Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Nov. 10 – Nov. 16, 2025

This week there’s Veterans Day Celebrations, opportunities to get crafty, and Ladies Nights galore! Check out these events and others below.

Monday, Nov. 10
The Sullivan Branch of Scenic Regional Library is having a Native American Story Telling event from 6-7 p.m. This presentation focuses on traditional stories told primarily by Choctaw, Cherokee, and Delaware Nations/tribes. Pre-registration is required to attend.
Register here.

Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025

Tuesday, Nov. 11
The Tipsy Keg in Washington is honoring those who served with its Veterans Day Celebration. The event will feature free meals and haircuts for vets, along with a “Cheers to Our Heroes” Coaster Campaign, where guests can grab a special coaster and write a heartfelt thank-you note for veterans.
Find out more.

Tuesday, Nov. 11
The public is welcome to stop by the American Legion Post 218 in Washington for its Veterans Day Ceremony.
Get more information.

Thursday, Nov. 13
R & R Ace in St. Clair is hosting its annual Ladies Night, an evening full of samples, drinks, and surprises. Enjoy 20% off storewide (10% off Power Tools), sip on boozy slush samples, taste small batch salsas, try out some unique dips, grab a specialty drink from the Poppy & Co drink truck, explore gift recommendations, and more.
Learn more.

Thursday, Nov. 13
The final Music on Main of the season is happening at Hansen Park in Union. Enjoy live music by Tobey Fisher, with food available for purchase from Ramblin’ Rooster food truck and drinks by Sip on Main.
Get more info.

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Friday, Nov. 14
The Washington Public Library is having a Gilmore Girls Craft-a-Thon. Attendees will have an opportunity to watch episodes of the iconic TV show and craft. Attendees can bring their own crafts to work on, or choose from a number of crafts with supplies provided by the library as well as coffee and mugs to take home.
Get the details.

Friday, Nov. 14
Head to Vero Fitness in Pacific for Ladies Night. Shop local vendors, enjoy snacks and beverages, and an evening of good vibes and fun.
Find out more.

Friday, Nov. 14
Glittering Grapevine is offering line dancing at McKelvey Vineyards from 5 – 8 p.m. Join in on this beginner friendly evening of dancing.
Learn more.

Friday, Nov. 14
Head to The Tipsy Keg in Washington from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. to celebrate Friendsgiving. The event will include drink specials, music, and guests are encouraged to bring a canned good item. Each canned good donated will secure you one raffle entry.
Get the details.

Friday, Nov. 14
Take a wreath & candle making workshop at Andy’s Produce Too in Union’s Back Home location (U.S. 50). Registration required.
Register here.

Saturday, Nov. 15
The annual Downtown Washington’s Does Day Out is a day of patronizing local businesses. This year nearly two dozen businesses will have something special or on sale for this one-day event.
Learn more.

Saturday, Nov. 15
McKelvey Vineyards is hosting a Does Day Out. This ticketed event includes mimosas and brunch, live music, wine tastings, local vendors, games, raffles, and more.
Advance tickets $25 or $30 at door.

Saturday, Nov. 15
Head to Pacific for the 4th Annual Pizza, Puzzle, and Beer Competition. Gather your crew of 4 and be the first to finish a custom made 500+ puzzle, devour an extra large pizza and drink 18 beers.
Find out more.

Saturday, Nov. 15
There will be a downtown Christmas Market in Sullivan. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping and find curated crafts and gifts.
More info.

Sunday, Nov. 16
Johnny’s Restaurant in Union is hosting a Christmas Ladies Night from 4-8 p.m. There will be opportunities to sip, shop, and get prizes. Be sure to wear your Ugly Sweater!
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Tuesday, Nov. 11
Veterans are encouraged to drop by Main St. Real Estate in Washington for free coffee and donuts provided by Travelin’ Tom’s from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Learn more.

Thursday, Nov. 13
The Outfield Bar & Grill in Marthasville is hosting a Thanksgiving Paint & Sip event. Preregistration required to attend, and attendees receive $5 off their food/drink orders.
Register and find out more.

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Friday, Nov. 14
St. James Winery is hosting a Holiday Cheers Cocktail Workshop. Attendees will mix, sip, and savor three holiday-inspired cocktails, enjoy a charcuterie grazing board, and take home recipe cards to recreate the cocktails at home this holiday season.
Limited spots available, learn more and register.

Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16
Lange General Store in Steelville is hosting a weekend shopping event for ladies. While the men hunt, head to the store in downtown Steelville for deals, with everything in the store marked down 20-50%.
Find out more.

Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16
Mary’s Country Store and Antique’s in Cuba will have a weekend shopping event with discounts found throughout the store.
Get more info.

Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16
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.

Saturday, Nov. 15
Stop by St. James Winery for a relaxed afternoon of holiday cheer, shopping, and sipping. Enjoy complimentary mulled wine samples, fresh-baked holiday cookies, beautifully curated holiday gift boxes, special in-store discounts, and more.
Get more info.

Sunday, Nov. 16
The Outfield Bar & Grill in Marthasville is hosting an indoor Craft Fair from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Find unique and hand-made gifts for that special person on your shopping list!
Find out more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, Oct. 20-26, 2025

There’s a lot going on this week including live music, Halloween and fall festivals continue, as well as Octoberfest events and more. This article contains a handful of the Halloween events like trunk-or-treats and adult events, but if you’re looking for a complete list of Halloween events, you’ll find that in my dedicated Halloween events post which lists events happening through Nov. 2. You can find that article here.

Tuesday, Oct. 21
Head to East Central College for a fun, family-friendly showing of the movie “Hocus Pocus.” A suggested donation of $5 (to benefit United Way).
Learn more.

Photo via ECC Foundation’s Facebook post

Tuesday, Oct. 21
Coconut Grove boutique in downtown Washington is hosting a Christmas Open House. Get an early start on your holiday shopping, while enjoying a Christmas cocktail made by an Oak & Front bartender.
Get more information.

Tuesday, Oct. 21
The Washington Public Library is hosting a Cell Salts for Everyday Wellness workshop. Discover how Schuessler’s cell salts can be a simple, natural way to support your body year-round—from energy and sleep to digestion and immune balance, as well as emotional balance. Join Rebecca Feltmann, BSN, RN, Classical Homeopath & Holistic Health Astrologer, for an empowering and practical introduction to using cell salts at home.
Register for the class.

Wednesday, Oct. 22
The Franklin County Silent Book Club is hosting its monthly meeting at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar in Washington. Bring your book of choice, order a beverage, and sit and read in companionable silence, followed by a short period dedication to conversation, or continued reading.
Learn more.

Thursday, Oct. 23
The next Music on Main event in Union will feature the music of Claudia Rose, with food and drinks available for purchase by Pasta House.
More info.

Thursday, Oct. 23
Union better prepare for some Witches on the Loose! Grab your girlies and take part in this spooky season GNO. Dress in your favorite witch garb and enjoy a themed cocktail by Sip on Main, dance to music, and dine on food from a food truck. 
Visit Andy’s on Facebook for updates!

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Thursday, Oct. 23
Soul Refresh in Washington is hosting a Make Your Own Salad Jar event. Attendees should bring their own Mason jars, salad toppings, and dressing, while Soul Refresh will provide the greens and guide you in the best practices for creating these healthy on-the-go meals.
RSVP required for this event.

Friday, Oct. 24
Head to Union for the Halloween Boo Bash, which will be the city’s annual Trunk or Treat event happening at Union City Park.
Get more info.

Friday, Oct. 24
Get in some line dancing at “The Office” Bar & Grill in Washington from 6 – 9 p.m., and the evening is beginner-friendly, since there will be lessons all night.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 25
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington will wrap up their Halloween-themed free drive-in movie series with a showing of “Beetlejuice.” Arrive early, as the parking spots are first come, first served.
Get more info.

Saturday, Oct. 25
The public is invited to a free Harvest Festival held at Canaan Land Ministries in St. Clair. The event will feature food, candy, a bonfire, hayrides, and more.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 25
The Washington Farmers Market is the site of the town’s annual Pumpkin Palooza event. Expect a full of family fun like pony rides, story time, a balloon artist, baking and costume contests, trick-or-treating, and more.
Get the full scoop.

Saturday, Oct. 25
Downtown Union transforms into a haunted haven for Scare on the Square! Enjoy a pop-up scary movie, haunted hayride, spooky vendors, food trucks, and drinks for the brave. This year’s event is geared toward teens and adults—come for the scares, stay for the thrills!
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 25
The Gerald Lion’s Club is hosting a Trunk or Treat from 5-7 p.m. on Main Street in Gerald. There will also be free hot dogs while they last and $2 s’mores kits to make your own over the firepit.
Get the details.

Saturday, Oct. 25
The public is invited to the lower parking lot adjacent to the fields at ECC for a stargazing event that begins at dusk. Stargazing cancelled if overly cloudy, precipitation, or under freezing conditions.
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 25
Bommarito Cellars in New Haven is having a multi-course fall dinner on its sunset patio. Wines and drinks curated by the winery’s resident sommelier. Each course has hints of fall with a wine perfectly matched to enhance your culinary experience. Tickets are $50 per person and an be purchased online.
Learn more.

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Saturday, Oct. 25
Starting at 6 p.m., the speakeasy comes alive at Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge in Washington. Wear your flapper dresses, pearls, pinstripes, and fedoras, and enjoy exclusive drink specials, whiskey flights, and prohibition-inspired cocktails. Snack foods will also be available to keep the night rolling. Expect good company, live music, elevated drinks, and just a touch of mystery. Password is…Eight Nine Eight.
Find out more.

Sunday, Oct. 26
Head to the Knights of Columbus in Union for the Annual History Fair. Attendees can visit with local history and genealogy related vendors from Franklin County and the surrounding area.
Get more details.

Sunday, Oct. 26
The Opera House of Pacific is hosting live music performed by Backstreet Cruisers. The event is from 2-5 p.m. and the entry fee is $15 per person.
Learn more.

Sunday, Oct. 26
The Garage Bar in Treloar is having a Trunk or Treat in its parking lot. The treating begins at 2:30 p.m., and the establishment will also offer food and drink specials.
Find more on Facebook.

Sunday, Oct. 26
The Washington Police Department will host its annual First Responder Trunk or Treat event at the Washington Fairgrounds from 2-4 p.m.
Learn more.

Sunday, Oct. 26
Kaleidoscope Consignment in Pacific is hosting its last farmer’s market and craft fair of 2025, and the theme is Christmas. Find local artisans and crafters selling their goodies, and find local honey, handmade jewelry, delicious food, sourdough, and more.
Get more info.

Sunday, Oct. 26
Hangout Entertainment in St. Clair is hosting a Trunk or Treat from 4-6 p.m.
RSVP by messaging the establishment on Facebook.

Sunday, Oct. 26
The Sullivan Skating Rink will be the site of NTBC’s Fall Festival. The event will feature devotion and fellowship, food, and skating.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Tuesday, Oct. 21
CDR Naturals Health Food Store in Bourbon is hosting a free seminar on adrenal fatigue and how to fix it. Space is limited and registration is required to attend.
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Oct. 25
Happening every weekend in October, Hermann Oktoberfest features beer, food, music, games, and more.
Get all the details.

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Friday, Oct. 24 – Saturday, Oct. 25
Step Into The Hollows at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. This is a haunted walking trail where every rustle, flicker, and shadow may not be what it seems. Journey through winding paths shrouded in fog and darkness, guided only by lantern light and the pounding of your heart. Whispers in the trees, figures that vanish into the night, and sudden terrors at every turn will keep you on edge until the very end.
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 24
Witches Night Out in Steelville will feature food, drinks, and vendors, along the sidewalks of Main Street.
Learn more on Facebook.

Friday, Oct. 24
Prairie Barn Winery in St. James is hosting a Halloween themed tacos and trivia night. The Werewolves, Witches, and Warlocks trivia night begins at 5:30 p.m., with tacos available for purchase from Space Boys Tacos food truck.
Get more info.

Saturday, Oct. 25
Bring the family to Brookdale Farms in Eureka for a spooky-fun night of campfires, s’mores, music, games, and more at Broomsticks & Bonfires. Costumes encouraged for all ages!
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 25
The Homemade Exchange is a once a month meetup at the Owensville Library where attendees bring in homemade items – freshly baked bread, home canned goods, garden grown herbs or produce, handmade soaps, and more – and have a one-for-one exchange with other makers in their community.
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 25
Fall Nights Cruise-In at Prairie Barn Winery! Bring your classic car, truck, sports car, Jeep—anything with wheels you love. This is a non-judged, no-prizes event—just a great time with fellow car and truck enthusiasts!
Find out more.

Sunday, Oct. 26
Head to College United Methodist Church in Warrenton for a trick or treat style fall event where participants are encouraged to be creative and not use a trunk! Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes!
Get more details.

Sunday, Oct. 26
Open Mic Night at Prairie Barn Winery with host Bob Kraus. Calling all poets, comedians, and musicians — it’s time to shine! From 3–5 p.m., share your talents with a fun, welcoming crowd. Sign up when you arrive for a time slot. Weather permitting this event will be held outside under the deck space.
Learn more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Sept. 1 – Sept. 7, 2025

This weekend is packed with things to do around the area – there’s car shows, food focused events, and festivals galore, from the Celtic Festival and Beerfest in Washington, to WingFest in Union, plus the Harvest Festival in Steelville, the Boots and Bourbon Bash in Rosebud, and many more events.

Thursday, Sept. 4
Are you looking for ways to extend the growing season in your vegetable garden? The Sullivan branch of Scenic Regional Library is having a program called Extending the Growing Season, at 6 p.m. The event is free, but RSVP is required to attend.
RSVP and get more information.

Graphic via Sullivan Branch of Scenic Regional Library’s Facebook

Friday, Sept. 5
Pinckney Bend Distillery in New Haven is hosting a BBQ pop-up, with Josh Lang cooking up the ‘cue. The event is from 3-5 p.m., or until sold out.
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 5-Saturday, Sept. 6
The 9th Annual WingFest is going down at the Union Fairgrounds, located at Union City Park. This free two day event will feature food, vendors, live music, wing eating contest, chicken nugget contest, a corn hole tournament, fireworks, face painter, mechanical bull, bounce houses, and a lot more.
Get details on Facebook.

Friday, Sept. 5
The Washington Public Library’s writers’ group, the Washington Wordsmiths, is publishing their second anthology, “‘Doorknobs & Pathways’.” To add to the festivity local authors are invited to bring their work to sell. Come talk to the authors and enjoy festive treats. Copies of “‘Doorknobs & Pathways'” will be available for purchase.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 6
If you’re feeling crafty, then head to DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs in downtown St. Clair for a resin wind chime class. The cost if $35 per person, with all materials included in the attendance price, and each attendee will leave with a wind chime.
More details.

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Saturday, Sept. 6
Calling all craft beer lovers, the 19th Annual Washington Jaycees Brewfest is happening at the Washington Farmers Market from 4-8 p.m. Guests of this ticketed event will gain access to 20+ breweries, home-brewers, and distilleries, as well as getting a commemorative Brewfest pint glass. There will be live music and food available for purchase from Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant, and American Legion Auxiliary will be hosting a bake sale at the event.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 6
If you’re looking for a spot to chill and listen to live music with an uplifting message, then head to Pacific for Rockin’ the Railroad, a concert put on by The Bridge. The gate opens at 5 p.m. and will feature the music of The Protest, Behold the Beloved, and Cole Abell.
Get all the details.

Saturday, Sept. 6
The Chick-fil-A food truck will be in New Haven, at People’s Savings Bank. A portion of the sales from the day will benefit The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation. The food truck operates on a pre-order basis so the restaurant knows how much food to bring to each mobile location.
Learn more and pre-order here.

Saturday, Sept. 6
The annual VFW Celtic Festival is back for its one-day celebration at the Washington VFW, located at 813 Jefferson St. This ticketed event features, food, a beer tent, festivities, and music.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 6
Andy’s Too in Union’s ice cream shop, located on U.S. 50, is hosting its grand opening. The festivities include family-fun like face painting, as well as a seafood boil, plus more.
Get the details.

Saturday, Sept. 6
Liberty Field in Pacific will be the site of Jimmy Smooths Creepin’ Show, a car show featuring rat rods and bikes, plus music, kids activities, food trucks, a swap meet, and more.
Learn more.

Sunday, Sept. 7
Macadoodles Fine Wine, Beer, & Spirits in Union is hosting its grand opening celebration from 1-5 p.m. There will live music by Twisted Fiction, along with free product samples, and giveaways.
More info.

Sunday, Sept. 7
Looking for a rejuvenating experience? Lost Hill Lake Wedding & Events in St. Clair has a workshop for that. Combining the power of breath work with the invigorating effects of ice baths and saunas, attendees will release stress, boost their immune system, and leave feeling refreshed and energized.
Get tickets.

Road Trippin’

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

Tuesday, Sept. 2 – Sunday, Sept. 7
Head to Steelville for Harvest Festival 2025, a several days long event that features music, food, games, and rodeo fun.
More information.

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Thursday, Sept. 4 – Sunday, Sept. 7
Autumn Glow Festival is lighting up Eureka Thursdays-Sundays this fall at Brookdale Farms. This enchanting night walk, inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals, is the perfect autumn outing for friends and families. Explore 100s of intricately crafted lanterns, enjoy live acrobatic shows, tuck into tasty local food, and discover a world of festive fun for all ages.
Learn more.

Thursday, Sept. 4 – Saturday, Sept. 6
The annual Grape & Fall Festival in St. James kicks off Thursday, and just a few of the festivities include Weiner dog races, a rodeo roping show, street market fair, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, food vendors, and more.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 6
Put on your Western wear for the Boots & Bourbon Bash at Copper June’s in Rosebud. This one-day event will feature music, food trucks, spirits from area distilleries, and boot-scootin’ fun.
Get tickets.

Posted in News and Features

Get a Taste of Delicious Ice Cream and Old School Vibes at The Soda Fountain Emporium in Steelville

Summertime is peak ice cream consumption time and a few weeks ago I chose to treat my sister to a fun ice cream experience. We enjoyed scoops at the old-fashioned soda fountain shop called The Soda Fountain Emporium in Steelville.

Although I’d seen pictures of the establishment on Facebook, it was a totally different experience witnessing it first hand. Walking into this place is like stepping back in time.

Just a few of the aesthetic details include a classic red and white theme that’s a tribute to old-timey soda fountain shops, tin ceiling tiles, wood flooring, vintage furniture, an antique cash register, and authentic soda fountain equipment and order counter. You’ve really got to see it for yourself.

The ice cream at The Soda Fountain Emporium in Steelville is homemade. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

The ice cream at the shop is all homemade, which I wasn’t expecting! I ordered the fudge brownie, which was absolutely amazing. The vanilla portion of the ice cream was velvety and slightly sweet, while the brownie pieces were fudgy and decadent. In addition the brownie pieces, there were also chocolate chips, making this a really rich, delicious treat.

My sister got a kiddie sized scoop of the cookies and cream flavor, and it disappeared before I could snap a photo, so I think she liked it!

I was thinking I’d grab a shake or float to go that I could sip on while we strolled downtown Steelville, but the individual ice cream scoop really satisfied my sweet tooth, so that’s a task for my next visit.

The Socialite recommends The Soda Fountain Emporium!

The details:
105 E. Main St., Steelville
Find the business on Facebook