Dutzow Missouri – Small Town Socialite

Happy Thanksgiving week! If you or someone you know is looking for a Thanksgiving meal, there are several places offering free meals. There are also bars hosting Thanksgiving Eve experiences, and after Thanksgiving, there’s holiday events kicking off on Friday, like the Holiday Parade of Lights in Washington, plus Small Business Saturday, and a lot more.

Please note I try my best to capture the happenings in our area each week, and some events may be posted too late to make it into the article, so I share those items in my stories throughout the week. Be sure to follow me on Facebook an Instagram to get all the details!

And, as we move into winter weather, event details may change or events may get rescheduled. While I strive to keep these posts as up to date as possible, it might be a good idea double check with the event venue before heading out!

Wednesday, Nov. 26
White Rose Cafe in Union will offer a Thanksgiving meal featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, and a roll for $12.99. The meals are available for eat in or take out.
Learn more.

Wednesday, Nov. 26
The Knights of Columbus in Washington is having a Thanksgiving Eve Dance. Pulse band will perform beginning at 8 p.m.
Find out more.

Wednesday, Nov. 26
Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair will have Thanksgiving Eve Tunes by Tommy Norton. There will be $5 burgers from 4-9 p.m.
Get more info.

Wednesday, Nov. 26-Wednesday, Dec. 10
Kicking off the day before Thanksgiving and running through Dec. 10 is Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar’s The 898 Hours of Christmas Pop-Up Bar. Drink Christmas-themed cocktails in a cozy, winter wonderland-themed space.
Get more details.

Thursday, Nov. 27
The Knights of Columbus in Gerald is hosting its 7th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. This free meal is available to the community for in person or take out, but RSVP is appreciated for meal planning purposes.
Learn more and RSVP.

Thursday, Nov. 27
United Methodist Church in St. Clair will have its 21st Annual Free Thanksgiving Meal from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Find out more.

Thursday, Nov. 27
Lang-A-Tang Cafe in New Haven is having its 5th free Thanksgiving To-Go Meals from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Get more details.

Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30
Blumenhof Winery in Dutzow is hosting a Kristkindl Markt featuring locally made goods from a variety of vendors and fun, free, family-friendly festivities. Stay warm with fire pits, heaters, hot coffee, cocoa, and delicious hot, mulled wine.
Learn more.

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Friday, Nov. 28
Downtown Washington will be aglow during the Holiday Parade of Lights. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and will feature over 70 beautifully lit parade floats, antique cars, bands, and walking groups. Santa will also make an appearance at the end of the parade for the tree lighting at the corner of Main and Elm Streets.
Find parade route and other details on Facebook.

Friday, Nov. 28
After the Holiday Parade of Lights, head to John G.’s in Washington for an evening of Christmas carols performed by Melissa Frey.
Get more info.

*Saturday, Nov. 29* RESCHEDULED 12/6/25
New Haven is the site of the Handmade Holiday Mart from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find seasonal cocktails and samples from Pinckney Bend Distillery, an espresso bar by Lang-A-Tang Cafe, tea and gifts from London Tea Merchant, plus permanent jewelry, custom shirts and mugs, along with flowers, décor, and ornaments by Bright Side Blooms.
Get all the details.

Saturday, Nov. 29
Petals and Plants in Sullivan will have free pictures with The Grinch from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Nov. 29
Santa is coming to R&R Ace in St. Clair from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will be additional visits from Santa, as well as The Grinch, throughout the holiday season.
Learn more.

Saturday, Nov. 29
The Office Bar & Grill in Washington is hosting an Open Mic Night every Saturday. Stand up comedy, music, and more is welcome.
Learn more.

Saturday, Nov. 29
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is kicking off its Five Can Film Series with a showing of “The Polar Express.” Watch classic holiday flicks throughout the Christmas season for a $6 ticket price, or by donating 5 non-perishable cans of food per movie goer.
Find out more.

*Saturday, Nov. 29* CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
United Bank of Union is hosting a Small Business Saturday vendor event. Find local vendors to shop from, live music, food trucks, photos with Santa, and more.
Get the details.

Saturday, Nov. 29
Santa Claus is coming to Harmony Health & Wellness in St. Clair. Santa will be on site from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and the establishment will have specials on gift cards and retail as part of Small Business Saturday.
Get the details.

Saturday, Nov. 29
The Gerald Lions Club is getting into the holiday spirit with a Christmas-themed trivia night. Attendees can get prizes for trivia as well as for best decorated table and ugly sweaters.
Find out costs and other details.

Sunday, Nov. 30
The Washington Farmers Market will be the site of an Olde Fashioned Christmas event. The event will feature horse-drawn wagon rides, marshmallow roasting, photos with reindeer, local choirs and the Washington Brass Band, along with hot chocolate and hot cider, Christmas crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, plus a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Learn more.

Sunday, Nov. 30
First Christian Church in Washington is hosting a Christmas Tree Lighting event that will include themed games, crafts, activities, a barrel train, live music, cookies + cocoa, a hot dog roasting station, and Just Hank’s Coffee on-site.
Get more details.

Road Trippin’

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

Wednesday, Nov. 26
The Outfield Sports Bar and Grill in Marthasville is hosting a ticketed Thanksgiving Eve Party that will feature dueling pianos.
Get more info.

Friday, Nov. 28 & Saturday, Nov. 29
Hamilton Holiday Orchard in Rolla will glow with lighted displays every Friday and Saturday evening this holiday season.
Learn pricing and more info.

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Friday, Nov. 28 – Wednesday, Dec. 31
Looking for a fun and winter-themed experience? Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta is featuring Winter Wine-derland Igloos this fall and winter season. These private spaces feature cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and views of the vineyard.
Get pricing and more info.

Saturday, Nov. 29
Bland is kicking off the Christmas season with a celebration at Bland City Park. There will be a Christmas parade, photos with Santa, cocoa and sweet treats, kids crafts, and chili.
Find out more.

Saturday, Nov. 29
The Homemade Exchange in Owensville is hosting its monthly meetup. Head to the Scenic Regional Library’s Owensville Branch for a chance to connect with others in the community and exchange homemade/homegrown items one-for-one.
Find out more.

This week there’s lots of kid and family-friendly events, from a bubble experience to a free drive-in showing of Jumanji, as well as two community movie nights, the Franklin County Fair, and the Route 66 BBQ Battle & Bluegrass Festival in Pacific, a three-day affair which will have a family movie night, kid zone, music, and of course, lip-smackin’ barbecue! Check out the entire list of events below.

Tuesday, June 17
The Bubble Bus is rolling into the Union Branch of Scenic Regional Library! Bring the family to the library parking lot for an afternoon of fun with bubbles from the Bubble Bus.
Pre-registration is required for this event.

Tuesday, June 17
Learn how to preserve food in a healthy way at the dehydrating fruit leather event at the Washington Public Library at 6 p.m.
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Wednesday, June 18
Take a mid-week break for a fun fundraiser for Wally Mills, at The Alley, in Washington. This is a family event so bring the kids. Play music bingo, check out the silent auction items and purchase 50/50 raffle tickets to help Wally and his family with medical expenses.
Learn more.

Wednesday, June 18
Acoustic Jammers will gather again at 6 p.m. at Hansen Park in Union, weather permitting. (Be sure to bring your lawn chairs.) In the event Mother Nature decides to send rain, they will move to The American Legion. Everyone is welcome to come and participate or just come and enjoy the music.

Thursday, June 19 – Sunday, June 22
The Franklin County Fair is held Thursday – Sunday in Union. The event features concessions, entertainment, carnival rides, a petting zoo, and a lot more.
Get all the details.

Thursday, June 19
Catch a free drive-in showing of Jumanji in the parking lot of Cinema 1 in Washington. Parking spaces are first come, first serve and the movie will start ~30 mins. after sunset.
Learn more.

Friday, June 20 – Sunday, June 22
Liberty Field in Pacific is the site of the Route 66 BBQ Battle & Bluegrass Festival, a three-day extravaganza of mouthwatering BBQ and toe-tapping tunes that is fun for the whole family! Kick off the event by watching the Route 66 classic, Disney’s “Cars” on the lawn, catch performances by bluegrass bands all three days, and enjoy delectable barbecue all weekend long.
Learn more.

Photo via Route 66 BBQ Battle & Bluegrass Festival’s Facebook event.

Friday, June 20
Rescheduled from Friday, June 13 due to the weather! Head to Gerald for a special Movie Night at Legion Park hosted by the Chief Mason Griffith Foundation! Enjoy family fun with a 50/50 drawing, raffle tickets, and a free will offering benefiting Firefighter Via Family. Food available for purchase: nachos, hot dogs, popcorn! Movie title coming soon — stay tuned! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and loved ones for an unforgettable night under the stars. Let’s show our support and come together as a community.
Learn more.

Friday, June 20
It’s time to dust off those low-rise jeans, grab your butterfly clips, and get ready to party like it’s 1999! The Alley will have 90s-2000s Trivia from 7-10 p.m. and Karaoke from 10 p.m.-12 a.m. The Tipsy Keg will have True North Entertainment playing all your favorite throwbacks starting at 9 p.m. Each bar will have a 90s-2000s themed cocktail or shot.
Find out more and purchase tickets.

Friday, June 20
On the third Friday of each month, The Washington Coffee Shop hosts an Open Mic Night. Singers, musicians, poets, and spoken word artists are welcome to share their talents with the crowd.
Learn more at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Facebook page.

Friday, June 20
The City of Union’s Lawn Chair Movie Night will feature food from Savy’s Food Truck and will show Sonic the Hedgehog.
Find out more on the Union Parks Department’s Facebook.

Saturday, June 21
Join a morning yoga session at the Gerald City Park! Be sure to bring your own yoga mat and dress comfortably. This class is $10/person.
Learn more and sign up and pay.

Saturday, June 21
The Gerald Lions are hosting a celebration that includes a fireworks show at Gerald City Park on June 21.
Learn more.

Sunday, June 22
Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of free ice cream, games, and contests at the Four Rivers Genealogical Society’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase burgers and brats and visit the Museum and Genealogical Society.
Find out more.

Sunday, June 22
The public is invited to an open house from noon to 4 p.m. at Bethel Hills community in Dutzow. There will be an art show, live music, and BBQ available for purchase.
Find out more about Bethel Hills and this event.

Road Trippin’

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

Friday, June 20
Shake up your Friday night with a fun, hands-on cocktail workshop at St. James Winery! You’ll mix and enjoy three seasonal cocktails, snack on a charcuterie grazing board, and leave with recipe cards so you can recreate the drinks at home. Your ticket includes, 3 handcrafted cocktails, a charcuterie grazing board, recipe cards to take home, plus 10% off wine purchases during the event.
Get tickets.

Saturday, June 21
Kick off summer with bold flavor and big vibes at the Backyard BBQ, Bourbon & Brews event! Head to St. James for a full day of live music, BBQ food specials, whiskey flights, and a stellar lineup of craft spirit vendors.
Find out more.

Saturday, June 21
Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of off-trail tours of Cathedral Cave. These tours are perfect for people who want to get a more intense cave experience, one that goes beyond the lighted tour with rails and trails. Each tour is led by an experienced guide and requires participants to climb, crawl and get a little muddy. Visitors will spend four to five hours in the cave and will learn about the cave’s geology, biology and history. Each tour is limited to 15 people ages 10 and up, and registration is required. There is a fee of $70 per adult and $50 per child. Safety is our top priority. All interested guests will be asked some questions to determine whether they are able to complete the tour, and they will be shown a video of what to expect inside the cave. The guide will send a list of items to bring, and caving helmets will be provided.
To register, call the park at 573-522-3760.

Saturday, June 21
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with gentle flow yoga in a beautiful, natural setting in St. James. Maramac Spring Park’s overlook will be the site of this outdoor yoga class, which starts at 8 a.m. Participants should bring their own yoga mat, towel, and water.
$15 to participate, payable through cash or Venmo.
Learn more.

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