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 chances to watch holiday movies, attend craft events, holiday pop-ups, Christmas parades, winter markets, holiday concerts, meals with Santa, holiday light displays, and much 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!
Monday, Dec. 1, Wednesday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 6, Sunday, Dec. 7 Great 8 Cinema in Union is showing classic holiday movies through Christmas Eve for only $2 per person. On Monday and Wednesday, catch “A Christmas Story” and on Saturday and Sunday view “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Get more info.
Tuesday, Dec. 2 Enjoy a holiday concert with music by the Schwarzer Zither Ensemble of Washington. Promoting the tradition, music, and local history of the zither instruments, Schwarzer Zither Ensemble of Washington performs a concert including seasonal and holiday music. Learn more.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 7 Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar’s The 898 Hours of Christmas Pop-Up Bar is still happening this week. Drink Christmas-themed cocktails in a cozy, winter wonderland-themed space. Get more details.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 Get into the spirit of the season at Mistletoe & Mixology, a Holiday Pop-Up at Oak & Front in Washington. Experience festive decorations, holiday cocktails, themed food specials, and house-made Christmas cookies served at every table. The event kicks off on Dec. 3, and will also run on Dec. 10, and Dec. 17. Reserve your spot for $10 per person. Learn more.
Thursday, Dec. 4 N-Rec Sports Center in Washington is hosting a Bingo Night featuring Taco Loco. Price is $40 per person, and includes bingo, as well as a Taco Loco meal and margarita. Get more details.
Thursday, Dec. 4 Have breakfast for dinner, and eat pancakes with Santa at St. Gertrude Parish & School in Washington. Have pancakes with all the toppings, beverages, Christmas crafts, and more. Learn more.
Thursday, Dec. 4 Beginning this Thursday, Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is kicking off a special series called “Happy Holidates.” The special is a dinner and a movie date package on Thursdays, with a holiday twist. For $30 per person, enjoy dinner at Smokin’ Oak, plus admission to a holiday film, popcorn, and a drink. Get more info.
Friday, Dec. 5 Thacker’s Mini Pub in Gerald is having a Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament. Cost of entry is $20 per person. Find out more.
Friday, Dec. 5 – Saturday, Dec. 6 Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events in St. Clair is having their annual Grove of Lights holiday light experience. View thousands of dazzling lights, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and s’mores, get photos with Santa, free face painting for kids, and much more. Purchase tickets.
Friday, Dec. 5 Washington Library is hosting a Build-a-Stuffie and movie night. Attendees will build a new stuffie and then watch a G-rated holiday movie. Registration is required. Register and learn more.
Friday, Dec. 5 River Sirens Collective is hosting a Ladies Night with IPL hand facials, permanent jewelry, blowouts, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, Botox specials, and exclusive retail discounts. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Have breakfast with Santa & the Grinch at Miller’s Grill in Washington from 8-9:45 a.m. Children have the opportunity for a free photo with Santa & the Grinch and Christmas Cookie Treats with the purchase of breakfast! Purchase your tickets for the breakfast and learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Head to Robertsville Elementary for a vendor fair and visit from Santa. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Have breakfast with Santa at Boles Fire Protection District from 9-11 a.m. in Villa Ridge. This event is free, and also includes station tours by firefighters. More info.
Saturday, Dec. 6 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, Dec. 6 The 4th Annual Mingle & Jingle is happening at Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Shop from 50 local makers and visit with Santa from 1-3 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 The town of Pacific is having a Winter Wonderland Christmas on the Plaza and Parade holiday event. There will be s’mores, hot cocoa, pictures with Santa and much more. Get more info on Facebook.
Saturday, Dec. 6 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, Dec. 6 Liberty Hall in Washington is hosting The Divines, a Celtic band blending Irish, Old Time, and Americana music. Get tickets and time info.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Downtown Sullivan will have its Christmas Festival and a lighted Parade. Find out more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Riverbend Middle School Craft & Vendor Fair promises to be a festive day of shopping, creativity, and community spirit in Pacific. Browse a wide variety of handmade crafts, unique gifts, home décor, seasonal items, and local vendor products—perfect for getting a head start on your holiday shopping! Enjoy food and fun while supporting our school and local small businesses. All proceeds from booth rentals help support Riverbend Middle School programs and student activities. Get more details.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Head to Union’s City Auditorium for Rock & Roll Bingo. Attendees can bring their own snacks and beverages to this black light bingo night. Find pricing and other details.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Visit with Santa at Sullivan Ace from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more on Facebook.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Meet Santa Claus at Linny’s Kennel in Union. There will be treats for kids as well as canines at the event. Get more info.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Thrive Studio and Events in Sullivan is hosting a Holiday Market & Santa Photos event. Expect hot cocoa, shopping with area vendors, and more. Find all the details.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a Five Can Film Series with a showing of “Elf” this Sunday. 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. *Editorial note: this article originally stated the special showing of “Elf” was on Saturday. The article has been updated to reflect the correct date for the movie. Find out more.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Make an embroidered ornament at Yarn Together in Washington. Registration is required, and all supplies are included in workshop price. Find out more.
Sunday, Dec. 7 St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Washington is having a donuts with Santa event from 10 a.m. – noon. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Weekdays and Weekends in December 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.
Friday, Dec. 5 Head to Augusta for an old fashioned experience at the Christmas Candlelight Walk. Get more info.
Friday, Dec. 5 The town of Salem is having its Christmas parade, and the theme is Candy Cane Lane, with businesses open late after the parade for shopping. Find out more.
Friday, Dec. 5 & Saturday, Dec. 6 Hamilton Holiday Orchard in Rolla will glow with lighted displays every Friday and Saturday evening this holiday season. Learn pricing and more info.
Calling all romance girlies! Download your next binge read like Nerdy Words, book one in The Talk Nerdy to Me Series.
Saturday, Dec. 6 The 2nd Annual Hometown Christmas in Warrenton is the perfect way to slow down and soak in the joy of the holidays with family and friends. There will be a lighted parade, live reindeer, photos with Santa, a Christmas light maze, hot cocoa, and much more. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Christmas in Rosebud will feature fun for all ages, with a petting zoo, tree lighting, parade, face painting, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more. More details.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Head to Owensville High School for a Winter Craft Market. There will be food vendors, music, a visit from Santa, gift wrapping, and more. Find out more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 St. James is having its Christmas Parade, and “Joy to the World” is the theme of the celebration. See Santa, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, and more. Get more info.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Have ice cream for breakfast with Santa Claus at Udderly Moolicious in Warrenton. The menu will feature Belgian waffles topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and other delicious toppings. A photographer will also be onsite to take photos for $15 per family. Learn 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 there’s Ladies Night Out events, ways to give back to the community, craft fairs, and much more.
Thursday, Nov. 6 Head to Dahlia Cafe in Union from 4-8 p.m. for Dine to Donate Night. Whether you dine in or take out, a portion of every purchase will benefit the United Way — helping support vital programs right here in our community. Find more info.
Thursday, Nov. 6 Ace Hardware in Sullivan is hosting a Ladies Night. Catch store-wide sales, giveaways, and more. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 7 The Washington Public Library is hosting a Family Sushi Class. Learn to use a sushi mat, work with sticky rice, and choose your own ingredients (vegetarian options and no raw fish). A fun experience for the whole family. Pre-registration is required.
Friday, Nov. 7 Head to Sullivan to come together as a community and stock the shelves of the Meramec Community Mission. Monetary donations are welcomed as well as food donations. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 7 Glittering Grapevine will be teaching beginner friendly line dancing lessons for free at The Office Bar & Grill in Washington. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 7 Lang-A-Tang Cafe & Catering is hosting a Grand Opening event to celebrate moving into its new home. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Crooked Creek Beef in Pacific is hosting a special Farm & Craft Market. Find local honey, farm fresh eggs, tallow skincare products, fresh sourdough and other baked goods. There will be a bounce house, face painting, games, and more. Get more details.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Head to New Haven for a Chili Supper to benefit the local schools. The event will include food, a kids carnival, raffle, silent auction, and pie auction. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 The 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Show is happening at Immaculate Conception School in Union. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Support local athletes by joining the Pacific Sports Club for their second annual Music Trivia Night and Karaoke. More info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 & Sunday, Nov. 9 Union Middle School is hosting a Craft Fair. Find out more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 Ladies Night at Red Door & Lillian Grace in Rolla will feature special sales, permanent jewelry, appetizers and drinks, and more. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 7 – Sunday, Nov. 9 Experience the best parts of fall one more time at Fall Farewell Fest at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Shop end-of-season pumpkin deals, sip hot cider, and enjoy all your favorite fall activities before saying goodbye to fall and hello to winter fun. Learn more.
Friday, Nov. 7 & Saturday, Nov. 8 Fall Campfire Nights continue at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 November is National Novel Writing Month, and aspiring and established authors will race to complete a 50,000 word novel from Nov. 1 – 30. The Rolla Public Library is hosting Novel November Writer’s Drop In events on Saturdays in November. Get more details.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Smith Valley Event Barn in Salem is hosting a Holiday Market. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at this event that will run from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Meditate with the vision of the wild mustang archetype, a symbol of freedom and resilience, at Mindful Living Coaching’s day retreat in Marthasville. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Downtown Rolla will have a Veterans Day Parade to honor the men and women who have served our country. Learn more.
The Washington Town & Country Fair kicks off this Wednesday, plus there’s other events happening throughout the week, including retreats and classes to help you recharge and manage stress, a free family-friendly movie, and more.
Tuesday, August 5 Do you need to learn some new practical strategies and experiences to help deal with stress and increase mindfulness, positive emotions, optimism, resiliency to stress, coping skills, and self-care for the body, mind, and spirit? Attend the free Taking Care of You class at Scenic Regional Library’s Sullivan Branch. Register here.
Photo via Washington Town & Country Fair’s Facebook.
Wednesday, August 6 – Sunday, August 10 The Washington Town & Country Fair is happening this week! This year the theme is “Summer’s Homecoming” and there’s fun every day of the fair – from livestock shows, carnival rides, food, motorsports, music and entertainment, and more. Learn more.
Wednesday, August 6 Want to learn to crochet? Grab a skein of yarn and a size H 5mm hook and head to DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs in St. Clair for this class. Register here.
Ad purchased by Soul Refresh. Healing mind, body, and soul in WashMO.
Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10 If you’re looking for an opportunity to spend time outdoors, connect with likeminded people, and regulate your nervous system, then you should check out the Rewild & Restore Retreat, a three-day, two-night interactive weekend, happening at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair. This outdoor adventure in nature will focus on nervous system regulation and embracing the elements. Get tickets.
Saturday, August 9 Head to Lang-a-Tang Cafe in New Haven to have breakfast, brunch, or lunch and grab some fresh flowers by Bright Side Blooms at the Flower Pop-Up event from 8 a.m. – noon. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, August 8 Owensville is hosting a series of free, family-friendly movies this summer and fall, with a showing of “The Princess and the Frog” on Friday, August 8. The movie will be shown at Buschman Park in Owensville, and will start at 8 p.m. Find the full list of days and times of each film.
Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design services. “My goal is to make your home your castle.”
Saturday, August 9 If you like sipping wine, delectable barbecue, and family-friendly fun, then you will want to head to St. James to celebrate Prairie Barn Winery’s three years in business. There are festivities happening from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Enjoy music by Bob Kraus from 4 – 6 p.m., Swafftastic BBQ serving up delicious eats, plus wine, yard games, hayrides and more! Find out more.
Saturday, August 9 The town of Salem is having a Wild West Show-deo from noon – 5 p.m. at 465 County Road 2630. The free event includes games, prizes, and food. Get the details.
Saturday, August 9 The Flow at the Spring with Rachel yoga series continues this month at Maramec Spring Park overlook in St. James. The class is at 8 a.m. and is $15. Attendees should bring a towel, yoga mat, and water. Get more information.
Small Town Socialite 