Events

The Scholastic 3D Archery (S3DA) Eastern National Championship brings thousands of youth archers, coaches, and families from across the country to Rend Lake each year. Hosted at the North Marcum Archery Complex, the multi-day event showcases top student archers competing for national titles while visitors enjoy the natural beauty and hospitality of the Rend Lake area. Spectators are welcome to attend and experience one of the region's most exciting outdoor sporting events. 

Step right up and join the Franklin Hospital Auxiliary for a one-of-a-kind Scholarship Fundraising Dinner with a fun circus theme! Held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Benton Civic Center, this lively evening kicks off with the "big top" opening at 5:00 PM and dinner beginning at 6:00 PM.

Enjoy an entertaining night featuring live circus performers, a heads-or-tails game, and plenty of festive surprises - all while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the event benefit healthcare scholarships within the Franklin Hospital District, helping invest in the future of local healthcare.

Admission is $40 per person, with sponsor tables and special advertising opportunities available. Don't miss this exciting evening of food, fun, and fundraising - come one, come all! For more information or to reserve your spot, call or text 618-218-7051.

Mark your calendars for the Rend Lake Water Festival: Sparkle & Splash, happening April 29 through May 2! This multi-day celebration brings the community together for a fun-filled lineup of events, including a carnival, chili cook-off, veterans fair, motorcycle show, vendor fair, and a festive parade.

Whether you're looking for family-friendly entertainment, great food, or local entertainment, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss this exciting spring tradition at Rend Lake, full of energy, community spirit, and plenty of sparkle!

Rend Lake Water Festival Sparkle & Splash Parade will begin at 10:02 am on May 2nd. The parade will begin on Railroad Street in front of Kirkpatrick Motors on East Main Street. From there, it will travel along East Main to the Square, proceed around the Square (in reverse), continue onto North Main Street, and then end at Joplin Street.

Still figuring out how to say "bass" correctly, or already know your PB by heart?

#Veterans and people with disabilities, our PVA Bass Tournament Series is back on the water nationwide from March through June, and there's a spot for you on a boat or on the bank.

No boat? No problem. Our volunteer boat captains got you covered and know these waters like the back of their hand.

Prefer to fish on land? You'll have a sweet bank setup with experienced volunteers to help you enjoy the camaraderie of competitive fishing.

PVA created this series to make #BassFishing competitive and accessible - for our #Veteran community and beyond. And when you're out there, you feel exactly why that matters. It's about time outside, steady hands at sunrise, good-natured trash talk at weigh-in, and showing that adaptive recreation is wherever the fish are biting.

Ready to hook the big one? Register now for our Bassmaster-sanctioned event: https://pva.org/sports-recreation/bass-tournament-series/.