Tag: Franklin County Missouri

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, Sept. 8 – Sept. 14, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

This week there’s craft and vendor festivals, a grown up book fair, live music, a breathwork and cold exposure workshop, a rodeo, a car show, and more.

Thursday, Sept. 11
Take in live music by Dave Alans at Music on Main in Union. Head to Hansen Park, for the event. Gates open at 5 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m. Food and refreshments available for purchase by Elmer’s Tavern.
Learn more.

Thursday, Sept. 11
Soul Refresh in Washington is hosting a Breathwork and Cold Exposure Workshop with a certified guide. Attendees begin with a 30-45 minute breathwork class, 3 minute dip in the cold plunge, and a 20 minute heat session in one of our infrared saunas. Afterwards, enjoy light food and time for connection. Workshop attendees should bring a water bottle, yoga mat, and clothing to plunge and sauna in. Cost is $60 per person.
Register here.

Friday, Sept. 12-Saturday, Sept. 13
The St. Clair Saddle Club and the Mid Missouri Rodeo Association are putting on a rodeo. Over the two day event, attendees can see bronc riding, barrel racing, roping, and more.
Get details.

Friday, Sept. 12
Sunset on the Rails is a free concert in Pacific that happens on the second Friday of the month at Pacific Station and features vendors and food. This month’s concert features the music of Sweet Ruckus.
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 12
The Union Farmers Market is happening from 4-7 p.m. at the corner of Oak and Main. Find items from local makers, produce, honey, plants, and more, as well as food truck vendors and live music.
Find out more.

Friday, Sept. 12-Saturday, Sept. 13
Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan is hosting a Fall Free Market, where everything is free. Come by to stock up on cool weather clothing for all ages. Shoes, boots, hats, coats, clothing, housewares and linens.
Get event times here.

Photo via Point Labaddie Brewery’s Facebook event.

Saturday, Sept. 13
As a kid, if you saved up your allowance money for weeks to get things at the Scholastic Book Fair, then you’ll want to snag your ticket for the Grown Up Book Fair. This year’s theme is Y2K and is happening at Point Labaddie Brewery from 6-9 p.m. Tickets to this 21+ event are $25 per person includes your first drink. There will also be music, food, swag, and books.
Tickets purchased through Neighborhood Reads.

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Saturday, Sept. 13
Members of the Boone Society will be giving a free presentation at the historic Good Hope Baptist Church on Ridge Avenue in St. Clair. Learn about Daniel, Daniel Morgan, and Nathan Boone. There will be books for sale, and light refreshments served. Attendees are invited to head to the St. Clair Historical Museum after the presentation.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 13
Liberty Hall in Washington is hosting an Indoor Marketplace event. Gifts, art, home goods, baked treats, and something for everyone – free to attend! Bring your friends, your family, and your weekend energy — and support local in a beautiful, indoor space.
Learn more.

Sunday, Sept. 14
Old Farm Winery in Catawissa is hosting a Fall Craft Fair, with craft and food vendors, live music, and a food truck.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Thursday, Sept. 11 – Sunday, Sept. 14
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.

Friday, Sept. 12
Owensville is hosting a free showing of “The Wizard of Oz.” The movie will be shown at Buschman Park and will start at 7:15 p.m.
Find out more.

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Saturday, Sept. 13
It’s time to dust off the jorts, tease that hair sky-high, and crack open a cold one, because things are gettin’ wild at The Rose in Cuba. Expect Redneck jams all night, cheap beer and trashy cocktails, backyard bites and party games. Prizes for Best Dressed, Tackiest Couple, and Most Likely to Be on COPS.
More details.

Saturday, Sept. 13
Take in the sights of classic and unique cars, while enjoying food and crafts from area vendors at the 8th Annual Bourbon Car Show.
Find out more.

Sunday, Sept. 14
Head to Defiance for the Busch and Boots Music Festival. Busch Family Brewing and Distilling is the host for this ticketed event that will feature live music, food, and local artisan vendors.
Get tickets.

Posted in News and Features

Get Caffeinated at Riverbend Coffee in St. Clair

Posted on by Amanda

Whether you live in or nearby St. Clair, or you’re just passing through, and you find, as I often do, that you’re jonesing for some caffeine, stop into Riverbend Coffee, located on Main Street. Although I’m partial to coffee, which is offered in traditional drip, as a latte hot or iced and cold brew at the shop, they also serve lotus drinks in a number of flavors and teas for those non-coffee drinkers.

I typically stick to ordering an iced latte (salted caramel + white chocolate), but when I like to switch up my flavors because of the season (white chocolate + peppermint in winter, obvi) or I’m just feeling adventurous, the shop has a great selection of syrups to choose from. And, if I want to watch my sugar intake, I can still have my little treat, because there’s also a number of sugar-free flavors available.

I’m a sucker for an iced latte, and I love that Riverbend has a lot of flavors to choose from. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Many of the food selections rotate, since most items are made fresh in house. The options range from pastries and smaller bites, like sweet or savory scones, yummy cakes like gooey butter or carrot cake, and the unique gravy-stuffed biscuits, which are not available all the time, but are delicious and served warm, filled with a rich, creamy sausage gravy. There’s also breakfast sandwiches, and lunch offerings like sandwiches, salads, and soups.

There’s plenty of seating inside and strong wifi if you want to get some work done after you enjoy your beverage or food. The seating is a mix of tables and soft seating. And, if you choose to take your item to go, take note of the interior decor while you wait for your order. The decor centers around nature and life near the water, with landscape photography throughout the space of the Meramec River.

The Socialite recommends Riverbend Coffee!

The details:
35 North Main Street, St. Clair
Find on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Visit the website

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Sept. 1 – Sept. 7, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

This weekend is packed with things to do around the area – there’s car shows, food focused events, and festivals galore, from the Celtic Festival and Beerfest in Washington, to WingFest in Union, plus the Harvest Festival in Steelville, the Boots and Bourbon Bash in Rosebud, and many more events.

Thursday, Sept. 4
Are you looking for ways to extend the growing season in your vegetable garden? The Sullivan branch of Scenic Regional Library is having a program called Extending the Growing Season, at 6 p.m. The event is free, but RSVP is required to attend.
RSVP and get more information.

Graphic via Sullivan Branch of Scenic Regional Library’s Facebook

Friday, Sept. 5
Pinckney Bend Distillery in New Haven is hosting a BBQ pop-up, with Josh Lang cooking up the ‘cue. The event is from 3-5 p.m., or until sold out.
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 5-Saturday, Sept. 6
The 9th Annual WingFest is going down at the Union Fairgrounds, located at Union City Park. This free two day event will feature food, vendors, live music, wing eating contest, chicken nugget contest, a corn hole tournament, fireworks, face painter, mechanical bull, bounce houses, and a lot more.
Get details on Facebook.

Friday, Sept. 5
The Washington Public Library’s writers’ group, the Washington Wordsmiths, is publishing their second anthology, “‘Doorknobs & Pathways’.” To add to the festivity local authors are invited to bring their work to sell. Come talk to the authors and enjoy festive treats. Copies of “‘Doorknobs & Pathways'” will be available for purchase.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 6
If you’re feeling crafty, then head to DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs in downtown St. Clair for a resin wind chime class. The cost if $35 per person, with all materials included in the attendance price, and each attendee will leave with a wind chime.
More details.

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Saturday, Sept. 6
Calling all craft beer lovers, the 19th Annual Washington Jaycees Brewfest is happening at the Washington Farmers Market from 4-8 p.m. Guests of this ticketed event will gain access to 20+ breweries, home-brewers, and distilleries, as well as getting a commemorative Brewfest pint glass. There will be live music and food available for purchase from Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant, and American Legion Auxiliary will be hosting a bake sale at the event.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 6
If you’re looking for a spot to chill and listen to live music with an uplifting message, then head to Pacific for Rockin’ the Railroad, a concert put on by The Bridge. The gate opens at 5 p.m. and will feature the music of The Protest, Behold the Beloved, and Cole Abell.
Get all the details.

Saturday, Sept. 6
The Chick-fil-A food truck will be in New Haven, at People’s Savings Bank. A portion of the sales from the day will benefit The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation. The food truck operates on a pre-order basis so the restaurant knows how much food to bring to each mobile location.
Learn more and pre-order here.

Saturday, Sept. 6
The annual VFW Celtic Festival is back for its one-day celebration at the Washington VFW, located at 813 Jefferson St. This ticketed event features, food, a beer tent, festivities, and music.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 6
Andy’s Too in Union’s ice cream shop, located on U.S. 50, is hosting its grand opening. The festivities include family-fun like face painting, as well as a seafood boil, plus more.
Get the details.

Saturday, Sept. 6
Liberty Field in Pacific will be the site of Jimmy Smooths Creepin’ Show, a car show featuring rat rods and bikes, plus music, kids activities, food trucks, a swap meet, and more.
Learn more.

Sunday, Sept. 7
Macadoodles Fine Wine, Beer, & Spirits in Union is hosting its grand opening celebration from 1-5 p.m. There will live music by Twisted Fiction, along with free product samples, and giveaways.
More info.

Sunday, Sept. 7
Looking for a rejuvenating experience? Lost Hill Lake Wedding & Events in St. Clair has a workshop for that. Combining the power of breath work with the invigorating effects of ice baths and saunas, attendees will release stress, boost their immune system, and leave feeling refreshed and energized.
Get tickets.

Road Trippin’

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

Tuesday, Sept. 2 – Sunday, Sept. 7
Head to Steelville for Harvest Festival 2025, a several days long event that features music, food, games, and rodeo fun.
More information.

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Thursday, Sept. 4 – Sunday, Sept. 7
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.

Thursday, Sept. 4 – Saturday, Sept. 6
The annual Grape & Fall Festival in St. James kicks off Thursday, and just a few of the festivities include Weiner dog races, a rodeo roping show, street market fair, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, food vendors, and more.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 6
Put on your Western wear for the Boots & Bourbon Bash at Copper June’s in Rosebud. This one-day event will feature music, food trucks, spirits from area distilleries, and boot-scootin’ fun.
Get tickets.

Posted in Events

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

Posted on by Amanda

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

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.