Amanda

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri April 20 – April 26, 2026

Posted on April 20, 2026April 20, 2026 by Amanda

It’s a big week for events around Franklin County, there’s community wide yard sales, flea market, and a vintage pop up market, plus farmers markets in Union and Pacific. The first Sunset on the Riverfront of the season happens this Thursday in Washington, plus annual events are happening this weekend like the WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest, and the P-Town Pub Crawl in Pacific.

There’s also line dancing, black light bingo, fundraising events, and the Franklin County Humane Society’s Strut Your Mutt event featuring a dog parade, contests, and more. Find out all the information about the events happening in Franklin County and nearby communities this week below.

Just a heads up! April is prime spring shower weather in Missouri, so it might be a good idea to double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled or rescheduled due to weather!

Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.

Tuesday, April 21
The Washington Library is hosting a Mini Introduction to the Akashic Records event at 6 p.m. This 45-minute mini class starts with a brief overview of the Akashic Records, what they are, how they work, and how they can be used for soul-level insight, clarity, and self-understanding.
Learn more.

Wednesday, April 22
Celebrate National Library Week with a book-related craft event at the Washington Public Library. The event is from 4-5 p.m.
Find out more.

Thursday, April 23
The Power of the Purse fundraising event is a way to have a fun night out that raises funds for Franklin County United Way.
Get tickets.

Thursday, April 23
Kick up your heels with line dance lessons with instructor Jessica Blankis at Tri-County Community Senior Center in Pacific. It’s free, but donations are graciously accepted.
Get details.

Thursday, April 23
The first Sunset on the Riverfront event is happening in downtown Washington from 5-8 p.m. Get ready for an evening of fun, food, drinks, and music. Please note that the April Sunset on the Riverfront event is taking place at the Farmers Market due to construction happening at the riverfront park.
Find out more.

Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26
Get ready for a weekend full of delicious barbecue and toe-tapping music. The annual WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest is happening from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.
Find pricing and more info.

Friday, April 24
Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan is having its annual barbecue. The menu will include a choice of brats or pork steaks, with sides including potato salad, baked beans, cole slaw, and a dessert. The event runs from 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and drive-through or all you can eat dine-in options are available.
Learn more.

Friday, April 24
The Annual David Arand Memorial Golf Tournament is happening at 1 p.m. at Birch Creek Golf Club in Union. The final day for signing up for the event is Thursday, April 23.
Get more info.

Friday, April 24
The first Union farmers market of the year starts at 4 p.m. The Market off Main is happening at the intersection of Oak & Main Street, adjacent to Hansen Park. Expect to find goods from local vendors, crafters, and growers, along with delicious eats from regional food trucks.
Get all the info on Facebook.

Friday, April 24
Head to The Office Bar & Grill in Washington to take part in line dancing lessons by Glittering Grapevine beginning at 7 p.m.
Learn more.

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Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26
A two-day treasure hunt is happening at Terror on Route 66. Find goods from a variety of vendors at this spring flea market.
Find out more.

Saturday, April 25
Do you love vintage items like books, antiques, and collectibles? Then you’ll want to drop by the American Legion in Union for the Vintage Pop Up Market held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Be sure to grab a bite of something yummy at one of the on-site food trucks.
Get more details.

Saturday, April 25
The 4th Annual P-Town Pub Crawl kicks off at 11 a.m. The crawl begins and ends at the same location and attendees will be shuttled around to various watering holes in Pacific including Brown Jerry’s BBQ, Pacific Brewhaus, Pacific Eagles, and American Legion, and more. Cost is $35 per person.
Find tickets.

Saturday, April 25
St. Bridget Kildare Catholic School is hosting a mother/daughter dance with an 80s theme. The event is from 6-8 p.m. and cost is $20 per person.
Find out more.

Saturday, April 25
Get ready for an evening of glow in the dark music themed bingo for a worthy cause. The St. Clair Elks Lodge is hosting the event, with proceeds from the bingo night benefiting St. Clair High School Baseball. Doors open at 5 p.m., with bingo beginning at 6 p.m. and tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door, and $240 for a table of 8.
Get more details.

Saturday, April 25
The Washington Fairgrounds Pavilion is the site of the Franklin County Humane Society’s Strut Your Mutt event, happening from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. This fun-filled afternoon will be feature contests, activities, and dog demonstrations. Enjoy a short dog parade around the park, watch exciting demos, browse vendor booths featuring pet-related items, and take part in contests and other activities throughout the event.
Learn more.

Saturday, April 25
Frisco Farmhouse in Pacific is hosting a farmers market that will feature meat, sourdough, eggs, produce, and more.
Get more info.

Saturday, April 25
Eagle Ridge Estates is hosting a community-wide yard sale. The sales kick off at 7 a.m. and go until 1 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, April 26
The Club House Play Cafe in Sullivan is having a closet clean out. Stop by the establishment from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. for an indoor yard sale and play day.
Get the details.

Sunday, April 26
The St. Clair VFW will have a black light bingo event beginning at 2 p.m.
Find out more.

Road Trippin’

Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.

Friday, April 24
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is hosting a laid-back spring night of instructor-led line dancing, music, and good company.
Get more info.

Saturday, April 25
Head to Rolla’s historic downtown for the 5th Annual Spring Craft Festival. Discover original and handmade creations such as jewelry, furniture, clothing, home accessories, paintings and prints, books, wooden crafts, toys and much more.
Find out more.

Saturday, April 25
Join representatives from Missouri State Parks and Edward Jones in celebrating Founders Day on the Katy Trail at the Treloar Trailhead. Enjoy live music, visit with team members from Missouri State Parks and Edward Jones, mulch trees in the Burkhardt Grove, take a tram ride to Peers, or assist in a honeysuckle hack to remove invasive species along the trail.
Get more info.

Saturday, April 25
Ownesville is hosting its first ever strongman games event called O-Town Showdown. This free event will feature tremendous displays of strength like pressing logs and car lifting. The fun kicks off at 9 a.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26
Heartland Farms in Bourbon is having Baby Animal Days at the farm. This family-friendly outdoor event will feature 4H groups showing off their baby animals. The animals will vary by day, but should include chicks, goats, bunnies, bottle calf, and ponies. Other attractions will be open as well as a concession stand.
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!

Advertorial Feature

Professional Development and Networking Group in Pacific Helps its Partners Build Knowledge, Business Connections

Posted on April 16, 2026April 15, 2026 by Amanda

There’s a new networking group made up of a diverse set of entrepreneurs that’s challenging the way traditional networking meetings operate. That group is called Businesses 4 Businesses, and its weekly meetings bring together business owners and professionals who are focused on building knowledge, making connections, and exchanging resources. Facilitated by Sam Hyndrich, Pacific resident and accountability coach behind the business Your Accountability Bestie, the group is bringing a fresh perspective on networking to the Franklin County area.

Building a unique networking experience, while providing members with value, professional development, and business growth is what’s behind the Businesses 4 Businesses philosophy. The group is not affiliated with any larger networking organizations or specific industries, and has a membership that includes professionals you might expect to see at a more traditional networking group, like contractors, realtors, and insurance agents, as well as people with creative businesses, those in hospitality, and the medical field. There’s also diversity of experience, with members who are just beginning to build their business as well as those who are much further along in their entrepreneurial journey.

“There’s lots of networking opportunities in the area, but it feels like you’re attending the same meeting over and over,” Sam says.

Striving to create an atmosphere that doesn’t feel like members are attending the same meeting each week, the meetings follow a rotating schedule – speed networking one week, a member or visitor presenting a problem for the “hot seat” the next, a presentation that teaches a specific business-related skill the following week, and a presentation from a member on their business the last week of each month.

Dr. Max Orris giving a professional development presentation on marketing. Photo via Businesses 4 Businesses on Facebook.

Yet, networking is a core part of what they do, and the group, often referred to as B4B by its members, has been implemented with an accountability piece built in, and members set individual goals, plus an action plan to meet them.

“It has helped me get honest perspectives from other entrepreneurs. I am more persistent now because I listened to advice that was given and it has paid dividends. I have already surpassed an annual goal thanks to the accountability [and support],” one member shares.

There are opportunities to collaborate with other professionals in the group through informal open networking before and after the meetings, as well as discussions during the meetings. There’s also an educational component built into B4B.

Learning new things and challenging beliefs

Being a business owner means finding solutions and that’s best done through an expanded knowledge base. Although the internet has plenty of information, it can present content that confirms your doubts and biases, or that isn’t always applicable. At least once a month a member will present on a topic like marketing or using AI. Learning during these presentations is two fold: members can see how to integrate the information into their own businesses and ask the presenter questions about their process for an even deeper dive.

Challenging existing beliefs can be one of the best ways to grow as an individual and as a professional, and a core part of attending B4B meetings centers around challenging beliefs.

“B4B has helped me gain new insights on my business that I wouldn’t have seen within the echo chamber of my own company. I’ve gained new knowledge and ideas that I don’t think I would have without it,” explains member Tyler Catt, who owns Sip on Main.

One way this is achieved is through the opportunity for members and visitors alike to spend time in the hot seat. While the name might sound a little intimidating, the hot seat offers a chance to present a current business struggle, while every person in the room has the opportunity to offer possible solutions. Through this collective effort, the person in the hot seat leaves with new insights, fresh perspectives, and a viable path to solve their problem.

Dr. Justin Mann, a visitor at a recent B4B meeting, jumped into the hot seat for advice on a business problem. Photo credit: Amanda Bretz_The Socialite.

But members and visitors alike can gain insights without spending time in the hot seat, since the structure of the meetings naturally leads to organic conversations. As member Alex Edwards, who is in the insurance industry shares, “When I go in and vent about the challenges of my business, I get immediate solutions on how to fix the problems.”

Speed networking

On the first Wednesday of each month the group has a speed networking session. The six minute mini networking sessions work similar to a speed dating event. People sit across from each other and each person has three minutes to speak, but rather than everyone in attendance giving their business’s “elevator pitch” over and over, attendees draw questions from a jar to help guide the conversation. The questions are thought-provoking and scenario based, with topics such as sharing a recent business struggle and how they dealt with it.

While three minutes may not seem like a long time to talk to someone, connections are made as members and visitors alike share their experiences, with the questions presenting a chance for business owners to share what has helped them in their entrepreneurial journey.

The monthly speed networking meetings offer a chance for visitors and members to connect one-on-one. Photo via Businesses 4 Businesses on Facebook.

Visitors are encouraged to attend any meeting, but the speed networking events offer the opportunity for visitors to present their business to members and other visitors in a one-on-one experience. No matter when a visitor attends, they’re always met with enthusiasm and a group who wants to help.

“You can expect to be welcomed and to walk into a room full of people that want to know about you and how we can help you,” Sam says.

Giving back

Although the room is full of busy entrepreneurs juggling their businesses, family life, and other commitments, during any given meeting you can expect to hear about upcoming community fundraisers or other philanthropic opportunities.

“A lot of our members are on boards and lead foundations, and they’re allowed to talk about those things in our meetings because other people in the group like giving back individually and we give back as a group,” Sam describes.

During the holidays the group will use some of its leftover funds provided by membership dues to support community causes like Angel Tree donations and adopting a family in need in the community.

If you’re interested in attending a meeting or you would like to know more about Businesses for Businesses, you can find out more on Facebook, or call/text 636-306-5636. The group meets each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 228 E. Union St. in Pacific. Visitors are always welcome, but are encouraged to DM on Facebook or reach out by phone to ensure there’s an accurate head count for the meeting’s lunch order.

Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri April 13 – April 19, 2026

Posted on April 13, 2026April 17, 2026 by Amanda

Get ready Franklin County, we’re in for a week of exciting spring events and entertaining fundraisers! This week, you can spend an afternoon crafting at a local library, experience a “smart zoo,” take in live music, take part in DIY group classes like crafting nights or cookie decorating classes, and a whole lot more.

Looking ahead to the weekend, there’s community fundraisers, the 2026 Missouri Book Festival, a craft fair, a city wide yard sale, a roaring 20s themed pub crawl, plus there’s plenty of events happening within a short drive of Franklin County like wine tastings, a grandparents brunch, and a star-gazing event.

Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.

Tuesday, April 14
The monthly Crafting and Creativity event at the Washington Public Library is all about decorating the community read book “Speak to Me of Home.” Don’t have a copy of that book? Feel free to bring your favorite book to decorate at this free event.
Learn more.

Tuesday, April 14
Silver Edge Self-Defense at American Street Edge – St. Clair. This 55+ self-defense and mobility class is on a limited trial of two classes to gauge interest. Attend on Tuesday for the second of the two trial classes to learn practical self-defense, mobility, balance, fall prevention, and building real confidence in a safe, controlled environment. These classes are designed for the 55+ age group and are effective without being overly intense. The 30 minute class starts at 2:30 p.m. and attendees can come for free.
Get more info on Facebook.

Wednesday, April 15
Have a zoo experience unlike any other at Lowe’s Parking Lot in Washington when Wild Adventures: A Smart Zoo Experience comes to Washington. The event is from 2-7 p.m. and features hyper-realistic and fully animatronic animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, pandas, monkeys, a smoke breathing 40-foot King Cobra, brand new dinosaurs, and more.
Find out more.

Thursday, April 16
Music on Main continues at the intersection of Oak & Main in downtown Union. Enjoy live music performed by Dave Alans, with food and refreshments available for purchase by Elmer’s Tavern and Boxcar Express Ice Cream.
Get more info.

Thursday, April 16
It’s the one month anniversary of American Street Edge’s grand opening. To celebrate, this Thursday only, both kids and adult classes are completely FREE! School opens at 3:30 p.m., kids class at 4:30 p.m. (ages 6 to 12) and the adult class is at 6 p.m. (ages 13 and above). As part of the celebration, one lucky new student (kid or adult) who attends that day will be randomly selected to receive a special gift from American Street Edge!
Learn more.

Thursday, April 16
Experience the flavors of Puerto Rico at the Washington Public Library’s Taste of Puerto Rico event with food made by Jess from Little Lost Kitchen! Discover traditional dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques while enjoying a delicious, hands-on culinary experience.
Must register to attend.

Thursday, April 16
Grab your besties and head to The Painted Home in downtown Washington for Girlfriend Craft Night. This event will feature a Clipboard Class where attendees will design their own custom clipboard using IOD transfers or paint inlays. In addition to the crafts, expect music, chatting, and lots of fun and creativity. Attendees can BYOB and snacks.
Purchase tickets.

Friday, April 17
Help raise funds for Labaddie Elementary School at the Annual Dinner Auction Fundraiser, held at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center in Washington.
Get more info.

Friday, April 17
DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs on Main Street in St. Clair is hosting a beginner cookie decorating class for all ages. The paid non-refundable class fee of $40 will hold your spot and includes a 6 cookie decorating kit, with everything you need to decorate your cookies and a box to take them home in.
Sign up.

Saturday, April 18
The 2026 Missouri Book Festival is happening from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Washington Public Library. Discover new authors and mingle with other book lovers at this annual event.
Learn more.

Saturday, April 18
Golf enthusiasts won’t want to miss the First Annual Jeffrey White Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament at Meramec Lakes Golf Course in St. Clair. Cost is $100 per person/$350 team of 4. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Shotgun Scramble 11 a.m. Dinner, beer, water and soda provided.
Find out more.

Saturday, April 18
Step back into the Roaring Twenties for a 1920s inspired pub crawl in Union filled with speakeasy vibes, classic cocktails, and a little Prohibition era mischief. Dress to the nines or not, sip your way through participating stops, and enjoy a night of jazz age energy and surprises because the best speakeasies never give away all their secrets.
Get tickets and learn more.

Saturday, April 18
Create your own Tea Garden using a variety of herbs at this workshop held at Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery. You will learn how to care for and harvest fresh ingredients from this garden to make your own medicinal tea.
Save your spot.

Saturday, April 18
The St. Clair Saddle Club is having a Family Fun Day featuring free hot dogs, games, and activities for all ages.
Find out more.

Saturday, April 18
The Union Moose Lodge is hosting a Craft Fair that is open to the public. Shop from area vendors from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, April 18
Attend the city wide yard sale in New Haven, which is happening from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. There’s also a pop-up BBQ at Save-a-Lot, so get your fix after you’ve hit some of the yard sales.
Get more info.

Saturday, April 18
The Scenic Regional Library St. Clair branch is hosting a tea and paper doll event from 1-2 p.m. Enjoy a spot of tea and cut out paper dolls at this free event for kids.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.

Tuesday, April 14
Countryside Farm & Market in Cuba is having a Plant & Sip event where attendees will make a hanging basket. The event begins at 6 p.m. and attendees will have the opportunity to make their own hanging basket arrangement.
Learn more.

Saturday, April 18 & Sunday, April 19
It’s the Spring Wine Tasting Event, happening at participating wineries in the St. James area. Enjoy wine tastings at establishments including St. James Winery, Prairie Barn Winery, Spencer Manor Winery, Peaceful Bend, and Eagles Landing.
Get more info.

Saturday, April 18
The Legends subdivision in Eureka is having a community spring garage sale event. The sale is from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, April 18
The first Starry Sky Night of the season is happening at Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg. Join astronomy enthusiast Joe Parish in the visitor center parking lot to view the cosmos with a high-powered telescope.
Get more info.

Saturday, April 18
Country Cousins Antique Mall in Leasburg is having an outdoor flea market beginning at 8 a.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, April 18
Attend the Ladies Night Out Shop Hop in historic Rosebud, happening from 4-9 p.m. Grab your girlfriends and make plans for a fun night out of shopping, sips, and good times.
Get more details.

Sunday, April 19
Head to Brookdale Farms in Eureka for Grandparents Garden Brunch. Attendees of this ticketed event will enjoy a brunch buffet, crafts, and games, with the option to take carriage rides for an additional fee.
Find out more.

Sunday, April 19
Spend a spring afternoon along Historic Route 66 with a guided wine and food experience in the heart of the Ozark Highlands with a 5-course wine pairing dinner.
Get tickets.

Advertorial Feature

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with a REME HALO Air Purifier Installed by BreathEasy

Posted on April 7, 2026April 7, 2026 by Amanda

Almost a year ago, I became aware of a whole home air purifier that improves air quality throughout air-conditioned living and working spaces. After speaking with James Heller from local duct-cleaning company BreathEasy, I learned more about the REME HALO®, which is an indoor air purifier that’s easily installed in an existing air conditioning system ductwork. The REME HALO® actively reduces bacteria, viruses, odors, mold, allergens, and dust, ensuring excellent air quality.

I don’t have any pets and try my best to keep the windows closed during times of high pollen because I’ve always had sensitivities to dust, pet dander, pollen, and other common allergens you might find in the air. I’ve learned to live with lots of sneezing, spending some portions of the year with nasal congestion, itchy eyes and nose, and a scratchy throat.

As I’ve spent most of my adult life as a renter, I had to adjust to life with dust and other allergens coming out of the air ducts in my residence.

Last year we moved into an old home, and while I love the fact that it’s got hardwood floors, plus lots of character and charm, I have struggled with dealing with that old home smell. You probably know what I mean, that slight musty scent is bothersome and it has proven hard to get rid of, it can be masked when we’ve left the windows open or burned lots of candles or scented wax burners, but it would come back once we closed the house up or blew out the candles.

Due to my history of suffering with indoor air allergens, shortly after we moved last year, we had BreathEasy clean the HVAC ducts in our home. We saw a noticeable improvement with increased air flow out of the vents and some improvement with the smell, but there was still a bit of dust build up that would appear near each air duct. Between the dust, the musty old home smell, and the fact that the previous tenant in this home had indoor pets, this spring we had BreathEasy come back out to our home and install the whole house air purifier.

Since the installation of the REME HALO® that old house smell has disappeared. It was installed last month, and I’m so pleased with the results. There’s been far less dust build-up all throughout my home since we had the purifier installed. And, even with all the spring blooms and constant Missouri weather fluctuations, so far seasonal allergens haven’t impacted me, which I attribute to the cleaner air inside my home, so my respiratory system isn’t constantly fighting allergens outdoors and indoors.

BreathEasy provides air duct cleaning and other services to homes and businesses in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. If you’re interested in learning more about the REME HALO®, contact BreathEasy at 636-875-6767, reach out by email, or visit the company’s website.