Posted in Events

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

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.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County March 24 – March 30, 2025

There’s a lot happening this week across Franklin County, including numerous ways to give back to our community through fundraisers, as well as fun and entertaining events like wine tastings, dance fitness classes, farmers and vendor markets, and much more!

Monday, March 24
Spring is here and it’s the perfect time for a wine tasting event featuring a variety of wines by Sunny With a Chance of Flowers, a brand with a line of zero-sugar, low-calorie, low-alcohol wines, sustainably farmed and produced by a family-owned winery in Monterey County, California. The event is happening at Winehouse 66 in Pacific. Tickets available in advance, or at the door the evening of the event.
Learn more.

Photo via Winehouse 66’s Facebook event page.

Tuesday, March 25
Groove to Give and dance for a cause at Vero Fitness in Pacific! This group fitness dance party is open to gym members and non-members alike and will help support tornado victims in our community! All proceeds of the $20 donation for the class will go to local relief efforts. Childcare will be provided. 
Learn more

Tuesday, March 25
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, March 26
If you can’t make the Tuesday class, there’s an additional Bad Beats Dance Class happening on Wednesday evenings each week. Register for the class at badbeatsdf.com

Wednesday, March 26
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, March 26
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, March 27
Thirsty Thursdays are back across downtown Washington and Room for Art Gallery is one of many businesses participating in downtown Washington’s Thirsty Thursday event! The Gallery will host Oak & Front Kitchen + Bar for a wine tasting.
Find out more

Photo via Thirsty Thursday’s Facebook event page.

Friday, March 28
Learn how to make and use a sourdough starter, while also learning about sourdough’s amazing gut health benefits at this workshop that’s put on through Andy’s Produce in Washington.
Find out more and how to pay for the workshop.

Saturday, March 29
Dine to Donate at Little Ireland Coffee in Pacific, with a portion of proceeds benefitting baskets made for those going through cancer treatments at St. Luke’s Cancer Infusion Center. Get all the details.

Saturday, March 29
Patronize Scarlett’s Bar & Grill in St. Clair for a dine to donate event benefitting Devon McNew and his fight against cancer. The event will feature silent auctions, raffles, and live music performed by Devon. 
Find out more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, March 29
The Franklin County BackStoppers Dinner Auction is happening at the KC Hall in Washington. Learn more about the event at this Facebook event link.

Saturday, March 29
The Dueling Pianos Fundraiser in Union will feature Spanky Entertainment and will be a night of music and fun while raising money to help women in need in Franklin County.
Learn more and get tickets.

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

Sunday, March 30
Free for guests, attendees of the Spring Helling’s Farm Animal Swap and Farm Supplies event can expect to find vendors with farmers market and artisan goods, as well as small animals and farm supplies. Food and drink available for purchase.
Find out more.

Sunday, March 30
This is Kaleidoscope Consignment’s first farmers market and craft fair of the year and it’s expected to be a busy one! Find items from local artisans and crafters like local honey, handmade jewelry, Scentsy, delicious food, sourdough baked goods, and more.
Get more details.

Sunday, March 30
Skip purchasing eggs to dye or hide this year, and learn to crochet eggs that can be used year after year at Yarn Together in Washington. 
Register here.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County March 17 – March 23, 2025

Typically each Monday morning I create a post highlighting things to do around Franklin County for the week, and while I am still sharing some events, today I’m starting this article with a list of ways to help those in our community who need a hand due to the storms that hit our region on Friday, March 14.

Hands in varying skin tones forming a heart shape

If you know someone in need, or you’re looking for ways to help through donating items, below is a list of businesses that are collecting items for those in need. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I don’t claim to know every organization, business, or individuals who are helping out, however, I am sharing what I’ve seen posted on Facebook.

And, since things can change rapidly, including what kind of donation items may be needed, I have included a link to each organization or business Facebook page so anyone interested in helping can connect with them directly.

Blessings Are Miracles is a non-profit organization that helps provide everyday essentials to those who need it.

The Competitive Edge Fitness in Union is offering free hot showers for anyone affected by the storms on Monday, March 17, regardless of if they’re a member of the gym or not. The gym is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Red Cross of Missouri shared a list of area shelters by county for those displaced by the storm.

Present Moment Yoga in Washington shared a post that anyone affected by the storms can receive a free yoga class.

Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge has been collecting donations for those in need during business hours. View the shop’s Facebook for more details.

The Novel Nook in Washington while not open to the public yet, is serving as a drop-off site for donations. Since the store isn’t open just yet, definitely reach out via phone or Facebook to coordinate a drop-off time.

Project Linus of Franklin & Crawford County is an organization that collects new blankets for children in need. If you would like to donate new blankets to Project Linus, reach out to them to get details on what they need and to find a drop-off location.

1861 Social House Eatery & Bar in Washington is serving as a drop-off site for donations.

Now, here’s the list of the events happening around Franklin County this week.

Wednesday, March 19
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, March 20
Stop in to The Tipsy Keg Bingo Night for half priced wings, happy hour, and bingo. Prizes to be won with every game!  
Follow The Tipsy Keg on Facebook for more details.

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

Friday, March 21
Head to The Washington Coffee Shop for the shop’s monthly Open Mic Night. Come out as a spectator or step up to the mic to share your talent with the community.
Find out more at this Facebook event.

Saturday, March 22
Learn the most effective ways to provide everything your plants need to grow and thrive at the Feeding Your Plants Workshop at Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist in Washington.
Reserve your spot.

Saturday, March 22
The 25th Annual Spring Bluff Dinner Auction is put on by the Spring Bluff Educational Foundation as a fundraiser to raise funds for the Spring Bluff School District. The community is invited to join in this fun filled night held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Sullivan.
Learn more.

Saturday, March 22
Put on your grooviest outfit and head to The Tipsy Keg! They’ll have a 70s playlist, disco ball and a costume contest. Karaoke starts at 9 p.m., Costume Contest awards are at 11:30 p.m. for 1st and 2nd place prizes. Take advantage of specialty cocktail deals, Tequila Sunrise $5 and Long Island $6
Get more details at the Facebook event.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County Feb. 3 – Feb 16, 2025

Normally I only share a week’s worth of events each week, but with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this post featuring Franklin County events will run for about two weeks, through the holiday weekend.

And, as a reminder, if you want to know what events are coming up in advance, be sure to check out the calendar here on the website. It’s located on the right side of the home page when viewing on desktop, or scroll to the bottom of the home page to find the calendar when viewing the website on your mobile device.

Tuesday, Feb. 4
Drop in to The Washington Coffee Shop from 8 to 9 a.m. for Coffee With a Cop. The event offers a chance to get to the know officers in your neighborhood, ask questions, or voice concerns.
More details.

Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Thursday, Feb. 6
Regan Caruthers, author of Tragic Magic, will speak about the transformative power of cultivating an inner life at Liberty Hall in Washington. Drawing from her personal journey and themes in her memoir, Regan will share insights on connecting with higher wisdom, embracing divine love, and fostering profound healing.
Learn more and grab your ticket.

Thursday, Feb. 6
Dine to Donate, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Johnny’s Restaurant in Union. The eatery will donate a percentage of sales towards assisting Union Police Officer Kevin Williams, who was involved in an on-duty accident, and the Williams Family, at no extra cost to guests. 
Find out more.

Thursday, Feb. 6
The Tipsy Keg will rearrange the tables in its dining area to make room for a dance floor. From 6 to 9 p.m. stop in to line dance, or just sit back with your drink of choice and watch others boogie. 
Find out more.

Photo credit: via The Tipsy Keg’s Facebook

Friday, Feb. 7
Scenic Regional Library’s Pacific Branch is hosting a local art show. This hour long evening event is free to attend and is co-hosted with amazing local artist Rex Batson.
Find out more.

Saturday, Feb. 8
Held at The Historic John B Busch Brewery Event Center in Washington, the Chicken & Beer Dance promises an evening of good music, dancing, and tasty food! Shotgun Creek will perform live, while the venue will provide some fried chicken. Guests should bring sides for their table to enjoy. No outside drinks are allowed, but the bar will be open. Get all the details and tickets.

Saturday, Feb. 8 
Support a local American Legion while having fun playing bingo! Win prizes during the game and join in a glow dance party after bingo. All proceeds from this ticketed event benefit the Union American Legion Post 297 and local community causes. 
Find out more and get tickets.

Saturday, Feb. 8
Create an adorable planter that will include a vining succulent plant growing into a heart shape. A staff member will lead this class and help you with planting and care tips. 
Find out more and reserve your place.

Photo credit: via Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist’s Facebook

Sunday, Feb. 9
Cheer on your favorite team at a Super Bowl BBQ event! Enjoy pork steaks, half-chickens, and wings prepared by area grill masters and side makers at Washington Lions Club.
Find more information and ticket pricing.

Wednesday, Feb. 12
Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair is offering a mid-week Valentine’s Dinner. The four-course menu features an appetizer, soup, entree, and dessert selection, along with a cocktail made by your sweetie! Two seatings are offered, at 5 and 7 p.m. Reservations are required.
Find out more.

Photo credit: via Blondie’s Breezeway Kitchen & Cocktail’s Facebook

Thursday, Feb. 13
The St. Clair Elks Lodge is hosting an Artmazing Valentine’s Paint Nite event. Receive step-by-step guidance during the entire painting process and go home with a finished painting. 
Get tickets and find out more.

Thursday, Feb. 13 – Saturday, Feb. 15
Oak & Front Kitchen + Bar is hosting a multi-course prix fixe menu just in time for Valentine’s Day. The special menus are perfect for couples or friends celebrating Galentine’s, and are taking place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with two seatings each day. 
Space is limited, reserve your spot.

Friday, Feb. 14
The Tipsy Keg is hosting a special Valentine’s Dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m., as well as an Anti-Valentine’s Party Night beginning at 9 p.m.
Find out more details about each event.

Saturday, Feb. 15
Liberty Hall’s Cultural Center will be the site for a fun, Valentine’s weekend themed movie event.  Guests can take in a private showing of the movie “50 First Dates” on the big screen while enjoying drinks and a four-course meal inspired by cuisine in the film. Food provided by The Nest Cafe. 
Learn more and grab tickets

Sunday, Feb. 16
Don your most festive, Wonderland-inspired attire and attend the Mad Hatter’s High Tea at Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge. The ticketed event includes a four-course tea service, a grazing table, activities, and a prize for best dressed. 
Get tickets.