The end of 2025 is here and if you’re looking for places to ring in 2026, but don’t want to travel far to celebrate, there’s plenty going on right here in the Franklin County area. From multi-course meals, to lively festivities with music and libations, to family-friendly parties and more low-key celebrations that wrap up well before midnight, there’s a number of spots to usher in the New Year.
If you want to enjoy drinks and a cigar this New Year’s Eve, celebrate at Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar in Washington with cocktails, fun activities, giveaways every hour, hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight! Get tickets.
Those who wish to ring in 2026 with a fine dining experience should reserve their spot at Mangia Bella at Elijah McClean’s in Washington. The special three-course New Year’s Eve menu features lobster bisque as a first course, and choose from prime rib, broiled cod, or roasted duck as a main course, along with a milk chocolate mousse cake for dessert. Reservations made through Open Table.
If you’re looking for low-key festivities that include an early ball-drop, check out the happenings at The Tipsy Keg in Washington. The celebration happens from 6-9 p.m. and features music by Extremely Unplugged. Learn more.
Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash that includes an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, a midnight toast, plus a late-night snack offering to keep the party going beyond the balloon drop at 12 a.m. Get tickets for the event, or celebrate the early ball drop in the Tasting Room, which doesn’t require a ticket purchase.
New Year’s Eve at The Alley in Washington promises something for everyone: there’s blacklight bingo from 6:30-8:30 p.m., live music from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m., plus ball drops at 9 p.m. and again at midnight. Get more information.
Looking for a family-friendly night out? The NYE Kids’ Jam at Brookdale Farms in Eureka is from 6-9 p.m. and will have an open soda bar, food trucks, games and activities, as well as a photo booth and kid-friendly dance music. Find out more.
Thacker’s Mini Pub in Gerald will have Family Feud beginning at 8 p.m., a DJ later in the evening, as well as a photo booth, and food and drink specials throughout the night. Learn more.
Piccadilly Par1 in Union’s New Year’s Eve celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, to be followed by a steak and lobster buffet at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a cash bar and appetizers throughout the night, along with a DJ and of course a champagne toast at midnight. Get more info.
If an evening filled with karaoke and pizza is your more your speed, then head to Saucy’s Pizzeria in Catawissa. The New Year’s Eve celebration will feature karaoke and a DJ, plus a $15 buffet from 7-10 p.m., and much more. Learn more on Facebook.
Pool tables, darts, karaoke and pub style food is on the menu at Boomers Sports Bar & Grill in Sullivan. One New Year’s Eve, the establishment will have karaoke, 50/50 raffles, and food and drink specials throughout the night, and no cover charge to celebrate, but will accept table reservations made by phone. Find out more.
This week there’s lots of kid and family-friendly events, from a bubble experience to a free drive-in showing of Jumanji, as well as two community movie nights, the Franklin County Fair, and the Route 66 BBQ Battle & Bluegrass Festival in Pacific, a three-day affair which will have a family movie night, kid zone, music, and of course, lip-smackin’ barbecue! Check out the entire list of events below.
Tuesday, June 17 The Bubble Bus is rolling into the Union Branch of Scenic Regional Library! Bring the family to the library parking lot for an afternoon of fun with bubbles from the Bubble Bus. Pre-registration is required for this event.
Tuesday, June 17 Learn how to preserve food in a healthy way at the dehydrating fruit leather event at the Washington Public Library at 6 p.m. Learn more at the Facebook event.
Wednesday, June 18 Take a mid-week break for a fun fundraiser for Wally Mills, at The Alley, in Washington. This is a family event so bring the kids. Play music bingo, check out the silent auction items and purchase 50/50 raffle tickets to help Wally and his family with medical expenses. Learn more.
Wednesday, June 18 Acoustic Jammers will gather again at 6 p.m. at Hansen Park in Union, weather permitting. (Be sure to bring your lawn chairs.) In the event Mother Nature decides to send rain, they will move to The American Legion. Everyone is welcome to come and participate or just come and enjoy the music.
Thursday, June 19 – Sunday, June 22 The Franklin County Fair is held Thursday – Sunday in Union. The event features concessions, entertainment, carnival rides, a petting zoo, and a lot more. Get all the details.
Thursday, June 19 Catch a free drive-in showing of Jumanji in the parking lot of Cinema 1 in Washington. Parking spaces are first come, first serve and the movie will start ~30 mins. after sunset. Learn more.
Friday, June 20 – Sunday, June 22 Liberty Field in Pacific is the site of the Route 66 BBQ Battle & Bluegrass Festival, a three-day extravaganza of mouthwatering BBQ and toe-tapping tunes that is fun for the whole family! Kick off the event by watching the Route 66 classic, Disney’s “Cars” on the lawn, catch performances by bluegrass bands all three days, and enjoy delectable barbecue all weekend long. Learn more.
Friday, June 20 Rescheduled from Friday, June 13 due to the weather! Head to Gerald for a special Movie Night at Legion Park hosted by the Chief Mason Griffith Foundation! Enjoy family fun with a 50/50 drawing, raffle tickets, and a free will offering benefiting Firefighter Via Family. Food available for purchase: nachos, hot dogs, popcorn! Movie title coming soon — stay tuned! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and loved ones for an unforgettable night under the stars. Let’s show our support and come together as a community. Learn more.
Friday, June 20 It’s time to dust off those low-rise jeans, grab your butterfly clips, and get ready to party like it’s 1999! The Alley will have 90s-2000s Trivia from 7-10 p.m. and Karaoke from 10 p.m.-12 a.m. The Tipsy Keg will have True North Entertainment playing all your favorite throwbacks starting at 9 p.m. Each bar will have a 90s-2000s themed cocktail or shot. Find out more and purchase tickets.
Friday, June 20 On the third Friday of each month, The Washington Coffee Shop hosts an Open Mic Night. Singers, musicians, poets, and spoken word artists are welcome to share their talents with the crowd. Learn more at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Facebook page.
Saturday, June 21 Join a morning yoga session at the Gerald City Park! Be sure to bring your own yoga mat and dress comfortably. This class is $10/person. Learn more and sign up and pay.
Saturday, June 21 The Gerald Lions are hosting a celebration that includes a fireworks show at Gerald City Park on June 21. Learn more.
Sunday, June 22 Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of free ice cream, games, and contests at the Four Rivers Genealogical Society’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase burgers and brats and visit the Museum and Genealogical Society. Find out more.
Sunday, June 22 The public is invited to an open house from noon to 4 p.m. at Bethel Hills community in Dutzow. There will be an art show, live music, and BBQ available for purchase. Find out more about Bethel Hills and this event.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, June 20 Shake up your Friday night with a fun, hands-on cocktail workshop at St. James Winery! You’ll mix and enjoy three seasonal cocktails, snack on a charcuterie grazing board, and leave with recipe cards so you can recreate the drinks at home. Your ticket includes, 3 handcrafted cocktails, a charcuterie grazing board, recipe cards to take home, plus 10% off wine purchases during the event. Get tickets.
Saturday, June 21 Kick off summer with bold flavor and big vibes at the Backyard BBQ, Bourbon & Brews event! Head to St. James for a full day of live music, BBQ food specials, whiskey flights, and a stellar lineup of craft spirit vendors. Find out more.
Saturday, June 21 Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of off-trail tours of Cathedral Cave. These tours are perfect for people who want to get a more intense cave experience, one that goes beyond the lighted tour with rails and trails. Each tour is led by an experienced guide and requires participants to climb, crawl and get a little muddy. Visitors will spend four to five hours in the cave and will learn about the cave’s geology, biology and history. Each tour is limited to 15 people ages 10 and up, and registration is required. There is a fee of $70 per adult and $50 per child. Safety is our top priority. All interested guests will be asked some questions to determine whether they are able to complete the tour, and they will be shown a video of what to expect inside the cave. The guide will send a list of items to bring, and caving helmets will be provided. To register, call the park at 573-522-3760.
Saturday, June 21 Celebrate the Summer Solstice with gentle flow yoga in a beautiful, natural setting in St. James. Maramac Spring Park’s overlook will be the site of this outdoor yoga class, which starts at 8 a.m. Participants should bring their own yoga mat, towel, and water. $15 to participate, payable through cash or Venmo. Learn more.
This week there’s a lot going on in and around Franklin County, including a Memorial Day parade in Union, a free drive-in movie in Washington, a rodeo in Gerald, and the annual car show at White Rose Cafe is happening on Sunday, June 1.
Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day Watch the parade on Memorial Day in Union at 10 a.m. then head to the American Legion for service at 11 a.m., with lunch immediately following the service. Get more details.
Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day If you want some barbecue, but don’t want to spend time at the grill, The Tipsy Keg will have a special barbecue menu for Memorial Day. Find pulled pork, brisket, and ribs beginning at 11 a.m. until sold out. There will also be live music performed by Travis Fadler. Find out more on Facebook.
Tuesday, May 27 – Wednesday, May 28 There are two opportunities to take part in dance fitness class Bad Beats. Head to the Washington Community Art Studio for an hour long class that will help you reach your fitness goals while having fun. Reserve your spot!
Wednesday, May 28 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 dedicated to conversation, or continued reading. Learn more.
Thursday, May 29 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington will show a different drive-in movie every Thursday night throughout the summer for free. The special showings are kicking off with “Forrest Gump.” Learn more.
Friday, May 30 Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair will have live music from Travis Fadler starting at 7 p.m.
Friday, May 30 The Tipsy Keg in downtown Washington is hosting an Open Mic Night beginning at 7 p.m. Limited food menu available, and drink specials throughout the night. Learn more on Facebook.
Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31 The Gerald Saddle Club is hosting a rodeo on Friday and Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m. each day. Take in bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, and more. Get more details.
Sunday, June 1 The White Rose Cafe in Union’s annual car show will feature all rides. Cruz-N-25 will happen from noon to 3 p.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 30 – Saturday, May 31 Folky Fish Fest is an unforgettable weekend of folk and new-grass music, culture, and community in nearby St. James. Set against the backdrop of Maramec Spring Park’s scenic surroundings, this one-of-a-kind festival brings together folk and new-grass music lovers for a weekend brimming with creativity and connection. Attendees can enjoy an incredible lineup of live performances from talented musicians on multiple stages, ranging from soulful folk tunes to energetic new-grass jams that will have everyone on their feet. A celebration of creativity and community! Learn more and get tickets.
Saturday, May 31 The Lions Club Fairgrounds in Linn will be the site of the 573 Vintage Market. Come shop from over 50 vendors, enjoy live music, and delectable eats from food trucks. Get all the details.
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.
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.
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.
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