Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Aug. 25 – Aug. 31, 2025

It’s Labor Day Weekend this week, and if you’re staying close to home during this final holiday of the summer, then rest assured that there’s plenty of things to do!

Wednesday, Aug. 27
The Franklin County Silent Book Club is hosting its monthly meeting at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar in Washington. Bring your book of choice, order a beverage, and sit and read in companionable silence, followed by a short period dedication to conversation, or continued reading.
Learn more.

Wednesday, Aug. 27
Brushin’ Whimsy is hosting a paint night at Sip on Main in Union from 6-8 p.m.
Find out more and register.

Photo via Sunset on the Riverfront Facebook event

Thursday, Aug. 28
Head to downtown Washington for the Sunset on the Riverfront, held at Rennick Riverfront Park on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 – 8 p.m. This family-friendly and free event features local bands, food vendors, beer, wine, and children’s activities.

Friday, Aug. 29
Do some stargazing at Cedar Creek Hotel & Event Venue in New Haven. From 7-9 p.m., take in the dazzling night sky by gazing through a 30 inch telescope, and learn how to use a camera on a telescope to take pictures with an astrophotography center adjacent to the main telescope. Attendees will have to climb a ladder to reach the large scope. The event will be cancelled if there is cloud cover or inclement weather.
Learn more.

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Friday, Aug. 29
Stop in to Pickneybend Distilling in New Haven to take part in the establishment’s monthly cocktail class. Attendees will receive three cocktails they’ve made themselves, plus receive a discount on bottled spirit purchases. Cost is $30 per person.
Find out more and sign up.

Saturday, Aug. 30
Make and learn how to care for a hanging moss ball planter at Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery in Washington. The cost to attend is $35 per person, and registration is required.
Get registered.

Road Trippin’

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

Monday, Aug. 25
Head to Brookdale Farms in Eureka for Art After Hours Paint & Sip event, happening from 6-9 p.m. The theme for the event is camping, the fee is $40 and admission price includes supplies.
Get tickets and more info.

Wednesday, Aug. 27
There’s free line dancing starting at 6 p.m. this, and every, Wednesday night at The Outfield Bar & Grill in Marthasville.
Learn more.

Thursday, Aug. 28 – Sunday, Aug. 31
Autumn Glow Festival is lighting up Eureka Thursdays-Sundays this fall at Brookdale Farms. This enchanting night walk, inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals, is the perfect autumn outing for friends and families. Explore 100s of intricately crafted lanterns, enjoy live acrobatic shows, tuck into tasty local food, and discover a world of festive fun for all ages.
Learn more.

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Saturday, Aug. 30
Celebrate the start of the grape harvest at Stone Hill Winery’s free Harvest Festival. Head to the Hermann winery for festivities such as a grape stomping photo op, a behind the scenes tour, games and a scavenger hunt, live music, plus wine, slushies, and beer by the glass, and a lot more.
Get more details.

Saturday, Aug. 30
Bring your classic car, truck, sports car, Jeep, anything with wheels you love, to Prairie Barn Winery in St. James. This is a non-judged, no-prizes event—just a great time with fellow car and truck enthusiasts!
Get more details.

Saturday, Aug. 30
Enjoy a concert at Music in the Park, at Maramec Spring Park in St. James. Forrest McCurren will perform from 6-8 p.m., admission is $20 per car.
Find out more.

Saturday, Aug. 30
There’s a free women’s medicinal drum circle happening in Marthasville. This monthly meetup aims to foster mindfulness and community among women in the area.
Learn more on Facebook.

Saturday, Aug. 30
The Homemade Exchange is a monthly meetup at the Owensville branch of Scenic Regional Library. This free event is a meeting of people who exchange homemade items, from homemade baked goods and canned items, to soaps, crafts, and more.
Find out more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, July 28 – August 3, 2025

Although back-to-school time is on the horizon, summer fun activities continue around the area this week. There’s a free concert, it’s the final free drive-in movie of the season, there’s also a free family movie in the gardens of a local winery, plus farmers markets, a back to school safety class, and more.

Tuesday, July 29
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. author Ed Wheatley will be at the Washington Public Library to talk about his book “From St. Louis To Cooperstown: Legends Born and Made in the Gateway City.” The talk and book signing is sponsored by Friends of the Library and Neighborhood Reads.
Learn more.

Thursday, July 31
Catch a free drive-in showing of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” in the Cinema 1 Plus theater’s parking lot in Washington. The movie will start ~30 mins. after sunset. Parking spots with orange cones will be reserved for drive-in moviegoers. When you arrive, move a cone and claim a space.
Learn more.

Photo courtesy of Timothy J. Fancher

Friday, August 1
Parents can attend a free Back To School Safety Community Event at St. Clair Library from 6-7 p.m. Presented by Compassion Healing and Excellence, led by Timothy J. Fancher, MAPT, BA, AS, founder and 4th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate. This verbal seminar is designed to equip parents, older siblings, and concerned adults with tools to teach kids practical alternatives to “Stranger Danger,” de-escalation skills to handle bullies, safety awareness for public and school settings, and ways to make safety engaging for children. Due to direct discussions on street safety, it’s recommended adults attend without younger children to ensure open, focused conversations. Reserve your spot by emailing Tim directly at timothyfancher@gmail.com

Friday, August 1
The City of Union’s next Concert in the Park will feature the music of Kaleidoscope. The fun is going down at the large pavilion at City Park beginning at 6:30 p.m.

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Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design.
“My goal is to make your home your castle.”

Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3
The Villa Ridge Farmers Market takes place on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month at Stacked Coffehouse. Find locally made goods, local produce, meat, food, and of course, coffee from Stacked.
Follow the market’s Facebook page to learn more.

Saturday, August 2
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens on the first and third Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon, in the Elks parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more.

Saturday, August 2
Hear live music performed by the duo Scott and Karl at Triple 3 Vineyards in Washington from 2-5 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, August 3
Get ready for the Washington Town and Country Fair with the WashMO Fair Parade. The parade begins at 4 p.m. at Main and Cedar Streets, traveling East to Jefferson Street. Participants will move South on Jefferson, then West on 5th Street to the Elks Lodge at 1459 W 5th Street. 
Find out more.

Road Trippin’

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

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Thursday, July 31
Follow the yellow brick road to Movie Night in The Gardens! Enjoy a timeless classic under the stars at a screening of “The Wizard of Oz” in the beautiful setting of the Gardens at St. James Winery. It’s the perfect night out for the whole family, pets included.
Get more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1073981004063629

Friday, August 1 & Saturday, August 2
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is hosting its Balloon Glowdeo event. It’s part hot air balloon festival, part rodeo, and 100% fun! The event will feature food and drink vendors, live music, a petting zoo, and more.
Purchase tickets online.

Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 3
The Owensville Regional Arts Council presents a stage performance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby.” The play will have three performances, and tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.
Learn more.

Saturday, August 2
Listen to live music and keep cool while doing so at Hot August Night, Cool Cave Music, a summer concert inside Onondaga Cave in Leasburg. Tickets are $30 per person and space is limited.
Find out more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County May 19 – May 25, 2025

This week there’s a lot going on in and around Franklin County – Sunset on the Riverfront happens this Thursday, there’s a few community markets, opportunities to hear live music, and get crafty, plus some unique events happening just a short drive from Franklin County. As a reminder, I don’t list every event that’s on the calendar here in the weekly roundup post, including events happening in the first half of the week. Be sure to look at the calendar of events to see everything! Note that you can find the calendar at the bottom of the home page if you’re viewing the site on a mobile device.

Thursday, May 22
Head to downtown Washington for the May Sunset on the Riverfront, held at Rennick Riverfront Park on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 – 8 p.m. This family-friendly and free event features local bands, food vendors, beer, wine, and children’s activities.

Photo via Downtown Washington, Inc.’s Facebook event.

Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23
Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge is going to be out and about in the community doing coffee “pop-ups” from a mobile coffee trailer. On Thursday, catch Stacked at St. John the Baptist School in Villa Ridge from 7:30 – 9 a.m., and on Friday, find Stacked at The Novel Nook in Washington from noon – 2 p.m.
Learn more.

Friday, May 23
The Union Farmers Market happens on the second and fourth Fridays from 4 – 7 p.m. through September. Find local produce, meat, baked goods, handmade items, and food trucks. SPECIAL NOTICE – This week’s market will happen at 10 E. Locust St., across from City Hall.
Get more details on Facebook.

Friday, May 23
Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair will have live music from Tom Norton starting at 7 p.m. 
Learn more.

Saturday, May 24
Enjoy live music while you take in the beautiful scenery at Triple 3 Vineyard, when SWeet Ruckus plays from 2 – 5 p.m. 
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, May 24
The Sullivan Community Market is happening from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Muddy Banks Brewing. Shop local vendors and makers, find locally grown produce and baked goods, and listen to live music.
More details.

Sunday, May 25
Learn how to make a custom Welcome Mat for your home at this class held at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan, from 3 – 6 p.m. Ticket price includes materials to create the mat.
Get tickets.

Road Trippin’

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

Saturday, May 24
Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of seven stargazing programs in 2025. The public is invited to meet in front of the visitor center to view the unobstructed night sky and learn about some of the objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will be demonstrating the use of telescopes and identifying stars and planets.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 24
Get ready for a relaxing day on the river at Brookdale Farms’ first Eureka Floats event of the season!
More information.

Sunday, May 25
Take a short drive to Fenton to see the amazing rides at a free, family-friendly car event where you’ll find everything from exotics, to classic cars, imports, works in progress, and more. Cars & Coffee St. Louis and 1st Phorm are teaming up to bring a monthly car show on the fourth Sunday of each month through October.
Find out more.