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 crafting opportunities, spring markets, the Route 66 Centennial celebrations kick off this week, plus there’s local Kentucky Derby parties, and a lot more.
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.
Wednesday, April 29 Get a jump start on your gift for mom at the Mother’s Day Crafting event at The Washington Public Library at 4 p.m. Get more details.
Friday, May 1 The Washington Public Library is having a Gilmore Girls Coffee, Art, and Watch Party from 1-4 p.m. The library will provide supplies to make a “coffee art” print while watching a few episodes of the iconic TV series. Feel free to bring snacks! Find out more.
Friday, May 1 Grab your bestie and join for a fun, feel-good night at the HoM Healing Center in Pacific from 6–8 p.m. at the Sips, Shopping, and Self-Care event. Spend the evening enjoying sips, shopping with amazing local vendors, having self-care + wellness experiences, and all the good vibes. Get more info.
Friday, May 1 Union’s first Concert in the Park of the season is happening from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the large pavilion located at 575 Christina Ave. in Union. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the evening of free music. Learn more.
Saturday, May 2 Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar in Washington is celebrating “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports!” Spend the evening in your finest garb – hats, fascinators, seer suckers, pastels. The race will be on at 5:57pm, but the entire evening will be filled with proper ladies and gentleman sipping on mint juleps…and Eight Nine Eight’s other incredible cocktails. Check out the details.
Saturday, May 2 Franklin County Foster Closet’s Run for Love 5k is a fun way to kick off Foster Care Awareness Month! Join as a runner, walker, couch supporter or sponsor. Get more info.
Saturday, May 2 First Baptist Church in St. Clair is having a Family Feud night. The event is free, and childcare will be provided. Dinner, including gluten-free options, will also be provided. Get more info.
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Saturday, May 2 Attend the Kentucky Derby Party at Mangia Bella’s at Elijah McLeans in Washington. The event is from 4-10 and will feature games live music, and more. Get more details.
Saturday, May 2 The Labaddie Spring Outdoor Market is happening from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Shop from local makers and food vendors. Find out more.
Saturday, May 2 Head to the Washington Riverfront for a morning of riverfront yoga by Present Moment Yoga. The sunrise practice begins at 7 a.m. Learn more.
Saturday, May 2 Celebrate Kentucky Derby Day at McKelvey Vineyards, there will be live music all day with three bands, drink specials, and a party full of people in their finest Derby wear. $5 cover at the door. Get more info.
Saturday, May 2 Union Community Center’s First Annual Spring Market is happening from 8-3 p.m. This fun, family-friendly event will feature a variety of local crafters and vendors offering handmade goods, unique finds, and small-business favorites. Enjoy concessions and drinks while you shop and support our community. This Spring Market is a fundraiser event, with proceeds benefiting programs and activities at the Union Community Center. Find out more.
Saturday, May 2 Celebrate the grand opening of an equine therapy organization in St. Clair. Hoof to Heart Healing offers a one of a kind, hands-on experience with horses that supports emotional growth, nervous system balance, and meaningful connection…all in a calm, guided environment that complements licensed mental health care. Get all the details.
Sunday, May 3 Get crafty at R&R Ace Hardware in Sullivan the Plant, Paint & Sip event from 2–4 p.m. For $30 per person, you’ll get everything you need to create your own custom potted plant. Pick out your pot, paint it your way, and plant your greenery—all materials included. While you work, enjoy your choice of two flavors of boozy slushies. Seats are limited and are paid via Venmo. Reserve your spot.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Wednesday, April 29 The Route 66 Centennial Car Show and Cruise-In is happening in Rolla from 3-7 p.m. See classic rides and enjoy food, drinks, and desserts available for purchase from local vendors. Find out more.
Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3 Explore a unique selection of handmade goods and crafts from local vendors while enjoying award-winning wines and live music at this free event on Blumenhof Winery’s patio. Get more details.
Saturday, May 2 Maramec Spring Park in St. James is having a Bugs, Birds, and Blooms Pollinator festival from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn about Missouri’s natural resources, buy native plants, purchase from food and craft vendors, and enjoy live entertainment. Learn more.
Saturday, May 2 Step back in time and experience pioneer life at the Pioneer Day celebration in Warrenton. From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Warrenton branch of Scenic Regional Library will have fun activities, demonstrations, crafters, food, live music and more! More info.
Saturday, May 2 Enjoy an afternoon of sipping, savoring, and celebrating local pours and flavors at Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta. Celebrate a special “Farm to Table” edition of the vineyard’s Wine with Friends Market! This event will be extra special with the appearance of some furry friends from Meyer Mini Farms from 1-4 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, May 2 The Route 66 Centennial celebration in Rolla is happening from 2-7 p.m. and will feature live music, a cruise-in, food trucks, and family activities. Get more info.
Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3 Back for its second weekend, Heartland Farms in Bourbon is having Baby Animal Days at the farm. This family-friendly outdoor event will feature 4H groups showing off their baby animals. The animals will vary by day, but should include chicks, goats, bunnies, bottle calf, and ponies. Other attractions will be open as well as a concession stand. Find out more.
Sunday, May 3 Celebrating the rich legacy of the Mother Road, America’s Main Street, the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit will be on view in Cuba beginning May 3 and running until September 14. The exhibit marks two major milestones: the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and the 250th anniversary of the United States. The exhibit is free and will be open to the public. Find all the celebratory details.
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!
It’s a big week for events around Franklin County, there’s community wide yard sales, flea market, and a vintage pop up market, plus farmers markets in Union and Pacific. The first Sunset on the Riverfront of the season happens this Thursday in Washington, plus annual events are happening this weekend like the WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest, and the P-Town Pub Crawl in Pacific.
There’s also line dancing, black light bingo, fundraising events, and the Franklin County Humane Society’s Strut Your Mutt event featuring a dog parade, contests, and more. Find out all the information about the events happening in Franklin County and nearby communities this week below.
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 21 The Washington Library is hosting a Mini Introduction to the Akashic Records event at 6 p.m. This 45-minute mini class starts with a brief overview of the Akashic Records, what they are, how they work, and how they can be used for soul-level insight, clarity, and self-understanding. Learn more.
Wednesday, April 22 Celebrate National Library Week with a book-related craft event at the Washington Public Library. The event is from 4-5 p.m. Find out more.
Thursday, April 23 The Power of the Purse fundraising event is a way to have a fun night out that raises funds for Franklin County United Way. Get tickets.
Thursday, April 23 Kick up your heels with line dance lessons with instructor Jessica Blankis at Tri-County Community Senior Center in Pacific. It’s free, but donations are graciously accepted. Get details.
Thursday, April 23 The first Sunset on the Riverfront event is happening in downtown Washington from 5-8 p.m. Get ready for an evening of fun, food, drinks, and music. Please note that the April Sunset on the Riverfront event is taking place at the Farmers Market due to construction happening at the riverfront park. Find out more.
Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26 Get ready for a weekend full of delicious barbecue and toe-tapping music. The annual WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest is happening from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. Find pricing and more info.
Friday, April 24 Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan is having its annual barbecue. The menu will include a choice of brats or pork steaks, with sides including potato salad, baked beans, cole slaw, and a dessert. The event runs from 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and drive-through or all you can eat dine-in options are available. Learn more.
Friday, April 24 The Annual David Arand Memorial Golf Tournament is happening at 1 p.m. at Birch Creek Golf Club in Union. The final day for signing up for the event is Thursday, April 23. Get more info.
Friday, April 24 The first Union farmers market of the year starts at 4 p.m. The Market off Main is happening at the intersection of Oak & Main Street, adjacent to Hansen Park. Expect to find goods from local vendors, crafters, and growers, along with delicious eats from regional food trucks. Get all the info on Facebook.
Friday, April 24 Head to The Office Bar & Grill in Washington to take part in line dancing lessons by Glittering Grapevine beginning at 7 p.m. Learn more.
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Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26 A two-day treasure hunt is happening at Terror on Route 66. Find goods from a variety of vendors at this spring flea market. Find out more.
Saturday, April 25 Do you love vintage items like books, antiques, and collectibles? Then you’ll want to drop by the American Legion in Union for the Vintage Pop Up Market held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Be sure to grab a bite of something yummy at one of the on-site food trucks. Get more details.
Saturday, April 25 The 4th Annual P-Town Pub Crawl kicks off at 11 a.m. The crawl begins and ends at the same location and attendees will be shuttled around to various watering holes in Pacific including Brown Jerry’s BBQ, Pacific Brewhaus, Pacific Eagles, and American Legion, and more. Cost is $35 per person. Find tickets.
Saturday, April 25 St. Bridget Kildare Catholic School is hosting a mother/daughter dance with an 80s theme. The event is from 6-8 p.m. and cost is $20 per person. Find out more.
Saturday, April 25 Get ready for an evening of glow in the dark music themed bingo for a worthy cause. The St. Clair Elks Lodge is hosting the event, with proceeds from the bingo night benefiting St. Clair High School Baseball. Doors open at 5 p.m., with bingo beginning at 6 p.m. and tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door, and $240 for a table of 8. Get more details.
Saturday, April 25 The Washington Fairgrounds Pavilion is the site of the Franklin County Humane Society’s Strut Your Mutt event, happening from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. This fun-filled afternoon will be feature contests, activities, and dog demonstrations. Enjoy a short dog parade around the park, watch exciting demos, browse vendor booths featuring pet-related items, and take part in contests and other activities throughout the event. Learn more.
Saturday, April 25 Frisco Farmhouse in Pacific is hosting a farmers market that will feature meat, sourdough, eggs, produce, and more. Get more info.
Saturday, April 25 Eagle Ridge Estates is hosting a community-wide yard sale. The sales kick off at 7 a.m. and go until 1 p.m. Find out more.
Sunday, April 26 The Club House Play Cafe in Sullivan is having a closet clean out. Stop by the establishment from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. for an indoor yard sale and play day. Get the details.
Sunday, April 26 The St. Clair VFW will have a black light bingo event beginning at 2 p.m. Find out more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, April 24 Brookdale Farms in Eureka is hosting a laid-back spring night of instructor-led line dancing, music, and good company. Get more info.
Saturday, April 25 Head to Rolla’s historic downtown for the 5th Annual Spring Craft Festival. Discover original and handmade creations such as jewelry, furniture, clothing, home accessories, paintings and prints, books, wooden crafts, toys and much more. Find out more.
Saturday, April 25 Join representatives from Missouri State Parks and Edward Jones in celebrating Founders Day on the Katy Trail at the Treloar Trailhead. Enjoy live music, visit with team members from Missouri State Parks and Edward Jones, mulch trees in the Burkhardt Grove, take a tram ride to Peers, or assist in a honeysuckle hack to remove invasive species along the trail. Get more info.
Saturday, April 25 Ownesville is hosting its first ever strongman games event called O-Town Showdown. This free event will feature tremendous displays of strength like pressing logs and car lifting. The fun kicks off at 9 a.m. Learn more.
Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26 Heartland Farms in Bourbon is having Baby Animal Days at the farm. This family-friendly outdoor event will feature 4H groups showing off their baby animals. The animals will vary by day, but should include chicks, goats, bunnies, bottle calf, and ponies. Other attractions will be open as well as a concession stand. Find out more.
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!
This week’s article is a cure for cabin fever a lot of us might have after spending some time snowed in!
There’s lots of opportunities to get crafty, like a paint & sip night at Sip on Main, create a glow in the dark lantern at Pages in Pacific, and make blankets for Project Linus at DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs. There’s also trivia nights, a chance to enjoy dueling pianos at the P-Town Piano Party, Franklin County Back to School Fair’s Mouse Races, a murder mystery dinner, Wash Mo Blues SnowBall, and much more!
With the recent snow, it’s possible that some events scheduled for earlier in the week may get canceled or rescheduled. I try to keep these posts as up to date as possible, but it might be a good idea double check with the event venue before heading out!
Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 *Rescheduled from Jan. 6* Get crafty with DIY Advice Cards. Each card will have its own unique theme, artwork, and rules set by its creator – YOU! The cards will feature messages that can help guide you through situations you may encounter during the new year. Get more details.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 Smokin’ Oak Pizza in Washington’s weekly trivia night is all about great questions, good company, and having a genuinely good time. Every Tuesday expect hot pizzas, cold drinks on tap, plenty of laughs, friendly competition, and—best of all—prizes. Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for the fun, everyone’s welcome. Find out more.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 Head to The Novel Nook in Washington for a unique book club experience where everyone brings their own book! Instead of a single assigned read, participants bring whatever book they’re currently enjoying—fiction, nonfiction, classic, or contemporary—and share highlights, insights, and thoughts with the group. This is a space for book lovers to discover new reads, engage in lively discussions, and connect with fellow readers, all while celebrating diverse literary tastes. Whether you’re deep into a thrilling mystery, an inspiring memoir, or a thought-provoking novel, bring it along and talk books with other readers on the last Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Get the details.
Wednesday, Jan. 28 The Franklin County Silent Book Club will meet at UnderGROUNDS in Washington from 5:30-7 p.m. This nontraditional book club allows you to bring your own book and read in companionable silence, with socializing afterwards with fellow readers. You’ll carve out time for reading, meet new people, and hopefully leave with some new recommendations. Learn more.
Wednesday, Jan. 28 Brushin’ Whimsy is hosting a paint and sip night at Sip on Main from 6-8 p.m. Attendees have a choice of painting two different winter scenes, cost is $35 per person. Pre-registration required. Sign up.
Wednesday, Jan. 28 N-Sports Rec Center in Washington is hosting a wine, charcuterie, and bingo night. Cost is $25 per person. Find out more and reserve your spot.
Thursday, Jan. 29 The Alley in Washington is having a Valentine’s Day Gnome Craft & Cocktails event. Cost is $25 per person and attendees will be create a Valentine’s themed gnome painting and receive one drink with ticket price. Get tickets.
Friday, Jan. 30 Test your knowledge of music trivia at the Washington Elks Lodge. The Music Trivia night will begin when the doors open at 6:30 p.m., and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $25 per person, drinks are included in price. Outside food is allowed, but outside beverages are not. Learn more.
Friday, Jan. 30 Do you live with a strange animal? Come to the Washington Public Library from 4-5 p.m. to meet exotic pets and learn how to care for them. Learn more.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Create a glow in the dark lantern at Pages in Pacific. All materials included, as well as refreshments. $20 each spot with a $5 deposit. Get more information.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Stop into DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs on Main Street in St. Clair to make blankets for Project Linus. Bring your own fleece fabric or for a $20 donation use the fleece fabric available at the shop. Find out more.
Saturday, Jan. 31 *Rescheduled from Jan. 24 due to weather* Chef Alex Blattel is curating a special 4-course dinner and wine pairing at Triple 3 Vineyard. The evening will also include a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery’s production facility. Cost is $133 per person. Seating is limited. Get tickets.
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Saturday, Jan. 31 P-Town Piano Party is a dueling piano show complete with dinner and a cash bar. This year’s event will be hosted at the Pacific Eagles Hall. Dinner is prepared by Vilcek Catering. Enjoy great songs from all eras as our performers entertain you. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the MVR – IIII Bridge Foundation. Get more details.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Franklin County Back to School Fair’s Mouse Races. Doors open at 6 p.m. and races begin at 7 p.m. sharp. BYOB and snacks, but soda will be provided. This night of fun and raising money will help kids in the area. Tickets are $20 if you buy ahead of the event and $25 at the door. Purchase tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Head to Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair for an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner includes four-courses. Get more info and buy tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 31 The Office Bar & Grill in Washington hosts an Open Mic Night every Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, Jan. 31 The Washington VFW is the site of the Winter Wash Mo Blues SnowBall Member Appreciation Night. All are welcome at this event, happening from 7-10 p.m. Enjoy live music by the Faithful Strays, outside food is welcome, but drinks must be purchased at the VFW. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, Jan. 29 Head to Ruthie’s Family Restaurant in Rosebud for an evening of line dancing and dinner. Find out more.
Friday, Jan. 30 – Sunday, Feb. 1 Looking for a fun and winter-themed experience? Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta is featuring Winter Wine-derland Igloos this winter season. These private spaces feature cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and views of the vineyard. Get pricing and more info.
Friday, Jan. 30 & Saturday, Jan. 31 The Snow Spur Saloon is a winter-themed pop-up bar that’s part of the Winter Roundup event at Brookdale Farms. The pop-up is happening every Friday and Saturday night throughout January and February. Get tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Are you newly engaged and searching for possible wedding venues? The Hermann Wedding Trail is happening on Saturday, and engaged couples are welcome to check out beautiful wedding, reception and rehearsal dinner venues and visit with wedding vendors who will ensure you have the perfect day! Find out more on Facebook.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Celebrate National Seed Swap Day with a plant and seed swap at the Rolla Public Library from 1-3 p.m. Attendees should bring packets of seeds to share, as well as houseplants, cuttings, or books. Get more information.
Sunday, Feb. 1 Prairie Barn Winery in St. James is hosting a Sunday trivia event on Musicals. The will be hosted trivia outside (weather permitting) starting at 2:30 p.m. You can also stay inside for cozy indoor games, wine tastings and relaxation. Find out more.
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!
Small Town Socialite 