Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, July 28 – August 3, 2025

Although back-to-school time is on the horizon, summer fun activities continue around the area this week. There’s a free concert, it’s the final free drive-in movie of the season, there’s also a free family movie in the gardens of a local winery, plus farmers markets, a back to school safety class, and more.

Tuesday, July 29
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. author Ed Wheatley will be at the Washington Public Library to talk about his book “From St. Louis To Cooperstown: Legends Born and Made in the Gateway City.” The talk and book signing is sponsored by Friends of the Library and Neighborhood Reads.
Learn more.

Thursday, July 31
Catch a free drive-in showing of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” in the Cinema 1 Plus theater’s parking lot in Washington. The movie will start ~30 mins. after sunset. Parking spots with orange cones will be reserved for drive-in moviegoers. When you arrive, move a cone and claim a space.
Learn more.

Photo courtesy of Timothy J. Fancher

Friday, August 1
Parents can attend a free Back To School Safety Community Event at St. Clair Library from 6-7 p.m. Presented by Compassion Healing and Excellence, led by Timothy J. Fancher, MAPT, BA, AS, founder and 4th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate. This verbal seminar is designed to equip parents, older siblings, and concerned adults with tools to teach kids practical alternatives to “Stranger Danger,” de-escalation skills to handle bullies, safety awareness for public and school settings, and ways to make safety engaging for children. Due to direct discussions on street safety, it’s recommended adults attend without younger children to ensure open, focused conversations. Reserve your spot by emailing Tim directly at timothyfancher@gmail.com

Friday, August 1
The City of Union’s next Concert in the Park will feature the music of Kaleidoscope. The fun is going down at the large pavilion at City Park beginning at 6:30 p.m.

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Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design.
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Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3
The Villa Ridge Farmers Market takes place on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month at Stacked Coffehouse. Find locally made goods, local produce, meat, food, and of course, coffee from Stacked.
Follow the market’s Facebook page to learn more.

Saturday, August 2
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens on the first and third Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon, in the Elks parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more.

Saturday, August 2
Hear live music performed by the duo Scott and Karl at Triple 3 Vineyards in Washington from 2-5 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, August 3
Get ready for the Washington Town and Country Fair with the WashMO Fair Parade. The parade begins at 4 p.m. at Main and Cedar Streets, traveling East to Jefferson Street. Participants will move South on Jefferson, then West on 5th Street to the Elks Lodge at 1459 W 5th Street. 
Find out more.

Road Trippin’

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

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Thursday, July 31
Follow the yellow brick road to Movie Night in The Gardens! Enjoy a timeless classic under the stars at a screening of “The Wizard of Oz” in the beautiful setting of the Gardens at St. James Winery. It’s the perfect night out for the whole family, pets included.
Get more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1073981004063629

Friday, August 1 & Saturday, August 2
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is hosting its Balloon Glowdeo event. It’s part hot air balloon festival, part rodeo, and 100% fun! The event will feature food and drink vendors, live music, a petting zoo, and more.
Purchase tickets online.

Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 3
The Owensville Regional Arts Council presents a stage performance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby.” The play will have three performances, and tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.
Learn more.

Saturday, August 2
Listen to live music and keep cool while doing so at Hot August Night, Cool Cave Music, a summer concert inside Onondaga Cave in Leasburg. Tickets are $30 per person and space is limited.
Find out more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County June 2 – June 8, 2025

This week, there’s a drive-in movie, multiple car shows, a demolition derby, farmers markets, a pig roast, the town of Belle’s 77th Annual Fair, and a lot more. Read on for the full list of exciting things happening in our area!

Thursday, June 5
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington continues its free drive-in movies with a showing of the animated film “Sing.” The movie will start 30 minutes after sunset.  Parking is first come, first serve for these free events. 
Learn more.

Thursday, June 5 & Saturday, June 7
Birdie’s Bakeshop in Washington offers two cookie decorating classes; Thursday from 6-8 p.m. for beginners or an all ages option on Saturday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. Must register online first in order to attend either class.
Register here.

Friday, June 6
Head to Union for the Concert in the Park series, with live music performed by Twisted Fiction. Attendees are welcome to bring coolers.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 7
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens on the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 8 a.m. until Noon, in the Elks Lodge parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more.

Saturday, June 7
Union City Park will be the site of the Car Show in the Park, a rain or shine event that will include lots of cars, as well as free train rides and a petting zoo for kids. 
Get all the details.

Saturday, June 7
Celebrate summer with the 1st Annual Pig Roast & Lagerfest from 1 to 8 p.m. In this collaboration of multi-downtown businesses, join Lang A Tang Catering, Paddle Stop Brewing, Avant Gardens & Pinckney Bend in a fun filled afternoon!
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Photo via Pig Roast & Lager Festival Facebook event.

Saturday, June 7 – Sunday, June 8
The Villa Ridge Farmers Market happens on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month at Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Find locally made goods, local produce, meat, food, and of course, coffee from Stacked.
Follow the market’s Facebook page to learn more.

Saturday, June 7
Citizens Bank is hosting a Black Light Music Bingo, with all proceeds donated to Franklin County Area United Way. Call in or visit any Citizens Bank location for reservations. The Doors Open at 6:30 p.m. and the bingo starts at 7 p.m.
Get pricing and other details.

Road Trippin’

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

Wednesday, June 4 – Saturday, June 7
The 77th Annual Belle Fair is happening in the town of Belle from Wednesday, June 4 to Saturday, June 7. The fair festivities kick off with a parade on Wednesday, followed by the crowning of the 2025 Fair Queen. Throughout the festivities, you will find live entertainment, livestock shows, tractor pull, kids events, food, and more.
Get the details.

Friday, June 6
Car enthusiasts will want to check out the Memorial Cruise In happening from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rosebud General Store. This free event will feature live music, food provided by Wildflower Cafe Drive-In, and of course, lots of impressive rides!  
Learn more.

Saturday, June 7
The Gasconade County Fairgrounds in Owensville will be the site of a demolition derby. The gates open at 5 p.m., and the event will also include a beer garden and food shack.
Find out more.

Saturday, June 7
Head out to the city of Rosebud for the town-wide garage sale. Hunt for treasures at the garage sales and support local merchants in town by shopping side walk sales at participating businesses.
Learn more.