Tag: Shaw Nature Reserve

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri June 1 – June 14, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

According to the calendar, the first official day of summer hasn’t arrived just yet, but our upcoming local events just scream summer. Community fairs begin this week and continue throughout the month of June, plus there’s lots of summer film series happening at area theaters, ice cream socials, rodeos, and cars shows over the next two weeks.

Adding to the summer vibes around here, there’s community markets, free outdoor concerts, festivals and community picnics, as well as free crafting events, and a lot more.

As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.

Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.

Various dates and times
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a few special movie events throughout the summer. There are kid films series that are $2 a viewing, as well as a flashback cinema series, which offer a second chance to catch a classic flick on the big screen.
Find out more on Facebook.

Various dates and times
Great 8 Cinema in Union and Sullivan 6 Cinema are also featuring a special kids summer film series that kicks off mid-May and runs through late August. Additionally, the admission is $2, and there are $5 value combos available.
Get details on Facebook.

Thursday, June 4
The Music on Main concert series in Union continues this week from 6-9 p.m. The concert happens at Hansen Park and will feature food and drinks available for purchase from Tribal Crunch and Elmer’s Bar and live music by Country Roads.
Learn more.

Thursday, June 4
Washington Public Library is hosting a free event called Get in Touch with a Dinosaur, at 6 p.m.
Find out more.

Thursday, June 4
Find fresh, locally grown produce and food made with local ingredients at Pinckney Bend Distillery in New Haven. Avant Gardens CSA will be onsite selling produce from 4-6 p.m.
More details.

Friday, June 5
American Street Edge Self-Defense Systems in St. Clair is hosting a women’s street safety awareness and self-defense seminar from 6-8:15 p.m. This seminar is for females ages 13 and up, and space is limited.
Learn more.

Friday, June 5
The Washington Historical Society is hosting its annual Ice Cream Social beginning at 4 p.m. Enjoy free ice cream, games, contests, and raffles, as well as barbecue available for purchase.
Get more info.

Friday, June 5
Bring your lawn chairs to Union’s Concert in the Park, happening at the large pavilion at the City Park. The event will feature music by Daddy Rooster.
Visit the Parks & Rec Dept on Facebook for more details.

Friday, June 5 & Saturday, June 6
The Mid Missouri Rodeo Association is coming to the St. Clair Saddle Club. The event will have bull-riding, barrel and bronc racing, pole bending, and many more family-fun events.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 6
Gentle Giants Ranch in Union is hosting a barn sale and open house from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Find horse and barn items for sale, as well as have the opportunity to meet horses, learn more about the facility, and the programs and events hosted by Gentle Giants Ranch.
Find out more.

Saturday, June 6
The Missouri Wine and Cheese Festival is happening at McKelvey Vineyards from 12-8 p.m. Hear live music, find local goods, plus sample artisanal meats, spirits, wine, and cheeses from local makers.
Get more details.

Saturday, June 6
Head to Grant Station Park in Union for free train rides, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 6
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens on the first and third Saturday of each month in the St. Clair Elks Lodge parking lot. Stop by between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. to shop from local farms, cottage bakers, crafters, and other vendors.
Get more info.

Saturday, June 6
East Central College in Union is the site of a free stargazing event, beginning at dusk. Bring your own lawn chair and any star-viewing items like binoculars or telescopes.
Find out more.

Saturday, June 6
Front Street is the site of the Labadie Picnic in Labadie. The event begins with a parade at 1 p.m. and the fun goes until 11 p.m. Expect live music, games, family fun, food, and patriotic celebrations.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 6
The Pacific Lions is having a trivia event to help raise funds for purchasing a wheelchair accessible ramp for the building entrance.
Find out more.

Sunday, June 7
Bethel Hills Community is having an open house from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Head to the community located near Marthasville for live music, food, community tours, and shop from a variety of vendors.
Get more info.

Sunday, June 7
The Open Lake Day at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair is happening from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For just $10 per person, you can access the lake and other amenities at Lost Hill Lake.
Purchase tickets and learn more.

Sunday, June 7
Classic cars will line the streets of Downtown Union for the annual White Rose Cruz-N-26, from 12-3 p.m.
Learn more.

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Tuesday, June 9
Make a cute dinosaur themed terrarium at Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch. The Jurassic Jars program is free to attend and begins at 6 p.m.
Find out more.

Tuesday, June 9
The monthly Crafting & Creativity event at the Washington Public Library is happening at 6 p.m. This month’s craft is creating a 4th of July garland.
Learn more.

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.

Thursday, June 11
Listen to free live music at the Music at the Market event at the Washington Farmers Market, from 5-8 p.m., with live music by Rockin’ Lazy R Roadhouse Band, food available for purchase by Sugarfire Smokehous, and drinks by Triple 3 Vineyard.
Find out more.

Friday, June 12
The free Sunset on the Rails concert series continues this month in Pacific, with live music by Twist of Fate. The concert begins at 6 p.m. and attendees should bring their lawn chairs and settle in for an evening of lively tunes.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 13
Celebrate 100 years of Route 66 with the Route 66 Centennial Car Cruise-In, held by the St. Clair Historical Museum and Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch. The celebration begins in the morning and runs throughout the day and will feature talks about the significance of Route 66 in the area, plus live music and food from Bob & Pat’s BBQ, and of course, classic cars.
Get all the details.

Saturday, June 13
The Sullivan Community Market at Muddy Banks Brewing begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. Find handmade goods, local produce, and more.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 13
Attend the Bluegrass and Country Festival at Point Labaddie Brewery. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the fun starts at noon. Tickets are $15 per person, with proceeds benefiting Community Radio St. Louis.
Find out more.

Saturday, June 13
Head to The Club House and Play Cafe in Sullivan for a fun Father’s Day event featuring open play, massages for dad, and Father’s Day card crafts for the kids.
Get more info.

Saturday, June 13
Frisco Farmhouse in Catawissa is hosting a special Father’s Day Farmers Market from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Find unique gifts for dad made by local vendors, with products like tallow soap, meat products, sweets, sourdough, local honey, and more.
Find out more.

Saturday, June 13
Bethel Hills Community is having an Ice Cream Social event from 1-3 p.m. The public is welcome, but RSVP is requested for planning.
RSVP and learn more.

Sunday, June 14
Meramec State Park in Sullivan is offering free fishing for those who served in the armed services at the Veteran’s Fishing Day event.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Multiple dates from June – August
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is having Camp Brookdale, a summer camp event for kids. This screen-free day camp event will give kids an outdoor, adventure themed experience all summer long.
Learn more.

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.

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.

Friday, June 5 & Saturday, June 6
Rodeo at the Riverbend at Brookdale Farms in Eureka is a two night event that features a professional rodeo competition, an outdoor concert, food, and plenty of fun for the whole family. Whether you attend for the action in the arena or just soaking in a perfect summer evening at the farm, there’s something for everyone.
Learn more and get tickets.

Saturday, June 6
Step back into history with a guided tour of The Historic Daniel Boone Home in Defiance. Experience an educational and inspiring journey through the lives of Daniel and Rebecca Boone as you explore what life was like on the early American frontier.
Find out more.

Friday, June 12 – Sunday, June 14
Take your pup to Defiance for the town’s Dog Days of Defiance celebration. Find live music and specials at area restaurants, most of which have patios that are pet friendly.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 13
Noboleis Vineyards is having a Films in the Vines outdoor movie event with a viewing of Jane Austen’s romance, “Pride and Prejudice.” There’s no cost for entry, but bring blankets and the winery will have the popcorn, candy, and wine ready.
Get more info.

Saturday, June 13
Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of free night sky viewing events. This month’s event begins at 9 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, June 14
Volksfest (people’s festival) will be held at the Harmonie Verein from 4-7 p.m. in Augusta. The annual family-friendly festival will feature an authentic German dinner of grilled fresh sausage from Williams Brothers, warm pretzels, homemade pickles, fermented sauerkraut, German potato salad, and more. Harmonie bar will be available for drink purchases. Admission price is by donation, with all proceeds going back to the museum.
Get more info.

Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri May 18 – May 31, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

This event post is a little different than the typical event roundup. With summer coming I’m switching things up and posting event articles every two weeks. I know that summer schedules tend to get busier and people want to see what’s happening a bit further out, so I hope the every two week articles will help!

Memorial Day weekend is summer’s official kickoff and the holiday celebrations in our area range from a Memorial Day themed market, parades and services, and an open lake day at Lost Hill Lake. This week there’s also Music on Main in Union, line dancing in Washington, and a food drive event called Popsicles with Paramedics.

The week following Memorial Day has a little bit of something for everyone, like Sunset on the Riverfront in WashMo, Route 66 BBQ and Bluegrass festival in Pacific, as well as the annual Fireman’s Picnic in Gerald, plus 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.

Throughout May
Vero Fitness in Pacific is having its annual free week, allowing non-members access to the gym and group fitness classes, throughout the entire month of May. There’s special events, group fitness classes, and more happening all month.
Get more details.

Various dates and times
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a few special movie events throughout the month and into the summer. There are kid films series that are $2 a viewing, as well as a flashback cinema series, which offer a second chance to catch a classic flick on the big screen.
Find out more on Facebook.

Various dates and times
Great 8 Cinema in Union and Sullivan 6 Cinema are also featuring a special kids summer film series that kicks off mid-May and runs through late August. Additionally, the admission is $2, and $5 value combos.
Get details on Facebook.

Tuesday, May 19
Head to St. Clair for a handmade card making class from 12-4 p.m.
Learn more.

Thursday, May 21
Meramec Ambulance District is excited to host its annual Popsicles with Paramedics, and this year it’s a food drive to support local families in need. Come out, meet your local paramedics, enjoy some fun activities, and cool off with a popsicle while making a difference in our community. The event will have bounce houses, ambulance tours, popcorn, slushies, plus collecting donations for Agape Help House in Pacific.
Check out the details.

Thursday, May 21
Hansen Park in Union will host its next Music on Main event featuring live music by Denver Wade Trent, food and drinks by Hagies 19, and treats from Boxcar Express.
Get all the info.

Friday, May 22
Take part in a free line dancing class at The Office Bar & Grill in Washington from 7-10 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 23
Frisco Farms in Catawissa is hosting a Memorial Day themed market from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Shop from a variety of vendors, including honey, antiques, farm fresh goods, and much more.
Get more details.

Saturday, May 23
Robertsville State Park is hosting a Birds, Bees, and Blossoms Fest from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This free event will feature a presentation by World Bird Sanctuary,  as well as arts and crafts tables, local vendors, nonprofit organizations, and educational booths, all related to our native plants and wildlife.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 23
The Sullivan Community Market is happening at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan. Stop by from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and shop from local growers, producers, and craft vendors.
Get more info.

Sunday, May 24
Enjoy live music by Cruisin’ 66 Bass, wine, and bites at Triple 3 Vineyard from 2-5 p.m.
Learn more.

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Monday, May 25
Head to Union for the Union American Legion’s Memorial Day parade, service, and meal event. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m., with service at 11 a.m., and the meal to follow. Choose from fried chicken or pork steak, along with a number of sides, and dessert.
Learn more.

Monday, May 25
Washington’s Memorial Day observance will be held at American Legion Post 218’s Home. The program starts at 10 a.m.
Get more details.

Monday, May 25
Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair is having it’s first Open Lake Day of the season from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Open Lake Day is your chance to relax, play, and enjoy everything Lost Hill Lake has to offer—no reservations needed.
Learn more.

Wednesday, May 27
The Franklin County Silent Book Club is happening at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar from 5:30-7 p.m. Bring your own book and read in silence for an hour, with the final 30 minutes of the event dedicated to chatting with others or continued reading on your own.
Find out more.

Thursday, May 28
The monthly Sunset on the Riverfront is happening from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and drinks.
Get more info.

Friday, May 29-Sunday, May 31
The second annual Route 66 BBQ and Bluegrass is happening in Pacific all weekend. Head to Liberty Field for live music, tasty barbecue, kids activities, and more.
Get more info.

Friday, May 29
Shaw Nature Reserve is hosting a curated tasting experience where botanicals inspire every sip at the Flora Flights event.
Purchase tickets and find out more.

Saturday, May 30
The annual Gerald Fireman’s Picnic is happening at Legion Park, beginning at 11 a.m. Enjoy live music, fireman challenge games, concessions, bingo, and more.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 30
Support young entrepreneurs and quench your thirst at the Kids Lemonade Stand Contest at Once Worn in Union from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, May 30
Wagon Days is free family fun at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union. Spend a day with rescued ranch animals, take a wagon ride through the 165-acre facility, enjoy food and beverages are available for sale, or pack your own picnic lunch.
More info.

Sunday, May 31
Triple 3 Vineyard is hosting River Valley Co. for a DIY Hat Bar. If you’ve ever wanted a one-of-a-kind custom hat, this is your chance to create it. River Valley Co. is incredibly talented and brings a wide variety of accessories and details to help you design a hat that’s perfectly you.
Get more info.

Sunday, May 31
Find homemade sourdough, authentic tamales, handmade soaps, honey, plants, custom jewelry, and more at the Kaleidoscope Farmers Market & Craft Fair in Pacific beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Friday, May 22
Marthasville City Park will host a free concert from 7:30-10 p.m. featuring the music of The Silver Rain Band.
Learn more.

Friday, May 29-Saturday, May 30
Maramec Spring Park in St. James is the home of Folky Fish Fest, a two-day celebration of music, arts, craft and food vendors, workshops and so much more.
Get more details.

Friday, May 29
Gather the family, including your furry friends, for a night of fun in the beautiful Gardens at St. James Winery with a showing of the animated film “Cars.”
More info.

Saturday, May 30-Sunday, May 31
The 573 Vintage Market is happening two days at Linn Lions Club Fairgrounds. Find your newest vintage treasure at this event featuring area vendors.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 30
If you love Bourbon, whiskey, or other spirits, then you’ll want to head to Augusta for the Missouri Spirit Festival from 3-7 p.m.
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!

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County April 7 – April 13

Posted on by Amanda

Easter is getting closer and there’s lots of egg hunts happening throughout Franklin County. There’s also a trail run, karaoke, and even an Easter event for dogs! Check out all that’s going on this week.

Tuesday, April 8
Bad Beats Dance Class is a fun way to get fit. This hour-long class will feature a blend of music genres and decades such as music from the 90s to present day, with dance moves that encompass Latin, jive, country, hip-hop, and more. Register for the class at badbeatsdf.com

Wednesday, April 9
Every Wednesday is Karaoke Night at The Tipsy Keg. Belt out your favorite song, enjoy flash sales and drinks specials, plus happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. Kitchen is open until 9pm!
Find out more.

Thursday, April 10
Head to the St. Clair Elks Lodge for an Artmazing Paint Nite event, open to teens and up. Unleash your inner artist to create your very own Celtic Trinity Tree. The process will be guided by talented instructor Diana. Enjoy beverages and limited bar food, available separately for cash purchase.
Get all the details, plus the ticket link.

Friday, April 11
Take a break from dyeing eggs and stuffing baskets with candy to join First Christian Church of Washington for an unforgettable Easter experience complete with fun, games, and music! Easter Jam is a FREE, fun, memorable, family-centered celebration around the Easter story.
Learn more and register.

Photo via the Easter Jam Facebook event page.

Friday, April 11
Get ready for an egg-citing evening of adventure at the Teen Easter Egg Hunt at Pacific City Park. Round up your friends and head to the park for an after-dark egg hunt where you’ll have the chance to win awesome prizes! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time hunter, this event is guaranteed to be a blast. Tickets are $10.
Get more details and the ticket link at this Facebook event.

Friday, April 11
Belt out your favorite tunes at Sip on Main’s karaoke night. The fun is going down at the establishment’s event room. 
Find out more by visiting the bar’s Facebook page. 

Friday, April 11
The Legacy Leadership Foundation will host its annual prom event at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center. This celebration is for area homeschool high school students, as well as their parents. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:15 p.m. After dinner, there will be dancing and the event will have a DJ, a photo booth, and snacks. At 9:30 p.m., Seniors will be honored and have their senior/parent dance. 
Find out more and get the ticket link.

Saturday, April 12
Keep the trail miles rolling in 2025 with your choice of a 10k or 20k Trail Run through one of eastern Missouri’s most beautiful locales, the Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit. The 10k loop course features a little bit of everything trail running has to offer: from grass meadows to gravel hiking paths, rocky single-track to dirt roads, steep cliffs to rolling hills, and even a boardwalk above a lily-filled lake! Tackle it twice if you feel like doing the 20k! 
Find out more and purchase tickets. 

Saturday, April 12
This Easter Egg Hunt is free and welcome to all without registration.
For children ages 1-10. Hunt begins at 9 a.m. sharp. The hunt takes place on the midway soccer field at the Fairgrounds in Washington. Parking is in front of the Amphitheater. Eggs will be hidden in the field and children will be grouped according to age. Don’t forget to bring your baskets!
Learn more.

Saturday, April 12
Sisterchicks Flowers featuring Goddess Gowns invites you to customize your own unique corsage, boutonniere, or bouquet to make prom night even more unforgettable! Attendees can enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments as designers guide you through pre-ordering the PERFECT prom accessory.
Learn more.

Saturday, April 12
Franklin County Sports Club (FCSC) is excited to host its first-ever Open House at the Union Library! This is a special event to bring our community together and introduce its board of directors, coaches, and club leadership. Learn about FCSC’s mission, vision, and values, discover its goals for growing soccer in Franklin County, get details on sponsorship opportunities and how you can support our young athletes, hear all about the June tryouts and plans to kick off the inaugural season in August 2025. 
Get more details.

Saturday, April 12
The City of St. Clair is hosting a community Easter Egg Hunt at Orchard Park. The hunt begins at 11 a.m. There will be complimentary water, hot dogs, and chips donated by First Baptist St. Clair, while supplies last.
Find out more by visiting this Facebook post.

Photo via City of St. Clair Facebook page.

Saturday, April 12
Come visit with the Easter Bunny then hunt over 6,000 eggs at the Harney Mansion in Sullivan. This free event starts promptly at 11 a.m. Age divisions are 1-3, 4-7 & 8-12. Adults can only assist in the 1-3 division. 
Get more details at the Facebook event.

Saturday, April 12
New Haven’s annual short film festival is happening at The Walt. Attendees will watch a series of short films throughout the festival and then the audience will vote for their favorite films once all films have been viewed. Concessions and drinks are available for purchase at event. Downtown New Haven offers several local places to eat and drink before or after the film fest.
Purchase tickets.

Sunday, April 13
This ticketed Easter event includes dog treat filled eggs scattered around 3 yards for your hound to track down! Bring your pups dressed in their best Easter outfits! There will be an egg hunt, photos with the Easter bunny, and a booth with Puppy Pals Pet Shop set up with goodies, treats, and Easter pet wear. Find out more and get the ticket link.