Posted in Events

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

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 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.