Things to Do in Marion, Illinois
Kre8ive Fine Arts Academy
105 N. 13th St. | Herrin
(618) 889-6500
www.getkre8ive.com
Kre8ive Fine Arts Academy is a charitable and educational nonprofit dedicated to providing the best educational programs for students in grades 1-12, regardless of socioeconomic status.
The academy provides a safe, respectful and fun atmosphere in which students can thrive. Since its first production in 2014, offerings have grown to two shows per year, a summer program for grades 1-9 and a winter program for grades 6-12. All actors, dancer and singers have a true chance to shine and more opportunities to explore the world of theater. Whether in a class, training, workshop, recital or full-stage production, students and teachers experience the culture of caring at the Kre8ive Fine Arts Academy.
The Pavilion
1602 Sioux Dr. | Marion
(618) 993-2657
www.ThePavilionEvents.com
The Pavilion is “Your Premier Event Center,” with 40,000 square feet of customizable space. It offers the perfect solution for your next event, whether it’s a business meeting, a trade show, a wedding or a wedding reception. Three carpeted meeting rooms, a banquet hall and a large exposition hall are all available.
The meeting rooms are spacious and comfortable for private or corporate events. The combined space of two individual rooms becomes a large banquet hall that can accommodate up to 388 guests. A variety of set-ups are available, including classroom, theater or banquet.
Having a larger event? The Pavilion’s Exposition Hall can accommodate 1,000-plus guests. For trade shows and exhibitions The Pavilion offers up to 130 pipe-and-draped 10-by-10-foot booths. Concession and beverage services are available at The Pavilion and can be personalized. Any Illinois licensed caterer may provide food and some beverages for the catered events, as well.
The Pavilion is centrally located near excellent restaurants and hotel accommodations.
Marion Cultural & Civic Center
800 Tower Square Plaza | Marion
(618) 997-4030
www.marionccc.org
The Marion Cultural and Civic Center is Southern Illinois’ premier live entertainment venue, with seats for 1,100 and state-of-the-art lighting and sound. The Center hosts dozens of national touring acts and concerts every year as well as many local theater companies and dance studios.
Its architecture pays homage to Marion’s Orpheum Theater, which opened as a vaudeville theater in 1922, became the home of the Marion Cultural and Civic Center in 1974 and was destroyed by fire in 1997. The current civic center’s facade integrates original Terra cotta from the Orpheum that was restored after the fire and added to the entrance of the new building, which was constructed in 2004.
When you are walking through the door of the Marion cultural and Civic Center, you are walking through nearly 100 years of tradition of live entertainment in Southern Illinois.
Williamson County is a rapidly growing area within Southern Illinois. Industry continues to develop and progress in each of our small towns. Marion is a hot spot that offers a quaint small-town feel while still providing big-city amenities. Conveniently located off of Route 13, Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois encourages travel both to and from the area. Rent One Park, home of the Southern Illinois Miners and the Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois, is just one of our large venues that can host a variety of entertainment for the region and the surrounding areas.
A wide variety of locally-owned specialty shops, large chain stores and diverse dining options that range from southern home cooking to Indian cuisine ensure you’ll be able to find whatever your taste buds crave. Local museums provide a glimpse of our rich history, while our ample antique stores offer historic treasures.
The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, just west of town, is a Williamson County exclusive destination that is a must-see for everyone. Locals and visitors will enjoy unique experiences and help to support our flourishing community.
Centrally located near a myriad of Southern Illinois sights and attractions, Marion is a charming destination within our wonderful region. Check out www.visitSI.com for a complete listing of all there is to offer in Williamson County.
VisitSI
1602 Sioux Dr. | Marion
(618) 997-3690
www.VisitSI.com