Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, July 28 – August 3, 2025

Although back-to-school time is on the horizon, summer fun activities continue around the area this week. There’s a free concert, it’s the final free drive-in movie of the season, there’s also a free family movie in the gardens of a local winery, plus farmers markets, a back to school safety class, and more.

Tuesday, July 29
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. author Ed Wheatley will be at the Washington Public Library to talk about his book “From St. Louis To Cooperstown: Legends Born and Made in the Gateway City.” The talk and book signing is sponsored by Friends of the Library and Neighborhood Reads.
Learn more.

Thursday, July 31
Catch a free drive-in showing of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” in the Cinema 1 Plus theater’s parking lot in Washington. The movie will start ~30 mins. after sunset. Parking spots with orange cones will be reserved for drive-in moviegoers. When you arrive, move a cone and claim a space.
Learn more.

Photo courtesy of Timothy J. Fancher

Friday, August 1
Parents can attend a free Back To School Safety Community Event at St. Clair Library from 6-7 p.m. Presented by Compassion Healing and Excellence, led by Timothy J. Fancher, MAPT, BA, AS, founder and 4th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate. This verbal seminar is designed to equip parents, older siblings, and concerned adults with tools to teach kids practical alternatives to “Stranger Danger,” de-escalation skills to handle bullies, safety awareness for public and school settings, and ways to make safety engaging for children. Due to direct discussions on street safety, it’s recommended adults attend without younger children to ensure open, focused conversations. Reserve your spot by emailing Tim directly at timothyfancher@gmail.com

Friday, August 1
The City of Union’s next Concert in the Park will feature the music of Kaleidoscope. The fun is going down at the large pavilion at City Park beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Freelance Services business ad
Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design.
“My goal is to make your home your castle.”

Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3
The Villa Ridge Farmers Market takes place on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month at Stacked Coffehouse. Find locally made goods, local produce, meat, food, and of course, coffee from Stacked.
Follow the market’s Facebook page to learn more.

Saturday, August 2
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens on the first and third Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon, in the Elks parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more.

Saturday, August 2
Hear live music performed by the duo Scott and Karl at Triple 3 Vineyards in Washington from 2-5 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, August 3
Get ready for the Washington Town and Country Fair with the WashMO Fair Parade. The parade begins at 4 p.m. at Main and Cedar Streets, traveling East to Jefferson Street. Participants will move South on Jefferson, then West on 5th Street to the Elks Lodge at 1459 W 5th Street. 
Find out more.

Road Trippin’

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

Ad purchased by Soul Refresh. Healing mind, body, and soul in WashMO.

Thursday, July 31
Follow the yellow brick road to Movie Night in The Gardens! Enjoy a timeless classic under the stars at a screening of “The Wizard of Oz” in the beautiful setting of the Gardens at St. James Winery. It’s the perfect night out for the whole family, pets included.
Get more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1073981004063629

Friday, August 1 & Saturday, August 2
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is hosting its Balloon Glowdeo event. It’s part hot air balloon festival, part rodeo, and 100% fun! The event will feature food and drink vendors, live music, a petting zoo, and more.
Purchase tickets online.

Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 3
The Owensville Regional Arts Council presents a stage performance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby.” The play will have three performances, and tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.
Learn more.

Saturday, August 2
Listen to live music and keep cool while doing so at Hot August Night, Cool Cave Music, a summer concert inside Onondaga Cave in Leasburg. Tickets are $30 per person and space is limited.
Find out more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County April 21 – April 27

After a long winter and a rough start to spring, we’re finally moving into that time of year where there’s lots going on, from outdoor events and festivals to trivia and game nights, and much more. Here’s what’s happening around Franklin County this week.

Thursday, April 24
The first Sunset at the Riverfront of the year has arrived and this is your chance to enjoy a family-friendly event filled with music, food, and drinks at the Riverfront in downtown Washington.
Get more details.

Thursday, April 24
Meet St. Louis author, Joan Fernandez at this author event at Neighborhood Reads. Joan’s new book, Saving Vincent tells the true story of how in the early twentieth century, a timid widow—and sister-in-law of Vincent van Gogh—Jo van Gogh takes on the male-dominated art elite.
Event is free, but RSVP to attend.

Friday, April 25
Gather your slightly terrible and more-inappropriate-than-average friends for a Cards Against Humanity tournament at Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge. Teams of up to 4-6 for will battle until the bitter end with prizes throughout the night.
Get the ticket link and more details.

Friday, April 25
Belt out your favorite tunes at Sip on Main’s karaoke night. The fun is going down inside the establishment’s event room. 
Find out more by visiting the bar’s Facebook page.

Friday, April 25
The WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with music and the BBQ & Brews Tasting event.
Get all the details.

Friday, April 25
The first Union Farmers Market of the season is this week! Drop by the market (at the lower parking lot near the sports fields at ECC), from 4 to 7 p.m. and shop local vendors, farmers, and food provided by Hot Tamales.
Learn more.

Saturday, April 26
Celebrate Independent Book Store Day at Neighborhood Reads in Washington! This event will include food, coffee, giveaways, story time, and more. 
Visit Neighborhood Reads on Facebook to learn more

Photo via Neighborhood Reads’ Facebook page.

Saturday, April 26
Drop by the cafeteria at New Haven Elementary School to peruse area vendors, makers, and get a bite to eat. Food will be provided by Lang-a-Tang Cafe, and attendees will have the chance to purchase homemade baked goods, sourdough, and items like t-shirts, lanyards, and more.
Get the details on Facebook.

Saturday, April 26
The WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest continues from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Find the full schedule of music and more.

Saturday, April 26
The third annual P-Town Pub Crawl is happening in Pacific. This ticketed events grants you access to a shuttle that will take you to the eight different establishments taking a part in the crawl.
Find out more.

Saturday, April 26
Fass Motorsports is hosting Dyno Day, and attendees can watch dozens of trucks hit the dyno, enjoy some food, and check out the show room! This event features a free truck show, free food and drinks, and dozens of rowdy diesel trucks. 
Find out more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, April 26
The St. Clair VFW is hosting a craft fair as well as an egg hunt. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the egg hunt happening at 10 a.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, April 27
The final day of WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest begins at 10 a.m. and wraps up at 4 p.m.
Learn more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County Feb. 3 – Feb 16, 2025

Normally I only share a week’s worth of events each week, but with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this post featuring Franklin County events will run for about two weeks, through the holiday weekend.

And, as a reminder, if you want to know what events are coming up in advance, be sure to check out the calendar here on the website. It’s located on the right side of the home page when viewing on desktop, or scroll to the bottom of the home page to find the calendar when viewing the website on your mobile device.

Tuesday, Feb. 4
Drop in to The Washington Coffee Shop from 8 to 9 a.m. for Coffee With a Cop. The event offers a chance to get to the know officers in your neighborhood, ask questions, or voice concerns.
More details.

Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Thursday, Feb. 6
Regan Caruthers, author of Tragic Magic, will speak about the transformative power of cultivating an inner life at Liberty Hall in Washington. Drawing from her personal journey and themes in her memoir, Regan will share insights on connecting with higher wisdom, embracing divine love, and fostering profound healing.
Learn more and grab your ticket.

Thursday, Feb. 6
Dine to Donate, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Johnny’s Restaurant in Union. The eatery will donate a percentage of sales towards assisting Union Police Officer Kevin Williams, who was involved in an on-duty accident, and the Williams Family, at no extra cost to guests. 
Find out more.

Thursday, Feb. 6
The Tipsy Keg will rearrange the tables in its dining area to make room for a dance floor. From 6 to 9 p.m. stop in to line dance, or just sit back with your drink of choice and watch others boogie. 
Find out more.

Photo credit: via The Tipsy Keg’s Facebook

Friday, Feb. 7
Scenic Regional Library’s Pacific Branch is hosting a local art show. This hour long evening event is free to attend and is co-hosted with amazing local artist Rex Batson.
Find out more.

Saturday, Feb. 8
Held at The Historic John B Busch Brewery Event Center in Washington, the Chicken & Beer Dance promises an evening of good music, dancing, and tasty food! Shotgun Creek will perform live, while the venue will provide some fried chicken. Guests should bring sides for their table to enjoy. No outside drinks are allowed, but the bar will be open. Get all the details and tickets.

Saturday, Feb. 8 
Support a local American Legion while having fun playing bingo! Win prizes during the game and join in a glow dance party after bingo. All proceeds from this ticketed event benefit the Union American Legion Post 297 and local community causes. 
Find out more and get tickets.

Saturday, Feb. 8
Create an adorable planter that will include a vining succulent plant growing into a heart shape. A staff member will lead this class and help you with planting and care tips. 
Find out more and reserve your place.

Photo credit: via Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist’s Facebook

Sunday, Feb. 9
Cheer on your favorite team at a Super Bowl BBQ event! Enjoy pork steaks, half-chickens, and wings prepared by area grill masters and side makers at Washington Lions Club.
Find more information and ticket pricing.

Wednesday, Feb. 12
Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair is offering a mid-week Valentine’s Dinner. The four-course menu features an appetizer, soup, entree, and dessert selection, along with a cocktail made by your sweetie! Two seatings are offered, at 5 and 7 p.m. Reservations are required.
Find out more.

Photo credit: via Blondie’s Breezeway Kitchen & Cocktail’s Facebook

Thursday, Feb. 13
The St. Clair Elks Lodge is hosting an Artmazing Valentine’s Paint Nite event. Receive step-by-step guidance during the entire painting process and go home with a finished painting. 
Get tickets and find out more.

Thursday, Feb. 13 – Saturday, Feb. 15
Oak & Front Kitchen + Bar is hosting a multi-course prix fixe menu just in time for Valentine’s Day. The special menus are perfect for couples or friends celebrating Galentine’s, and are taking place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with two seatings each day. 
Space is limited, reserve your spot.

Friday, Feb. 14
The Tipsy Keg is hosting a special Valentine’s Dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m., as well as an Anti-Valentine’s Party Night beginning at 9 p.m.
Find out more details about each event.

Saturday, Feb. 15
Liberty Hall’s Cultural Center will be the site for a fun, Valentine’s weekend themed movie event.  Guests can take in a private showing of the movie “50 First Dates” on the big screen while enjoying drinks and a four-course meal inspired by cuisine in the film. Food provided by The Nest Cafe. 
Learn more and grab tickets

Sunday, Feb. 16
Don your most festive, Wonderland-inspired attire and attend the Mad Hatter’s High Tea at Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge. The ticketed event includes a four-course tea service, a grazing table, activities, and a prize for best dressed. 
Get tickets.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County Jan. 20 – Jan. 26, 2025

Here’s a few things that are happening around Franklin County over the next week.

Wednesday, Jan. 22
The Franklin County Silent Book Club is hosting its monthly meeting at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar in Washington. The event is open to all, since attendees can bring a book of their choosing and join fellow readers at the coffee shop. Attendees are asked to purchase a beverage before sitting down to read in companionable silence. After the designated reading time, there’s an opportunity to chat with others in attendance, or continue reading.
Find the event time and venue address.

Thursday, Jan. 23
Whether you want to brush up on your moves, or are a line dancing novice, you’re invited to attend the line dancing class at the Tri-County Community Senior Center in Pacific. The class is free, but donations are appreciated.
Learn more.

Saturday, Jan. 25
Put on your dancing shoes and head to the VFW Post 2661 in Washington to attend the Wash MO Blues Society’s Membership Appreciation Ball. All are welcome to attend the society’s annual membership appreciation, which will feature live music by the Jeremiah Johnson Band.
Get all the details.

Photo via Wash MO Blues Society’s Facebook event

Saturday, Jan. 25
The Pacific Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual dueling pianos show and dinner event, Pianos for a Purpose, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Tri-County Community Senior Center’s parking lot project. Ticket price includes dinner and the piano show, and a cash bar will also be available at the event.
Purchase tickets and get all the details.

Sunday, Jan. 26
Coffee lovers won’t want to miss the tasting event at Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge, starting at 9 a.m. Attendees will try coffee blends that are perfectly paired with a grazing board designed to elevate the coffee flavors. Find out more and purchase tickets.

Photo via Stacked Coffeehouse’s Coffee Tasting event