Nostalgia is a powerful feeling and for me, summertime fairs and festivals bring back some of the best memories from childhood. Spinning around and around on the Tilt-a-Whirl, getting an amazing aerial view from the top of the Ferris Wheel, indulging in yummy but not so good for me food and drinks like corn dogs, lemon shakeups, and cotton candy, and wasting someone else’s money on carnival games just so I could win a goldfish that would die withing 48 hours of taking it home 😀 Okay, that’s not a really fun memory, but it was a part of the experience!
Lucky for us living in the Franklin County area, there’s lots of opportunities to create new fair memories all summer long.
Image credit: Unsplash
June
June kicks off fair season in and around Franklin County. The first fair of the season happens just west of Franklin County in the small town of Belle.
Belle Fair,Wednesday, June 3 – Saturday, June 6 The 78th Annual Belle Fair is happening for four days. Experience fair rides, live music, entertainment, food, livestock shows, and more. Get more info.
Route 66 Summerfest,Thursday, June 4– Saturday, June 6 Rolla’s Route 66 Summerfest is happening downtown, with live music, a car show, a drone show, parade, food vendors, and more. Find out more.
Franklin County Fair,Thursday, June 11 – Sunday, June 14 The Franklin County Fair in Union will feature carnival rides and games, food, entertainment, and more. Get more info.
Summer Carnival, Thursday, June 18 – Saturday, June 20 The town of Salem is having a summer carnival at the Dent County Commons. Follow the Salem Chamber for more info.
Meramec Community Fair, Tuesday, June 23 – Saturday, June 27 The Meramec Community Fair in Sullivan will have musical performances by country stars like Sara Evans and Clay Walker, carnival rides, fair food, games, and more. Find the fair schedule of events.
Warren County Fair, Wednesday, June 24 – Saturday, June 27 The Warren County Fair in Warrenton will feature live stock shows, fair rides, live music and other entertainment, as well as a rodeo and firework display. Find out more.
July & August
July kicks off with a bang, and some sparkle, with firework displays throughout small towns as well as county fairs, with fair season coming to a close in August.
New Haven Community Youth Fair, Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11 With a focus on live stock shows, tractor pulls, and kids activities like pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and more, the New Haven Community Youth Fair is two days of rural fun in July. View the schedule of events.
Crawford County Fair, Tuesday, July 14 – Saturday, July 18 The 79th Annual Crawford County Fair in Cuba will have live music, games, fair rides, food, a truck and tractor pull, and livestock exhibits. Get the complete schedule of events.
Gasconade County Fair, Wednesday, July 29 – Saturday, Aug. 1 The 79th Annual Gasconade County Fair in Owensville will feature demolition derbies, livestock shows, concerts, car shows, and of course fair concessions, carnival rides, and more. Find out all the details.
The Washington Town & Country Fair, Wednesday, Aug. 5 – Sunday, Aug. 9 Perhaps it’s fitting that Franklin County’s largest fair closes out fair season. The fair happens at the Washington Fairgrounds and features several days of fair fun including rides, a classic car show, livestock and 4-H exhibits, vendors, food and drinks, and musical performances from national acts. Get more info.
This week there’s ways to celebrate Mom with brunches, markets, and more. Then there are community festivals this weekend like Founders Day in Union and Miller’s Landing Day in New Haven. If you’re feeling crafty, there’s a create your own lightsaber event at the Washington Public Library, and a craft fair at the St. Clair KC Hall.
There’s also chances to hear free live music at Music on Main in Union, and the first Sunset on the Rails of the season in Pacific. Another free music event is the ECC Pops concert that brings together East Central College, The Pride of Washington High School, Saint Louis University, and Lindenwood University for a performance at the Washington Fairgrounds.
Remember to double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled or rescheduled.
Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.
Monday, May 4 Celebrate “Star Wars” day also known as May the Fourth, at the Washington Public Library. Create your own lightsaber at this family-friendly crafting event. Get more info.
Throughout May Vero Fitness in Pacific is having its annual free week, allowing non-members access to the gym and group fitness classes, throughout the entire month of May. There’s special events, group fitness classes, and more happening all month. Get more details.
Wednesday, May 6 Skip the awkward small talk and get straight to real connections at the Businesses 4 Businesses speed networking event in Pacific from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. This fast paced event is built for ambitious professionals who want to meet like minded people, exchange value, and grow their business without wasting time. Expect quick rotations, deeper conversations, and connections that go further than a generic elevator pitch. RSVP to attend.
Thursday, May 7 Music on Main is happening in Union. Enjoy the music of Claudia Rose, grab a bite from food truck Messy Bettie’s, and a drink from Sip on Main. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Learn more.
Thursday, May 7 Clark Street Cafe & Bakery in Sullivan is hosting a plant and sip night from 6-8 p.m. Personalize a recycled container for your succulent planter and decorate a sugar cookie. Cost is $35 per person. Included in price: container, soil, succulent, glass of sangria or soft drink and cookie. Register to attend.
Friday, May 8 Grab your lawn chairs and head to downtown Pacific for a beautiful evening of live music, community, and sunset views at Pacific Station Plaza for a Sunset on the Rails concert. Featured band is Cody & The Chameleons, and the event is from 6-9 p.m. Find out more.
Friday, May 8 Join East Central College along with The Pride of Washington High School, Saint Louis University, and Lindenwood University as they put on their annual Pops Concert on the Fairgrounds in Washington. The theme for this year is “A Moment in Time.” The concert is free to attend, and there will be concessions available for purchase. Learn more.
Friday, May 8 Market on Main, the Union Farmer’s Market, is happening from 4-7 p.m. Find items from local producers, makers, and vendors, as well as food from food trucks. Get more info at ReDiscover Union on Facebook.
Friday, May 8 Make some memories under the stars with your loved ones at a family-friendly outdoor movie night at Our Lady of Lourdes in Washington. Enjoy “The Prince of Egypt” on the big screen in a kid-friendly atmosphere, complete with delicious popcorn and refreshing beverages. Bring the whole family for an evening of smiles, laughter, and connection. The fun begins at 7 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, May 9 The KC Hall in St. Clair will have a craft fair from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find goodies from handmade jewelry, to scrubs, soaps, jellies, tumblers, and more. Get more info.
Saturday, May 9 The Sullivan Community Market kicks off its season at 9 a.m. at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan. The market runs the second and fourth Saturdays from May through September. Vendor and entertainment info for this week’s market.
Saturday, May 9 The 2026 Founders Day celebration in Union is happening at the City Park, as well as in the town square area. Find the full list of the locations and times of locations online. Learn more.
Saturday, May 9 Head to East Central College for a free evening of stargazing. Join other stargazers at the lower parking lot at dusk. Bring your viewing equipment and chairs to enjoy the experience. Get the details.
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Saturday, May 9 Celebrate Miller’s Landing Day in New Haven from 3 p.m. – dusk. The day’s festivities include music, food, children’s activities, crafts, and a fireworks display to cap off the event. Find out more.
Saturday, May 9 The Clubhouse Play Cafe in Sullivan is having a Mother’s Day celebration. Kids can play, while moms can enjoy a beverage, with a special Mother’s Day photo backdrop on site to commemorate the day. Find costs and more info.
Saturday, May 9 Sullivan Eagles Hall will light up the night for a great cause at a black light bingo event! Enjoy a fun-filled evening of glowing bingo, prizes, and community spirit—all to support the Franklin County Safe House. Get tickets and find out more.
Saturday, May 9 McKelvey Vineyards’ Car Cruise is happening from 1-5 p.m. The full bar and menu will be open all day from noon to 8 p.m. with live music from 2-6 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, May 9 Frisco Farmhouse in Catawissa is having a Mother’s Day Market from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Shop local farmers, producers, and artisans to treat the mother in your life. Learn more.
Saturday, May 9 Bring the family out to Crooked Creek Farmers Market for a morning of animals, food, and country fun from 8:30 a.m – noon. Find 4H demonstrations, face painting, sourdough, farm fresh eggs, and more. Get the details.
Sunday, May 10 Celebrate mom in style with a special Mother’s Day brunch buffet at Triple 3 Vineyard’s Trinity Hall. Enjoy a delicious spread of gourmet dishes, seasonal favorites, and fresh ingredients—all served in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This is the perfect way to show appreciation to the amazing moms in your life. Purchase tickets.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, May 7 Relax & unwind with pampering. light nibbles, mocktails, samples, swag bag and a unique shopping experience at Maggie Grace in Warrenton. Find out more.
Saturday, May 9 Find unique treasures at the Mother’s Day pop-up market at Red Door Cigars in Eureka from 1-5 p.m. Shop from vendors offering permanent jewelry, sweet treats, beauty and self-care products, and much more. Learn more.
Saturday, May 9 Celebrate Mother’s Day at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Spend the day enjoying a delicious brunch, fresh spring air, and the simple joy of time together on the farm. With blooming flowers, peaceful countryside views, and a warm welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting to slow down and celebrate the woman who does so much for everyone else. Find out more.
Saturday, May 9 Marthasville Fire Protection District is the site of a plant auxiliary sale, just in time for Mother’s Day and spring planting! Happening from 8-11 a.m., find everything from hanging baskets, to flowers, vegetables, and more. Get more details.
Sunday, May 10 Treat mom to a Mother’s Day Brunch at Root Food + Wine in Augusta. Enjoy a 3-course meal, bloody marys or mimosas, for $50 per person. Get more info.
Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!
Get ready Franklin County, we’re in for a week of exciting spring events and entertaining fundraisers! This week, you can spend an afternoon crafting at a local library, experience a “smart zoo,” take in live music, take part in DIY group classes like crafting nights or cookie decorating classes, and a whole lot more.
Looking ahead to the weekend, there’s community fundraisers, the 2026 Missouri Book Festival, a craft fair, a city wide yard sale, a roaring 20s themed pub crawl, plus there’s plenty of events happening within a short drive of Franklin County like wine tastings, a grandparents brunch, and a star-gazing event.
Just a heads up! April is prime spring shower weather in Missouri, so it might be a good idea to double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled or rescheduled due to weather!
Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.
Tuesday, April 14 The monthly Crafting and Creativity event at the Washington Public Library is all about decorating the community read book “Speak to Me of Home.” Don’t have a copy of that book? Feel free to bring your favorite book to decorate at this free event. Learn more.
Tuesday, April 14 Silver Edge Self-Defense at American Street Edge – St. Clair. This 55+ self-defense and mobility class is on a limited trial of two classes to gauge interest. Attend on Tuesday for the second of the two trial classes to learn practical self-defense, mobility, balance, fall prevention, and building real confidence in a safe, controlled environment. These classes are designed for the 55+ age group and are effective without being overly intense. The 30 minute class starts at 2:30 p.m. and attendees can come for free. Get more info on Facebook.
Wednesday, April 15 Have a zoo experience unlike any other at Lowe’s Parking Lot in Washington when Wild Adventures: A Smart Zoo Experience comes to Washington. The event is from 2-7 p.m. and features hyper-realistic and fully animatronic animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, pandas, monkeys, a smoke breathing 40-foot King Cobra, brand new dinosaurs, and more. Find out more.
Thursday, April 16 Music on Main continues at the intersection of Oak & Main in downtown Union. Enjoy live music performed by Dave Alans, with food and refreshments available for purchase by Elmer’s Tavern and Boxcar Express Ice Cream. Get more info.
Thursday, April 16 It’s the one month anniversary of American Street Edge’s grand opening. To celebrate, this Thursday only, both kids and adult classes are completely FREE! School opens at 3:30 p.m., kids class at 4:30 p.m. (ages 6 to 12) and the adult class is at 6 p.m. (ages 13 and above). As part of the celebration, one lucky new student (kid or adult) who attends that day will be randomly selected to receive a special gift from American Street Edge! Learn more.
Thursday, April 16 Experience the flavors of Puerto Rico at the Washington Public Library’s Taste of Puerto Rico event with food made by Jess from Little Lost Kitchen! Discover traditional dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques while enjoying a delicious, hands-on culinary experience. Must register to attend.
Thursday, April 16 Grab your besties and head to The Painted Home in downtown Washington for Girlfriend Craft Night. This event will feature a Clipboard Class where attendees will design their own custom clipboard using IOD transfers or paint inlays. In addition to the crafts, expect music, chatting, and lots of fun and creativity. Attendees can BYOB and snacks. Purchase tickets.
Friday, April 17 Help raise funds for Labaddie Elementary School at the Annual Dinner Auction Fundraiser, held at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center in Washington. Get more info.
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Friday, April 17 DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs on Main Street in St. Clair is hosting a beginner cookie decorating class for all ages. The paid non-refundable class fee of $40 will hold your spot and includes a 6 cookie decorating kit, with everything you need to decorate your cookies and a box to take them home in. Sign up.
Saturday, April 18 The 2026 Missouri Book Festival is happening from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Washington Public Library. Discover new authors and mingle with other book lovers at this annual event. Learn more.
Saturday, April 18 Golf enthusiasts won’t want to miss the First Annual Jeffrey White Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament at Meramec Lakes Golf Course in St. Clair. Cost is $100 per person/$350 team of 4. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Shotgun Scramble 11 a.m. Dinner, beer, water and soda provided. Find out more.
Saturday, April 18 Step back into the Roaring Twenties for a 1920s inspired pub crawl in Union filled with speakeasy vibes, classic cocktails, and a little Prohibition era mischief. Dress to the nines or not, sip your way through participating stops, and enjoy a night of jazz age energy and surprises because the best speakeasies never give away all their secrets. Get tickets and learn more.
Saturday, April 18 Create your own Tea Garden using a variety of herbs at this workshop held at Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery. You will learn how to care for and harvest fresh ingredients from this garden to make your own medicinal tea. Save your spot.
Saturday, April 18 The St. Clair Saddle Club is having a Family Fun Day featuring free hot dogs, games, and activities for all ages. Find out more.
Saturday, April 18 The Union Moose Lodge is hosting a Craft Fair that is open to the public. Shop from area vendors from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, April 18 Attend the city wide yard sale in New Haven, which is happening from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. There’s also a pop-up BBQ at Save-a-Lot, so get your fix after you’ve hit some of the yard sales. Get more info.
Saturday, April 18 The Scenic Regional Library St. Clair branch is hosting a tea and paper doll event from 1-2 p.m. Enjoy a spot of tea and cut out paper dolls at this free event for kids. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Tuesday, April 14 Countryside Farm & Market in Cuba is having a Plant & Sip event where attendees will make a hanging basket. The event begins at 6 p.m. and attendees will have the opportunity to make their own hanging basket arrangement. Learn more.
Saturday, April 18 & Sunday, April 19 It’s the Spring Wine Tasting Event, happening at participating wineries in the St. James area. Enjoy wine tastings at establishments including St. James Winery, Prairie Barn Winery, Spencer Manor Winery, Peaceful Bend, and Eagles Landing. Get more info.
Saturday, April 18 The Legends subdivision in Eureka is having a community spring garage sale event. The sale is from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, April 18 The first Starry Sky Night of the season is happening at Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg. Join astronomy enthusiast Joe Parish in the visitor center parking lot to view the cosmos with a high-powered telescope. Get more info.
Saturday, April 18 Country Cousins Antique Mall in Leasburg is having an outdoor flea market beginning at 8 a.m. Learn more.
Saturday, April 18 Attend the Ladies Night Out Shop Hop in historic Rosebud, happening from 4-9 p.m. Grab your girlfriends and make plans for a fun night out of shopping, sips, and good times. Get more details.
Sunday, April 19 Head to Brookdale Farms in Eureka for Grandparents Garden Brunch. Attendees of this ticketed event will enjoy a brunch buffet, crafts, and games, with the option to take carriage rides for an additional fee. Find out more.
Sunday, April 19 Spend a spring afternoon along Historic Route 66 with a guided wine and food experience in the heart of the Ozark Highlands with a 5-course wine pairing dinner. Get tickets.
Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!
If you could use a little Luck o’ the Irish, then you’ll want to hit up some of the local coffee shops, breweries, restaurants, and other establishments offering special St. Patrick’s Day drink menus. Whether you’re a wee bit excited for the upcoming holiday or you’re ready to slip into your leprechaun outfit, these nine drink menus are sure to have you dancing a jig!
The Washington Coffee Shop, Washington The menu features items that will appeal to coffee and tea drinkers alike with the Pot of Gold latte, Leapin’ Leprechaun Cold Brew, Irish Apple Chai, Lucky Charms Latte, and Shamrock Frappe.
Good News Blooms, Sips, N’ Sweets, St. Clair This crafted soda and sweet shop once again flexes its holiday menu muscle with offerings that sound tasty, refreshing, and fun. The Irish themed menu options include the Pot of Gold crafted soda, the Irish sunset tea, and Over the Rainbow Refresher lemonade.
Lang-A-Tang Cafe, New Haven The cafe has released special drinks for the season like the Lucky Charm, complete with green cold foam, the Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake, Raspberry Mocha, and the White Chocolate Lavender.
Clark Street Cafe & Bakery, Sullivan The cafe’s holiday drink menu features teas, flavored sodas, and coffees. The options include the Leprechaun Chai, the Nutty Irishmen, Shamrock Italian Soda, Lucky Clover Latte, Rainbow Matcha, Pot of Gold Honey Latte, Irish Cream Dream, and St. Patty Thin Mint.
Andy’s Produce Too Ice Cream Shop, Union Andy’s in Union’s ice cream shop has paired the iconic Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies with the shop’s Central Dairy ice cream. If you love chocolate and mint, try the thin mint milk shake, available throughout the month of March.
Old Bridgeview Brewing, Washington You won’t find any green beers here, but as luck would have it, Old Bridgeview Brewing did whip up an Irish red ale called They Killed Kenny and released it just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
Sarah’s on Central, Eureka The eatery has two drinks available for St. Patrick’s Day. The Shamrock Bushwacker is a frozen cocktail, while the Shamrock Shakeup is a non-alcoholic treat for all ages.
Serendipity Slush Co., Washington If you’re looking for a few green drinks, then Serendipity Slush Co. has got you covered. The options include classic cocktails like a Grasshopper or a lime Margarita, along with the Midori Sour slush.
Little Ireland Coffee, Pacific With a name like Little Ireland, of course you can find tasty St. Paddy’s Day themed coffees and teas on its March menu, along with some of the cutest, coziest Celtic decor around.
Small Town Socialite 