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!

Posted in Events

10 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Around Franklin County

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.

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.

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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.

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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 May 19 – May 25, 2025

This week there’s a lot going on in and around Franklin County – Sunset on the Riverfront happens this Thursday, there’s a few community markets, opportunities to hear live music, and get crafty, plus some unique events happening just a short drive from Franklin County. As a reminder, I don’t list every event that’s on the calendar here in the weekly roundup post, including events happening in the first half of the week. Be sure to look at the calendar of events to see everything! Note that you can find the calendar at the bottom of the home page if you’re viewing the site on a mobile device.

Thursday, May 22
Head to downtown Washington for the May Sunset on the Riverfront, held at Rennick Riverfront Park on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 – 8 p.m. This family-friendly and free event features local bands, food vendors, beer, wine, and children’s activities.

Photo via Downtown Washington, Inc.’s Facebook event.

Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23
Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge is going to be out and about in the community doing coffee “pop-ups” from a mobile coffee trailer. On Thursday, catch Stacked at St. John the Baptist School in Villa Ridge from 7:30 – 9 a.m., and on Friday, find Stacked at The Novel Nook in Washington from noon – 2 p.m.
Learn more.

Friday, May 23
The Union Farmers Market happens on the second and fourth Fridays from 4 – 7 p.m. through September. Find local produce, meat, baked goods, handmade items, and food trucks. SPECIAL NOTICE – This week’s market will happen at 10 E. Locust St., across from City Hall.
Get more details on Facebook.

Friday, May 23
Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair will have live music from Tom Norton starting at 7 p.m. 
Learn more.

Saturday, May 24
Enjoy live music while you take in the beautiful scenery at Triple 3 Vineyard, when SWeet Ruckus plays from 2 – 5 p.m. 
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, May 24
The Sullivan Community Market is happening from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Muddy Banks Brewing. Shop local vendors and makers, find locally grown produce and baked goods, and listen to live music.
More details.

Sunday, May 25
Learn how to make a custom Welcome Mat for your home at this class held at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan, from 3 – 6 p.m. Ticket price includes materials to create the mat.
Get tickets.

Road Trippin’

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

Saturday, May 24
Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of seven stargazing programs in 2025. The public is invited to meet in front of the visitor center to view the unobstructed night sky and learn about some of the objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will be demonstrating the use of telescopes and identifying stars and planets.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 24
Get ready for a relaxing day on the river at Brookdale Farms’ first Eureka Floats event of the season!
More information.

Sunday, May 25
Take a short drive to Fenton to see the amazing rides at a free, family-friendly car event where you’ll find everything from exotics, to classic cars, imports, works in progress, and more. Cars & Coffee St. Louis and 1st Phorm are teaming up to bring a monthly car show on the fourth Sunday of each month through October.
Find out more.