We’re heading into July and that means fireworks and other outdoor events, along with some scorching summer days. Over the next two weeks, celebrate America’s 250th birthday with firework displays around Franklin County and nearby communities, test your knowledge of our nation’s history at the 250 Years of American Trivia event at the Union library, and more.
After the holiday, the fun keeps on going with an 80s fantasy film festival, plenty of free live music events, a stargazing event, and community markets. And, while everyone likes to have fun, events that help you protect yourself or loved ones and expand your safety skills are also important, so be sure to check out the info for the two-day women’s self-defense and safety seminar happening at American Street Edge Self-Defense Systems in St. Clair. Ladies, I’ll be attending this event and writing an article recapping my experience, so I hope to meet some of my readers at the two-day seminar!
As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.
Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.
Various dates and times
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a few special movie events throughout the summer. There are kid films series that are $2 a viewing, as well as a flashback cinema series, which offer a second chance to catch a classic flick on the big screen.
Find out more on Facebook.
Various dates and times
Great 8 Cinema in Union and Sullivan 6 Cinema are also featuring a special kids summer film series that kicks off mid-May and runs through late August. Additionally, the admission is $2, and there are $5 value combos available.
Get details on Facebook.
Multiple days
The USDA Summer Food Service is partnering with the Washington Public Library to help area families to provide food service beginning Monday, June 29 and continuing on every Mondays until public school starts. The food service includes 7 days of breakfast and lunch, with fresh fruit, vegetable, and dairy. This service is for families with children ages 1-18. Pickup is at the Washington Public Library on Mondays between 4-6 p.m.
Get more info.
Multiple days
Scenic Regional Library and Foundations for Strengthening Families are partnering to help area families with summer food service beginning Monday, June 29 through Monday, August 17. The service will provide one week’s worth of breakfast and lunch items for kids, available while supplies last. Food pickup will be in each library branch’s parking lot and pickup times and days vary by each branch.
Find pickup days and times.
Thursday, July 2
The Scenic Regional Library Union Branch will host 250 Years of American Trivia at 6 p.m. Teams of four will test their knowledge of people, events, pop culture, and milestones that shaped the nation.
Registration required.
Friday, July 3
The City of Union will have its fireworks display at Veterans Memorial Park at approximately 9:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, coolers, blankets and yard games to make an evening of it at the park. There will be concessions available for purchase as well as a beer garden. Sky Candle Band will be performing at 6:30 p.m. and there will be a free face painter for the children along with balloon sculpting and barrel rides.
Find out more.
Friday, July 3
The American Legion in New Haven will continue its summer music series called America 250 with a live performance by Shock Treatment beginning at 6 p.m.
Get more info on Facebook.
Saturday, July 4
The Star Spangled 4th Fireworks celebration is happening from 6-10 p.m. at the Washington Fairgrounds. Find food vendors, live music, kids activities, craft vendors, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Get more info.
Saturday, July 4
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday along with the Route 66 Centennial at Pacific’s 4th of July Parade. There will be classic cars, a float celebrating veterans, a live bald eagle, plus first responders, and more.
Learn more.
Saturday, July 4
Looking for something to do during the day on 4th of July? Beat the heat inside The Alley in Washington and enjoy half-priced games from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Find more details.
Thursday, July 9
Enjoy the free live music event Music at the Market, at the Washington Farmers Market from 5-8 p.m. Hear music from Extremely Unplugged, purchase food from Big Boys Subs & Wings and wine from Adam Puchta Winery.
Learn more.
Friday, July 10
Sullivan Pointe and Dunsford Court invite you to Light Up the Night, Brighten the Fight to support the Alzheimer’s Association. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday from 5-9 p.m. and enjoy food trucks, a silent auction, family fun, and fireworks by Ryan Jackson of Hale Fireworks.
Get more info.
Friday, July 10
The Alley in Washington is hosting a comedy show. The evening will be hosted by Manny Garza, and will feature Jennie Weaver and headlined by Jason Jenkins. Tickets are $27 per person.
Find out more on Facebook.
Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11
American Street Edge Self-Defense Systems in St. Clair is having a two-day Self-Defense & Safety Awareness seminar for women. This high-level, immersive women’s street safety and self-defense experience designed to make you safer, sharper, and more confident. Cost is $75 to attend, and only 12 spots are available so register early to make sure you’re able to attend.
Reserve your spot and read more about the seminar.
Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12
Celebrate Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar’s first anniversary with sales and events all weekend long, plus a live DJ on Friday, and live music by Tom Norton on Saturday, and Steve Leslie on Sunday.
Find live music times, specials info, and more details.
Friday, July 10
The free live music event Sunset on the Rails continues in Pacific this month with a performance by the band The Machines. The event begins at 5 p.m. at Pacific Station Plaza, in downtown Pacific.
Find out more.
Friday, July 10
Market off Main, Union’s community market features items from local vendors, makers, and farmers. The event begins at 4 p.m. and continues until 7 p.m. Enjoy live music, plus food and drinks available for purchase.
Get more details.
Saturday, July 11
The Scenic Regional Library St. Clair Branch is offering a STEAM Ahead Science program for kids on Saturday, July 11 and Saturday, July 25. Kiddos will be getting hands on with science involving themes of paleontology and microbiology! Attendees need to register for this program to reserve their spot.
Register and learn more.
Saturday, July 11
Enjoy some free stargazing at ECC’s lower parking lot. Arrive at dusk, and bring your own stargazing equipment such as binoculars and lawn chairs.
Learn more.
Saturday, July 11
Spend Saturday delving into some of the best fantasy films of the 80s at The Scenic Regional Library Pacific Branch. The following weekend the library is hosting an 80s Fantasy Film Trivia, so get a jump start on your trivia knowledge while enjoying a few flicks! Movies will start at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. and these showings will include free popcorn. Bring your favorite soft drink and prepare to have a great Saturday at the library. Drop in for one film, or stay for all three. Registration required to attend.
Register here.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Multiple dates from June – August
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is having Camp Brookdale, a summer camp event for kids. This screen-free day camp event will give kids an outdoor, adventure themed experience all summer long.
Learn more.
Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4
Rolla’s annual Lion’s Club Carnival is happening from July 1-4. The festivities will include a drone show the evening of Thursday, July 2, as well as a parade and fireworks display on July 4th.
Get more details.
Friday, July 3
The Marthasville Ballpark is the place to be for free, family fun. Enjoy live music by Twisted Fiction, find food at the concession stand which will be open from 6-10 p.m., there will also be a bounce house, the Honor Guard will make an appearance at 9:15 p.m., and a firework display at dark. Bring the whole family out for some fun and celebration!
Get more details.
Friday, July 3
Head to Hood Park in Cuba for a fireworks display that will begin at dusk.
Find out more.
Saturday, July 4
The town of Salem will have an Independence Day celebration that includes food vendors, fireworks, and more.
Find out more.
Saturday, July 4
Six Flags will host Star Spangled Nights, with patriotic celebrations happening throughout the day at the park including eight all-new shows, patriotic music, and a fireworks display to cap off the special day.
Get tickets.
Saturday, July 4
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Rosebud. Hear live music performed by Big Daddy Rooster from 6-8:30 p.m., concessions, a kids candy cannon, and a fireworks display.
Check out the details.
Saturday, July 4
Freedom Fest in Steelville will feature live music performed by Bob Kraus, The Lone Pine Band, and Borderline, as well as a car cruise-in, food and craft booths, and fireworks.
Learn more.
Saturday, July 4
Head to Central Avenue Spur in Eureka at 6 p.m. for the 250 Years Independence Day Celebration that will include music by Steven Woolley & The Groove.
Find out more.
Saturday, July 11
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is having a Bobbers and BBQ event that will feature fishing, BBQ, live music, lakeside lounging, campfires, root beer floats, and memory-making activities built for dads and fun for everyone.
Get tickets.
Saturday, July 11
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Eureka is hosting a Touch a Truck event. Kids will be able to explore the many different types of trucks at this free, all ages event. A free toy car will given to the first 200 kids. There will also be items for purchase from the Dynasty Manna food truck and Cool Times ice cream truck.
Learn more.
Saturday, July 11
Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta is continuing its summer outdoor movie series called Films in the Vines with a showing of “A League of Their Own.” The show begins at 8:15 p.m. and beverages, movie theater popcorn, candy and select grab n’ go items will be available throughout the evening.
Find out more.
Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!
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