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 East Central Missouri Jan. 19 – Jan. 25, 2026

This week don’t miss your chance to try curated dinner and drink events happening at Oak & Front and Triple 3 Vineyard. There’s also a magical family-friendly breakfast happening at Brookdale Farms in Eureka, as well as a chance to warm up with a chili cook-off at St. James Winery.

Not a foodie? There’s also a casino night at the Washington Elks, a board game fundraiser for the Augusta Museum, a speed dating and singles mixer happening at The Alley, along with a bridal show, a prom planning event, an 80s night, a journaling workshop, and much more.

As a reminder, winter weather may force a 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!

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

Monday, Jan. 19
Two Sparrows Bridal Bridal Company in downtown Washington is hosting a prom event from noon – 7 p.m. called Prom, But Make it Fancy. Attendees will enjoy a beautifully styled afternoon complete with food, a dirty soda bar, music, picture-perfect photo ops, and hair and makeup done in store while you plan your prom look.
Find out more.

Wednesday, Jan. 21
Oak & Front is hosting a Barrels and Beef Prime Rib Dinner. The three-course meal consists of Argentine shrimp cocktail and stuffed mushrooms as starters, a beef prime rib dinner, and a decadent poached pear to finish the evening, each served with a trio of bourbons selected to match the moment. Tickets are $80 per person, with tip included in the ticket price.
Find out more and reserve your spot here.

Thursday, Jan. 22
Washington Green Spa & Wellness is hosting a Journaling Workshop with Jess. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and costs $35 per person to attend, and the workshop is limited to eight attendees.
Learn more.

Thursday, Jan. 22
Eight Nine Eight Cigar Bar & Lounge is having an 80s Night. Leg warmers, acid wash jeans, neon colors, and big hair welcome!
Find out more.

Friday, Jan. 23
Do you live with a strange animal? Come to the Washington Public Library from 4-5 p.m. to meet exotic pets and learn how to care for them. This event repeats on Jan. 30.
Learn more.

Friday, Jan. 23
The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Casino Night at the Washington Elks Lodge from 6-10 p.m. Have fun at the Blackjack, Poker, Craps, and Roulette Tables, with each attendee getting $10k in “Casino Cash” to gamble with upon entry. Exchange your winnings for entries into the jackpot prize drawings! Tickets include appetizers, desserts, casino games, and open bar. $75 each, or 8 for $550.
Find out more.

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Friday, Jan. 23
Shattered Glass Designs in Washington is hosting a Winter Cardinal Paint & Sip event. Create a beautiful cardinal on a canvas using paint and crushed glass at this class.
Learn more.

Friday, Jan. 23
Dance the night away with line dancing led by Glittering Grapevine kicks off at 6 p.m. at The Office Bar & Grill in Washington.
Get more details.

Saturday, Jan. 24
The Office Bar & Grill in Washington hosts an Open Mic Night every Saturday from 6-10 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Jan. 24
Chef Alex Blattel is curating a special 4-course dinner and wine pairing at Triple 3 Vineyard. The evening will also include a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery’s production facility. Cost is $133 per person. Seating is limited.
Get tickets.

Sunday, Jan. 25
Bring your family and friends for an evening of fun, laughter, and board games while supporting a fundraiser for the future Augusta Museum restroom. Attendees can make a suggested $5 donation per person. The evening will include a wide variety of board and card games for all ages, as well as popcorn and light snacks during play. The bar will be open, with all proceeds going back to support the museum.
Get more info.

Sunday, Jan. 25
The Alley in Washington is hosting a Speed Dating & Singles Mixer. Meet new people in a relaxed environment without the tedium of scrolling apps or the pressure of small talk, with short guided conversations built into the event. Cost is $20 to attend, with an immediate $20 reimbursement in arcade credits. Age groups are broken into 20s, 30s, 40–55, and 55+.
Learn more.

Sunday, Jan. 25
The WashMo Booktok Book Club is a 21+ book club that reads popular “Booktok” selections in the romance, fantasy, thriller, and romcom genres. If you’re looking to meet new people and read more books, you’re invited to the group’s first meeting of 2026 from 10-11 a.m. at Lang-a-Tang Café in New Haven. And since the members love to chat all things books, if you haven’t read “How My Neighbor Stole Christmas” and “Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal” by Meghan Quinn no worries, there will still be plenty of book yapping to jump in on! There will also be fun book scrapping supplies and light refreshments supplied.
Check out the Facebook group to learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Friday, Jan. 23 & Saturday, Jan. 24
The Snow Spur Saloon is a winter-themed pop-up bar that’s part of the Winter Roundup event at Brookdale Farms. The pop-up is happening every Friday and Saturday night throughout January and February.
Get tickets.

Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 24-25
Winter Round-Up at Brookdale Farms is a family-friendly winter festival packed with outdoor fun, live entertainment, and cozy seasonal activities for all ages. From interactive hayride shows and hands-on crafts to inflatables, s’mores by the fire, and hot cocoa!
Find out more and get tickets.

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Saturday, Jan. 24
St. James Winery is hosting a Chili Cookoff. From 3–5 p.m., sample all the mouthwatering entries and vote for your favorite! Tasting tickets are $5 and available at the door.
Learn more.

Saturday, Jan. 24
If you’re getting married later this year, you’ll want to attend the Brookdale Farms Bridal Show.
Get more information on Facebook.

Sunday, Jan. 25
Yet another event is happening at Brookdale Farms in Eureka this weekend. Have an enchanted meal at the Once Upon a Morning: Storybook Pancake Breakfast. Guests are encouraged to wear fairytale attire, or their PJs for this cozy, family event and will enjoy a hot cocoa bar, pancakes, story time moments, and more.
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!