Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, Sept. 15 – Sept. 21, 2025

Although it doesn’t feel like it outside, we’re inching towards fall a little more with each passing day. This week is filled with events that celebrate autumn, family-friendly activities like festivals and free outdoor movies, live music events, markets, and more.

Thursday, Sept. 18
Union’s Dinner on the Square event is on Main Street, right in front of the Historic Old Courthouse. Get ready for a night filled with delicious food, live music by Tom Norton, and vibrant community spirit. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a memorable evening under the stars!
Get the details.

Photo via Dinner on the Square Facebook event

Friday, Sept. 19
Head to Scarlett’s Bar & Grill in St. Clair for a trivia night to support retired firefighter Rob Slinkard in his battle with cancer.  There will be food specials from 5–9 p.m., a silent auction from 5–8:30 p.m., and trivia from 5:30–7 p.m.
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 19
Want to learn some new moves, but don’t know where to start? McKelvey Vineyards is hosting an evening of fun, beginner-friendly line dancing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Get the details.

Friday, Sept. 19
Calling all ’90s kids and music lovers! Extremely Unplugged will be kickin out the jams from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Front Street Cellars & Inn in Washington. Grab a bottle of wine and listen to them play acoustic ’90s covers.
Get more info.

Friday, Sept. 19
On the third Friday of each month, The Washington Coffee Shop hosts an Open Mic Night. Singers, musicians, poets, and spoken word artists are welcome to share their talents with the crowd. 
Learn more at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Facebook page.

Saturday, Sept. 20
R&R Ace’s annual craft fair is happening in the front parking lot at R&R Ace in St. Clair. Find unique gifts and hand-crafted treasures at this event.
Get more details on Facebook.

Moms. Busy women. Goal-getters.
You don’t have to do it alone.
Fitness. Fuel. Focus.
Grab your FREE guide!

Saturday, Sept. 20
Head to downtown Sullivan for the fall market from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Shop vendors during the market, or arrive early and watch the band parade, where students from all over the state will show off their musical skills as they march through downtown.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 20
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens the first and third Saturday in the Elks parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more.

Saturday, Sept. 20
Four Rivers Car Show is happening from noon-5 p.m. at Washington VFW.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 20
Astral Glass Studio is hosting its annual Pumpkin Palooza from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and will be unveiling this year’s stock of glass pumpkins made by Lance Stroheker. Don’t forget to grab your free ticket to enter into a glass pumpkin giveaway at 2 p.m.
More info.

Saturday, Sept. 20
Come see a variety of machines, farm equipment, and trucks at the Meet the Machines event at FBC in St. Clair. This is a free event for the entire family that will feature games, a craft station, food, and lots to see.
Get all the details.

Saturday, Sept. 20
St. Clair Christian Church is hosting a free drive-in movie. The movie will be “King of Kings” and it will start as soon as the sun goes down. Interested attendees are encouraged to get into a parking space for this movie night.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 20
OxFest Music Festival happens at the fairgrounds in Washington from noon until 10 p.m. Since 2017 OxFest has donated more than $322,000 to charities that support children. Get your tickets and get ready for a day of great music for a great cause.
Get ticketing info.

Saturday, Sept. 20
Join the Franklin County Deputy Sheriff’s Association at it’s second annual Fall Dance. The theme this year is Western, so dress in your best cowboy/cowgirl outfits. Included in your tickets is a live band, dinner, and a cash bar. Tickets are $50 per person. It is recommended to get your tickets in advance, and all proceeds for this event aid in supporting Franklin County First Responders.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

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

Thursday, Sept. 18 – Sunday, Sept. 20
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.

Friday, Sept. 19
Life House in Cuba will host an outside movie night, and admissions is free. Concessions will be available for sale. Grab your blankets and chairs and don’t miss out on the showing of the film “Spiderman.”
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 20
Taste of the Ozarks is happening in Steelville. Expect food trucks, vendors, and live music.
Get more details.

Saturday, Sept. 20
Fall at the Farm at Smith Valley Event Barn in Salem is the perfect place to get that fall decor and start shopping for the Christmas season. Make plans to get the friends together and enjoy a day of shopping.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 20
Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a free stargazing event. The public is invited to meet in front of the visitor center to view the unobstructed night sky and learn about some of the objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will be demonstrating the use of telescopes and identifying stars and planets.
Find out more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County May 5 – May 11, 2025

This week there’s multiple small town festivals, a paint night event, a chance to volunteer for a city-wide clean up, plus Mother’s Day celebrations, and this week there’s something new added to the event roundup, a section on some notable events happening a short drive from Franklin County. As a reminder, there’s almost always more events listed on the calendar here on the website than I can fit in each week’s round up post. To get all the info, check the calendar (scroll to the bottom of the website to find it if you’re viewing the site on a mobile device).

Wednesday, May 7
Stop by Blondie’s Breezeway Kitchen & Cocktails in St. Clair for a spring-themed paint night event by Artmazing Event Co. Attendees will create a lavender painting under the guidance of experienced artist/instructor Diana. All supplies are included in the ticket price.
Reserve your spot.

Friday, May 9
Make a difference in Pacific by volunteering for a shift during the City Wide Clean Up Day.
Sign up for a time and location online.

Friday, May 9
The Union Farmers Market is happening from 4 – 7 p.m. at ECC. Grab a bite to eat from Savy’s Food Truck, pick up some plants sold by students in Union High School’s FFA program, plus find locally grown produce and meats, along with vendors selling items perfect for those last minute Mother’s Day gifts.
Get more details.

Saturday, May 10
Check out the Car Cruise at McKelvey Vineyards and view cars, listen to live music, and enjoy the food and drink menu.
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, May 10
Miller’s Landing Day is an annual festival in downtown New Haven that features fireworks, live music, food, crafts, games, and more.
Find out more.

Photo via Miller’s Landing Day Facebook.

Saturday, May 10
Union Founders Day will include food trucks, live music, and food and drink specials at area restaurants, plus much more. 
Learn more.

Saturday, May 10
Come experience the charm of the Sullivan Community Market—your local hub for fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and artisan crafts. Support local growers, creators, and small businesses while enjoying a relaxing Saturday morning at Muddy Banks Brewing.
Find out more at the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

Saturday, May 10
There’s a car cruise happening at Brown Jerry’s Blues, Brews and Barbecue in Pacific, happening from 10 a.m. to noon.
Find more details on Facebook.

Sunday, May 11
Fatlighter will play at The Tipsy Keg on Mother’s Day, and there will also be a Mother/Daughter look alike contest at 2 p.m., plus lots of cool prizes!
Learn more.

Sunday, May 11
Take mom to celebrate Mother’s Day at Old Farm Winery in Catawissa. The day will feature a relaxing afternoon of wine, music by Melissa Fyr Quartet, all amidst the backdrop of beautiful country views.
Get all the details.

Road Trippin’

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

Saturday, May 10
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a fun and cozy afternoon of games, wine, and books at Prairie Barn Winery in St. James! Share your favorite reads and pick up new treasures to add to your collection at a book exchange. Play wine bingo and win fun prizes for each round. There is no charge to play bingo or to participate in the book exchange. It’s the perfect way to kick off Mother’s Day weekend. Bring your friends, family, and your love for books!
Find out more at the Facebook event

Saturday, May 10
Steeleville Arts Council presents a free community event for all ages. The event will feature crafts at the kids pavilion, adult crafts, painting, will feature food vendors, and more.
Find out more at the Facebook event.

Photo via Steeleville Arts Council Facebook event.

Sunday, May 11
Head to White Mule Winery in Owensville for their Mother’s Day Celebration happening from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The menu will include fried chicken and roast beef, live music, and moms will receive one free drink.
Find out more at the Facebook event.