Mattoon Tourism and Arts September 18, 2024

It is never too early to start thinking about 2025.


If you are planning an event in 2025 please let us know. We will publish a fresh calendar in January and are already starting the preparation.


Send us an email at tourism@mattoonillinois.org or give us a call at 217-258-6286. The email is for community events open to public that are free or not. We need to know the who, what, where, and when. If you have a flyer or an event page on Facebook that is helpful but not required.


This email was started over 10 years ago with the idea of "what is there to do around here" and wow is there a lot to do. Events are one of the best things about this community.


We look forward to hearing from you.

Angelia Burgett

Mattoon Tourism and Arts Director

[local events this week]


September 18 EIU Booth Library Fall Book Sale, 9-4pm

Booth Library will host its Fall Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18 outside the south entrance of the library. A large selection of books in all subject areas and hundreds of paperback fiction titles will be available for purchase. No patrons will be allowed to browse or purchase items prior to the 9 a.m. start time. Paperbacks are $1, and Hardbacks are $2.


September 20 United Way of Coles County Golf Outing

Meadowview Golf Course hosts this annual outing to benefit the United Way of Coles County. Cost is $100 per golfer that includes golf, cart, lunch, contests and beverages along the course. Check in at 10:30, then lunch and tee off noon. For more information call 217-234-8022 or email unitedway@consolidated.net.


September 21 Special Olympics Family Festival, LLC

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to volunteer at the annual Special Olympics Family Festival at Lake Land College. SOFF is a great feel-good local event, and everything is free for the Athletes and volunteers. To sign up as a volunteer go to:  https://soill.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/soff/ 

Event is from 8 a.m. until approximate 3 p.m.


September 21 Jeff Horn Memorial Race, Coles County Speedway, 4pm

Join the Coles County Speedway for the 2nd running of the Jeff Horn Memorial. $5000 to win, $200 to start Non Wing Micros. Also running- A Class Wing, Restricted and Junior Sprints. The Coles County Speedway is located at 10743 E County Road 900 N, Mattoon.


September 25 MHS Homecoming Parade, downtown Mattoon 5:30pm running along 16th and Broadway to North 1st. Wear your green and gold!



[Sounds around town]

September 18 Open Mic Night at House Brothers, 7-10pm

September 19 Wendy and Dexter concert in Kiwanis Park, 7pm

September 20 Katzmandu at Juanito's Bar and Grill, 6pm

September 20 Friday Night Fun w/ Max Heuerman at the Castle, 7pm

September 20 Razor Sharp live at House Brothers, 7pm

September 20 Whiskey Weekend live at Rookies, 8-11:55pm

September 21 Reverend Robert at Rookies, 7pm

September 21 Jacob Cutler live at Lefty's Holler, 7pm

September 24 The Castle's Tuesday night Karaoke, 7-10pm


[farmers markets]

Debur's Mid week market Wednesday's 3:30-6pm

Lytle Park Fridays till end of September 8am-12pm


Looking ahead:

  • September 26 ClassE Golf Outing 9:00a.m. @ Meadowview 
  • September 26 Habitat for Humanity Annual Habitaste event
  • September 28 Tour de Charleston Bike Race
  • September 28 Camp New Hope Family Fall Fest/50th Anniversary Celebration
  • September 28 & 29 Mattoon Cobra's Donny Howell Fall Classic/Showcase
  • September 29 Mattoon YMCA Last Chance Tri
  • September 30-October 5 EIU 2024 Homecoming
  • October 3 Mattoon Chamber Annual Expo
  • October 10 One Stop Community Christmas 2024 planning meeting, Salvation Army, bring lunch and a friend
  • October 11 Cruisin' Broadway Downtown Mattoon 6-10pm
  • October 11-13 Mattoon Pride Field of Screams Halloween Tourney
  • October 19 Coles County Memorial Airport Young Eagles, free flights for kids
  • October 24 United Way of Coles County Auction at Mattoon Golf & Country Club
  • October 25 Celebrate Downtown Trunk or Treat
  • October 26 Mattoon YMCA Ghouls in the Pool Swim Meet
  • October 31 Cross County Mall Trick or Treating 5-8pm
  • October 31 City of Mattoon Trick or Treating,
  • November 1-2 EIU 2024 Family Weekend
  • November 1-3 Cross County Mall Sports Card Show
  • November 2 Karmacon at Suite Dreams Hotel
  • November 2 Coles County Veteran's Coalition "White Christmas" Trivia Night, Rural King Event Center, Cross County Mall
  • November 7 One Stop Community Christmas 2024 planning meeting, Salvation Army, bring lunch and a friend
  • November 11 Veteran's Day Parade
  • November 13– 17, Holiday Festival, SBLHC
  • November 14, 5 to 7 pm, Night of Lights, SBLHC
  • November 14 One Stop Community Christmas 2024 planning meeting, Salvation Army, bring lunch and a friend
  • November 14 Lightworks 2024 Walk Thru
  • November 15 Lightworks 2024 Opening day (vehicles only)
  • November 15-17 Christmas Gift and Craft Show, Cross County Mall
  • November 16 Pickleball Bash fundraiser, Mattoon Eagles Club 6-10pm
  • November 21 One Stop Community Christmas 2024 planning meeting, Salvation Army, bring lunch and a friend
  • December 4 Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Holiday Auction
  • December 5 One Stop Community Christmas 2024 planning meeting, Salvation Army, bring lunch and a friend
  • December 6 Celebrate Downtown Christmas
  • December 12 One Stop Community Christmas 2024 planning meeting, Salvation Army, bring lunch and a friend
  • December 12 Mattoon & Charleston Chamber Fall Community Breakfast
  • December 14 One Stop Community Christmas
  • December 25 Lightworks 2024 last day