Owensville Missouri – Page 2 – Small Town Socialite

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Nov. 24 – Nov. 30, 2025

Posted on November 24, 2025November 28, 2025 by Amanda

Happy Thanksgiving week! If you or someone you know is looking for a Thanksgiving meal, there are several places offering free meals. There are also bars hosting Thanksgiving Eve experiences, and after Thanksgiving, there’s holiday events kicking off on Friday, like the Holiday Parade of Lights in Washington, plus Small Business Saturday, and a lot more.

Please note I try my best to capture the happenings in our area each week, and some events may be posted too late to make it into the article, so I share those items in my stories throughout the week. Be sure to follow me on Facebook an Instagram to get all the details!

And, as we move into winter weather, event details may change or events may get rescheduled. While I strive to keep these posts as up to date as possible, it might be a good idea double check with the event venue before heading out!

Wednesday, Nov. 26
White Rose Cafe in Union will offer a Thanksgiving meal featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, and a roll for $12.99. The meals are available for eat in or take out.
Learn more.

Wednesday, Nov. 26
The Knights of Columbus in Washington is having a Thanksgiving Eve Dance. Pulse band will perform beginning at 8 p.m.
Find out more.

Wednesday, Nov. 26
Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair will have Thanksgiving Eve Tunes by Tommy Norton. There will be $5 burgers from 4-9 p.m.
Get more info.

Wednesday, Nov. 26-Wednesday, Dec. 10
Kicking off the day before Thanksgiving and running through Dec. 10 is Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar’s The 898 Hours of Christmas Pop-Up Bar. Drink Christmas-themed cocktails in a cozy, winter wonderland-themed space.
Get more details.

Thursday, Nov. 27
The Knights of Columbus in Gerald is hosting its 7th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. This free meal is available to the community for in person or take out, but RSVP is appreciated for meal planning purposes.
Learn more and RSVP.

Thursday, Nov. 27
United Methodist Church in St. Clair will have its 21st Annual Free Thanksgiving Meal from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Find out more.

Thursday, Nov. 27
Lang-A-Tang Cafe in New Haven is having its 5th free Thanksgiving To-Go Meals from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Get more details.

Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30
Blumenhof Winery in Dutzow is hosting a Kristkindl Markt featuring locally made goods from a variety of vendors and fun, free, family-friendly festivities. Stay warm with fire pits, heaters, hot coffee, cocoa, and delicious hot, mulled wine.
Learn more.

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Friday, Nov. 28
Downtown Washington will be aglow during the Holiday Parade of Lights. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and will feature over 70 beautifully lit parade floats, antique cars, bands, and walking groups. Santa will also make an appearance at the end of the parade for the tree lighting at the corner of Main and Elm Streets.
Find parade route and other details on Facebook.

Friday, Nov. 28
After the Holiday Parade of Lights, head to John G.’s in Washington for an evening of Christmas carols performed by Melissa Frey.
Get more info.

*Saturday, Nov. 29* RESCHEDULED 12/6/25
New Haven is the site of the Handmade Holiday Mart from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find seasonal cocktails and samples from Pinckney Bend Distillery, an espresso bar by Lang-A-Tang Cafe, tea and gifts from London Tea Merchant, plus permanent jewelry, custom shirts and mugs, along with flowers, décor, and ornaments by Bright Side Blooms.
Get all the details.

Saturday, Nov. 29
Petals and Plants in Sullivan will have free pictures with The Grinch from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Nov. 29
Santa is coming to R&R Ace in St. Clair from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will be additional visits from Santa, as well as The Grinch, throughout the holiday season.
Learn more.

Saturday, Nov. 29
The Office Bar & Grill in Washington is hosting an Open Mic Night every Saturday. Stand up comedy, music, and more is welcome.
Learn more.

Saturday, Nov. 29
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is kicking off its Five Can Film Series with a showing of “The Polar Express.” Watch classic holiday flicks throughout the Christmas season for a $6 ticket price, or by donating 5 non-perishable cans of food per movie goer.
Find out more.

*Saturday, Nov. 29* CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
United Bank of Union is hosting a Small Business Saturday vendor event. Find local vendors to shop from, live music, food trucks, photos with Santa, and more.
Get the details.

Saturday, Nov. 29
Santa Claus is coming to Harmony Health & Wellness in St. Clair. Santa will be on site from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and the establishment will have specials on gift cards and retail as part of Small Business Saturday.
Get the details.

Saturday, Nov. 29
The Gerald Lions Club is getting into the holiday spirit with a Christmas-themed trivia night. Attendees can get prizes for trivia as well as for best decorated table and ugly sweaters.
Find out costs and other details.

Sunday, Nov. 30
The Washington Farmers Market will be the site of an Olde Fashioned Christmas event. The event will feature horse-drawn wagon rides, marshmallow roasting, photos with reindeer, local choirs and the Washington Brass Band, along with hot chocolate and hot cider, Christmas crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, plus a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Learn more.

Sunday, Nov. 30
First Christian Church in Washington is hosting a Christmas Tree Lighting event that will include themed games, crafts, activities, a barrel train, live music, cookies + cocoa, a hot dog roasting station, and Just Hank’s Coffee on-site.
Get more details.

Road Trippin’

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

Wednesday, Nov. 26
The Outfield Sports Bar and Grill in Marthasville is hosting a ticketed Thanksgiving Eve Party that will feature dueling pianos.
Get more info.

Friday, Nov. 28 & Saturday, Nov. 29
Hamilton Holiday Orchard in Rolla will glow with lighted displays every Friday and Saturday evening this holiday season.
Learn pricing and more info.

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Friday, Nov. 28 – Wednesday, Dec. 31
Looking for a fun and winter-themed experience? Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta is featuring Winter Wine-derland Igloos this fall and winter season. These private spaces feature cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and views of the vineyard.
Get pricing and more info.

Saturday, Nov. 29
Bland is kicking off the Christmas season with a celebration at Bland City Park. There will be a Christmas parade, photos with Santa, cocoa and sweet treats, kids crafts, and chili.
Find out more.

Saturday, Nov. 29
The Homemade Exchange in Owensville is hosting its monthly meetup. Head to the Scenic Regional Library’s Owensville Branch for a chance to connect with others in the community and exchange homemade/homegrown items one-for-one.
Find out more.

News and Features

Meet New People and Swap Homemade Goods at The Homemade Exchange in Owensville

Posted on November 20, 2025November 20, 2025 by Amanda

Although Facebook and other online communities have several groups that are set up for bartering or can be considered “buy nothing” groups, one community emerged earlier this year that’s taking the idea of swapping goods with people in your community one step further.

On the last Saturday of each month, a group of people get together at the Scenic Regional Library’s Owensville Branch to trade homemade and homegrown goods with one another.

Homegrown veggies like garden fresh tomatoes, sponges made from dried luffa plants, as well as homemade baked and canned goods are a few items from a past event. Photo credit: Taylor Miller via Facebook.

In June, Owensville resident Taylor Miller decided to create The Homemade Exchange based on an idea she’d seen online. These monthly meetups offer people based in the Owensville area an opportunity to connect with others, chat, and exchange items on a free, one-for-one basis.

Items can range from homegrown flowers, herbs, and vegetables, to baked goods, and handmade items. Other edible items at past events have included home canned goods like salsas, jams and jellies, spices and seasoning blends, as well as eggs, homemade teas and homemade apple cider vinegar. Non-food items are also welcome, like handmade art, homemade soaps, or similar items.

“We’ve had an average of about 10 people show up each month,” Taylor says.

The growth has been mostly organic, although Taylor has shared a few Facebook ads to help spread the word about the events. The meeting space inside the library has capacity for just over 30 people, so there’s room for the events to grow.

Although it’s still early days, she can see how The Homemade Exchange might grow beyond its current iteration, and is open to the possibility of holding the exchange meetups in additional local communities. And since the exchanges center around anything homegrown or homemade, Taylor plans to keep the exchanges going throughout the winter.

“I think it gives people something to do and a little socialization to look forward to throughout the winter, too,” she explains.

Homegrown herb and flower bundles as well as garlic and baked goods are a few edible items that have been brought to past exchanges. Artists have also brought items like prints of paintings they’ve created. Photo credit: Taylor Miller via Facebook.

While Taylor’s been happy with the growth of the event and the variety of items brought to the monthly meetings, some things she’d love to see at future gatherings include homemade woodworking pieces, homemade cheese, and non-food items like fiber arts, such as crochet and knit pieces.

There’s a Facebook group for the meetups, but Taylor says that people don’t have to connect in that way in order to attend the monthly events.

“People can just show up,” she shares.

The next Homemade Exchange event is happening Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Scenic Regional Library Owensville Branch from 11:15 a.m. – noon. Follow The Homemade Exchange on Facebook to stay up to date with the monthly meetups.

Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2025

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Amanda

This week there’s lots of fall events like markets and other shopping experiences, aspiring bakers can attend a sourdough workshop, and there’s numerous Trunk or Treat events happening. You can find all the Halloween-related events happening through 11/2 here.

Tuesday, Oct. 28
Discover the art of sourdough while learning how it can benefit your gut at Roux 66 in Washington. In this hands-on class, you’ll mix, shape, and practice the techniques behind creating a delicious sourdough loaf and explore why sourdough is easier to digest than conventional breads, and how fermented foods can support a healthier gut microbiome.
Register here.

Tuesday, Oct. 28
The Washington Public Library is hosting a Teen Haunted Gingerbread House Make & Take. Drop in and construct a haunting “gingerbread” house out of graham crackers, frosting, and candies. All materials will be provided. Ages 12 & Up.
Register here.

Wednesday, Oct. 29
Swallows Nest Boutique and Cafe in Washington is hosting a Shoptober event from 3-8 p.m. Shop, sip, dine, and get a tarot card reading for $20.
Get more info.

Wednesday, Oct. 29
Shiloh Baptist Church in Robertsville is having a Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat. The event will have free food and kids activities.
Learn more.

Thursday, Oct. 30
Head to St. Clair Library for a Trick R Treat event that includes games, candy and fun.
Find out more.

Thursday, Oct. 30
Lost Hill Lake Weddings and Event venue in St. Clair is hosting a Halloween themed Puff n’ Paint event.
Get more info and register here.

Friday, Oct. 31
Looking for a fun & safe trunk-or-treat? Watermark Church located at 41 St Andrews Drive in Union will have hot dogs, popcorn, candy & other fun treats from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 31
Get the caffeine you’ll need to fuel your Halloween plans! On Halloween morning, Just Hank’s coffee trailer will be parked at RC Roofing on Fifth St. in Washington and the first 100 customers will receive a free coffee!
Get more info including times.

Friday, Oct. 31
First Baptist Church in Belle will host a night full of family-friendly fall fun including games for all ages to play, a cake walk, bounce house, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and so much more!
Find out time and location.

Friday, Oct. 31
Free kid friendly indoor and outdoor fun at the Fall Fling at Life Stream Church in Washington. The event includes Trunk or Treat, bounce houses, games, hotdogs, and candy.
Learn more.

Saturday, Nov. 1
Route 66 Goodies in Pacific is hosting a Fall Market. The event will run from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Find the event on Facebook for more details.

Saturday, Nov. 1
The St. Clair Saddle Club is hosting a free family fun night.
Get all the details.

Saturday, Nov. 1
Autumn Nights is an adults shopping experience in downtown Washington. Visit multiple businesses for fun, food, and shopping.
Learn more.

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Saturday, Nov. 1 & Sunday, Nov. 2
Area St. Louis artists are hosting a boutique show at Shaw Nature Reserve. Featured artwork includes ceramic, wood and metal sculpture, painting, folk art, photography, jewelry, basketry, and more on display and available for purchase throughout the rustic cabins at the Dana Brown Overnight Center.
Get more info.

Road Trippin’

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

Multiple dates and times in Oct.
Think you’re brave enough to venture into Terror on Route 66? Step into this haunted attraction in Sullivan for the ultimate in spine-tingling entertainment.
Get more info.

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Monday, Oct. 27
Think you know your horror, from slashers to campy creeps? Put your spooky smarts to the test at our Halloween Spooktacular Trivia Night—a frightfully fun evening of laughs, drinks, and horror-movie bragging rights at Brookdale Farms. Rounds will cover iconic Halloween films, monsters, haunted history & lore, and seasonal pop culture. Costumes encouraged! Dress as your favorite monster or Halloween icon—the best costume wins a prize.
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 31
New Salem Baptist Church in Owensville is having a Trunk ‘R Treat in Maciejewski’s Parking Lot in Owensville. The event features free treats, free hotdogs, trunk decorating contest, and more!
Get more info.

Friday, Oct. 31
First Baptist Church in Belle will have games for all ages to play, including a cake walk, a bounce house, face painting, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and, a pet costume contest.
Learn more.

Saturday, Nov. 1
Maggie Grace’s on Main in Warrenton is hosting a Fall/Christmas Market.
Get the details.

Saturday, Nov. 1
St. John the Baptist School in Villa Ridge will have a Trunk or Treat along with a haunted forest and hayride beginning at 5 p.m.
Get the details.

Multiple dates and times until Nov. 2
Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka is the home of Fright Fest, happening on select nights until Nov. 2. Find haunted mazes, scare zones, live shows, and more.
Learn more.

Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Oct. 13 – 19, 2025

Posted on October 13, 2025October 19, 2025 by Amanda

Whew! There’s so much happening this week! Trunk or treats, adult Halloween celebrations, and spooky fun? Yep. Fall festivals, free outdoor movies, and markets? Got those too! Plus, there’s line dancing at a local winery, a wine dinner at a local restaurant, car shows, and a whole lot more.

Tuesday, Oct. 14
Make a bubbling cauldron at the monthly Crafting & Creativity event at the Washington Public Library. The event is from 6-7 p.m. and is open for ages 12+.
Register for the event.

Photo via Washington Public Library’s Facebook

Wednesday, Oct. 15
Mangia Bella restaurant in Washington is hosting a wine dinner. This five-course dinner requires a reservation, which can be made through open table.
Find out more.

Friday, Oct. 17
Take part in some beginner friendly line dancing at McKelvey Vineyards from 6-9 p.m.
Get more info.

Friday, Oct. 17
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.

Friday, Oct. 17
It’s the final Union Farmers Market of the season! Visit the market to shop vendors, get food from Savy’s Food Truck, enjoy live music, and bring the little ones for the Trunk or Treat happening during the market.
Find out more.

Friday, Oct. 17
Create a stained glass pumpkin at a class held at Shattered Glass in Washington. No experience is necessary to participate in the class, but registration is required.
Get more info.

Friday, Oct. 17
Free Halloween Carnival and Trunk or Treat at St. Gertrude Parish & School in Krakow. The trunk or treat will happen in the parking lot, with concessions available in the cafeteria.
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 17
It’s the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat at The Sage Bee in Washington. In addition to the trunk-or-treat lineup, the teachers are planning some sensory stations and fun Halloween activities and games for the kids to enjoy! Open to the public, anyone is welcome!
Find out more.

Friday, Oct. 17
St. Vincent De Paul School in Marthasville is hosting a Trunk or Treat event from 6:30-9 p.m. Find food, candy, and prizes for the best trunk!
More info.

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Friday, Oct. 17
Head to Pacific for the Witches and Warlocks, adult street party. This event will feature vendors, food trucks and live music by Covering Fire, as well as costume contests, raffle drawings, and more.
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 17 & Saturday, Oct. 18
The 2nd Annual U Town Show Down is happening this Friday and Saturday at the Union Fairgrounds and will feature a car show, semi truck show, plus a derby, and food trucks.
Find out more.

Friday, Oct. 17 & Saturday, Oct. 18
Gerald Area Library and Once Upon a Time Bookstore is hosting a sidewalk sale. Find quilts, needlework, purses, ribbon, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, books, puzzles, and much more.
Get all the details.

Saturday, Oct. 18
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is hosting a free drive-in movie showing of the film “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” Parking is first come, first served, and concessions are available.
Get more info, including movie time.

Saturday, Oct. 18
Meramec State Park in Sullivan is hosting a Halloween Spooktacular. Head to the campground area of the park for pumpkin carving, trick or treating, a movie at the amphitheater, and more.
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 18
Andy’s Produce in Union is hosting a Fall Vendor event. Find handmade items, food trucks, locally made goods, plants, produce, and more.
Get more details.

Saturday, Oct. 18
Muddy Banks Brewing Co. in Sullivan is hosting its annual Opetober Fest, to celebrate the release of its Opetober Marzen beer. The festivities begin at noon and include live music and a chili cook-off.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 18
Ladies, Littles, and Lattes is hosting its second annual Trick or Treat Trail in Union. This day time event features indoor trick or treating, plus fun activities like a bounce house, horse rides, face painting, and food trucks Savy’s Food Truck, Smokey D’s, and Poppy Co.
Get more info.

Saturday, Oct. 18
Head to The Tipsy Keg in Washington for a night of fun and costumes at the venue’s BOOze and BOOs event. Guests can expect karaoke, drink specials, costume contests, and more.
Find all the details.

Saturday, Oct. 18
The Franklin County Humane Society is hosting Paw Fest from 3-9 p.m. There will be games, food trucks, a market, and information about the cuddly four-legged friends FCHS helps.
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 18
The Moose Lodge in Union is holding a Craft Fair. Stop by the event to shop local crafters and makers.
Find event time and more.

Saturday, Oct. 18
The Novel Nook and Yarn Together are hosting a Witch and Stitch party. At this free event, guests will watch the movie “Hocus Pocus” while working on their current fiber arts project (if they choose). The event is free, but registration is required to attend.
Get the details and register.

Saturday, Oct. 18
American Legion in Washington is having a Tank or Treat from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. This event is for children up to age 12.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Thursday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 19
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, Oct. 17
You won’t want to miss Trunk or Treat at The River at Eureka. There will be games, crafts, snow cones, popcorn, hot dogs, a smores station, an outdoor movie, and more. This is a free event from 6-8 p.m. and all are welcome!
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 17
Owensville is hosting a series of free, family-friendly movies this fall, with the final event culminating in a special “campfire” viewing of the animated film “Coco” on Friday, October 17. The movie will be shown at Buschman Park in Owensville, and will start at 6:30 p.m.
Find out more.

Friday Oct. 17 & Saturday, Oct. 18
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. 17 – Sunday, Oct. 19
Happening every weekend in October, Hermann Oktoberfest features beer, food, music, games, and more.
Get all the details.

Saturday, Oct. 18
Owensville Parks & Rec Dept. is hosting Market in the Park Saturday, October 18 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Memorial Park, along Hippy Holler, at 796 Parker Drive, Owensville, MO 65066. Bargain hunters won’t want to miss this sale. Severe weather reschedule will be 10/19.
Get more info.

Saturday, Oct. 18
It’s Hallowine at St. James Winery. This ticketed event will include wine slushies, a wine and candy flight, tarot card readings, a haunted wine cellar tour, plus contests for the best witches cackle and best costume.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 18
Head to Papa’s Diner/Super Smoker’s BBQ in Eureka for the Gearheads and Grub event. Find live music, food, cars, and more.
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 18
The 573 Vintage Market in Linn will feature 50+ handpicked, upscale, one-of-a-kind vendors, plus food trucks and much more.
Find more info.

Saturday, Oct 18
This Saturday is the final Starry Sky Nights program of the year at Onondaga State Park in Leasburg. 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.
Get more info.

Saturday, Oct. 18 & Sunday, Oct. 19
Prairie Barn Winery in St. James is hosting a Murder Mystery Weekend, and the theme is Witch Way to the Wine. With two showings, the event will feature food and complimentary water and tea, with wine and beer available for purchase. Attendees of the murder mystery dinner are encouraged to dress in costume.
Get tickets.

Sunday, Oct. 19
Clancy’s Pour House in Rosebud is hosting a pop-up family movie and bonfire night with the showing of the film “Hocus Pocus.” The fun begins at 6 p.m.
Find out more.