Warrenton – Small Town Socialite

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri March 16 – March 22, 2026

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Amanda

Nothing says spring is on its way like gardening events and visits with the Easter bunny! This week there are multiple Easter events, from photos and visits with the Easter bunny to adult egg hunts. There are also two free gardening workshops, entertainment options like the first Music on Main event of the season in Union, plus karaoke night at Hangout Entertainment in St. Clair, large scale garage sales and flea markets, and a whole lot more!

Just a heads up – always double check with the event venue before heading out just in case events sell out or get rescheduled for some reason!

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

Tuesday, March 17
Head to the Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch for a free gardening workshop. The monthly Growers and Sowers meetings feature a variety of gardening topics taught from master gardeners and experts. This month’s workshop is all about organic gardening.
RSVP to save your spot.

Thursday, March 19
The first Music on Main event of the spring kicks off this week with music by Brandy Lee, food and drinks by Sip on Main, as well as food truck Kool Vibz. Head to Hansen Park in Union, the gates open at 5 p.m. and the fun begins at 6 p.m.
Learn more.

Friday, March 20
Whether you prefer to dress in flannel, baby doll dresses, or oversized clothes, rock your best 90s style and head to Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar in Washington for 90s Night. Enjoy music from that decade all night long and sip on house-made cocktails.
Find out more.

Friday, March 20
Belt out your favorite tunes at Karaoke Night at Hangout Entertainment Bar & Grill in St. Clair. Enjoy food and drink specials, plus late night pizza and appetizers.
Get all the details.

Friday, March 20
The very first Food Truck Friday event in Union is happening at Oak and Main Streets, next to Hansen Park, with all proceeds benefitting the East Main Street Archway Project. The event is from 5-7 p.m.
Get more details.

Saturday, March 21
Saucy’s Pizzeria in Catawissa is hosting a Derby Day to benefit a local youth organization. Check-in begins at 2 p.m. and racing begins at 3 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, March 21
It’s Trivia Night at First Baptist Church in Sullivan. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. and will include multiple live auctions and $1 games with chances to win prizes. Cost is $10 per person to attend.
Find out more.

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Saturday, March 21
The Franklin County Master Gardeners are hosting a free seed starting workshop at Andy’s Produce Too in Union. This one-hour workshop will teach you the basics of seed starting, including timing, soil, light, and more.
Learn more.

Saturday, March 21
The Club House Play Café in Sullivan is having two community Easter egg hunts at its Easter Bunny Bash event. This ticketed event includes the egg hunt, two hours of open play, and a photo opportunity with the Easter bunny. Cost is $10 per child.
Get tickets and find out more.

Saturday, March 21
Bring your own camera or phone to Once Worn Children’s Resale in Union for an opportunity to get your picture with the Easter bunny. The event is free and is from 9 a.m. – noon.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Friday, March 20
Join in on a paint event with a cuddly twist at Painting with Waffles the Mini Highland Cow in Warrenton. Paint, socialize, and take selfies with Waffles.
Learn more.

Saturday, March 21
Eureka is the site of the Midwest’s largest garage sale and swap meet at Six Flags. The 19th Annual event will feature over 500 vendors, as well as food and drink available for purchase.
Get tickets and learn more.

Saturday, March 21
Red Oak Valley in Owensville is hosting a Spring Fashion Show from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The show will feature some of the area’s top boutiques showcasing the latest trends of the season.
Get more info.

Saturday, March 21
Blumenhoff Winery in Dutzow is hosting a moonlit Adult Easter Egg Hunt with hidden prizes like gift cards, beer, wine, and one golden egg which will be redeemable for a case (12 bottles) of wine of your choice.
Get tickets and more information.

Saturday, March 21
What can be better than meeting the Easter bunny and having some ice cream? The Easter Bunny Ice Cream Social at the Warrenton Outlet Center is happening from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, March 21
Take part in the Black Light Bingo Bash at St. Ignatius in Marthasville. Cost is $35 per person in advance and $40 at the door, and benefits the St. Ignatius of Loyola Home and School Committee.
Get more info.

Saturday, March 21
Attend the 2nd Annual Cabin Fever Festival at Mount Pleasant Estates in Augusta to shake off the last bit of the winter blues. The property-wide celebration brings together four wineries, live entertainment, incredible food and wine pairings, and unforgettable experiences.
Purchase tickets.

Saturday, March 21
Select Rosebud businesses will participate in the 2026 Rosebud Shamrock Scavenger Hunt. Find the shamrocks, scan the QR code, and be entered to win prizes.
Learn more.

Sunday, March 22
Head to Pine Hollow Farms in Eureka for the [Pre]Loved Market, a wedding-based flea market event. Happening from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. you can find pre-worn wedding gowns and other gently used wedding items.
Find more details.

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!

Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri March 9 – March 15, 2026

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Amanda

Get ready to enjoy live music performances this week with two opportunities to catch music by Celtic band The Divines, or hear local musician Tom Norton play in St. Clair. There are also two comedy nights happening in the area, one at Triple 3 Vineyard that’s ticketed, as well as a free comedy night at The Outfield in Marthasville. Other events this week include craft and DIY events, trivia nights, mouse race fundraisers, and much more!

And Irish eyes are smiling this week, as the area prepares for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this weekend. There’s St. Paddy’s Day trivia, parades, scavenger hunts, and more included in this post, but keep an eye out for a special roundup post on the various St. Patrick’s Day celebrations happening in Franklin County and neighboring communities. That post will release on Thursday, giving you plenty of time to plan your weekend, and if you still can’t get enough of the holiday shenanigans, this post outlines nine area establishments with St. Paddy’s Day drink menus.

Just a heads up – always double check with the event venue before heading out just in case events sell out or get rescheduled for some reason!

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

Monday, March 9
Hear music by Celtic band The Divines at the Scenic Regional Library’s Union branch. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
Find out more.

Tuesday, March 10
Get ready for an afternoon of DIY crafting at the Washington Public Library’s monthly Crafting & Creativity event. This month’s craft will be creating a mini spring wreath.
Get all the details.

Thursday, March 12
The Alley in Washington is hosting an All-Ages Karaoke from 6-9 p.m.
Learn more.

Friday, March 13
The Office Bar & Grill in Washington will have line dancing by Glittering Grapevine beginning at 6 p.m.
Get more info.

Saturday, March 14
Andy’s Produce Too in Union is having a flower pot painting party from noon-3 p.m. The cost is $25 per person.
Find out more.

Saturday, March 14
Soul Refresh in Washington is hosting its One Year Anniversary Celebration. The event is from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Learn more on Facebook.

Saturday, March 14
Immaculate Conception Parish Center will have mouse races at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and there will also be attendance prizes, a 50/50 drawing, cash bar, and silent auction.
Get more information.

Saturday, March 14
The Union Community Center will host an 80’s & 90’s Trivia Night to benefit the Franklin County Historical Society’s museum operations and building fund.
Learn more and find out cost to attend.

Saturday, March 14
Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington is having a Comedy Night and will feature clean comedian David Graham. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $30 per person.
Find out more and purchase tickets.

Saturday, March 14
Head to Pacific for a St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt, which you can find out more about here, as well as a parade that kicks off at 11 a.m.
Get more details.

Saturday, March 14
Hangout Entertainment Bar & Grill in St. Clair will have live music performed by Tom Norton beginning at 6 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, March 14
The American Legion in St. Clair will have Baseball Mouse Races. There will be a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and more.
Get the details and costs.

Saturday, March 14
If you missed the free concert featuring The Divines on Monday, or you just want to hear them again, the group is playing at Liberty Hall in Washington. This ticketed event will also include one drink with admission.
Get tickets.

Saturday, March 14
Head to the St. Clair Branch of Scenic Regional Library for the free, family-friendly PAR-TEE event. The library is transformed into a video game themed mini golf course where attendees will play nine holes (everything from Pac-Man to Zelda!) then enjoy a quick round of black light bingo and some light refreshments.
Registration is required for this free event.

Saturday, March 14
Downtown Union will have a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day Block Party from 1-3 p.m. Expect food trucks, face painters, bounce houses, games, a scavenger hunt, and much more.
Find out more.

Saturday, March 14
The Sullivan Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free Glitter & Glam Closet filled with prom attire including shirts, suits, shoes, and prom dresses.
Find time, location, and other details.

Saturday, March 14
Think you know 80’s fantasy films like The Princess Bride, Willow, Dune, Labrynth, and more? Then you’ll want to attend the 1980s Fantasy Film Trivia event at the Pacific Branch of the Scenic Regional Library.
Learn more.

Saturday, March 14
Do some free stargazing at ECC. The evening begins in Parking Lot N at dusk and concludes at 8 p.m.
Get all the details.

Sunday, March 15
Present Moment Yoga is hosting a Sunday Night by Candlelight yoga event. The evening will include a relaxing candlelit space and soft music to help you relax.
Get more info.

Road Trippin’

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

Friday, March 13
Enjoy a night of laughs without a cover charge at The Outfield Sports Bar & Grill in Marthasville’s Comedy Night.
Learn more.

Friday, March 13
Take a short drive to the Shamrock Saloon Pop-Up Bar at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. This one night event will feature Irish drinks, line dancing, food trucks, and raffles.
Get tickets and learn more.

Friday, March 13-Sunday, March 15
Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm in St. James is having a Shenanigans St. Patrick’s Day Weekend! The event will include trivia, hayrides, outside yard games, camp fire and green slushies.
Get all the details.

Saturday, March 14
Test your St. Paddy’s Day knowledge at the trivia night at Holy Rosary Church in Warrenton.
Find out more.

Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Feb. 16-22, 2026

Posted on February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 by Amanda

This week there’s paint nights, author events, karaoke and open mic nights, as well as the Singo event in Pacific, which combines bingo and karaoke, plus head to downtown Washington on Saturday to let the good times roll, at the Mardi Gras celebration!

There’s even more events just a short drive from Franklin County, such as the Bridgerton Social event at the Rolla Public Library, a spaghetti/chili supper in Rosebud, and much more.

Pro tip: sometimes events get canceled or rescheduled, so if you’re making a special trip, or it’s a long drive, 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.

Thursday, Feb. 19
Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair is hosting a paint and sip night.
Get more info and register.

Thursday, Feb. 19
The Tri-County Community Senior Center in Pacific is hosting a Health and Wellness Fair. The fair is free and open to the public and is happening from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Learn more.

Friday, Feb. 20
Red Door Liquor & Cigars in Eureka is having a night of international whiskey. Attendees will try over 30 different whiskies from all over the world. There are two seatings, 6 – 7 p.m. or 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. Cost is $45 per person and it includes whiskey sampling and heavy appetizers.
Find out more.

Friday, Feb. 20
The Office Bar & Grill in Washington is hosting its karaoke night from 8 p.m.-midnight.
Learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 21
Meet children’s author Constance J. Hagedorn, Ph.D., along with her daughter Ashley, at Red Cedar Inn in Pacific.
Get more details.

Saturday, Feb. 21
Head to Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist for a modern terrarium workshop. Attendees will get help choosing the perfect plants to create a one-of-a-kind terrarium and learn how to care for your terrarium to keep it healthy and happy.
Register and learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 21
The Tipsy Keg is hosting a Mardi Gras themed masquerade. Wear your Mardi Gras colors, lots of beads, and a masquerade mask at this fun party. There will be karaoke, dancing, and drink specials throughout the evening.
Find out more.

Saturday, Feb. 21
For its centennial, “Route 66 expert” and local author Joe Sonderman will present a fascinating look at The Main Street of America at the Pacific Scenic Regional Library Branch.
Get more details.

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Saturday, Feb. 21
Get ready to play bingo while belting out tunes at Singo and Karaoke, at the Tri-County Community Senior Center in Pacific. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and tickets are $20 per person.
Learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 21
It’s Mardi Gras in downtown Washington! The celebration will be filled with shopping, food, music, drinks, and New Orleans flair.
Find out more.

Saturday, Feb. 21 & Sunday, Feb. 22
Head to Off the Rails Burger Bar in Pacific for a two day seed swap and get a jumpstart on your spring planting.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Multiple days and times
Looking for a fun and winter-themed experience? Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta is featuring Winter Wine-derland Igloos this winter season. These private spaces feature cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and views of the vineyard.
Get pricing and more info.

Friday, Feb. 20
Join Waffles the Mini Highland Cow for a Donut and Hot Chocolate Painting Party in Warrenton.
Learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 21
The Gasconade County Threshers Association is hosting a spaghetti/chili supper in Rosebud. There will be a cash bar, live auction, and alpha gal menu options.
Find the event on Facebook.

Saturday, Feb. 21
Calling all Bridgerton fans! You are warmly invited to an afternoon of charm, conversation, and spirited competition as we discuss the first half of the newest Bridgerton season and ready ourselves for what comes next at the Rolla Public Library. Enjoy tea, lively discussion, and a selection of quizzes, games and trivia to test your knowledge of the Ton. Regency‑inspired attire is optional, though delightfully encouraged for those wishing to embrace the occasion.
Find out more.

Sunday, Feb. 22
Attention poets, comedians, and musicians — it’s time to shine at Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm’s Open Mic event.
Get more info.

News and Features

Meet the Women Providing Meals for the Community Through the Nonprofit Feeding on Faith

Posted on January 29, 2026January 27, 2026 by Amanda

A couple of years ago, friends Mary Stevens and Judy Mattox felt called to make meals for people in need. At first they organized a small group that served meals at their shared church, and while that was a successful effort, they both felt led to do more, but in order to do that they’d need to take a couple leaps of faith, like registering as a nonprofit, finding a kitchen where they could prep and cook meals, and raise funds.

Feeding on Faith has been official since November of 2024, after everything was finalized – from becoming a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, to meeting health department requirements, to finding a kitchen and place to serve meals, all of which took about six months.

Things really started to pick up for the organization once they were able to begin organizing community meals served at the Marylou Community Building in Truesdale, located in Warren County, which started this past summer and is still going strong.

Mary, left, and Judy, right, are the duo behind the nonprofit Feeding on Faith. Photo credit: Feeding on Faith via Facebook.

The meals they’ve served have changed along with the seasons, over the summer the ladies served items like “walking tacos” for lunch at the concession pavilion located outside of the Marylou Community Building. During that time, they fed a lot of kids since school wasn’t in session, as well as some single adults, retirees, and families.

Mary and Judy say they still see “a pretty good mix of people” at each community meal, with many return attendees.

“We see a lot of families and we hear the same thing each time: ‘you don’t know how much this helps,'” Mary shares.

And since the women both feel like creating this nonprofit was a calling from God, it’s important that the help they provide often looks like the kind of comforting meal you’d get if you were invited to a friend’s house for dinner.

Casserole meals are popular dishes, but the ladies have also made hearty meals like scalloped potatoes and ham, soups and chili, as well as sandwiches and chips, and chili dogs. Although both ladies love to cook for others, Judy is the baker of the two, so every meal also includes a dessert of some sort.

Although they’re a fairly new organization, they’ve made a significant impact for those in need. So far, they’ve served over 900 meals to the community, helping to feed people at the community meal events as well as providing meals to nearby shelters.

“We really wanted to serve 2,000 meals last year, but in the beginning we had some delays with renting a kitchen,” Mary explains.

In addition to feeding people at the every other Monday community meals, some of the shelters and other groups they’ve provided meals for include a domestic abuse shelter and they’ve helped make lasagnas for the Lincoln County chapter of the nation-wide meal train program called Lasagna Love.

Having access to the space inside Marylou Community Building once every other week means they have a place to keep their supplies, a requirement per the health department, but also it means they’re able to preserve any leftovers and purchase more perishable ingredients in advance.

“We were able to buy a freezer, so now we can buy things when they’re on sale,” Judy says.

The ladies make all the meals that they serve to the community. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

As a nonprofit they rely on donations and volunteers, and whenever they’re able to make ingredients and funds stretch, the more people they’re able to help. Mary shares that since they’re such a new organization, a lot of volunteers at Feeding on Faith have been friends and family, although they also welcomed a Girl Scout Troop to help serve a community meal last year.

And there’s also been support from individuals and organizations in the community, including Cuivre River Electric, Long Row Lavender Farm, Woodbridge Corp., Sam’s Club in Wentzville, and many more. Without those donations – of both funds and supplies – the nonprofit wouldn’t have been able to make such a profound impact.

Planning for the future

Both Judy and Mary see Feeding on Faith expanding to help even more people.

“Judy wants a food truck,” Judy says with a laugh.

The women hope to grow the nonprofit by purchasing a food truck or food trailer so they can be mobile to meet, and feed, people where they’re at.

“That’s this year’s partial goal,” Mary adds.

Mary also envisions having a bigger space that’s all their own, so they can have premade, frozen meals ready to help people whenever they need it.

“We’re very grateful to be able to use this space, but unfortunately we don’t have access to it all the time,” Mary shares of the Marylou Community Building. “I’d love to make up individual meals in advance and put them in the freezer at our own place so that if someone reaches out and needs a meal for that day, we can easily help.”

Mary and Judy work together to make multiple lasagnas in an assembly style at the Marylou Community Building in Truesdale. In January 2026, the Feeding on Faith community meal was lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and dessert. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

The next community meal served at the Marylou Community Building in Truesdale is on Monday, Feb. 2, from 5-6:30 p.m. If you’d like to learn more about Feeding on Faith, you can follow the organization on Facebook, or visit its website.

Note: This article is part of a series highlighting volunteer groups, individuals who give back to area causes, and people who are building community, such as the piece I wrote on The Homemade Exchange. If you know someone making a positive impact in or around the Franklin County area, email me at smalltownsocialitemo@gmail.com and I may feature them on the website.