Upcoming events.
From beloved yearly festivals that draw visitors from near and far to community events that make everyday life a little more exciting, Carlinville is always buzzing with something special. Whether it’s a lively summer fair, a cozy holiday market, or local gatherings that bring neighbors together, there’s always a reason to celebrate. Check out our upcoming events and make plans to join the fun – we can’t wait to see you there!
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Haunted Carlinville Walking Tour
The Carlinville Chamber of Commerce is bringing American Hauntings to historic Carlinville, to explore our rollicking history of crime, corruption, and ghosts that includes the corruption of the "Million Dollar Courthouse," the bootleggers and rum-runners of Prohibition that used local roads to transport illegal booze to Chicago and brought men like Al Capone to town, and more! Discover how the history of yesterday has created the hauntings of today in one of Illinois' spookiest small towns!
Tours take place on October 10 & 24 | 7pm and 9pm tours
Haunted Carlinville Walking Tour (Copy)
The Carlinville Chamber of Commerce is bringing American Hauntings to historic Carlinville, to explore our rollicking history of crime, corruption, and ghosts that includes the corruption of the "Million Dollar Courthouse," the bootleggers and rum-runners of Prohibition that used local roads to transport illegal booze to Chicago and brought men like Al Capone to town, and more! Discover how the history of yesterday has created the hauntings of today in one of Illinois' spookiest small towns!
Tours take place on October 10 & 24 | 7pm and 9pm tours
MCDD Beaver Dam Dash
This trail race is run on mostly single track in beautiful Beaver Dam State Park and is a fund raiser for Macoupin Center for the Developmentally Disabled (MCDD). This event has both a 5K and 10K distance plus a 1 mile Fun Run/Walk. Long sleeved tech/dri fit shirts are guaranteed to those registered by midnight Oct 18th. Race day registration will be available but a race shirt will not be guaranteed. The goal of MCDD is to meet the basic need for adults with disabilities living in Macoupin and surrounding counties. They serve individuals with developmental disabilities who are 18 years of age and older to provide them with continued education catered to their individual abilities, provide them with important social and life skills, social interaction, and to engendering a sense of belonging, purpose and self worth.
ROTARY HALLOWEEN PARADE
The 87th Annual Carlinville Rotary Club Halloween Parade is set for Saturday, October 31st at 6:15pm.
This years theme: Halloween on Rt 66
Pre Registration to participate in the parade is required so click the link and sign up today!
Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics A New Era | Unveiling A Vision
A vision revealed. A bold step forward. A new era at Carlinville Area Hospital begins.
Join us Tuesday, September 29, for a special evening as we unveil a vision for the future of healthcare across our region.
This defining moment will include special announcements, an inside look at what’s ahead for CAH&C, and an opportunity to be part of an exciting new chapter for our organization and the communities we serve.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while connecting with community members, healthcare leaders, and others who are helping shape what comes next.
Event Details
📅 Tuesday, September 29, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 CAH&C Main Campus
FREE EVENT | RESERVATION REQUIRED
There is no cost to attend, but tickets must be reserved in advance so we can plan for seating, hors d’oeuvres and event capacity.
Be there when the vision is unveiled.
TOUR DE MILK
Welcome to the 12th Annual Tour de Milk! This year's race will be a group start at 9:00 am and will be timed, with trophies awarded to the category winners. All registered participants will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a Felt Broam 40 gravel bike from Wheel Fast Bicycle Company. As always, Tour de Milk proceeds benefit Carlinville Area Food Pantry and Carlinville Winning Communities N.F.P.
Race Details:
• 17, 33, or 66 mile route options
• SAG (support and gear) provided
• Rest stops with food and water
• Race day check-in begins at 7:30 am
Register: https://www.bikereg.com/tourdemilk
Blackburn Homecoming
Blackburn College is welcoming alumni, families and friends back to Carlinville for Homecoming & Family Weekend, September 25–27, and this year, Carlinville is invited to be part of the celebration, too.
With the theme “A Blackburn Road Trip: Where All Roads Lead Back to Blackburn,” approximately 500 guests are expected throughout the weekend as Beavers from near and far return to reconnect, celebrate and make new memories.
And while plenty will be happening on campus, Blackburn is intentionally bringing Homecoming into Carlinville while also inviting the community onto campus.
Homecoming Is for Carlinville, Too
You don't have to be a Blackburn alum to join the fun!
Blackburn wants the entire Carlinville community to know that Homecoming & Family Weekend is an invitation for all of us to be part of the celebration.
Neighbors, families, businesses and friends of the College are invited to come to campus, enjoy Homecoming activities and help welcome Blackburn alumni home.
Take the Scenic Route Friday Night
Friday evening, Homecoming heads into town again with the Scenic Route Bar Crawl.
The evening begins with Cocktails & Karaoke at the Jaenke Alumni Center at 7 PM. Beginning at 7:20 PM, participants can board the Blackburn shuttle, which will make a continuous loop through participating Carlinville establishments before returning to campus at midnight.
See Miles Station Live Saturday
On Saturday evening, Carlinville is invited to head to campus for live music from Miles Station!
Saturday, September 26 | 5:00 PM
Demuzio Center Courtyard at Blackburn College
Bring your family or friends and enjoy an evening of live music as part of Homecoming & Family Weekend.
MEMBER MASTERMINDS
What does growth look like when an organization is thinking beyond where it is today?
This month’s Member Masterminds will feature Brian Burnside, President & CEO of Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics, leading a conversation about growth, innovation and the thinking behind moving an organization forward.
From recognizing opportunities to navigating change and making decisions with the future in mind, this is a conversation with plenty of takeaways for businesses and organizations of every size.
We’ll also welcome this year’s Macoupin County CEO class, giving our members a chance to meet the young entrepreneurs participating in this year’s program.
Come for the conversation, connect with other local business leaders and leave with a few new ideas of your own.
*Please come in the front doors of the building
GOLD STAR MISSION RIDE WELCOME CEREMONY
On Wednesday, September 23, Carlinville will have the honor of welcoming riders participating in the 10th Annual Gold Star Mission GS 500 as they make their way through our community.
The GS 500 is a five-day, 500-mile bicycle ride through Illinois honoring fallen military service members and their Gold Star Families. Riders carry the stories and memories of Illinois' fallen heroes with them throughout the journey.
They are expected to arrive in Carlinville at approximately 3:00 PM, and we're asking our community to help give them a Carlinville welcome worthy of the mission they're riding for.
Along the Route: Come Outside & Welcome the Riders
As the riders arrive, they will make their way around the Carlinville Square and along North Broad Street.
Come out along the route and wave, cheer and help us line the streets to welcome them as they pass.
Flags, signs and plenty of people outside showing their support are encouraged!
This is more than welcoming a group of cyclists to town. It's an opportunity to help honor the fallen military heroes they are riding for and show their Gold Star Families that their loved ones are remembered.
We'd love to see Carlinville show up for them.
Stay for the Celebration
The welcome continues with a community celebration at the Bates Building, hosted by The Squirrel Bowl and Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics.
There will be food, music, drinks, raffles and fun for the whole family. Everyone is invited to come out, meet the riders and be part of the afternoon.
Wednesday, September 23
Riders arrive around 3:00 PM
Bates Building | Carlinville
Macoupin County Chamber Summit
Macoupin County Chamber Summit
Event Details
📅 Date: November 4th
🕓 Time:5:30PM Doors Open 6:30PM Dinner
📍 Location: The Rustic Venues - 24720 N Standard City Rd, Girard, Illinois 62640
🎤 Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Katie Dudley
🎟️ Admission: $25 • Includes Dinner • Cash Bar
This county-wide event will bring together mayors, city executives, county officials, educators, and business innovators to share ideas, identify opportunities, and strengthen partnerships that support long-term economic success.
Through shared insight and open conversation, we’ll explore ways to cultivate new investments, enhance community development, and position Macoupin County for a thriving future.
Start With Hello Week
Throughout the week, you’ll see Carlinville schools, businesses, organizations and community members joining together in some pretty simple ways:
💚 Monday: Join us at 8:45 a.m. at Carlinville High School as we kick off the week with a special green ribbon cutting in front of the flag pole.
👋 Say Hello: Community members are invited to help greet students as they arrive at school throughout the week. To volunteer for a morning, contact Jessica Ryan at 217-556-7531.
💚 Wednesday: Wear green! We’d love to see green all over Carlinville in support of Start With Hello Week.
🪨 Look for “Hello” ROCKS: Carlinville students are painting special rocks that will be hidden inside participating businesses around town. Find one and you may even find a little surprise waiting for you!
❤️💙 Friday: Wear your Carlinville red and blue for “We’re All on the Same Team” Day.
And throughout the week, keep an eye out for “Hello Starts Here” displays and other signs of Start With Hello around town.
Our students are part of this entire community. When they see neighbors, businesses, community leaders, teachers and families showing up alongside them, they see what it looks like to live in a place where people notice one another and care about making others feel welcome.
Start With Hello begins at school, but its message belongs to all of us.
And sometimes, it really can start with something as simple as saying hello. 💚
Business Guide to Start with Hello week HERE
LIONS CARNIVAL
For generations, the Carlinville Lions Carnival has been a hometown tradition that marks the unofficial close of summer. On the historic downtown Square, the weekend features carnival rides, games, food, the beloved parade, queen coronation, and the kind of small town memories families return for year after year.
Chamber Masterminds Morning: AI Workflows & Automation
As we head into the busy fourth quarter, time is your most valuable asset. Join us for this month’s Mastermind as we dive into practical, real-world ways to use AI to streamline operations, automate repetitive daily tasks, and reclaim hours in your week.
We’ll hear from leading AI experts as they highlight top automation tools and show how to implement simple strategies you can put to use right away before the holiday rush. Following the presentation, we'll dive into an interactive discussion on how local businesses can streamline operations before the peak Q4 season.
Take our quick 3-question survey to let us know where you currently stand with AI tools and if you’re planning to attend!
Light breakfast and coffee provided.
BLACKBURN DINING HALL RIBBON CUTTING
Blackburn College has completed a renovation of its dining hall inside the Demuzio Campus Center, and we’re celebrating with a Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting this Friday!
Come see the updates, and then stay for lunch. Something you may not know: you don’t have to be a Blackburn student to eat there!
Friday, August 14
10:45AM
Demuzio Campus Center at Blackburn College
It also happens to be MOVE-IN DAY at Blackburn, so campus will be buzzing with students and families. Please plan accordingly when arriving and parking.
We’d love to have you join us as we celebrate another exciting investment in our community!
SIPS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
Sips Coffee Co is getting ready to officially break ground on their permanent Carlinville location, and they’re inviting the community to come celebrate with them!
Join us Friday, August 14 at 10:00 AM as we mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Sips and another investment in our Carlinville business community.
Come help cheer them on as they officially break ground!
MOOSE LODGE PIZZA PUZZLES & PARADISE
Grab your 4-person team and get ready for a night of tropical fun!
Join us for Pizza, Puzzles & Paradise on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Carlinville Moose Lodge #1216!
Think you have what it takes to conquer a triathlon with a twist? Gather 3 teammates and compete in:
A large pizza challenge
12 beverage challenge
A 300-piece jigsaw puzzle
Cash prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place!
Registration:
$160 per team if preregistered by July 17
$200 per team after July 17
Your registration includes:
300-piece puzzle
Large pizza
12 beverages
Register at:
Carlinville Moose Lodge #1216
Carlinville Public Library
Don’t miss one of the most unique and fun events of the summer! Grab your friends, bring your competitive spirit, and enjoy an evening full of laughs, teamwork, great food, and tropical vibes.
SUPER SUMMER WEEKEND
One of Carlinville's favorite summer traditions is back!
Super Summer Weekend is a community celebration filled with hometown fun for all ages.
Friday
🍦 Rotary Ice Cream Social
🎶 Carlinville Municipal Band Ice Cream Concert
Saturday
🎨 Chalk It Up! on the Historic Carlinville Square with Imagine Rural Arts
🚗 Carlinville Car Show
💦 Flotilla Parade featuring America's biggest community squirt-water battle
Whether you're enjoying homemade ice cream, listening to the band, admiring beautiful classic cars, watching colorful chalk art come to life, or cooling off during the Flotilla Parade, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Please Note:
• The Historic Carlinville Square will be closed to traffic on Saturday for the Car Show. Please plan accordingly.
• The annual Super Summer Weekend sidewalk sales have been moved to the following weekend.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and come celebrate another unforgettable summer weekend in Carlinville!
MEMBER MASTERMINDS MORNING
The Bouquet Theory of Building a Brand
📍 Main Street Florist
What if building a memorable brand is a lot like creating a beautiful floral arrangement?
Join us as we explore Alex Hormozi's "Bouquet Theory" of branding and discuss why successful brands aren't built by accident—they're built through intentional choices that shape how customers perceive your business. We'll unpack practical ideas you can apply to businesses of any size, including the three key metrics that reveal whether your brand is growing stronger or slowly fading.
To bring the concept to life, Main Street Florist will create a fresh floral arrangement as we discuss each element of the theory. The finished bouquet will be given away to one lucky attendee to take home as our attendance prize.
We'll also enjoy coffee and Dual Delights' famous blueberry cinnamon rolls while connecting with fellow Chamber members.
Whether you've been in business for 30 years or are just getting started, you'll leave with practical ideas to intentionally shape the way customers think about your business.
The legendary Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 passes through Carlinville
The Big Boy is coming to Carlinville!
Carlinville Moose Lodge #1216 on Saturday, July 18, 2026 as we celebrate the return of the legendary Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014!
801 W. Pine St., Carlinville, IL 62626
Train passes through: 12:30–1:00 PM
Observation area available on the west side of the lodge.
Bring the whole family and enjoy:
$5 Hot Dogs with all the fixins in honor of National Hot Dog Day
Outdoor family activities
Cold drinks available at the lodge
A special thank you to Sloan Equipment for helping sponsor this community event!
Come spend the afternoon with us, enjoy one of the world’s most famous steam locomotives, and make some great memories with family and friends. We can’t wait to see you there!
BLACKBURN PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Blackburn College pickleball Tournament
Grab a Partner and Hit the Courts!
Doubles Pickleball Tournament Set for Action-Packed Day of Competition and Fun
Get ready to dink, drive, and dominate! Players of all skill levels are invited to join us for an exciting Doubles Pickleball Tournament, where competition, camaraderie, and plenty of fun will take center stage.
The tournament will feature teams battling it out on the courts for bragging rights, prizes, and championship honors. Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player or just looking for a fun day with friends, this event promises great matches, exciting rallies, and a fantastic atmosphere for players and spectators alike.
Participants can expect:
● Competitive doubles play
● Guaranteed matches
● Fun prizes and awards
● Great sportsmanship and community spirit
● A day filled with laughter, energy, and unforgettable moments
Pickleball continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and this tournament is the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills, meet fellow players, and enjoy a day of friendly competition.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action! Grab your favorite doubles partner, register your team, and join us for a day of serves, volleys, and victory celebrations.
For registration information and event details, contact [Heather Heater - heather.heater@blackburn.edu].
Game on!
Pickleball Tournament
Registration Link:
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeIHOhUzyf.../viewform...
Payment Link:
Christmas in Carlinville Music Bingo
The Carlinville Christmas Market is Hosting
Music Bingo with Big Papa G
Friday, July 17
Macoupin County Fairgrounds – Bates Building
We'll have:
Music Bingo
Raffle Baskets
50/50 Drawing
Cash Prizes
Bring Your Own Snacks
Doors Open: 6 PM� Music Bingo Starts: 7 PM
$15 per player OR $100 reserved table
Call/Text Amanda Wiser to purchase tickets 217-556-5700
Don't forget about our Freezer & Meat Gift Card Raffle!
Kenmore 7 Cu. Ft. Deep Chest Freezer Convertible Fridge
$100 Meat Gift Card
Raffle Tickets: 1 for $10 or 3 for $20
Winner will be drawn during Music Bingo on July 17.
9th Annual Eye 5K
9th Annual Eye 5K Run/Walk Saturday June 27th. Check-in starts at 8:00 a.m. & the race begins at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds support Student Volunteers for Optometric Service to Humanity (SVOSH) at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) in Memphis, TN
Registration fee: $25.00 (register by 6/12/26 for a t-shirt)
Make checks payable to: SVOSH at SCO
Race start: Advanced EyeCare (615 N Broad St, Carlinville)
Questions: call Jon Reid at (217) 854-3173
62626 Day | Carlinville, IL’s Official June 26, 2026 Celebration
62626 Day is Carlinville’s official community-wide celebration held on June 26, 2026 — a once-in-a-lifetime date that matches the town’s ZIP code, 62626.
Make a day of it in Carlinville!
Enjoy the Jubilee events at the Macoupin County Courthouse from 11am - 5pm, and be ready to cap the day off with a celebration of Carlinville you won't want to miss! For information on the Jubilee in June daytime activities CLICK HERE
In the evening, Carlinville comes together for a full experience across the historic Square, with local events, live music, food, and the traditions people love most — all happening in one place, on one unforgettable night.
62626 Day brings everyone together for a night of live music, food, drinks, and community.
What’s happening:
Live music all evening from -
The Muni Band
Hank Greenwalt
Miles Station
Local food, drinks, cocktails, and food trucks
Community groups bringing activities and favorites from events you already love
Fun activities for kids
and more!
Date: June 26, 2026 - 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Carlinville, Illinois
Venue: Historic Carlinville Square
The Square will be closed to traffic, making it easy to walk, gather, and enjoy the evening right in the heart of town.
Make a day of it in Carlinville!
Enjoy the Jubilee events at the Macoupin County Courthouse earlier in the day, and be ready to cap the day off with a celebration of Carlinville you won't want to miss! For information on daytime activities CLICK HERE
Free to attend. Open to everyone.