Entertainment & Events in Vandalia, Illinois

Special Events

Vandalia Statehouse Christmas Open House
Held at the Old State Capitol
The annual Vandalia Statehouse Christmas Open House, is held the second Saturday in December, and features tours of the historic building, conducted by guides in period costumes. The Statehouse is illuminated by more than 250 candles and is trimmed with 1800s decorations including fresh greenery, fruits and nuts, while period music is provided by "Baroque Folk". Cookies and mulled cider are served and the first 100 families to arrive receive a free handmade Christmas ornament. more
Merchants' Night Out
Located in downtown Vandalia
This special holiday activity is held early in December each year. It provides a special night of holiday shopping at Vandalia's downtown stores, along with a number of special holiday activities. Among the activities offere a live nativity scene, Christmas carolers, chestnuts roasting over an opern fire and a bake sale with many holiday goodies.

Liberty Theater 618-283-1953
210 South Fourth Street
Vandalia, IL 62471
Built in 1910, this art deco theater was originally the Odd Fellows Lodge. It features 550 seats, and includes a 18 x 24 foot screen, as well as a state of the art sound system. It shows current movie releases, for all ages, at 7:00 PM daily.

Grande Levée 618-283-1534
Located on the grounds of the Old State Capitol
This annual three-day event, held the third weekend in June, is filled with activities common to Illinois prior to 1840. The fun includes period craft demonstrators, games, music, tours of the Statehouse, and other period activities. Highlights are an old-fashioned ham and bean supper on the Statehouse lawn, a children's activity area, and The Ritter Reproductions muzzle loaders, who set up an 1800's camp and demonstrate many activities of the period, including black powder gun firing, tomahawk throwing, open fire cooking and survival skills. more

Fayette County Speedway 618-790-3372
322 West Cumberland Road
Brownstown, IL 62418
Come enjoy all the fun of auto racing, on Sundays, beginning in mid-April, at the Fayette County Speedway. Classes include C.A.R.S. Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks and UMP 4cyl.

Lions Club Halloween Parade
Located in the downtown business district
Held annually, for over 50 years, on the last Thursday of October, this two hour parade is one of the areas largest, and most well attended parades. With an average of 16 marching bands, and colorful Halloween themed floats built by local businesses, organizations, churches and area families, there is always plenty to see. Area politicians are always on hand, and Fredbird, the St Louis Cardinal's team mascot and Ronald McDonald have been know to make appearances. more