Mississippi Earthtones Festival 2026

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!
The Mississippi Earthtones Festival is a celebration of our river through art, music, and conservation which is held every 3rd Saturday in September, brought to you by Alton Main Street, the Sierra Club, and Jacoby Arts Center.
Family-friendly activities take place from Noon until 6:00pm, and festival goers will enjoy artist booths and live music which continue until 10:00pm.
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE:
12:00-2:30 Matt Taul Band
2:30-3:30 Jason "Gordo" Gordon
3:30-3:45 Confluence Conservation Awards
4:00-6:00 Master Blaster Stevie Wonder Tribute
6:00-7:00 Jason "Gordo" Gordon
7:00-10:00 Jake's Leg
At this FREE & family-friendly event, we will feature 100+ booths with environmental education, interactive art experiences and performances, as well as great local food & beverages. Our goal is to bring locals and tourists alike to Downtown Alton to celebrate life on the Mississippi River and learn about ways that we can all be good stewards of our biggest natural asset.
Volunteers are needed, and those who pitch in will receive a free festival t-shirt. Sign up here: www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CAFA72DA4FF2-61963235-2026#/
Volunteer for the 20th Annual MEF River Clean Up on Sept 26th! Fun for the whole family and a free boat ride! www.signupgenius.com/go/508044FAFA829A1F58-64222196-2026#/
This festival is held annually on the 3rd Saturday in September, as part of the State of Illinois’ “It’s Our River Day” initiative to celebrate Illinois watersheds through education, recreation and conservation.