Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Sept. 7 – Sept. 20, 2026

Fall festival season has arrived! Over the next two weeks, there are numerous music festivals, food and drink festivals, harvest and seasonal festivals, as well as rodeos, car shows, markets, live music events, and much more. Take a look at all the events happening in the area, and check out the new event format. Everything is now grouped by geographic location and in chronological order in each section, hopefully making it easier to scan each event roundup post to find events in whatever area you’re looking for!

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.

Franklin & Gasconade Counties (plus neighboring communities)

All of Sept.
Missouri Main Street is a month-long exhibit at Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch celebrating 100 years of Route 66 in the Show Me State.
Learn more.

Tuesday, Sept. 8
Each month, the Washington Public Library hosts Crafting & Creativity, a free event where attendees make a craft from 6-7 p.m.
Find out more.

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Saturday, Sept. 26
The Franklin County Humane Society is hosting an online auction and 50/50 raffle called Wine, Whiskers, and Wags. You can browse 300+ auction items online and enter to win the 50/50 jackpot.
Get more info on Facebook.

Thursday, Sept. 10
The Washington Farmers Market is the site of the monthly Music at the Market event. Head to the market space and hear live music from The Graybeards. The concert is free, but food is available for purchase from Mangia Bella. Additionally, wine is available for purchase from Noboleis Vineyards, with Re/Max Results, Janie Schriewer & Associates bartending for the evening.
Get more details.

Thursday, Sept. 10
Join Dark Ozarks Podcast Producers Alex Martin & Lisa Livingston Martin at the Scenic Regional Library St. Clair Branch for a discussion of the noir mysteries, and legends of Missouri’s Route 66, including discussion of Lisa’s book “Missouri’s Wicked Route 66: Gangsters & Outlaws on the Mother Road.”
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 11
Sunset on the Rails free concert series continues in Pacific with a live musical performance by Kaleidoscope from 6-9 p.m.
Find out more.

Friday, Sept. 11
The Washington Public Library is hosting author Larry Wood, author of “Gangster Queen Bonnie Parker and Other Murderous Women of Missouri.” Bonnie Parker has been romanticized in print and on screen since the early 1930s, when she and gangster boyfriend Clyde Barrow robbed banks and left bodies in their wake. She’s undoubtedly the most infamous murderous woman in Missouri history—although it’s uncertain whether she killed anyone with her own hand—but she’s in a crowded field of Show Me State female killers. 
Get more details.

Friday, Sept. 11 & Saturday, Sept. 12
The 10th Annual WingFest is happening at the Union Fair Grounds. This free family event will feature some of the best wing vendors, and other food and drinks, plus live music, a special 9/11 Ceremony with the American Legion Honor Guard and first responders before the festivities kickoff. There will also be bounce houses for kids and a fireworks display at the end of the festival on Saturday night.
Find the live music lineup.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Frisco Farmhouse’s only September market is happening the Saturday after Labor Day from 8 a.m. – 2 pm.. Shop from a variety of vendors, including fresh meat, produce, baked goods, handmade items, and more.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Head to Villa Ridge for the Boles Fire Protection District Health & Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Station #3. This free family event is packed with activities designed to educate, entertain, and help keep our community safe. Whether you’re meeting your local firefighters, learning valuable safety skills, or just looking for a fun family outing, there’s something for everyone.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 7th Annual September Bourbon Bash kicks off at 10 a.m. at Copper Mule Distillery in Hermann. Enjoy live bluegrass music, food from Don’s Pit Boss BBQ, awesome cocktails, and barrel tastings.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Head to Crooked Creek Farm in Pacific for Animalpalooza, from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Kids can meet miniature goats, a miniature cow, and enjoy outdoor fun like yard games.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Copper June’s in Rosebud hosting Boots & Bourbon Bash 2.0 from 1-6 p.m. Enjoy live music, whiskey tastings, food, contests, and more.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 20th Annual Washington Jaycees’ Brewfest is happening from 4-8 p.m. at the Washington Farmers Market. Tickets are $30 in advance, and $35 the day of the event. The 20th Annual Brewfest ticket includes access to 20+ breweries and homebrewers + distilleries, along with a commemorative pint glass, and a brewfest T-shirt. There will also be live music and food available for purchase from Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant.
Purchase tickets and find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
St. Gerald Catholic Church in Gerald is hosting a Fall Festival Church Picnic from 2-10 p.m. There will be food, drinks, games, activities, live music, and more.
Get more details.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Johnny’s Restaurant in Union is hosting a weekly market for the remainder of the season. Shop from local vendors offering items like soaps, baked goods, crafts, and more. The market is from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
East Central College continues its monthly stargazing event, happening at the lower parking lot at the college’s Union campus. Bring your own stargazing equipment and chairs and enjoy checking out the details of the night sky.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The Franklin County Humane Society is having a vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Union Fire Station #1.
Prices and vaccine details listed on the event flyer.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Spiral of Life Homestead & Wellness will have yoga classes in Gerald City Park from 9-10 a.m. Whether you are a beginner, or have done yoga before, all levels are welcome. Cost is $15 per person and attendees should bring a yoga mat and water, and wear something comfy. Registration is required.
Learn how to register.

Sunday, Sept. 13
The Amazing Race WashMo is returning to The Alley. The excitement begins at 1 p.m. and attendees will race to local businesses to complete challenges and receive clues. Space is limited to 25 teams of two, and cost per team to participate is $40.
Get registered.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Saint Francis Borgia Parish’s annual fall festival is happening from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The event is open to the public and will feature live music, children’s games, bingo, and roast beef and fried chicken dinners.
Find out more.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 & Thursday, Sept. 17
Head to the Red Cedar Inn & Tourism in Pacific for a two-day exhibit of the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit.
Get more info.

Friday, Sept. 18
The final Lawn Chair Movie Night of the season is happening from 8-10 p.m. at the large pavilion at Union City Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and catch the family-friendly movie “Zootopia 2.”
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 18 – Sunday, Sept. 20
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is going off-road for a special weekend of the Fall Festival featuring Jeeps, live entertainment, local vendors, and plenty of fall fun for the whole family like a corn maze, wagon rides, live music, face painting, and more.
Get tickets and learn more.

Friday, Sept. 18 & Saturday, Sept. 19
The Pacific Iron Horse Rodeo is happening for two days at Liberty Field in Pacific.
Check Facebook more info to be released soon.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The St. Andrews Place Subdivision in Union is having its Fall Yard Sale, beginning at 7 a.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The 7th Annual Barely Covered Music Festival is happening at White Mule Winery in Rosebud. Hear live music from numerous bands beginning at 12 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
After helping spread the word about hundreds of local events, I’m hosting one of my own! Join me at Sugar & Spice Book Cafe in Sullivan for Coffee with The Socialite, and together we will support a small local business and build community by meeting new people! The event is from 12-1:30 p.m. stay for the whole event, or visit for a little while.
RSVP on Facebook.

Saturday, Sept. 19
For nearly a decade Oxfest Music Festival has helped raise money for charities that support children, and it’s back this year at the Washington Fair Grounds. This all day annual music festival features three stages – a main stage playing rock, as well as blues and country stages. The first band takes the stage at noon and the music will continue until 10 p.m. There will also be food trucks and drinks available for purchase at the festival. Tickets are $33.85 a person, available for purchase online.
Get more info and buy tickets.

Saturday, Sept. 19
Johnny’s Restaurant in Union is hosting a weekly market for the remainder of the season. Shop from local vendors offering items like soaps, baked goods, crafts, and more. The market is from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, Sept. 20
Bring your fiancé, your parents, and your wedding party to the annual Fall Open House at Lost Hill Lake Events in St. Clair. The event is happening from 12 – 2 p.m. and will allow attendees a chance to view the venue, including our forest ceremony, and reception site set-up, as well as an opportunity to meet with Lost Hill Lake Events Wedding Coordinators, plus preferred vendors, and in-house vendors.
The event is free, but RSVP to attend.

Sunday, Sept. 20
Kaleidoscope Consignment in Pacific is hosting a Planty People Sale. Shop plants, cuttings, propagations, and more.
Get more info.

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Crawford & Dent Counties

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 13
The Steelville Harvest Festival 2026 is happening and will include a parade on Saturday, and much more.
Get all the details.

Thursday, Sept. 10
Healthy Dent County is proud to celebrate with a Girls’ Night Out event held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Salem Community Center at the Armory in Salem. Attendees can look forward to a fun-filled experience featuring unique vendors, prize giveaways, free samples, door prizes, delicious food tastings, and plenty of other exciting surprises.
Bring your girlfriends for an evening of pampering, shopping and eating. There is a $5.00 admission fee and admission are limited to all women and girls 12 years of age and older.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 17th Annual St. Louis Garlic Festival is happening at Gateway Garlic Farms in Bourbon. The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature food, vendors, live music, and more.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Heartland Farms in Bourbon is hosting its 1st Annual Fall Kickoff and Vendor Show. The event will have a variety of vendors, live music, the debut of the farm’s Route 66/America’s 250 Anniversary corn maze and 20+ play activities. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Attendees may buy a ticket just to shop and listen to the music for $5 or spend $10 and have access to the play area and corn maze as well.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of night sky viewing events with astronomy enthusiast Joe Parish in the visitor center parking lot. These events are free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Although a telescope will be provided, visitors are welcome to bring viewing devices of their own.
Find times and more info.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Get a different view of Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg with a photography tour held from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tickets are required to attend the tour.
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 18 & Saturday, Sept. 19
Blue Springs Ranch in Bourbon is hosting a two-day rodeo event that will include broncing, bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and steer wrestling.
Get more info.

Friday, Sept. 18
The Bourbon Fall Festival will include a parade at 6 p.m., along with vendors, live music, food and drink, plus more.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 19
Half-Crocked Antiques in Bourbon is hosting its Fall Outdoor Flea Market from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The 9th Annual Bourbon Car Show is happening from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be classic cars, food, craft vendors, and more.
Get more details.

Phelps County

Friday, Sept. 11
In Another Light black light art show is happening from 6-8 p.m. at Space on Pine in Rolla.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 2026 Fall Nature Festival is happening at the Ozark Rivers Audubon Trails and Nature Center in Rolla from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a free event for the community that includes, guided hikes, 20+ exhibitors, hummingbird banding demonstrations, food trucks, and native plant vendors. Parking is available at the commuter lot located at exit 185 from I-44. Shuttle buses will run continuously from parking to the festival.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Downtown Rolla is having a car cruise-in right along Old Route 66 from 5-8 p.m.. Find bites from food trucks or visit downtown restaurants.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The Rolla Saddle Club is hosting a fun show beginning at 2 p.m.
Learn more on Facebook.

Saturday, Sept. 19
Maramec Springs Park in St. James is hosting Music on the Maramec live music event with The Waydown Wanderers from 6-8 p.m. Cost to attend is $25 per car or free with a season pass to the park.
Get more details.

Warren County (and neighboring communities)

Thursday, Sept. 10
Tour the Historic Daniel Boone Home in Defiance free of charge. All ages are welcome and admission is first-come, first-served. Tours are open-house format, allowing guests to explore all levels of the house and speak with docents about the Boone family and the history of the Femme Osage Valley.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Centennial Farms in Augusta is having Fall Farm Days from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This first vendor event of the season will feature items like snacks, lotions, waxes, clothing, and more.
Learn more.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Weldon Spring Conservation Area will be the place to stretch your legs and push yourself with the MammothMarch, a 20 mile hike along a great mixture of diverse trails, such as Katy Trail and Lewis & Clark Trail featuring superb overlooks of the Missouri River. The single-circuit hiking loop starts and finishes at the beautiful Defiance Ridge Vineyard in Defiance and begins at 7:15 a.m.
Get tickets and learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The 2026 Warrenton Fall Festival will feature a full day of live music, food, vendors, and fun family-friendly fall activities.
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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Founder and writer at Small Town Socialite. I'm the author of posts at amandabretz.net, as well as the website smalltownsocialite.net.

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