank on Homer Adams Parkway in Alton.
Friday, Nov. 13
Young readers can tackle the Gobble Up a Good Book Reading Challenge at Hayner Library in Alton, listed for Nov. 13-15. Bingo cards for ages birth through 5 and 6-11 encourage reading, library exploration and program participation. Each bingo earns a prize, and completed cards qualify for a grand-prize drawing; children ages birth through 3 can choose from the Baby Prize Bin for each bingo.
Help clear invasive plants during Volunteer: Honeysuckle Removal Workday at The Nature Institute in Godfrey. The morning of cutting and pulling calls for water, long pants and sturdy shoes.
Holiday decorating and gift shopping come together at the Christmas Open House at Bev’s Basket’s and Bows in Carrollton, listed for Nov. 13 and 14. Browse decorated trees, ornaments and gifts, with door prizes and a free gift with purchase for the first 100 customers.
Bring little ones to Story Time at Lucy’s Playhouse in Alton for interactive stories and songs. The Hayner Library program takes place at the historic Lucy Haskell Playhouse.
Play & Learn For Babies & Toddlers meets at 10 a.m. at the Niedringhaus Building, 2001 Delmar Ave. in Granite City. Questions can be directed to Youth Services at 618-452-6238, ext. 720.
Browse more than 20,000 books at St. Andrew’s Fall Book Fair Nov. 13-14 at St. Andrew Episcopal Church, 406 Hillsboro Ave. in Edwardsville. Hours are 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The sale also includes music, movies, puzzles, holiday items and a boutique of rare and autographed finds; cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.
Children ages 6-10 can explore animal hunting strategies and make nature-inspired snacks at Kids Night Out: Creature Connoisseurs at The Nature Institute in Godfrey. The three-hour drop-off program includes dinner and costs $35, with a 15% discount for family-level members. Registration is required, and participants should bring a reusable water bottle.
Teens can make crafts, play video games and spend time with peers during YA Fridays at Hayner Library in Alton.
The Boots ‘N Bandanas Fundraiser benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Alton at The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for an evening featuring a cocktail hour, western-themed food stations by Nicky G’s, live music, Deal or No Deal and special awards. Tickets are $50.
Howie Hirshfield portrays Edgar Allan Poe in Upon a Midnight Dreary: A Night with Edgar Allan Poe from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Hayner Library’s upper-level performance room at Alton Square Mall. The performance explores Poe’s life and writing, closes with a reading from “The Raven” and includes questions and photo opportunities. Register at 1-800-613-3163.
The EAWR JFL Fundraiser Mouse Races, hosted by The Misfitz at Wood River Moose #1349, opens its doors at 6 p.m., with racing at 7 p.m. The event is for ages 21 and older and includes raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing and mouse roulette. Tickets are $20 each or $120 for a table of eight.
Christway Church in Godfrey welcomes everyone to Worship Night, a free event featuring Reverent Worship.
Cosmic Bowling Night at Airport Plaza Bowl in Bethalto runs from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bowling costs $20 per person, including shoes, and Classic’s Bar & Grill offers a place to grab a bite between games.
Alton Little Theater presents The Outsider Nov. 13-22. The political comedy follows shy, socially awkward Ned Newley as an unexpected campaign for governor gains momentum. Individual tickets are $25.
Saturday, Nov. 14
Shop local handiwork at 2026 Calhoun County Small Business Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the K.C. Hall in Hardin. Crafters, vendors and artists will display their work, and food vendors will also be on hand.
Scouting for Food – Bag Distribution brings Scouts into Edwardsville neighborhoods to distribute blue bags for food donations. Residents are asked to fill bags and set them out Nov. 21 for collection; donations can also go to area food banks, firehouses and other affiliates.
Prepare for the 2027 growing season with Winter Garden Seed Sowing 101 at The Nature Institute in Godfrey. Participants should bring seeds and one to five clean, empty milk jugs or similar containers to turn into mini-greenhouses. Soil, some tools and selected seeds are provided. The fee is $10, with a member discount available.
Make chalkboard signs during the Adults Fall Craft Series (18+) from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Training & Events Room at the Niedringhaus Building, 2001 Delmar Ave. in Granite City. Register at 618-452-6238, ext. 730.
Students in grades 7-12 can play Nintendo Switch from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Teen Room at the Niedringhaus Building in Granite City.
Children in kindergarten through eighth grade can play, learn or meet fellow fans at Pokémon Club at 2 p.m. at the Niedringhaus Building, 2001 Delmar Ave. in Granite City.
The Marine Corps. Birthday Ball Celebration! honors the service’s 251st birthday at Julia’s Banquet Center in East Alton from 6 to approximately 9 p.m. Co-hosted by Riverbend Patriots and A Few Good Marines, the event includes a buffet dinner, speakers, gifts and Marine Corps traditions. Formal attire is encouraged; past and present Marines, their guests and friends of the corps are welcome.
The 2026 YWCA Southwestern IL Trivia Night brings eight rounds of Trivia Riot competition to Great Rivers Ascend Hotel, 3559 College Ave. in Alton. Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia begins at 7 p.m., with a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and Heads & Tails game also planned. Tickets are $25 each or $200 for a table of eight. Online sales closed Nov. 6; call 618-465-7774 about tickets.
GATEWAY FEST ANNIVERSARY POP UP celebrates Gateway Fest’s first anniversary and founder Wyatt’s 21st birthday at Rootwad Park in St. Louis. The event showcases local underground music and provides food and drinks. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted.
The 2026 New Horizons Band Veterans Freedom Concert takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at McNicholas Club Hall in Godfrey. Led by Stanley Chytil, the band will salute veterans, who receive free admission and recognition. Admission is $15 at the door, with children 12 and younger admitted free. Doors open one hour before each performance; food, beverages and a cash bar will be available.
Sunday, Nov. 15
CATco Friendsgiving at Deliverance Temple in Alton brings people together for a potluck celebrating community and gratitude. Guests are welcome with or without a dish. The gathering benefits the OWLS and includes a drive for new or gently used coats.
Explore the brewing process and a historic bakery building during Behind the Glass Brewery Tours at Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton. The 40-minute guided tour starts at 3 p.m. and costs $10, including a pint of beer and tank samples. Preregistration is not required, but groups of eight or more should call 618-463-1470 to reserve space.
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