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Best events in
Murphysboro

With a character that blends small-town tradition with the energy of a nearby university town, the scene for events and things to do in Murphysboro, IL is full of local flavor. Community life often centers on the historic brick streets of downtown, which hosts parades and block parties. Just outside of town, the wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail offer another popular setting for live music and seasonal gatherings.

Downtown Murphysboro offers a walkable experience, with stops for a show at The Historic Liberty Theater or for live bluegrass and trivia at Brews Brothers Taproom.
The region is known for its major annual festivals, including the Murphysboro Apple Festival and the Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off, which draw crowds for competitions and entertainment.
For a relaxed outing, the scenic Shawnee Hills Wine Trail provides a backdrop for weekend wine tasting and live music at various local vineyards.

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Events near Murphysboro

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Comedy Night At Celebrations Presents Jeff Bodart!

Friday • 7:00 PM

Celebrations Event Center

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Pilgrimage: The Holy Boulders Competition 2026

Saturday • 8:00 AM

Competition Site

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The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Halloween Edition Shadowcast - 7 PM SHOW

Saturday • 7:00 PM

The Varsity Center

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Amongst the Giants with Drown the Planet, Summit 17 & Coals of Fire primary image

Amongst the Giants with Drown the Planet, Summit 17 & Coals of Fire

Thu, Nov 5 • 6:30 PM

Union Street Arts

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Murphysboro Chamber Glow Golf primary image

Murphysboro Chamber Glow Golf

Fri, Nov 6 • 5:00 AM

Jackson County Country Club

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Crushed Glass, Crystal, and Resin Trees Workshop primary image

Crushed Glass, Crystal, and Resin Trees Workshop

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

715 S University Ave

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Navigating Grief primary image

Navigating Grief

Thu, Nov 19 • 10:30 AM

Southern Illinois University, Student Center - Cambria Room

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Just Laugh Comedy Show @ Sanctuary primary image

Just Laugh Comedy Show @ Sanctuary

Sat, Nov 28 • 7:00 PM

Sanctuary Lounge SIL

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Comedy Night At Celebrations Presents Jeff Bodart! primary image

Comedy Night At Celebrations Presents Jeff Bodart!

Friday • 7:00 PM

Celebrations Event Center

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Pilgrimage: The Holy Boulders Competition 2026 primary image

Pilgrimage: The Holy Boulders Competition 2026

Saturday • 8:00 AM

Competition Site

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The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Halloween Edition Shadowcast - 7 PM SHOW primary image

The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Halloween Edition Shadowcast - 7 PM SHOW

Saturday • 7:00 PM

The Varsity Center

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Amongst the Giants with Drown the Planet, Summit 17 & Coals of Fire primary image

Amongst the Giants with Drown the Planet, Summit 17 & Coals of Fire

Thu, Nov 5 • 6:30 PM

Union Street Arts

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Murphysboro Chamber Glow Golf primary image

Murphysboro Chamber Glow Golf

Fri, Nov 6 • 5:00 AM

Jackson County Country Club

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Crushed Glass, Crystal, and Resin Trees Workshop primary image

Crushed Glass, Crystal, and Resin Trees Workshop

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

715 S University Ave

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Navigating Grief primary image

Navigating Grief

Thu, Nov 19 • 10:30 AM

Southern Illinois University, Student Center - Cambria Room

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Just Laugh Comedy Show @ Sanctuary primary image

Just Laugh Comedy Show @ Sanctuary

Sat, Nov 28 • 7:00 PM

Sanctuary Lounge SIL

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tomorrow • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence primary image

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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"Siempre es hoy"-EUGENIA ALMEIDA-VIRTUAL primary image

"Siempre es hoy"-EUGENIA ALMEIDA-VIRTUAL

Fri, Nov 6 • 7:00 PM GMT-3

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America primary image

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets primary image

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Què fer davant l’afàsia progressiva primària?

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:00 AM GMT+1

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tomorrow • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence primary image

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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"Siempre es hoy"-EUGENIA ALMEIDA-VIRTUAL primary image

"Siempre es hoy"-EUGENIA ALMEIDA-VIRTUAL

Fri, Nov 6 • 7:00 PM GMT-3

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America primary image

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets primary image

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Què fer davant l’afàsia progressiva primària? primary image

Què fer davant l’afàsia progressiva primària?

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:00 AM GMT+1

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Nearby cities

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7 miles away

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Carbondale

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Cape Girardeau

34 miles away

Ste. Genevieve

41 miles away

Marion

22 miles away

Jackson

32 miles away

Herrin

17 miles away

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Frequently asked questions about Murphysboro

Where can I find live music events in downtown Murphysboro?

Brews Brothers Taproom is a great spot for live music downtown. The taproom frequently hosts local bluegrass acts, and The Historic Liberty Theater also schedules live performances. This provides a mix of casual pub settings and more formal concert experiences.

What are some popular food and drink events in Murphysboro?

Murphysboro is famous for its annual Barbecue Cook-Off competition. Beyond that major event, local spots like 17th Street BBQ use The Warehouse for gatherings, and Brews Brothers Taproom holds block parties centered on local craft beer.

Are there any family-friendly annual festivals in Murphysboro?

The Murphysboro Apple Festival is a major family-friendly event. This annual four-day festival fills downtown with a grand parade, carnival rides, and various apple-themed contests. The annual St. Patrick's Celebration parade is another great option for all ages.

How can I plan a good date night in the Murphysboro area?

A classic date night could involve a film at The Historic Liberty Theater. For a different vibe, exploring the nearby Shawnee Hills Wine Trail offers a scenic option with wine tastings and live music, creating a relaxed and memorable outing.

What kind of outdoor events happen in Murphysboro?

Many of Murphysboro's signature events are held outdoors. The annual Apple Festival and Barbecue Cook-Off take over downtown, while the recurring Cruise Nights fill the streets with classic cars. Wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail also host outdoor music.

Is there a local spot for casual nightlife events?

Brews Brothers Taproom is a central hub for casual nightlife. Located downtown, it's known for events like trivia nights and live music in a relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular spot for enjoying local beer and wine with friends.

Can I find free community events in Murphysboro?

Yes, many community gatherings are free to attend. Parades for annual events like the Apple Festival and St. Patrick's Celebration are free for spectators, as is watching the classic cars during the recurring Cruise Nights in downtown.

What is the main venue for arts and culture events?

The Historic Liberty Theater is a primary center for arts and culture. It functions as an arthouse movie theater showing independent films and also serves as a versatile event center that hosts concerts and other live performances in downtown Murphysboro.