Rena's is an incredible place to go, depending on your needs. For one, they build all of their…read moreclasses around ballet technique, and taking ballet classes (in the Cecchetti method) is required for any other classes. All of the teachers are qualified and genuinely love doing what they do, and they're so good at connecting with children of all backgrounds and ages. The technique and classes are solid, and Rena is great at teaching while also being mindful of not pushing too hard. Truly one of the best studios. Maybe not the choice if you don't want to do ballet, but if so, you can't beat it.

The 2025 Edwardsville Art Fair was an absolute blast! The Edwardsville Arts Center (EAC) once again…read moretransformed City Park into a three-day celebration of incredible regional talent. Over 100 artists brought their work, showcasing media from intricate ceramics, crisp photography, and shiny metal jewelry to unique polished wood pieces and, of course, brilliant paints. My personal favorite? Felicia Olin, whose whimsical paintings on canvas and wood keep me looking for her year after year. (I have several of her pieces, including one I got during the Edwardsville Art Fair last year and another at the Fair in 2018!) Other regulars include an artist who uses puffy 3D paints, SIUE art students, a wood and collage artist who makes the most beautiful boxes and mirrors, and, new the last 2 years, an artist who makes beautiful paintings of silly embroidery and nother who makes incredible realistic-looking flower arrangements from a flexible clay. ​The atmosphere was great, too. thanks to the warm but not too hot temperatures (we got lucky there) and the live music on the bandstand (especially the SIUE Jazz Band). And, if you wanted, you could grab a drink, an ice cream, or some food from a food truck or tent, including Global Brew and Cold Stone Creamery, and then sit down to enjoy your selection while enjoying the music and other performing arts. Plus, the fair is a perfect family event, offering kids activities like the Maker's Space. It's awesome knowing that the fair supports the EAC's mission to keep art accessible for everyone. Mark your calendars for next year--you won't want to miss it! Maybe I'll see you there!

I just moved to Edwardsville two months ago (from St Louis) and was looking forward to checking out…read morethe local movie theater since I finally had one extremely close to me (it's like a 5 minute drive!). So, as with most things, I hopped on Yelp and was shocked with the low ratings and reviews. Nonetheless, I still planned to check it out, I still planned on having my very own experience. I've been twice in the last month and was pleasantly surprised. Firstly, there was ample parking both times (I went to evening shows). Once inside, things were clean (although I haven't checked out the restrooms yet), the temperature was comfortable, and the popcorn was good (you can add your own butter and such!). The employees were also pleasant enough - I'll take that. The seating in the auditorium I sat in the first time was more comfortable than the second, but nothing unbearable. The screens and sound were of good quality too. Side Note: Predator: Badlands was AWESOME! I allow grace for places of business to have an off day at times, fully realizing if that "off" day just so happens to be each and every time you've patronized it then that's probably just the norm. But I also recognize that these days especially , it's hard to find and keep decent employees, and that has a trickle down effect. Anyway, this may not be a fancy theater with reclining seats or call-buttons to order from your seat, but this movie theater is a solid option to catch a movie if you're okay with those things.

I just saw Spider-man brand new day, (the movie was good) the theater on the other hand, the…read morepopcorn and drinks are over priced (go figure) but the worst part, I paid extra for the seats that recline in the Dolby Theater. and guess what? They didn't even work. I mean the actual theater was okay I guess. The movie looked and sounded good on the screen. But if I pay more to get better seats I expect them to work. So I can't really recommend this exact theater.

The bartender that had glasses and blondish brown hair was horrible. I left solely because she was…read morenot at all tentative. I understand when it's crowded that it can be difficult to determine who was there first, but I told her she passed me up 3 times and she looked at me and said I'll get to you when I do. Horrible attitude, horrible service. I would never get anything from there if she is there as she doesn't deserve a tip.

A staple in the downtown Edwardsville bar and music scene. Would recommend! Bartenders Chloe and…read moreDahlia are always welcoming and knowledgeable with drink and shot recommendations. If you are looking for a fun bar and patio with great service and great entertainment look no further. Cheers!

This place was so fun! Even though we were there for at least two hours with one year olds, I would…read moresay we went through half of what they had. I am itching to go back already, it is well-worth the price ($18 for both my child and I). There is a lot of outdoor activities, so I would go on a nice day, but there's plenty to do inside as well if you need a rainy-day activity. So many fun activities for children, from a racing car track to a large outdoor xylophone, a "tree house" and fun little pretend areas, such as a hospital (the nursery, of course) pizza parlor, a market stand with fake food. Outside has a lot of fun things for Littles to climb on and explore. We will definitely be back!

Sooo many thing to see and do! Had to leave but will come back to do more activities.read more

Mojo's is one of the best musical instument store around! The manager knows about all of his…read moremerchandise and is down to earth.d There's not much else to say but stop in a check it out!

I have been shopping at this store since they opened about 10 years ago. The staff is…read moreknowledgeable, honest and friendly. They are not overbearing or annoying and they don't harass you like the kids at "guitar-mart". They carry a good selection of acoustic and electric guitars and basses, effects, accessories, etc. They also do live sound, drums and other things as well that aren't of interest to me as a guitar player. They have everything from beginner to professional grade instruments and gear. If they don't have what you are looking for, chances are they can get it and they beat any competitors price. I have purchased about 10 high end guitars and several high end tube amps/ cabinets over the years and countless effects, cables, strings etc. I now live about an hour away but rather than go to the chain store up the road I still make the trip to Edwardsville for my music gear needs because they are simply the best.