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Suit Up, Southern Illinois—It’s ComicCon Time!
SI Comiccon is bringing the full comic‑con experience to Southern Illinois, and this year’s lineup makes it even more special. On Saturday, March 21, the Benton Civic Center becomes a vibrant hub of fandom with vendors of every kind, nonstop gaming action, and the region’s biggest cosplay contest. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite characters and immerse themselves in a full day of sights, sounds, creativity, and pure con‑style fun.
Meet special guest artists from across the industry, including Patricia Patts, beloved for her work in the Peanuts universe; Haven Burton Paschall, the powerhouse voice behind fan‑favorite characters in Pokémon; and Wyatt Weed, an actor, writer, FX technician, and filmmaker whose diverse career spans cult classics, creature work, and Midwest‑based film production. Their presence adds an exciting creative spark to SI Comiccon, giving attendees a rare chance to connect with the artists behind iconic characters. With so much to explore and experience, SI Comiccon promises an unforgettable day for fans of all ages at the Benton Civic Center.
Tickets: $5. Kids under 12 years of age are FREE
Trouble with your ticket order or the ordering process? Call Etix Customer Service at (800) 514-3849
ChondaPalooza: The Ultimate Girls’ Night Comedy Party!
This spring, ChondaPalooza hits the road - a Girls Night Comedy Extravaganza of big laughs and even bigger fun! Chonda Pierce never disappoints with her signature wit, and she’ll be joined by hilarious Heather Land, lovable June Bug, and talented musician/speaker, Karyn Williams. Together, they’ll tackle topics of life, family, faith, and everything in between with the kind of comedy that feels like a night out with your funniest friends. Grab your sisters, your mom, your neighbors, or your whole small group, and get ready for an evening full of joy!
Performance Date: Friday, March 27
Showtime: 7PM
ALL SEATS GENERAL ADMISSION
TICKETS: $37.32 - $69.91
VIP DOORS: 5:15PM
EARLY ENTRY DOORS: 6PM
REGULAR DOORS: 6:15PM
SHOW: 7PM
Shining Bright: The Annual Princess Flame Pageant
Saturday, March 28
The Annual Princess Flame Pageant, presented by the Old King Coal Festival of West Frankfort, brings a warm spark of tradition and community pride to this year’s celebration. Contestants will take the stage in hopes of becoming Princess Flame, a title that carries the honor of representing and reigning over festival activities throughout the event. Adding to the excitement is the beloved crowning of Old King Coal himself—chosen each year by nomination and merit to serve as the festival’s distinguished figurehead. Together, Princess Flame and Old King Coal help set the tone for days filled with hometown spirit, family fun, and the rich heritage that makes the Old King Coal Festival such a cherished Southern Illinois tradition.
Showtime: 3PM
Tickets: Adults..........$10 / $8
Children.....$5
Save on the price of two single day tickets. Buy the combo ticket below!
The Cord Fitch Memorial Steel Guitar Show returns to the Benton Civic Center on April 24–25, 2026
We're bringing two full days of classic country music back to its original home. After twelve successful years in Mount Vernon, the show is returning to a newly remodeled venue that offers modern amenities, improved accessibility, and a comfortable setting for fans of traditional country music.
From 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM each day, attendees will enjoy a full slate of performances celebrating the unmistakable sound of the pedal steel guitar. Nationally recognized artists will share the stage with outstanding regional musicians, continuing the event’s long-standing mission of preserving authentic country music while supporting a meaningful cause.
Featured Performers
- Leona Williams – Legendary country vocalist headlining Friday evening
- Ron Williams – Known for smooth, traditional country stylings
- Merlin Gene – Singer-songwriter and humorist known for classic country and comedic originals
- Amber Digby – Saturday’s featured vocalist, celebrated for her powerful, traditional sound
Steel Guitar Artists
Doug Jernigan, Lynn Owsley, Caleb Lidley, Russ Weaver, Jim Loessberg, Albert Svenddal, Darrell Cummings, Barry Wheeler, Gary Lloyd, Nick Stine, Tyler Davenport, Dan Burnham, Larry Dolan, Dave Bolin, Ron Kyne & Ronald Kyne Jr., Virgil Franklin, Kendell Scott, and Clayton Deering.
Additional Artists
Singer-songwriter
Joe Arview, the uplifting
Stoffel Family Gospel Show, and Cajun‑influenced fiddler
Dennis Stroughmatt & Friends round out a weekend of diverse, heartfelt performances.
The 2026 show promises a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with the sounds of true country tradition—an event longtime fans and new audiences won’t want to miss.
Dinner will be served!
Stay close to the music and skip the hassle of heading back out—a delicious buffet‑style dinner will be served right here inside the venue, exclusively for our concert guests. No driving, no lines, no missing a moment of the Steel Guitar Show… just a hot, hearty dinner waiting steps from your seat. Click here for the buffet menu. Meal is priced extra.
Micro-sized mayhem is about to body‑slam Benton Satuday, May 2!
It's the biggest small show on earth! On Saturday, May 2 at 8PM, the original Micro Wrestling Federation—the pint‑sized powerhouses storm into the Benton Civic Center for a night of high‑flying, chair‑swinging, suplex‑slinging spectacle. These athletes may be short in stature, but they’re towering in talent, charisma, and pure, unfiltered entertainment. Expect big moves, bigger personalities, and the biggest laughs you’ve had in ages as the Micro roster proves that size is just a number… and showmanship is off the charts.
If you’re ready for a ringside rumble that packs more punch per inch than any event on the planet, grab your tickets, warm up your cheering voice, and prepare to witness a wrestling extravaganza that’s small in scale but HUGE in heart.