6 Annual Events You Can’t Miss Around Marion, IL

When your city is located at the junction of two major highways, you get used to being the center of a lot of positive attention. If you’ve spent any time in Marion, Illinois, you know that it is the heart of Southern Illinois, and with that honor comes the opportunity to provide residents and visitors alike with some truly wonderful experiences they’ll remember for a very long time.

While there is no shortage of excellent one-off events, festivals and fundraisers, where the magic of Marion really shines through is in the outstanding annual festivals held every year. Whether raising money for important charities or simply providing residents with something fun to do as a community, these annual events allow local businesses, organizations, and residents to come together, along with visiting guests, for days and nights of fun. Everyone here at VW of Marion loves to hit up all of these fantastic events, and we are happy to share our favorites with you today!

Spring: Marion Knights of Columbus Fish Fries

Whether you’re participating in Lent and can’t have meat on Fridays during the Lenten period, or you simply love delicious fish and fine company, the annual Marion Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Fridays are a can’t-miss event. Every year on Fridays in Lent, the Knights of Columbus host guests at the Marion Knights of Columbus Hall for tasty fried fish and wonderful sides like coleslaw, baked beans, wedge fries and more. Past fish fries have even included free dessert with your meal on some days. Don’t miss it!

Spring: Marion Chamber Foundation Annual Bass Fishing Tournament

Is there anything better than contributing to a great cause while you’re also having a great time? Yes. Winning money when you do so! The Marion Chamber Foundation hosts an annual bass fishing tournament where you and a partner can compete for both the pride of finishing atop the leader board and the cash prizes that come with it.

Every year, up to 150 teams of two head out on Lake of Egypt to try to catch the biggest bass they can. The money the tournament raises helps the Marion Chamber Scholarship funds, providing local high schoolers with the opportunity to continue their education at institutes of higher learning, so your day on the water can help provide a brighter future for local students.

Spring: Julie Ross Memorial Rib Cook-Off

There’s no better way to welcome the return of warm weather than attending the annual Julie Ross Memorial Rib Cook Off. Every year entrants compete with their own recipes of scrumptious ribs that will make your mouth water, and that’s not all the cook-off has to offer.

Beyond sampling the various delicious offerings from competitors, take time to visit the Union Street Pub and Pookie’s sponsored beer garden. Once you have had a bite to eat and a bit to drink, head over to one of the cornhole games for some competitive beanbag action. Round the day off with a look at some of the beautiful cars on display at the event’s auto show.

Fall: HubFest

You may not know it yet, but when you’re in Marion, Illinois, you’re surrounded by cool subcultures, and what better way to celebrate that special distinction then by going to HubFest, Marion’s favorite annual festival? HubFest has everything you need for a wonderful day, with fun for the whole family. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance that HubFest has you covered.

Enjoy live bands providing a breezy backdrop for the festivities, while you tour the event’s many sights. From the beautiful used cars at the auto show to the annual hot dog eating contest, there’s plenty of entertainment on offer. You can also spend time playing cornhole or jumping in the bouncy houses with your family, and enjoy delicious food as you walk among the event’s many local vendors to check out the deals on offer.

Halloween: Marion Pumpkin Glow & Stroll at the Heartland Regional Medical Center

Put on every year since 2018 by the Marion Women’s Center, this Halloween tradition is one of the biggest Marion events in autumn. Hosted at the Heartland Regional Medical Center, the lovely pond on the property is transformed by the presence of hundreds of wonderfully carved Jack O’ Lanterns. Go for a stroll with your family around the pond as you bask in the glow of the pumpkins and look at their artfully-carved designs.

That’s not all there is to do at the Glow & Stroll, either. You’ll also be wowed by the displays of Halloween inflatables and can enjoy some of the delicious food and warm drinks on offer to keep you in the spooky holiday spirit.

Spring and Fall: Magpie Market Days

Some annual traditions are so beloved they simply can’t be held just once per year, and Marion’s Magpie Market Days are just such a tradition. Held every spring and every fall, Magpie Market Days is a can’t miss chance to shop with merchants from around the United States in a one-of-a-kind vintage market.

Located at the Williamson County Fairgrounds, the vintage market at Magpie Market Days has everything from vintage items to modern handmade creations. In addition to eating at some of the most delicious food trucks you’ll ever have the pleasure of visiting, the market days include live music as well. If you’ve never been to Magpie Market Days before, you simply have to rectify that as soon as possible.

So, what do you think of our list of the top annual events in Marion, Illinois? Is there anything you feel like we missed off of our list? Do you have a favorite of the events we’ve included? We’d love to hear what you think. Let us know in the comments or get in touch with us today to share your love of everything Marion has to offer.

Photo Credit: Image via Flickr by Rob Cook