Events
Are you Resilient?
A large scale sculpture has recently been installed in Elsah at Beltrees and Mill
You’re invited to attend a visual talk and reception on the new stone and steel sculpture, Resilient, by resident, Danne Rhaesa. Enjoy refreshments and fellowship, Thursday, May 7th, at 7pm, Farley’s Music Hall, Elsah, IL.
Join us for a 45 minute slide presentation, with Q & A.
Last year, retired sculpture instructor, Danne Rhaesa, applied for a grant from the Illinois Arts Council to build a public sculpture, celebrating the resilience of the Elsah community! It was installed this last Oct/Nov at the corner of
Mill Street and Beltrees, in Elsah.
Bring friends to enjoy a Spring evening with the Village.
Elsah Studio Gallery, 138 Mill Street! Opens June 6, 2026
The cottage will open its doors in June, Sat-Sundays, Noon-4pm, thru October.
An inviting new space, full of regional artwork and antiques for sale! Victorian thru
Midcentury, European, Asian, and American can be found tastefully placed side by side.
Find custom furniture, pottery, photographs, paintings, drawings, sculpture, weavings, eco-dyed silk and a compliment of artisan made items, all for sale. Something for everyone! Come see how these creative works can help make your home an even more special place.
An open space on the lower level provides more gallery space and a large room for
creative workshops and community activities. Space is available for free on a first come basis to Elsah residents, with a $150 rental fee to others, for 1-4 sessions (over 4 weeks), up to 4 hours each session. Donations for cleaning are always welcome!
Parking available off street and on Mill. Six steps lead to the front door.
State Street on LaSalle Opening
New Restaurant Alert—State Street on LaSalle has just opened!
Step into a unique and intimate boutique dining room, designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere with a romantic vibe, perfect for any occasion. Start your visit In the Copper Bar, where rustic charm meets modern taste, offering a fantastic selection of cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine.
Whether you’re in search of your new favorite lunch spot, a memorable dinner experience, a leisurely Saturday or Sunday morning brunch with mimosas and Bloody Marys, we promise you’ll leave with a smile and memories that will last long after your meal.
The Annual Village of Elsah 4th of July Parade and Potluck Party
The Parade kicks off at 11:30 AM at the Elsah Civic Center. Everyone is welcome to join the fun—whether you’re in a car, on foot, or cheering from the sidelines!
After the parade, the celebration continues with a potluck and party back at the Civic Center! We’ll provide brats, hotdogs, and refreshing drinks. Please bring a dish to share with your friends and neighbors.
We can’t wait to celebrate with both familiar faces and new friends at this historic parade!
Hosmer-Williams Lecture Series
Historic Elsah Foundation was formed as a non-profit organization in 1971, by Dr. Charles Hosmer and Dr. Paul Williams, professors at Principia College. HEF’s purpose is to preserve and enhance the historic buildings, houses, architecture, and culture of the Village of Elsah. Elsah’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places was also the work of Hosmer and Williams.
Each year, Historic Elsah Foundation presents the Hosmer-Williams Lecture Series, which offers important insights into the rich historical significance of Elsah, its surrounding areas, or our state.
The lectures are free and open to the public.
To become a member of HEF, or to check the calendar for historic lectures, go to HistoricElsah.org
Home for the Holidays Tour – held Annually, the First Saturday in December
The Home for the Holidays House Tour is the largest activity for Historic Elsah Foundation. This tour is the primary fundraiser for all HEF preservation efforts and upcoming talks about Elsah and historic preservation. Enjoy a walk through the historic Village of Elsah while touring selected homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Also open are Farley Music Hall, the Elsah Museum, the historic two-room school house, Elsah’s bed and breakfast inns, churches, and the village shops. A stroll through Elsah lets us feel the presence of the past, while enjoying the beauty of this picturesque, historic village. Join us as we open the holiday season by opening our homes.
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Online ticket sales are $20. Admission is free for children 12 and under.
Select Number of Tickets
1 Tour $20.00 USD
Farley Music Hall, 37 Mill Street, will be the site for “WILL CALL” – prepaid ticket pickup starting at 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event
Your ticket includes a self-guided house tour and musical entertainment at the two Elsah churches.
Day of event admission
$25
Tickets will be available at Farley Music Hall starting at 1 p.m.
Admission is free for children 12 and under.
For more information email historicelsah@gmail.com.
The Home for the Holidays House Tour is a program event of Historic Elsah Foundation. The Historic Elsah Foundation, incorporated in 1971 as a non-profit organization, has as its purpose the preservation and enhancement of the historic buildings, houses, architecture, and culture of the Village of Elsah, Illinois, through the encouragement of historical research on the Village and other nearby historic areas. The Historic Elsah Foundation sponsors research projects, educational meetings, house tours and walking tours, and is a co-sponsor of the Village of Elsah Museum.
Dan Kistler, Leaf Bundle, Best of Show, 2025
2026 Elsah Photography Competition and Exhibit
The 2026 Elsah Photography Competition and Exhibit is on display at the Village Museum.
The Historic Elsah Foundation and Elsah Village invite everyone to view the exhibit thru June
28, 2026. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4pm, at 26 Lasalle Street.
After 2026, The photography Exhibit and Competition will be a biannual event. The next year it
will be open for submissions is 2028.
See HistoricElsah.org for competition guidelines and dates.
Curated Pop-Up Festivals
Whether a full fledged Arts Festival or a Curated Pop-up Festival, these events showcase artisanal markets, live music, seasonal celebrations, and cultural showcases, transforming the village into a hub of creativity and charm. Perfect for families, friends, or solo explorers. Our pop-up festivals invite visitors to experience the magic of Elsah in every season.
Check back for updates!
Museum Exhibits
Most years there are three exhibits in the museum. The main exhibit remains the History of Elsah. A biannual Photography exhibit takes up to 3 months of the Special Exhibit space, and then an additional exhibit follows each year showcasing a regional topic. A gift area at the front desk includes artist-made greeting cards, Elsah mugs and copies of various historic publications.
Eagle Watching
American Bald Eagles make their winter home on the Mississippi River between Alton and Pere Marquette State Park, drawing eagle watchers from all over the region. Join others as you drive the Great River Road viewing the historic majestic beauty of the bluffs and spot the eagles perched among them. Elsah is a prime location. While in Elsah, take advantage of great overnight stays in one of our local facilities. Various activities have also been planned throughout the region. For more information on eagle season activities visit Great Rivers & Routes.