This week there’s ways to give back to our community, holiday and craft markets, a whiskey festival, and much more.
While I try to get as many events into each weekly post as I can, some events may be posted too late to make it into the article, but I share those items in my stories throughout the week, so be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram to get all the details! Also, sometimes things come up and events are canceled or rescheduled. While I strive to keep these posts as up to date as possible, always double check with the event venue before heading out, especially as fall and winter weather can force changes!
Tuesday, Nov. 18 If you’re looking for ways to give back to the community and make a difference, consider attending ReDiscover Union’s Volunteer Recruitment Night. Attendees will learn how through volunteering, they can help bring community events, beautification projects, and downtown initiatives to life. Find event time, location, and other details on Facebook.
Wednesday, Nov. 19 DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs in St. Clair is having a Christmas Ornament Workshop at 6 p.m. The cost is $20 and all supplies are included. Get more info and reserve your spot.
Thursday, Nov. 20 Pinckney Bend Distillery in New Haven is having a Holiday Cocktail How-to Class at East Central College. Learn how to create delicious holiday drinks that will impress your friends and family this season. Cost is $40 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit United Way. Learn more and register.
Friday, Nov. 21*Rescheduled to Sunday, Nov. 23* Union Furniture and Flooring is hosting a Christmas Block Party. There will be live music, a visit from Santa, hot cocoa and cider, children’s activities, and much more. Due to Friday’s weather forecast, this event has been rescheduled for Sunday. Get all the details.
Friday, Nov. 21 Pink Friday is a nationwide event to show support for your local businesses and Shop Small! Head to Historic Sullivan (Main Street) for a fun shopping experience. Attendees should pick up a punch card and by visiting all locations, they’ll be entered in a drawing for a huge giveaway valued at $200 and each shop will have their own specials, sales, and fun giveaways. Learn more.
Friday, Nov. 21 Chris Brown State Farm Agency in Union is hosting an event that honors Veterans from 3-6 p.m. There will be BBQ, sides, and dessert, and more. Get the details.
Friday, Nov. 21 Glittering Grapevine line dancing is teaching free line dancing at The Office Bar & Grill in Washington. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 22 Calling all whiskey drinkers! The Washington Whiskey Festival is happening at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center and will feature whiskeys and bourbons from regional and national distilleries. Find out more.
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Saturday, Nov. 22 Head to the Elks Lodge in WashMO for the Washington Craft & Gift Expo, organized by the Washington Farmers’ Market. The event will feature over 65 vendors (including those from the market). Shop items in the categories of holiday decor, baked goods, jewelry, clothing, and accessories, along with body care items, candles and lots of other handmade and unique gift items. Food and drink will be available for purchase during the event. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 22 The Fraternal Order of Eagles in Sullivan is hosting a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. The tournament starts at noon, with food available for purchase by The Ladies Auxillary. Get prices and more details.
Saturday, Nov. 22 Shop from over 60 vendors and makers at the Fall Craft & Vendor Fair at Lighthouse Ministry Center in Villa Ridge. The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Find out more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, Nov. 20 Espresso Laine in Hermann is having a Christmas Open House. The coffee shop and retail store will have extended hours, sales, and Mr. Murphy’s Spuds, a baked potato-themed food truck, will be onsite serving food. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 21 & Saturday, Nov. 22 Long Row Lavender in Wright City is hosting an Autumn & Holiday Market. This market will take place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day and will be an indoor/outdoor market with 10+ vendors in attendance. Enjoy live music and take in the holiday season decorations around the farm. Get the details.
Saturday, Nov. 22 – Sunday, Nov. 23 It’s the final weekend of the 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. 22 Heartland Farms in Bourbon is hosting its 9th Annual Craft Fair. The event will happen from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and is a rain or shine event. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 22 Head to Eureka for a Winter Market on Central, “A Pop-Up Celebration.” Following the tree lighting at the spur, take a stroll down Central Avenue to patronize several businesses. Find out more.
This week there’s lots of fall events like markets and other shopping experiences, aspiring bakers can attend a sourdough workshop, and there’s numerous Trunk or Treat events happening. You can find all the Halloween-related events happening through 11/2 here.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 Discover the art of sourdough while learning how it can benefit your gut at Roux 66 in Washington. In this hands-on class, you’ll mix, shape, and practice the techniques behind creating a delicious sourdough loaf and explore why sourdough is easier to digest than conventional breads, and how fermented foods can support a healthier gut microbiome. Register here.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 The Washington Public Library is hosting a Teen Haunted Gingerbread House Make & Take. Drop in and construct a haunting “gingerbread” house out of graham crackers, frosting, and candies. All materials will be provided. Ages 12 & Up. Register here.
Wednesday, Oct. 29 Swallows Nest Boutique and Cafe in Washington is hosting a Shoptober event from 3-8 p.m. Shop, sip, dine, and get a tarot card reading for $20. Get more info.
Wednesday, Oct. 29 Shiloh Baptist Church in Robertsville is having a Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat. The event will have free food and kids activities. Learn more.
Thursday, Oct. 30 Head to St. Clair Library for a Trick R Treat event that includes games, candy and fun. Find out more.
Thursday, Oct. 30 Lost Hill Lake Weddings and Event venue in St. Clair is hosting a Halloween themed Puff n’ Paint event. Get more info and register here.
Friday, Oct. 31 Looking for a fun & safe trunk-or-treat? Watermark Church located at 41 St Andrews Drive in Union will have hot dogs, popcorn, candy & other fun treats from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Learn more.
Friday, Oct. 31 Get the caffeine you’ll need to fuel your Halloween plans! On Halloween morning, Just Hank’s coffee trailer will be parked at RC Roofing on Fifth St. in Washington and the first 100 customers will receive a free coffee! Get more info including times.
Friday, Oct. 31 First Baptist Church in Belle will host a night full of family-friendly fall fun including games for all ages to play, a cake walk, bounce house, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and so much more! Find out time and location.
Friday, Oct. 31 Free kid friendly indoor and outdoor fun at the Fall Fling at Life Stream Church in Washington. The event includes Trunk or Treat, bounce houses, games, hotdogs, and candy. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 1 The St. Clair Saddle Club is hosting a free family fun night. Get all the details.
Saturday, Nov. 1 Autumn Nights is an adults shopping experience in downtown Washington. Visit multiple businesses for fun, food, and shopping. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 1 & Sunday, Nov. 2 Area St. Louis artists are hosting a boutique show at Shaw Nature Reserve. Featured artwork includes ceramic, wood and metal sculpture, painting, folk art, photography, jewelry, basketry, and more on display and available for purchase throughout the rustic cabins at the Dana Brown Overnight Center. Get more info.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Multiple dates and times in Oct. Think you’re brave enough to venture into Terror on Route 66? Step into this haunted attraction in Sullivan for the ultimate in spine-tingling entertainment. Get more info.
Moms. Busy women. Goal-getters. You don’t have to do it alone. Fitness. Fuel. Focus. Grab your FREE guide!
Monday,Oct. 27 Think you know your horror, from slashers to campy creeps? Put your spooky smarts to the test at our Halloween Spooktacular Trivia Night—a frightfully fun evening of laughs, drinks, and horror-movie bragging rights at Brookdale Farms. Rounds will cover iconic Halloween films, monsters, haunted history & lore, and seasonal pop culture. Costumes encouraged! Dress as your favorite monster or Halloween icon—the best costume wins a prize. Learn more.
Friday, Oct. 31 New Salem Baptist Church in Owensville is having a Trunk ‘R Treat in Maciejewski’s Parking Lot in Owensville. The event features free treats, free hotdogs, trunk decorating contest, and more! Get more info.
Friday, Oct. 31 First Baptist Church in Belle will have games for all ages to play, including a cake walk, a bounce house, face painting, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and, a pet costume contest. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 1 Maggie Grace’s on Main in Warrenton is hosting a Fall/Christmas Market. Get the details.
Saturday, Nov. 1 St. John the Baptist School in Villa Ridge will have a Trunk or Treat along with a haunted forest and hayride beginning at 5 p.m. Get the details.
Multiple dates and times until Nov. 2 Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka is the home of Fright Fest, happening on select nights until Nov. 2. Find haunted mazes, scare zones, live shows, and more. Learn more.
From family-friendly trick-or-treating, to adult block parties and celebrations, to spooky-themed markets, haunted houses and other frightening experiences, there’s no shortage of Halloween-themed events happening this month! So mark your calendar, grab your costume, and get ready for some spine-tingling fun.
Thursday, Oct. 16 Head to Hermann for the town’s annual Witches & Wine event. This 21+ event will have music, wine, shopping, and more. Get all the info.
Friday, Oct. 17 Free Halloween Carnival and Trunk or Treat at St. Gertrude Parish & School in Krakow. The trunk or treat will happen in the parking lot, with concessions available in the cafeteria. Learn more.
Friday, Oct. 17 It’s the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat at The Sage Bee in Washington. In addition to the trunk-or-treat lineup, the teachers are planning some sensory stations and fun Halloween activities and games for the kids to enjoy! Open to the public, anyone is welcome! Find out more.
Friday, Oct. 17 St. Vincent De Paul School in Marthasville is hosting a Trunk or Treat event from 6:30-9 p.m. Find food, candy, and prizes for the best trunk! More info.
Friday, Oct. 17 & Saturday, Oct. 18 The 2nd Annual U Town Show Down is happening at the Union Fairgrounds and will feature a car show, semi truck show, a trunk or treat, plus a derby, and food trucks. Find out more.
Friday, Oct. 17 Head to Pacific for the Witches and Warlocks, adult street party. This event will feature vendors, food trucks and live music by Covering Fire, as well as costume contests, raffle drawings, and more. Learn more.
Friday, Oct. 17 It’s the final Union Farmers Market of the season! Visit the market to shop vendors, get food from Savy’s Food Truck, enjoy live music, and bring the little ones for the Trunk or Treat happening during the market. Find out more.
Friday, Oct. 17 You won’t want to miss Trunk or Treat at The River at Eureka. There will be games, crafts, snow cones, popcorn, hot dogs, a smores station, an outdoor movie, and more. This is a free event from 6-8 p.m. and all are welcome! Learn more.
Moms. Busy women. Goal-getters. You don’t have to do it alone. Fitness. Fuel. Focus. Grab your FREE guide!
Friday Oct. 17 & Saturday, Oct. 18; Friday, Oct. 24 – Saturday, Nov. 1 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.
Saturday, Oct. 18 Meramec State Park in Sullivan is hosting a Halloween Spooktacular. Head to the campground area of the park for pumpkin carving, trick or treating, a movie at the amphitheater, and more. Find out more.
Saturday, Oct. 18 Ladies, Littles, and Lattes is hosting its second annual Trick or Treat Trail in Union. This day time event features indoor trick or treating, plus fun activities like a bounce house, horse rides, face painting, and food trucks Savy’s Food Truck, Smokey D’s, and Poppy Co. Get more info.
Saturday, Oct. 18 Head to The Tipsy Keg in Washington for a night of fun and costumes at the venue’s BOOze and BOOs event. Guests can expect karaoke, drink specials, costume contests, and more. Find all the details.
Saturday, Oct. 18 It’s Hallowine at St. James Winery. This ticketed event will include wine slushies, a wine and candy flight, tarot card readings, a haunted wine cellar tour, plus contests for the best witches cackle and best costume. Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 18 The Novel Nook and Yarn Together are hosting a Witch and Stitch party. At this free event, guests will watch the movie “Hocus Pocus” while working on their current fiber arts project (if they choose). The event is free, but registration is required to attend. Get the details and register.
Saturday, Oct. 18 American Legion in Washington is having a Tank or Treat from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. This event is for children up to age 12. Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 18 & Sunday, Oct. 19 Prairie Barn Winery in St. James is hosting a Murder Mystery Weekend, and the theme is Witch Way to the Wine. With two showings, the event will feature food and complimentary water and tea, with wine and beer available for purchase. Attendees of the murder mystery dinner are encouraged to dress in costume. Get tickets.
Sunday, Oct. 19 Clancy’s Pour House in Rosebud is hosting a pop-up family movie and bonfire night with the showing of the film “Hocus Pocus.” The fun begins at 6 p.m. Find out more.
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.
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!
Friday, Oct. 24 St. Ann’s Catholic Church is hosting a Halloween bash and Trunk or Treat starting at 6:30 pm. Held in the upper level of the parish center and the parking lot. Activities include bounce house, face painting, goat petting zoo, pumpkin painting, coloring pages, snacks and drinks. Get more info.
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 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 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 The Washington Elks and local businesses are hosting their Annual Trunk or Treat event. Find out more.
Saturday, Oct. 25 Meramec Ambulance District is hosting its 2nd Annual Halloween Carnival. Come out to the District’s Station 1 in Pacific from 4:30-7:30 for games, drinks, snacks, pumpkin painting, and more. Get address and other details.
Saturday, Oct. 25 The final St. Clair Farmers Market of the season will be a Halloween Market as well. Wear your costumes and bring the kids along for a day time trunk or treat, and don’t forget it’s your final opportunity of the year to shop from the local vendors! Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 25 Four Rivers YMCA in Washington is hosting its annual Boo Bash, and this year there will be a Trunk of Treat and a movie. Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 25 Priority Fitness in St. Clair is having a Trunk or Treat from 5-7 p.m. in the gym parking lot. The public is welcome to participate in the event, so adults bring your trunks and your kiddos for a fun evening. Find the gym on Facebook.
Saturday, Oct. 25 The St. Clair Police Department is hosting its annual Trunk or Treat from 5-8 p.m. inside City Hall Gym. Expect lots of candy, Halloween decor, and a family-friendly environment. Find out more.
Saturday, Oct. 25 The Spooktacular Festival is back for its 2nd year—packed with thrills, treats, and family fun! This free community event (food & drinks available for purchase) is a must-attend celebration of fall in Sullivan. Get all the details.
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 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 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 Pinckney Bend Distillery will host 3 professional storytellers for an evening of sharing spooky tales at its Nightmare on Miller event. Enjoy themed drinks and food available for purchase during the event. 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.
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 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.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 The Washington Public Library is hosting a Teen Haunted Gingerbread House Make & Take. Drop in and construct a haunting “gingerbread” house out of graham crackers, frosting, and candies. All materials will be provided. Ages 12 & Up. Register here.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 Brookdale Farms in Eureka is hosting its annual Country Nights Halloween Party! Break out your best costume, bring your favorite treats to share, and let’s boot-scoot the night away. Best Costume wins a prize! Learn more.
Wednesday, Oct. 29 Participate in a Table Top Trick or Treat event at Grandview Healthcare in Washington. Enjoy face painting, games, and candy at this event from 5-7 p.m. Find out more.
Wednesday, Oct. 29 Shiloh Baptist Church in Robertsville is having a Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat. The event will have free food and kids activities. Learn more.
Thursday, Oct. 30 Lost Hill Lake Weddings and Event venue in St. Clair is hosting a Halloween themed Puff n’ Paint event. Get more info and register here.
Friday, Oct. 31 Get the caffeine you’ll need to fuel your Halloween plans! On Halloween morning, Just Hank’s coffee trailer will be parked at RC Roofing on Fifth St. in Washington and the first 100 customers will receive a free coffee! Get more info including times.
Friday, Oct. 31 Dare to head to Sullivan’s historic Harney Mansion for a unique Trunk or Treat event! And for the truly brave, step into the spooky mansion and mingle with some hair-raising boys and ghouls haunting the hallways. Learn more.
Friday, Oct. 31 The St. Clair Elks is having a Boo Bash that includes a Trunk or Treat, live music, as well as free chili and hot dogs. Get more info.
Friday, Oct. 31 McKelvey Vineyards is hosting a Monster Mash just in time for Halloween! There will be line dancing lessons, a bonfire with s’mores kits available for purchase, drink specials, free candy, and a costume contest. No cover charge for the event. Find out more on Facebook.
Saturday, Nov. 1 St. John the Baptist School in Villa Ridge will have a Trunk or Treat along with a haunted forest and hayride beginning at 5 p.m. Get the details.
Multiple dates and times in Oct. Think you’re brave enough to venture into Terror on Route 66? Step into this haunted attraction in Sullivan for the ultimate in spine-tingling entertainment. Get more info.
Multiple dates and times until Nov. 2 Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka is the home of Fright Fest, happening on select nights until Nov. 2. Find haunted mazes, scare zones, live shows, and more. Learn more.
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.
Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design. “My goal is to make your home your castle.”
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.
Ad purchased by Soul Refresh. Healing mind, body, and soul in WashMO.
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.
Small Town Socialite 