Heartland Weekend

40-foot dragon boats to hit Ohio River in Paducah Saturday for race, festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is set to return to the Paducah riverfront on Saturday, August 29.

By Amber RuchAugust 28, 2026 at 4:42 pm EDT

Things to Do

Du Quoin State Fair set for Aug. 28-Sept. 7. What you need to know

The 2026 Du Quoin State Fair will take place from August 28 to September 7.

Things to Do

Revival on the Current to feature American Idol finalists

Organizers say the “all-day hometown festival is about bringing people together to celebrate family, friends, faith, and community.”

Things to Do

Giant City to celebrate 100 years as a state park

Next year, Giant City State Park will celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Things to Do

Drive For Your Community fundraiser for first responders happening Aug. 22

A western Kentucky business is raising money for local first responders at an event this weekend.

August 18, 2026 at 9:22 pm EDT

Illuminating Hope Glow Walk returns for fifth year

Leading up to the walk, there will be activities, food vendors and resource booths from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jackson City Park on Aug. 29.

By Rachel Grubbs

Traveling archaeology exhibit explores 12,500 years of Illinois history

A traveling archaeology exhibit at Marion Carnegie Library explores 12,500 years of human history in Illinois through artifacts and archaeological evidence.

By Joe Rehana

Hangar 9 teaming up with St. Francis CARE to open the ‘Dawg Park’

A local business and nonprofit are teaming up to help give pets in need new homes.

By Heartland News

Things to Do

Du Quoin State Fair set for Aug. 28-Sept. 7. What you need to know

The 2026 Du Quoin State Fair will take place from August 28 to September 7.

Things to Do

40-foot dragon boats to hit Ohio River in Paducah Saturday for race, festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is set to return to the Paducah riverfront on Saturday, August 29.

Things to Do

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois to host trivia night on Aug. 29

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois will host a trivia night on August 29.

Things to Do

Revival on the Current to feature American Idol finalists

Organizers say the “all-day hometown festival is about bringing people together to celebrate family, friends, faith, and community.”

Things to Do

Arts, Crafts and Musical Festival returns for third year Aug. 22

At the Jackson Civic Center, attendees will find more than 50 vendors, collections, demonstrations, live music and food trucks. The event is free to attend.

Things to Do

Southern Ill. Bigfoot Conference set for Sept. 5

The Southern Illinois Bigfoot Conference is set for September.

Things to Do

Purchase Area Coffee and Chocolate Festival happening this weekend

The Purchase Area Coffee and Chocolate Festival is set to take place the first weekend of March.

Food

Three fall-inspired cocktails you can make this season

Fall is in the air and there’s so much to love about the season – including fall-inspired cocktails!

Things to Do

Chuck E. Cheese brings back ‘Sensory Sensitive Sundays’ for kids with autism, special needs

Chuck E. Cheese marks Autism Awareness Month with the return of its program for children with autism and other sensory sensitivity needs.

Food

Healthy Halloween snack recipe: Ghost Bananas

Halloween is the holiday where the candy calories and sugar don’t count, right? Right?? As much as we can wish that was the case, it is not true. There are healthy alternatives to serve at your Halloween party or gathering, though.

Food

Add a dash of TWIX® to your food

That’s right! You can now sprinkle a little chocolatey, caramel, cookie goodness on all your food.

Food

3 Chick-Fil-A hacks you need to know about

Check out these 3 Chick-fil-A hacks!

Things to Do

Du Quoin State Fair set for Aug. 28-Sept. 7. What you need to know

The 2026 Du Quoin State Fair will take place from August 28 to September 7.

Things to Do

40-foot dragon boats to hit Ohio River in Paducah Saturday for race, festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is set to return to the Paducah riverfront on Saturday, August 29.

Things to Do

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois to host trivia night on Aug. 29

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois will host a trivia night on August 29.

Things to Do

Revival on the Current to feature American Idol finalists

Organizers say the “all-day hometown festival is about bringing people together to celebrate family, friends, faith, and community.”

Things to Do

Arts, Crafts and Musical Festival returns for third year Aug. 22

At the Jackson Civic Center, attendees will find more than 50 vendors, collections, demonstrations, live music and food trucks. The event is free to attend.

Things to Do

Southern Ill. Bigfoot Conference set for Sept. 5

The Southern Illinois Bigfoot Conference is set for September.

Things to Do

Arts, Crafts and Musical Festival returns for third year Aug. 22

At the Jackson Civic Center, attendees will find more than 50 vendors, collections, demonstrations, live music and food trucks. The event is free to attend.