Tag: Rolla Missouri

Posted in Events

Where to Find Firework Displays and America 250 Celebrations in and Around Franklin County

Posted on by Amanda

This year the celebrations feel extra special since it’s not only the 4th of July, it’s also America’s 250th birthday, as well as being the year of the Route 66 Centennial. And area towns are gearing up for festivities beginning as early as Friday, June 26 as well as celebrations heading into the first week of July and on Independence Day.

Sullivan, Friday, June 26 & Saturday, June 27
Pyro’s Firework Nightmare promises to be Sullivan’s biggest 4th of July celebration. This two-day event will feature access to the haunted house, food, drink, and craft vendors, along with firework displays each evening.
Find out more.

Union, Friday, June 26
Macadoodles Fine Wine, Beer, & Spirits in Union is having a Passport to 250 Community Celebration from 5-9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy live music, bites from area food trucks, games and activities for the whole family, and more.
Get more details.

St. Clair, Saturday, June 27
The City of St. Clair is having its annual Freedom Fest event at Orchard Park. The fun begins at 4 p.m. and includes food, vendors, face painting, live music, a fireworks display, and more.
Get more info.

Bland, Saturday, June 27
The City of Bland is having an all day celebration at Bland City Park. The festivities begin at 12 p.m. and there will be concessions featuring fish sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, and funnel cakes, as well as live music from Front Porch Trio and Hat Trick, as well as a fireworks show to cap off the event.
Learn more.

Pacific, Saturday, June 27
Downtown Pacific’s 24th Annual Car Show & Block Party will feature over 500 cars, as well as entertainment for the whole family. The event runs from early morning until night, and will feature a fireworks display.
Find out more.

Owensville, Sunday, June 28
Head to Memorial Park in Owensville to celebrate the 4th of July holiday and America’s 250th Anniversary early. The festivities will include a picnic starting at 4 p.m. and fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. There will be food and beverages for purchase with cash only at ticket booth, along with fun events for kids and adults of all ages starting at 5 p.m.
Learn more.

Rolla, Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4
Rolla’s annual Lion’s Club Carnival is happening from July 1-4. The festivities will include a drone show the evening of Thursday, July 2, as well as a parade and fireworks display on July 4th.
Get more details.

Union, Friday, July 3
The City of Union will have its fireworks display at Veterans Memorial Park at approximately 9:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, coolers, blankets and yard games to make an evening of it at the park. There will be concessions available for purchase as well as a beer garden. Sky Candle Band  will be performing at 6:30 p.m. and there will be a free face painter for the children along with balloon sculpting and barrel rides.
Find out more.

Marthasville, Friday, July 3
The Marthasville Ballpark is the place to be for free, family fun. Enjoy live music by Twisted Fiction, find food at the concession stand which will be open from 6-10 p.m., there will also be a bounce house, the Honor Guard will make an appearance at 9:15 p.m., and a firework display at dark. Bring the whole family out for some fun and celebration!
Get more details.

Cuba, Friday, July 3
Head to Hood Park in Cuba for a fireworks display that will begin at dusk.
Find out more.

Sullivan, Saturday, July 4
The Celebrate America 2026 Fireworks Display at the Sullivan Fairgrounds will begin at approximately 9 – 9:15 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and watch the fireworks.
Learn more.

Salem, Saturday, July 4
The town of Salem will have an Independence Day celebration that includes food vendors, fireworks, and more.
Find out more.

Eureka, Saturday, July 4
Six Flags will host Star Spangled Nights, with patriotic celebrations happening throughout the day at the park including eight all-new shows, patriotic music, and a fireworks display to cap off the special day.
Get tickets.

Rosebud, Saturday, July 4
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Rosebud. Hear live music performed by Big Daddy Rooster from 6-8:30 p.m., concessions, a kids candy cannon, and a fireworks display.
Check out the details.

Washington, Saturday, July 4
The Star Spangled 4th Fireworks celebration is happening from 6-10 p.m. at the Washington Fairgrounds. Find food vendors, live music, kids activities, craft vendors, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Get more info.

Steelville, Saturday, July 4
Freedom Fest in Steelville will feature live music performed by Bob Kraus, The Lone Pine Band, and Borderline, as well as a car cruise-in, food and craft booths, and fireworks.
Learn more.

Eureka, Saturday, July 4
Head to Central Avenue Spur in Eureka at 6 p.m. for the 250 Years Independence Day Celebration that will include music by Steven Woolley & The Groove.
Find out more.

Pacific, Saturday, July 4
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday along with the Route 66 Centennial at Pacific’s 4th of July Parade. There will be classic cars, a float celebrating veterans, a live bald eagle, plus first responders, and more.
Learn more.

Posted in Events

Catch Some Summertime Fun at These Area Fairs and Festivals

Posted on by Amanda

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.

People seated on a covered gondola ride at a county fair
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.

Rolla, Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4
Rolla’s annual Lion’s Club Carnival is happening from July 1-4. The festivities will include a drone show the evening of Thursday, July 2, as well as a parade and fireworks display on July 4th.
Get more details.

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.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri April 27 – May 3, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

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!

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri April 20 – April 26, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

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!