Illinois
Fort Massac Encampment
FREE! October 19–20 Living historians will shine a light on pioneer life during this annual fall reenactment. Wander through the encampment to see what life was like at the fort in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Reenactors in period clothing take on the roles of explorers, soldiers, traders, and settlers on the Illinois frontier. Watch mock military battles and period craft demonstrations. If history makes you hungry, enjoy a menu of options from food vendors. Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis.
Christmas Barn Sale Trail
November 7–9 Take a road trip through southern Illinois near Metropolis and Brookport to visit about 10 barns transformed into marketplaces. Peruse a host of items for sale, including antiques, furniture, vintage Christmas decorations, handmade crafts, home decor, jewelry, and artworks. The barns, adorned with holiday decorations, are all within 7 miles of each other. Entry, $15 on Thursday and free on Friday and Saturday. Massac County.
Art & Wine Walk
November 9 Raise a glass to art during this event in downtown Belleville. Sample vintages, peruse local artworks, and enjoy music as you stroll through shops from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Make sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink. Tickets (includes commemorative glass), $35 in advance and $40 at the event. Belleville.
Lewis and Clark Arrival Weekend
FREE! December 14–15 Celebrate the day in 1803 when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and set up Camp River Dubois during their cross-country expedition. Learn how soldiers in the Corps of Discovery lived during their winter encampment as reenactors bring the era to life. Enjoy exhibits of vintage tools, firearms, and 18th-century medicine. Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, Hartford.
Indiana
Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt
FREE! November 15–17 Always held over the third weekend in November, this annual holiday tradition begins on Friday evening with an outdoor performance of songs and a bell choir at the Monastery Immaculate Conception. On Saturday and Sunday, six market sites brim with more than 200 booths selling home decor, apparel, crafts, antiques, baked goods, and gift items. Other activities include monastery tours, a marionette show, and a free concert by the Evansville Philharmonic Ensemble. Ferdinand.
Jasper O’Tannenbaum Days
December 6–8 Embrace the holiday spirit at this annual celebration that includes carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus, carolers, and holiday bazaars. Enjoy children’s activities at the Dubois County Museum and a live performance at the Actors Community Theatre. Some activities charge a fee. Jasper.
Kansas
Botanical Brewfest
October 19 With autumn’s changing colors as a backdrop, sample offerings from local and regional breweries at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Plus, enjoy live entertainment and fare from a variety of food vendors. Tickets start at $55. Overland Park.
Holiday Open House
FREE! November 2 Jump-start your holiday shopping in downtown Leavenworth during this event. Highlights include music, carriage rides, and special activities. The first 200 shoppers who line up at the Leavenworth Main Street office (416 Cherokee Street) will receive a map, starting at 9:30 a.m., to collect ornaments (one per family) at participating stores. Leavenworth.
Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade
FREE! December 7 The holidays will glow during this annual parade that steps off at 6 p.m. Twinkling lights will adorn upwards of 200 floats that are accompanied by marching bands, dance teams, and car clubs. In its 29th year, the parade also features the arrival of Santa Claus. Conclude your night by strolling downtown to enjoy the Window Decorating Contest. Topeka.
Missouri
30th Annual Dogtober Fest
FREE! October 20 Have a doggone fun day at this celebration of all things canine. More than 75 booths feature pet supplies and services. Contests include the Best Trick, Best Kisser, Best Biscuit Eater, and the hilarious Halloween costume competition. Enjoy demonstrations of agility, obedience, and Frisbee-catching. Admission, free with a donation of dry or canned dog food to benefit area animal shelters. Kemper Outdoor Education Center in Fleming Park, Blue Springs.
Holiday Fare Wine Trail
November 16–17 Six Hermann-area wineries mark the end of the harvest season with this food-and-wine-pairing event. For example, sample butternut squash and sweet potato soup paired with Traminette wine at Hermanhoff Winery. Participants must be at least 21. Tickets (includes a souvenir wine glass), $35. Make sure to designate a driver. Hermann.
Candlelight Tour of Fort Osage
December 14 See what winter life was like for pioneers living at the fort during this evening event from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Authentically attired living historians will conduct tours every 15 minutes until 9 p.m. Enjoy holiday-themed activities in the education center. Tickets, $15 (reservations recommended because tickets are limited). Fort Osage National Historic Landmark, Sibley.
FREE! indicates free admission to the event, but additional fees may be required. Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.
Contact AAA Explorer
Email us your questions, story ideas, or information about upcoming events.
Travel offers & deals
