It’s back to school time! As families in and around Franklin County get acclimated to routines and new schedules, just remember that there are plenty of local events happening each weekend in and around Franklin County.
Over the next two weeks there’s still a few recurring outdoor events like Sunset on the Riverfront in WashMo and Market off Main in Union, as well as an outdoor showing of the animated film “Cars 3.” There’s also a music festival at East Central College to kick off the college’s music season, the 6th Annual Celtic Festival is going down at the Washington VFW, plus there’s a few arts and crafts events, some fundraising events, and lots more.
Just a heads up to my readers: the next event round up post will be published ahead of Labor Day and will feature a slightly tweaked format. Going forward I’ll be posting events by geographic location and bundling counties/towns together rather than posting them as I do now with Franklin County events in one section, and everything else under the Road Trippin’ section. My hope is it makes it easier to scan each post and find events happening within Franklin County and those communities that border the area (like Eureka) while keeping events in nearby counties and communities in their own section.
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.
Monday, Aug. 24 – Friday, Aug. 28
American Street Edge in St. Clair has recently expanded its training area with a wall removal, and is celebrating with free class offerings for kids and adults that are only available Aug. 24 – Aug. 28.
Get the details in this Facebook post.
Tuesday, Aug. 25
On the last Tuesday of every month the Sullivan Branch of Scenic Regional Library is having a Ladies Night event from 6-7 p.m. This is a chance to hang with your friends or meet new ones, plus play games, and bring a snack to share.
Find out more.
Wednesday, Aug. 26
Smokin’ Oak Woodfired Pizza in Washington is having a Dine to Donate event to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Dine to Donate hours are from 5-8 p.m.
Learn more.
Thursday, Aug. 27
Sunset on the Riverfront is happening at Rennick Park at the Washington Riverfront from 5-8 p.m. Bring the whole family along with your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music performed by The Texas Giants, with food available for purchase by Mosaic Cafe & Catering, Big Boys Grilled Subs and Wings, and BLAST Youth Board Dirty Soda Stand. This month’s kid zone activity will be a petting zoo.
Get more info.
Thursday, Aug. 27
The fourth Thursday of every month is Art Club at the Washington Public Library from 6-8 p.m. No art experience is necessary to attend. The event is open to all skill levels and anyone age 16 and up.
Find out more.
Friday, Aug. 28
Kick off the ECC music season with an evening of live music, food, and fun under the summer sky at ECC’s Music Festival. Hosted by ECC, the ECC Music Department, Patrons of the Arts, and Metallica Scholars. The free concert includes a live music lineup with Elayna Cusano at 4:30 p.m., Steve Leslie Band at 5 p.m., and Playadors at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds raised will support ECC’s Metallica Scholars Initiative by providing scholarships to students enrolled in workforce and skilled trades programs.
Learn more.
Friday, Aug. 28
Grab your boots and your dance partner and head to The Office in WashMo for line dancing with Glittering Grapevine beginning at 7 p.m.
Find out more.
Friday, Aug. 28
Market off Main is happening at Hansen Park in Union on the corner of Oak and Main Streets from 4-7 p.m. Shop from local vendors, makers, and producers, and find food and drinks available for purchase. There will be live music performed by Zero Gravity, Hot Tamales Love at First Bite Food Truck and Box Car Express will be the food vendors at the market.
Check Facebook for more details.
Friday, Aug. 28
Liberty Field in Pacific is hosting a movie in the park night at 8 p.m. Pack your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in to watch the Pixar film “Cars 3.”
Find out more.
Saturday, Aug. 29
The 6th Annual Celtic Festival is happening at the Washington VFW from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Come out for a day filled with live bands, Irish dancers, food, beer, local vendors, Highland games and family fun.
Get more details.
Saturday, Aug. 29
Head to Eureka for Charlie’s Believe Fly-In and RC Airshow from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find RC airshow demonstrations, open flying, bounce house, kids activities, music, food and refreshments, plus RC and Non-RC Raffles.
Learn more.
Saturday, Aug. 29
The Gus Garrett 1st Annual Memorial Poker Run is happening from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The funds raised will go towards the Gus Garrett Scholarship.
Find out how to participate.
Sunday, Aug. 30
Essence Salon & Spa in Union is hosting a fundraising event to benefit Turning Point Advocacy Services, a nonprofit organization that provides services for domestic violence survivors. Book an appointment online for a haircut, 30 minute massage, chair massage, or 30 minute facial between the hours of 1-4 p.m. and 100% of the proceeds from the services will go to Turning Point Advocacy Services.
Learn more.
Sept. 1 – 30
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. 1
Head to the Washington Public Library for Back to School with the Gilmore Girls from 5-7 p.m. The event is for ages 12 and up and attendees will watch some episodes of the show while crafting a book journal.
Find out more.
Tuesday, Sept. 1
The Club House Play Cafe in Sullivan is hosting a Harry Potter themed cookie decorating class for adults and kids. Cost to attend is $30 per person and attendees will decorate magical-themed cookies and play a few fun games along the way. And because no magical night is complete without snacks and drinks, there will be plenty of themed goodies available for purchase.
Save your spot.
Wednesday, Sept. 2
The first Wednesday of the month the Washington Public Library hosts Discovering Great Artists Workshop from 4-5 p.m. Artists age 9-18 are invited to attend and create art inspired by great artists throughout history.
Get more details.
Thursday, Sept. 3
Music on Main is happening in downtown Union, beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy live music performed by Richie Callison, and find food and drinks available for purchase from Sip on Main, Savy’s Food Truck, Sip Chicks, and Box Car Express.
Find out more on Facebook.
Friday, Sept. 4
The first Friday of every month at Point Labbadie Brewery is the First Friday Jam, an open acoustic jam for all skill levels. Bring your instruments and jump in on the fun or simply sit back (or boogie down!) and enjoy some fantastic picking.
Learn more.
Friday, Sept. 4
Union’s Concert in the Park is from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., at the large pavilion at City Park. The concert will feature live music by Crossfire.
Get more info.
Saturday, Sept. 5
The Bridge Pacific is hosting Rockin’ the Railroad 2026. Admission to the outdoor concert is $2 plus a non-perishable food item for the Agape House. The event begins at 5 p.m.
Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is kicking off a series of free drive-in movies with a showing of the 1980s time travel flick “Back to the Future.” The film will start 15 minutes after sunset and parking spaces are on a first come, first serve basis and available spaces are marked by the presence of orange cones.
Get more info.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Saturday, Aug. 29
Get ready for a one of a kind picking experience at Nelson Hart Park in St. James. Find rusty treasures, vintage advertising, primitives, petroliana, barn finds and boutique goodies, all in one place for some good ole fashion junkin’!
Get more info.
Saturday, Aug. 29
The Rest and Restore Retreat at Second Chance Landing on the Katy Trail in Hermann is offering attendees a Day of Rejuvenation. Enjoy diverse experiences including a sound bowl session, meditation, yoga with self-acupressure techniques, fascia release, yin yoga using auricular beads, time for unwinding and bonding with others, herbal teas, and light refreshments. The retreat is from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost is $130 per person.
Find out more.
Saturday, Aug. 29
Maramec Springs Park in St. James is hosting Music on the Maramec with Sam Lewis at 6 p.m. Bring your own chair and enjoy food trucks and local beverages. Cost to attend is $25 per car or free attendance with Season Pass.
More info.
Saturday, Aug. 29
Head to Linn for some rodeo fun at the NFPB Bull Riding event at the Linn Lions Club Fairgrounds beginning at 8 pm.
Get more details.
Friday, Sept. 5 & Saturday, Sept. 6
The 2026 Salem Chamber Rodeo is happening for two days. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. both nights.
Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Head to Hermann for the Harvest Festival at Stone Hill Winery, happening from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sample grapes from the vineyards, hear live music, shop from area vendors, and enjoy wine, beer, and food available for purchase.
Free admission, get more info.
Sunday, Sept. 6
The first Sunday of each month, the Rolla Writers Club meets from 2-4 p.m. at the Rolla Public Library.
Learn more.
Sunday, Sept. 6
The Steelville Country Club is hosting an International Food Tasting event open to all. The event begins at 12 p.m. and cost is $10 a plate. Some of the cuisine will include Hungarian, Filipino, German, Japanese, and more.
Get more details.
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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