This week there’s chances to get crafty, hear live music, play black light bingo, paint & sip night, as well as a knit & sip event, plus you can shop at the huge indoor garage sale at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center, and much more.
As a reminder, events may change or 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!
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Tuesday, Jan. 13 Washington Public Library’s Crafting and Creativity event continues with an opportunity to make a dried orange winter garland. Get more information.
Wednesday, Jan. 14 Head to Washington Public Library for a Bird Feeder Crafternoon event from 4-5 p.m. Make a bird feeder ornament from supplies provided by the library. Find all the details.
Thursday, Jan. 15 & Saturday, Jan. 17 Birdie’s Bakeshop in Washington is having a Winter Wonderland cookie decorating class. Times, age/baking experience levels, and prices differ for each class. Get all the info.
Friday, Jan. 16 Do you live with a strange animal? Come to the Washington Public Library from 4-5 p.m. to meet exotic pets and learn how to care for them. This event repeats on Jan. 23 and 30. Learn more.
Friday, Jan. 16 Winter Wonderland Paint & Sip Fundraiser, benefitting the Union Community Center is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy light snacks, sips, and lots of winter cheer as you paint. Cost is $35 per person and all materials are supplied. Reserve your spot.
Friday, Jan. 16 Sip wine or other beverages at McKelvey Vineyards while participating in some beginner-friendly line dancing brought to you by Glittering Grapevine. Find out more.
Saturday, Jan. 17 Head to the Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch for a Board Game Battle Royale. Pit yourself against other board game aficionados and see who is the real Game Night Gladiator! Register here.
Saturday, Jan. 17 It’s the 3rd Annual Garage Sale at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center. This indoor garage sale features a variety of vintage treasures, along with crafts, and baked goodies. The event is from 7 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Get more details.
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Saturday, Jan. 17 The Office Bar & Grill in Washington hosts an Open Mic Night every Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, Jan. 17 Head to Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan to enjoy live music by Lauren Ash. Lauren will perform from 5-8 p.m. Find out more on Facebook.
Saturday, Jan. 17 Play black light bingo at St. Anthony Catholic School in Sullivan from 5-11 p.m. More details.
Sunday, Jan. 18 Thrive Studio and Events in Sullivan is hosting a Knit & Sip event. In this hands-on Chunky Blanket Making Class you’ll learn step-by-step how to create a cozy, stylish couch throw blanket: no experience needed. Dirty Soda Bar is included in admission price so you can enjoy a build-your-own dirty soda while you work. Get more info.
Sunday, Jan. 18 The Washington Bridal Extravaganza is happening at the Elks Lodge from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. This event is free to attend. Find out more on Facebook.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, Jan. 16 & Saturday, Jan. 17 The Snow Spur Saloon is a winter-themed pop-up bar that’s part of the Winter Roundup event at Brookdale Farms. The pop-up is happening every Friday and Saturday night throughout January and February. Get tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 17 & Sunday, Jan. 18 Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm in St. James is hosting a winter Murder Mystery Dinner event on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $50 per person and include entertainment, a catered meal, tea, and water, with wine, beer, and soda available for purchase. Purchase tickets.
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Saturday, Jan. 17 & Sunday, Jan. 18 Winter Round-Up at Brookdale Farms is a family-friendly winter festival packed with outdoor fun, live entertainment, and cozy seasonal activities for all ages. From interactive hayride shows and hands-on crafts to inflatables, s’mores by the fire, and hot cocoa! Find out more and get tickets.
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!
The end of 2025 is here and if you’re looking for places to ring in 2026, but don’t want to travel far to celebrate, there’s plenty going on right here in the Franklin County area. From multi-course meals, to lively festivities with music and libations, to family-friendly parties and more low-key celebrations that wrap up well before midnight, there’s a number of spots to usher in the New Year.
If you want to enjoy drinks and a cigar this New Year’s Eve, celebrate at Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar in Washington with cocktails, fun activities, giveaways every hour, hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight! Get tickets.
Those who wish to ring in 2026 with a fine dining experience should reserve their spot at Mangia Bella at Elijah McClean’s in Washington. The special three-course New Year’s Eve menu features lobster bisque as a first course, and choose from prime rib, broiled cod, or roasted duck as a main course, along with a milk chocolate mousse cake for dessert. Reservations made through Open Table.
If you’re looking for low-key festivities that include an early ball-drop, check out the happenings at The Tipsy Keg in Washington. The celebration happens from 6-9 p.m. and features music by Extremely Unplugged. Learn more.
Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash that includes an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, a midnight toast, plus a late-night snack offering to keep the party going beyond the balloon drop at 12 a.m. Get tickets for the event, or celebrate the early ball drop in the Tasting Room, which doesn’t require a ticket purchase.
New Year’s Eve at The Alley in Washington promises something for everyone: there’s blacklight bingo from 6:30-8:30 p.m., live music from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m., plus ball drops at 9 p.m. and again at midnight. Get more information.
Looking for a family-friendly night out? The NYE Kids’ Jam at Brookdale Farms in Eureka is from 6-9 p.m. and will have an open soda bar, food trucks, games and activities, as well as a photo booth and kid-friendly dance music. Find out more.
Thacker’s Mini Pub in Gerald will have Family Feud beginning at 8 p.m., a DJ later in the evening, as well as a photo booth, and food and drink specials throughout the night. Learn more.
Piccadilly Par1 in Union’s New Year’s Eve celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, to be followed by a steak and lobster buffet at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a cash bar and appetizers throughout the night, along with a DJ and of course a champagne toast at midnight. Get more info.
If an evening filled with karaoke and pizza is your more your speed, then head to Saucy’s Pizzeria in Catawissa. The New Year’s Eve celebration will feature karaoke and a DJ, plus a $15 buffet from 7-10 p.m., and much more. Learn more on Facebook.
Pool tables, darts, karaoke and pub style food is on the menu at Boomers Sports Bar & Grill in Sullivan. One New Year’s Eve, the establishment will have karaoke, 50/50 raffles, and food and drink specials throughout the night, and no cover charge to celebrate, but will accept table reservations made by phone. Find out more.
This week, there’s chances to watch holiday movies, attend craft events, holiday pop-ups, Christmas parades, winter markets, holiday concerts, meals with Santa, holiday light displays, and much 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!
Monday, Dec. 1, Wednesday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 6, Sunday, Dec. 7 Great 8 Cinema in Union is showing classic holiday movies through Christmas Eve for only $2 per person. On Monday and Wednesday, catch “A Christmas Story” and on Saturday and Sunday view “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Get more info.
Tuesday, Dec. 2 Enjoy a holiday concert with music by the Schwarzer Zither Ensemble of Washington. Promoting the tradition, music, and local history of the zither instruments, Schwarzer Zither Ensemble of Washington performs a concert including seasonal and holiday music. Learn more.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 7 Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar’s The 898 Hours of Christmas Pop-Up Bar is still happening this week. Drink Christmas-themed cocktails in a cozy, winter wonderland-themed space. Get more details.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 Get into the spirit of the season at Mistletoe & Mixology, a Holiday Pop-Up at Oak & Front in Washington. Experience festive decorations, holiday cocktails, themed food specials, and house-made Christmas cookies served at every table. The event kicks off on Dec. 3, and will also run on Dec. 10, and Dec. 17. Reserve your spot for $10 per person. Learn more.
Thursday, Dec. 4 N-Rec Sports Center in Washington is hosting a Bingo Night featuring Taco Loco. Price is $40 per person, and includes bingo, as well as a Taco Loco meal and margarita. Get more details.
Thursday, Dec. 4 Have breakfast for dinner, and eat pancakes with Santa at St. Gertrude Parish & School in Washington. Have pancakes with all the toppings, beverages, Christmas crafts, and more. Learn more.
Thursday, Dec. 4 Beginning this Thursday, Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is kicking off a special series called “Happy Holidates.” The special is a dinner and a movie date package on Thursdays, with a holiday twist. For $30 per person, enjoy dinner at Smokin’ Oak, plus admission to a holiday film, popcorn, and a drink. Get more info.
Friday, Dec. 5 Thacker’s Mini Pub in Gerald is having a Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament. Cost of entry is $20 per person. Find out more.
Friday, Dec. 5 – Saturday, Dec. 6 Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events in St. Clair is having their annual Grove of Lights holiday light experience. View thousands of dazzling lights, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and s’mores, get photos with Santa, free face painting for kids, and much more. Purchase tickets.
Friday, Dec. 5 Washington Library is hosting a Build-a-Stuffie and movie night. Attendees will build a new stuffie and then watch a G-rated holiday movie. Registration is required. Register and learn more.
Friday, Dec. 5 River Sirens Collective is hosting a Ladies Night with IPL hand facials, permanent jewelry, blowouts, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, Botox specials, and exclusive retail discounts. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Have breakfast with Santa & the Grinch at Miller’s Grill in Washington from 8-9:45 a.m. Children have the opportunity for a free photo with Santa & the Grinch and Christmas Cookie Treats with the purchase of breakfast! Purchase your tickets for the breakfast and learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Head to Robertsville Elementary for a vendor fair and visit from Santa. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Have breakfast with Santa at Boles Fire Protection District from 9-11 a.m. in Villa Ridge. This event is free, and also includes station tours by firefighters. More info.
Saturday, Dec. 6 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, Dec. 6 The 4th Annual Mingle & Jingle is happening at Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Shop from 50 local makers and visit with Santa from 1-3 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 The town of Pacific is having a Winter Wonderland Christmas on the Plaza and Parade holiday event. There will be s’mores, hot cocoa, pictures with Santa and much more. Get more info on Facebook.
Saturday, Dec. 6 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, Dec. 6 Liberty Hall in Washington is hosting The Divines, a Celtic band blending Irish, Old Time, and Americana music. Get tickets and time info.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Downtown Sullivan will have its Christmas Festival and a lighted Parade. Find out more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Riverbend Middle School Craft & Vendor Fair promises to be a festive day of shopping, creativity, and community spirit in Pacific. Browse a wide variety of handmade crafts, unique gifts, home décor, seasonal items, and local vendor products—perfect for getting a head start on your holiday shopping! Enjoy food and fun while supporting our school and local small businesses. All proceeds from booth rentals help support Riverbend Middle School programs and student activities. Get more details.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Head to Union’s City Auditorium for Rock & Roll Bingo. Attendees can bring their own snacks and beverages to this black light bingo night. Find pricing and other details.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Visit with Santa at Sullivan Ace from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more on Facebook.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Meet Santa Claus at Linny’s Kennel in Union. There will be treats for kids as well as canines at the event. Get more info.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Thrive Studio and Events in Sullivan is hosting a Holiday Market & Santa Photos event. Expect hot cocoa, shopping with area vendors, and more. Find all the details.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a Five Can Film Series with a showing of “Elf” this Sunday. 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. *Editorial note: this article originally stated the special showing of “Elf” was on Saturday. The article has been updated to reflect the correct date for the movie. Find out more.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Make an embroidered ornament at Yarn Together in Washington. Registration is required, and all supplies are included in workshop price. Find out more.
Sunday, Dec. 7 St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Washington is having a donuts with Santa event from 10 a.m. – noon. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Weekdays and Weekends in December 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.
Friday, Dec. 5 Head to Augusta for an old fashioned experience at the Christmas Candlelight Walk. Get more info.
Friday, Dec. 5 The town of Salem is having its Christmas parade, and the theme is Candy Cane Lane, with businesses open late after the parade for shopping. Find out more.
Friday, Dec. 5 & Saturday, Dec. 6 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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Saturday, Dec. 6 The 2nd Annual Hometown Christmas in Warrenton is the perfect way to slow down and soak in the joy of the holidays with family and friends. There will be a lighted parade, live reindeer, photos with Santa, a Christmas light maze, hot cocoa, and much more. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Christmas in Rosebud will feature fun for all ages, with a petting zoo, tree lighting, parade, face painting, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more. More details.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Head to Owensville High School for a Winter Craft Market. There will be food vendors, music, a visit from Santa, gift wrapping, and more. Find out more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 St. James is having its Christmas Parade, and “Joy to the World” is the theme of the celebration. See Santa, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, and more. Get more info.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Have ice cream for breakfast with Santa Claus at Udderly Moolicious in Warrenton. The menu will feature Belgian waffles topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and other delicious toppings. A photographer will also be onsite to take photos for $15 per family. Learn 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!
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.
Download your next binge read like Nerdy Words, book one in The Talk Nerdy to Me Series.
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.
Small Town Socialite 