Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri October 6 – 12, 2025

It’s October and that means it’s time for fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and spooky fun! This week there’s opportunities to hear live music, a number of community fall festivals, a fall outdoor market, a free drive-in showing of the movie “Addams Family Values,” Oktoberfest events, and a lot more!

Thursday, Oct. 9
Music on Main in Union continues this week with live music by Paul O’Duo, with food and drink available to purchase from Hagies 19. The fun begins at 5 p.m.
Learn more.

Photo via ReDiscover Union on Facebook
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Thursday, Oct. 9
Liberty Hall’s Dynamic Women Speaker Series continues with Rooted in Resilience, a transformative evening of community, healing, and inspiration—bringing together storytelling, art, and real conversation. Hosted at Liberty Hall in partnership with the Four Rivers Arts Council, this one-night event features Raylene Hollrah, a nationally recognized speaker and three-time cancer survivor, and Anne Molasky, a local artist whose powerful work invites us to reflect, rise, and reconnect.
Get tickets.

Friday, Oct. 10
Line dancing kicks off at “The Office” Bar & Grill from 6 – 9 p.m., and there will be lessons all night.
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 10
Downtown Union will have its homecoming parade. Bring the whole family out to watch the parade and support Union High School’s homecoming. The fun starts at 2 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 11
Oktoberfest at St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair from noon – 6 p.m. will feature a fried chicken dinner, music, pull tabs, bingo, and more.
Get all the details.

Saturday, Oct. 11
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is hosting another free drive-in movie, and this week’s film is “Addams Family Values.”
Get more info on Facebook.

Saturday, Oct. 11
Register for the free “Out of the Darkness” suicide prevent walk in Union. The 5th Annual walk also includes food trucks, raffle, bounce house, face painting, along with tables for resources and information on suicide awareness.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 11
If you’re looking for a tasty homemade sweet treat, consider stopping by the bake sale benefitting American Legion Auxiliary. The event is from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Union.
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 11
Bring your plants or seedlings to trade with fellow plant lovers at the Swallows Nest in Washington Learn about different species and care tips, while exploring unique plant art and accessories to enhance your collection. Join in and celebrate your passion for gardening!
Get the details.

Saturday, Oct. 11
Mt. Zion Baptist Church in St. Clair is hosting a Fall Community Event. There will be prizes and giveaways as well as vendors and fun for the whole family.
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 11
The Fall Labadie Outdoor Market will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Find goods from 30+ vendors, including food vendors. The market will also take place on the same day as the Labadie Community Association’s Chili Cook Off.
Get more details.

Saturday, Oct. 11
First Baptist Church of Gray’s Summit is hosting a Fall Festival. Beginning at 11 a.m. and running until 2 p.m., the event will have live music and free food (burgers, hot dogs, chips, water), bounce house, barrel train rides, face painting, games, crafts, and a bake sale at this free event.
More information is on Facebook.

Sunday, Oct. 12
Super Steven’s Camp Fundraiser is happening at Old Farm Winery in Catawissa. The event will have live music, vendors, a silent auction, quilt raffle, and food from Dynasty Manna food truck.
Learn more.

Sunday, Oct. 12
Stop by Essence Salon & Spa at its new location at 15 S. Oak St., during its open house from 1-3 p.m.
Get more info.

Sunday, Oct. 12
Andy’s Produce in Union is hosting Pumpkin Palooza from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enjoy face painting, ice cream, pumpkin crafts, a food truck, and more.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Thursday, Oct. 9 – Sunday, Oct. 12
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, try tasty local food, and discover a world of festive fun for all ages.
Learn more.

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Friday, Oct. 10
The 3rd Annual Pat Hofherr Memorial Spaghetti Dinner is a chance to honor St. James Winery founder Pat Hofherr with an evening of family, food, and tradition. This special night includes a guided cellar tour, an engaging conversation with Peter Hofherr, CEO and 2nd-generation owner, and of course, a classic Rosati-style spaghetti dinner. Your ticket includes a hearty spaghetti dinner and a glass of wine, making it a warm and memorable way to celebrate Pat’s legacy and the community she helped build.
Tickets are $25 and are available online.

Friday, Oct. 10 & Saturday, Oct. 11
Step Into The Hollows at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. This fall, the woods come alive. Deep in the shadows of Brookdale Farms lies The Hollows—a haunted walking trail where every rustle, flicker, and shadow may not be what it seems. On this immersive haunted experience, you’ll journey through winding paths shrouded in fog and darkness, guided only by lantern light and the pounding of your heart. Whispers in the trees, figures that vanish into the night, and sudden terrors at every turn will keep you on edge until the very end.
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 10 – Sunday, Oct. 12
Happening every weekend in October, Hermann Oktoberfest features beer, food, music, games, and more.
Get all the details.

Saturday, Oct. 11
The 46th Annual Old Iron Works Festival is happening from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Maramec Spring Park in St. James. Admission is $20 per car or free with Season Pass. There will be two stages with live music and entertainers, as well as crafters & artisans, kid’s games, demonstrations, plus food and beverage vendors and more.
Get more info.

Saturday, Oct. 11
The Fall Festival will kick off at 10 a.m. at Bland City Park, with a chili cook-off, craft festival, and tractor pull.
Learn more on Facebook.

Saturday, Oct. 11
The Rosebud Country Music Festival will host a lineup of 10 musicians, as well as vendors throughout the event, which runs from 3 p.m. -11:30 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 11 & Sunday, Oct. 12
The pumpkin patch at Three Girls and a Tractor is open on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. both days.
Get more info.

Sunday, Oct. 12
Oktoberfest in Old Town Eureka will be a day packed with fall fun, live music, food, drinks, and local vendors! Sip seasonal brews and festive cocktails, enjoy live performances from local musicians, shop with amazing vendors and makers, feast on delicious eats from area favorites, soak up the atmosphere with family and friends!
Learn more.

Sunday, Oct. 12
Head to Augusta Winery for a DIY Witch Hat Craft & Sip event beginning at 12 p.m. The ticket price includes a wine flight, all supplies, and attendees can enjoy live music in the beer garden after the painting event, from 1-4 p.m.
Learn more.

Posted in News and Features

Coal Fire Grill & Tap in Labadie Serves Burgers, Smoked Meat Sandwiches, and Classic Sides

Although I don’t get to Labadie often, whenever I am in the area, I try to stop into a cute bar and grill called Coal Fire Grill & Tap. The menu offers casual dining options like burgers, house-smoked pulled pork, Cuban and Rueben sandwiches. The sides are some of my favorites, like crispy fries, baked beans, and potato salad, to name a few.

On my most recent visit I ordered one of my favorite burgers ever, the patty melt. The Coal Fire version, called The Frisco Melt, plays up all the classic flavors that make this option such a hit for me: a juicy burger, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese, served on toasted marble rye with a side of thousand island dressing.

The Frisco Melt at Coal Fire Grill & Tap. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

In addition to the sandwiches, there’s also pizza, wraps, and salads to choose from. And, the eatery typically has a number of daily specials and on the day we visited, one of the specials was a bourbon glazed ribeye sandwich. My husband ordered the steak sandwich, which was very tender and was served on a sturdy hoagie style bun.

A ribeye sandwich was one of the restaurant’s daily specials. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Although I love The Frisco Melt, I’ve also ordered a couple of their other burgers on past visits and have been impressed with both The Stackhouse, which is a burger topped with pulled pork, bacon, cheese, and onion straws, and the Black & Bleu, which is a burger served with Bleu cheese crumbles.

For drinks, there’s soft drinks like sodas, plus a full bar and a decent selection of beers on tap, and there’s even ice cream for dessert, although I never save room for it! If you get out to Labadie, give the restaurant a try.

The Socialite recommends Coal Fire Grill & Tap!

The details:
120 Front Street, Labadie
Find the restaurant on Facebook

Posted in Events

What’s Happening Franklin County April 28 – May 4

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.

Photo via Run for Love’s signup page.

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!