From Star Wars Day festivities, to a market, rodeo, and a 5k, there’s a lot of things going on this week!
Thursday,May 1 – Sunday, May 4 Prepare for May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day, by stopping by the Washington library’s make & take station to design your very own lightsaber. Fun for all ages while supplies last! Get more details at the library’s Facebook event page.
Friday, May 2 – Saturday, May 3 Head to the St. Clair Saddle Club for its annual rodeo. Events include barrel racing, bronc riding, tying, roping, and more. Learn more.
Saturday, May 3 Take a short trip out to the town of Rosebud for a day of fun, shopping, and discovery at Spring Treasure Day! Browse unique handmade crafts, vintage finds, and special treasures from local vendors. Find out more at the Facebook event.
Saturday, May 3 Help the Franklin County Foster Closet continue its mission in serving foster families by signing up for its first annual Run for Love race. Learn more.
Saturday,May 3 Stop by the Labadie Station Spring Market to shop a variety of local vendors selling items ranging from hand-made crafts to honey, skin care products, and much more. Learn more.
Saturday,May 3 If you love the tender meat and amazing flavor of pork steaks, then you need to attend the BBQ Pork Steak Competition at Winehouse 66 in Pacific. The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find out more information.
Sunday,May 4 Grief is universal, yet so often, we don’t know how to talk about it or navigate its complexities. This special event, held on International Bereaved Mother’s Day at Liberty Hall in Washington, creates space for reflection, connection, and healing for anyone who has experienced loss—directly or indirectly. Learn more and get tickets.
Sunday,May 4 All are welcome to stop by The Ridge Church in Villa Ridge for The Ridge Family Outdoor Day. The event features free food and drinks, bounce houses, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, face painting, fire trucks, a health fair featuring vendors in the health and wellness space, plus a custom and classic car, truck, and motorcycle show. Find out more at the Facebook event.
There’s a lot more happening, and if I shared every event in this week’s roundup this article would be pretty lengthy, so take a look at the full list of events happening this week and beyond on the calendar here on the website. If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the page to find the calendar!
After a long winter and a rough start to spring, we’re finally moving into that time of year where there’s lots going on, from outdoor events and festivals to trivia and game nights, and much more. Here’s what’s happening around Franklin County this week.
Thursday, April 24 The first Sunset at the Riverfront of the year has arrived and this is your chance to enjoy a family-friendly event filled with music, food, and drinks at the Riverfront in downtown Washington. Get more details.
Thursday, April 24 Meet St. Louis author, Joan Fernandez at this author event at Neighborhood Reads. Joan’s new book, Saving Vincent tells the true story of how in the early twentieth century, a timid widow—and sister-in-law of Vincent van Gogh—Jo van Gogh takes on the male-dominated art elite. Event is free, but RSVP to attend.
Friday, April 25 Gather your slightly terrible and more-inappropriate-than-average friends for a Cards Against Humanity tournament at Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge. Teams of up to 4-6 for will battle until the bitter end with prizes throughout the night. Get the ticket link and more details.
Friday, April 25 The WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with music and the BBQ & Brews Tasting event. Get all the details.
Friday, April 25 The first Union Farmers Market of the season is this week! Drop by the market (at the lower parking lot near the sports fields at ECC), from 4 to 7 p.m. and shop local vendors, farmers, and food provided by Hot Tamales. Learn more.
Saturday, April 26 Celebrate Independent Book Store Day at Neighborhood Reads in Washington! This event will include food, coffee, giveaways, story time, and more. Visit Neighborhood Reads on Facebook to learn more.
Photo via Neighborhood Reads’ Facebook page.
Saturday, April 26 Drop by the cafeteria at New Haven Elementary School to peruse area vendors, makers, and get a bite to eat. Food will be provided by Lang-a-Tang Cafe, and attendees will have the chance to purchase homemade baked goods, sourdough, and items like t-shirts, lanyards, and more. Get the details on Facebook.
Saturday, April 26 The third annual P-Town Pub Crawl is happening in Pacific. This ticketed events grants you access to a shuttle that will take you to the eight different establishments taking a part in the crawl. Find out more.
Saturday, April 26 Fass Motorsports is hosting Dyno Day, and attendees can watch dozens of trucks hit the dyno, enjoy some food, and check out the show room! This event features a free truck show, free food and drinks, and dozens of rowdy diesel trucks. Find out more at the Facebook event.
Saturday, April 26 The St. Clair VFW is hosting a craft fair as well as an egg hunt. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the egg hunt happening at 10 a.m. Find out more.
Sunday, April 27 The final day of WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest begins at 10 a.m. and wraps up at 4 p.m. Learn more.
Have breakfast with the Easter bunny, try your hand at wine bingo, or hear live music performed by local bands, plus more events happening around Franklin County this week.
Wednesday, April 16 Take a rejuvenating break in the middle of the work day with a floating nidra yoga session at Present Moment Yoga in Washington. Attendees will rest in the trapeze while being guided through a meditation. The class is limited to six attendees. Learn more and get the ticket link.
Thursday, April 17 Break up the week with a round of wine bingo at Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington. There’s no need to register for the event, just grab your friends and head to the winery for some fun. Learn more.
Friday, April 18 The Jaycee Pavilion in Union will host breakfast with the Easter Bunny at 9 a.m. and an egg hunt to follow immediately after at 9:45am. Have breakfast and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Please bring your own camera and basket. Egg hunt is for children ages 1 to 7 years old. Get the details.
Photo via Union Parks & Recreation Department’s Facebook page.
Friday, April 18 Stop by Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair for live music on the patio, performed by Danny & Lloyd. Blondie’s Breezeway serves food and cocktails, and often shares its menu specials on its Facebook page. Visit their Facebook page to find out more.
Friday, April 18 Soul Refresh, a new health, wellness, and beauty-based business located in downtown Washington, is having a two-day grand opening celebration. There will be discounts and door prizes, including free sessions. Find out more.
Saturday, April 19 Day two of Soul Refresh’s two-day grand opening celebration continues with discounts and door prizes, including free sessions. Find out more.
Saturday, April 19 Main Street in Sullivan will be filled with a variety of merchants, vendors, and food.. This will be the first flea market of the year, and the event will run from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Get all the details.
Saturday, April 19 Head to N-Sports Rec Center in Washington for crafts and a photo with the Easter bunny from 1 – 3 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, April 19 First Baptist Church in Sullivan is hosting an Easter Egg hunt at 10:30 a.m. The fun is taking place behind the church at the elementary school. Find out more at the Facebook event.
Saturday, April 19 Barbecue and music just go together! Stop by Brown Jerry’s Blues, Brews, & Barbecue in Pacific to hear Jeremiah Johnson perform live, beginning at 7 p.m. Learn more at the Facebook event.
Easter is getting closer and there’s lots of egg hunts happening throughout Franklin County. There’s also a trail run, karaoke, and even an Easter event for dogs! Check out all that’s going on this week.
Tuesday, April 8 Bad Beats Dance Class is a fun way to get fit. This hour-long class will feature a blend of music genres and decades such as music from the 90s to present day, with dance moves that encompass Latin, jive, country, hip-hop, and more. Register for the class at badbeatsdf.com
Wednesday, April 9 Every Wednesday is Karaoke Night at The Tipsy Keg. Belt out your favorite song, enjoy flash sales and drinks specials, plus happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. Kitchen is open until 9pm! Find out more.
Thursday,April 10 Head to the St. Clair Elks Lodge for an Artmazing Paint Nite event, open to teens and up. Unleash your inner artist to create your very own Celtic Trinity Tree. The process will be guided by talented instructor Diana. Enjoy beverages and limited bar food, available separately for cash purchase. Get all the details, plus the ticket link.
Friday, April 11 Take a break from dyeing eggs and stuffing baskets with candy to join First Christian Church of Washington for an unforgettable Easter experience complete with fun, games, and music! Easter Jam is a FREE, fun, memorable, family-centered celebration around the Easter story. Learn more and register.
Friday, April 11 Get ready for an egg-citing evening of adventure at the Teen Easter Egg Hunt at Pacific City Park. Round up your friends and head to the park for an after-dark egg hunt where you’ll have the chance to win awesome prizes! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time hunter, this event is guaranteed to be a blast. Tickets are $10. Get more details and the ticket link at this Facebook event.
Friday, April 11 Belt out your favorite tunes at Sip on Main’s karaoke night. The fun is going down at the establishment’s event room. Find out more by visiting the bar’s Facebook page.
Friday, April 11 The Legacy Leadership Foundation will host its annual prom event at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center. This celebration is for area homeschool high school students, as well as their parents. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:15 p.m. After dinner, there will be dancing and the event will have a DJ, a photo booth, and snacks. At 9:30 p.m., Seniors will be honored and have their senior/parent dance. Find out more and get the ticket link.
Saturday, April 12 Keep the trail miles rolling in 2025 with your choice of a 10k or 20k Trail Run through one of eastern Missouri’s most beautiful locales, the Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit. The 10k loop course features a little bit of everything trail running has to offer: from grass meadows to gravel hiking paths, rocky single-track to dirt roads, steep cliffs to rolling hills, and even a boardwalk above a lily-filled lake! Tackle it twice if you feel like doing the 20k! Find out more and purchase tickets.
Saturday, April 12 This Easter Egg Hunt is free and welcome to all without registration. For children ages 1-10. Hunt begins at 9 a.m. sharp. The hunt takes place on the midway soccer field at the Fairgrounds in Washington. Parking is in front of the Amphitheater. Eggs will be hidden in the field and children will be grouped according to age. Don’t forget to bring your baskets! Learn more.
Saturday, April 12 Sisterchicks Flowers featuring Goddess Gowns invites you to customize your own unique corsage, boutonniere, or bouquet to make prom night even more unforgettable! Attendees can enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments as designers guide you through pre-ordering the PERFECT prom accessory. Learn more.
Saturday, April 12 Franklin County Sports Club (FCSC) is excited to host its first-ever Open House at the Union Library! This is a special event to bring our community together and introduce its board of directors, coaches, and club leadership. Learn about FCSC’s mission, vision, and values, discover its goals for growing soccer in Franklin County, get details on sponsorship opportunities and how you can support our young athletes, hear all about the June tryouts and plans to kick off the inaugural season in August 2025. Get more details.
Saturday, April 12 The City of St. Clair is hosting a community Easter Egg Hunt at Orchard Park. The hunt begins at 11 a.m. There will be complimentary water, hot dogs, and chips donated by First Baptist St. Clair, while supplies last. Find out more by visiting this Facebook post.
Saturday, April 12 Come visit with the Easter Bunny then hunt over 6,000 eggs at the Harney Mansion in Sullivan. This free event starts promptly at 11 a.m. Age divisions are 1-3, 4-7 & 8-12. Adults can only assist in the 1-3 division. Get more details at the Facebook event.
Saturday, April 12 New Haven’s annual short film festival is happening at The Walt. Attendees will watch a series of short films throughout the festival and then the audience will vote for their favorite films once all films have been viewed. Concessions and drinks are available for purchase at event. Downtown New Haven offers several local places to eat and drink before or after the film fest. Purchase tickets.
Sunday, April 13 This ticketed Easter event includes dog treat filled eggs scattered around 3 yards for your hound to track down! Bring your pups dressed in their best Easter outfits! There will be an egg hunt, photos with the Easter bunny, and a booth with Puppy Pals Pet Shop set up with goodies, treats, and Easter pet wear. Find out more and get the ticket link.
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