09/07/2026
My next event!!! Can’t wait!!!
The Mississippi Earthtones Festival, presented by Alton Main Street, the Sierra Club, and Jacoby Arts Center is a celebration of our river through art, music, and conservation! 🎨🎶♻
This year’s event falls on September 19th and will be held at Alton Amphitheater from Noon-10pm. Dozens of local artists will offer their nature-inspired and environmentally-friendly wares. Exhibits from conservation-based organizations will showcase their missions, and environmentally conscious businesses will promote their products & services that support our community’s commitment to protecting the Mississippi River—our region’s most important natural resource.
Live music will fill the air, and our entertainment line-up features:
Jake’s Leg - Grateful Dead Tribute (7-10pm)
Master Blaster - Stevie Wonder Tribute (4-6pm)
The Matt Taul Band (Noon-2:30),
and between each act Jason “Gordo” Gordon 1-Man, 10-Piece Band (2:30-3:30 & 6-7pm).
Jacoby Arts Center has lined up an amazing arts playground featuring interactive art experiences, dance performances, painting & clay demos, improv, and a nautical flag performance.
The Riverbend Yarn Bombers have been busy working on a crochet canoe! This year’s theme of “Rooted in Rhythm” will be present throughout. We will have an upcycled 8’ diameter drum decorated in driftwood from the Kooliverse! At the Alton Youth Symphony booth, kids can make percussion instruments and join in a parade through the grounds at 3:15 & 6:15.
In the Zen Zone big top tent, enjoy some shade and free classes. You can also meet highland cows, legendary mustangs, and cute critters from Treehouse Wildlife Center! Come hungry because there will be a huge selection of local food & beverages on site.
Volunteers are needed - sign up for a shift and receive a free limited edition festival t-shirt: https://tinyurl.com/3zvetwce
To make our 20th year extra special, we are re-releasing all prior 19 years of MEF staff shirts for only $20 each! Orders placed by 9/15 will be ready in time to wear at the festival, the link will stay live through the end of the year for holiday gift-giving on the homepage of downtownalton.com!
