Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Sept. 7 – Sept. 20, 2026

Fall festival season has arrived! Over the next two weeks, there are numerous music festivals, food and drink festivals, harvest and seasonal festivals, as well as rodeos, car shows, markets, live music events, and much more. Take a look at all the events happening in the area, and check out the new event format. Everything is now grouped by geographic location and in chronological order in each section, hopefully making it easier to scan each event roundup post to find events in whatever area you’re looking for!

As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.

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

Franklin & Gasconade Counties (plus neighboring communities)

All of Sept.
Missouri Main Street is a month-long exhibit at Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch celebrating 100 years of Route 66 in the Show Me State.
Learn more.

Tuesday, Sept. 8
Each month, the Washington Public Library hosts Crafting & Creativity, a free event where attendees make a craft from 6-7 p.m.
Find out more.

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Saturday, Sept. 26
The Franklin County Humane Society is hosting an online auction and 50/50 raffle called Wine, Whiskers, and Wags. You can browse 300+ auction items online and enter to win the 50/50 jackpot.
Get more info on Facebook.

Thursday, Sept. 10
The Washington Farmers Market is the site of the monthly Music at the Market event. Head to the market space and hear live music from The Graybeards. The concert is free, but food is available for purchase from Mangia Bella. Additionally, wine is available for purchase from Noboleis Vineyards, with Re/Max Results, Janie Schriewer & Associates bartending for the evening.
Get more details.

Thursday, Sept. 10
Join Dark Ozarks Podcast Producers Alex Martin & Lisa Livingston Martin at the Scenic Regional Library St. Clair Branch for a discussion of the noir mysteries, and legends of Missouri’s Route 66, including discussion of Lisa’s book “Missouri’s Wicked Route 66: Gangsters & Outlaws on the Mother Road.”
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 11
Sunset on the Rails free concert series continues in Pacific with a live musical performance by Kaleidoscope from 6-9 p.m.
Find out more.

Friday, Sept. 11
The Washington Public Library is hosting author Larry Wood, author of “Gangster Queen Bonnie Parker and Other Murderous Women of Missouri.” Bonnie Parker has been romanticized in print and on screen since the early 1930s, when she and gangster boyfriend Clyde Barrow robbed banks and left bodies in their wake. She’s undoubtedly the most infamous murderous woman in Missouri history—although it’s uncertain whether she killed anyone with her own hand—but she’s in a crowded field of Show Me State female killers. 
Get more details.

Friday, Sept. 11 & Saturday, Sept. 12
The 10th Annual WingFest is happening at the Union Fair Grounds. This free family event will feature some of the best wing vendors, and other food and drinks, plus live music, a special 9/11 Ceremony with the American Legion Honor Guard and first responders before the festivities kickoff. There will also be bounce houses for kids and a fireworks display at the end of the festival on Saturday night.
Find the live music lineup.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Frisco Farmhouse’s only September market is happening the Saturday after Labor Day from 8 a.m. – 2 pm.. Shop from a variety of vendors, including fresh meat, produce, baked goods, handmade items, and more.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Head to Villa Ridge for the Boles Fire Protection District Health & Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Station #3. This free family event is packed with activities designed to educate, entertain, and help keep our community safe. Whether you’re meeting your local firefighters, learning valuable safety skills, or just looking for a fun family outing, there’s something for everyone.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 7th Annual September Bourbon Bash kicks off at 10 a.m. at Copper Mule Distillery in Hermann. Enjoy live bluegrass music, food from Don’s Pit Boss BBQ, awesome cocktails, and barrel tastings.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Head to Crooked Creek Farm in Pacific for Animalpalooza, from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Kids can meet miniature goats, a miniature cow, and enjoy outdoor fun like yard games.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Copper June’s in Rosebud hosting Boots & Bourbon Bash 2.0 from 1-6 p.m. Enjoy live music, whiskey tastings, food, contests, and more.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 20th Annual Washington Jaycees’ Brewfest is happening from 4-8 p.m. at the Washington Farmers Market. Tickets are $30 in advance, and $35 the day of the event. The 20th Annual Brewfest ticket includes access to 20+ breweries and homebrewers + distilleries, along with a commemorative pint glass, and a brewfest T-shirt. There will also be live music and food available for purchase from Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant.
Purchase tickets and find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
St. Gerald Catholic Church in Gerald is hosting a Fall Festival Church Picnic from 2-10 p.m. There will be food, drinks, games, activities, live music, and more.
Get more details.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Johnny’s Restaurant in Union is hosting a weekly market for the remainder of the season. Shop from local vendors offering items like soaps, baked goods, crafts, and more. The market is from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
East Central College continues its monthly stargazing event, happening at the lower parking lot at the college’s Union campus. Bring your own stargazing equipment and chairs and enjoy checking out the details of the night sky.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The Franklin County Humane Society is having a vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Union Fire Station #1.
Prices and vaccine details listed on the event flyer.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Spiral of Life Homestead & Wellness will have yoga classes in Gerald City Park from 9-10 a.m. Whether you are a beginner, or have done yoga before, all levels are welcome. Cost is $15 per person and attendees should bring a yoga mat and water, and wear something comfy. Registration is required.
Learn how to register.

Sunday, Sept. 13
The Amazing Race WashMo is returning to The Alley. The excitement begins at 1 p.m. and attendees will race to local businesses to complete challenges and receive clues. Space is limited to 25 teams of two, and cost per team to participate is $40.
Get registered.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Saint Francis Borgia Parish’s annual fall festival is happening from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The event is open to the public and will feature live music, children’s games, bingo, and roast beef and fried chicken dinners.
Find out more.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 & Thursday, Sept. 17
Head to the Red Cedar Inn & Tourism in Pacific for a two-day exhibit of the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit.
Get more info.

Friday, Sept. 18
The final Lawn Chair Movie Night of the season is happening from 8-10 p.m. at the large pavilion at Union City Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and catch the family-friendly movie “Zootopia 2.”
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 18
The monthly Tailgate Sale is back at The Roundup Event Space in St. Clair from 5-8 p.m. Shop from a variety of area vendors including the local 4H Club, a plant vendor, baked goods, and lots more.
Get more info.

Friday, Sept. 18 – Sunday, Sept. 20
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is going off-road for a special weekend of the Fall Festival featuring Jeeps, live entertainment, local vendors, and plenty of fall fun for the whole family like a corn maze, wagon rides, live music, face painting, and more.
Get tickets and learn more.

Friday, Sept. 18 & Saturday, Sept. 19
The Pacific Iron Horse Rodeo is happening for two days at Liberty Field in Pacific.
Check Facebook more info to be released soon.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The St. Andrews Place Subdivision in Union is having its Fall Yard Sale, beginning at 7 a.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The 7th Annual Barely Covered Music Festival is happening at White Mule Winery in Rosebud. Hear live music from numerous bands beginning at 12 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
After helping spread the word about hundreds of local events, I’m hosting one of my own! Join me at Sugar & Spice Book Cafe in Sullivan for Coffee with The Socialite, and together we will support a small local business and build community by meeting new people! The event is from 12-1:30 p.m. stay for the whole event, or visit for a little while.
RSVP on Facebook.

Saturday, Sept. 19
For nearly a decade Oxfest Music Festival has helped raise money for charities that support children, and it’s back this year at the Washington Fair Grounds. This all day annual music festival features three stages – a main stage playing rock, as well as blues and country stages. The first band takes the stage at noon and the music will continue until 10 p.m. There will also be food trucks and drinks available for purchase at the festival. Tickets are $33.85 a person, available for purchase online.
Get more info and buy tickets.

Saturday, Sept. 19
Johnny’s Restaurant in Union is hosting a weekly market for the remainder of the season. Shop from local vendors offering items like soaps, baked goods, crafts, and more. The market is from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, Sept. 20
Bring your fiancé, your parents, and your wedding party to the annual Fall Open House at Lost Hill Lake Events in St. Clair. The event is happening from 12 – 2 p.m. and will allow attendees a chance to view the venue, including our forest ceremony, and reception site set-up, as well as an opportunity to meet with Lost Hill Lake Events Wedding Coordinators, plus preferred vendors, and in-house vendors.
The event is free, but RSVP to attend.

Sunday, Sept. 20
Kaleidoscope Consignment in Pacific is hosting a Planty People Sale. Shop plants, cuttings, propagations, and more.
Get more info.

Advertisement – Thinking about adding on to your home? Contact Brandon with Freelance Services, to help you with the design and permit drawings.

Crawford & Dent Counties

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 13
The Steelville Harvest Festival 2026 is happening and will include a parade on Saturday, and much more.
Get all the details.

Thursday, Sept. 10
Healthy Dent County is proud to celebrate with a Girls’ Night Out event held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Salem Community Center at the Armory in Salem. Attendees can look forward to a fun-filled experience featuring unique vendors, prize giveaways, free samples, door prizes, delicious food tastings, and plenty of other exciting surprises.
Bring your girlfriends for an evening of pampering, shopping and eating. There is a $5.00 admission fee and admission are limited to all women and girls 12 years of age and older.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 17th Annual St. Louis Garlic Festival is happening at Gateway Garlic Farms in Bourbon. The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature food, vendors, live music, and more.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Heartland Farms in Bourbon is hosting its 1st Annual Fall Kickoff and Vendor Show. The event will have a variety of vendors, live music, the debut of the farm’s Route 66/America’s 250 Anniversary corn maze and 20+ play activities. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Attendees may buy a ticket just to shop and listen to the music for $5 or spend $10 and have access to the play area and corn maze as well.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of night sky viewing events with astronomy enthusiast Joe Parish in the visitor center parking lot. These events are free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Although a telescope will be provided, visitors are welcome to bring viewing devices of their own.
Find times and more info.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Get a different view of Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg with a photography tour held from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tickets are required to attend the tour.
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 18 & Saturday, Sept. 19
Blue Springs Ranch in Bourbon is hosting a two-day rodeo event that will include broncing, bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and steer wrestling.
Get more info.

Friday, Sept. 18
The Bourbon Fall Festival will include a parade at 6 p.m., along with vendors, live music, food and drink, plus more.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 19
Half-Crocked Antiques in Bourbon is hosting its Fall Outdoor Flea Market from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The 9th Annual Bourbon Car Show is happening from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be classic cars, food, craft vendors, and more.
Get more details.

Phelps County

Friday, Sept. 11
In Another Light black light art show is happening from 6-8 p.m. at Space on Pine in Rolla.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 2026 Fall Nature Festival is happening at the Ozark Rivers Audubon Trails and Nature Center in Rolla from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a free event for the community that includes, guided hikes, 20+ exhibitors, hummingbird banding demonstrations, food trucks, and native plant vendors. Parking is available at the commuter lot located at exit 185 from I-44. Shuttle buses will run continuously from parking to the festival.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Downtown Rolla is having a car cruise-in right along Old Route 66 from 5-8 p.m.. Find bites from food trucks or visit downtown restaurants.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The Rolla Saddle Club is hosting a fun show beginning at 2 p.m.
Learn more on Facebook.

Saturday, Sept. 19
Maramec Springs Park in St. James is hosting Music on the Maramec live music event with The Waydown Wanderers from 6-8 p.m. Cost to attend is $25 per car or free with a season pass to the park.
Get more details.

Warren County (and neighboring communities)

Thursday, Sept. 10
Tour the Historic Daniel Boone Home in Defiance free of charge. All ages are welcome and admission is first-come, first-served. Tours are open-house format, allowing guests to explore all levels of the house and speak with docents about the Boone family and the history of the Femme Osage Valley.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Centennial Farms in Augusta is having Fall Farm Days from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This first vendor event of the season will feature items like snacks, lotions, waxes, clothing, and more.
Learn more.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Weldon Spring Conservation Area will be the place to stretch your legs and push yourself with the MammothMarch, a 20 mile hike along a great mixture of diverse trails, such as Katy Trail and Lewis & Clark Trail featuring superb overlooks of the Missouri River. The single-circuit hiking loop starts and finishes at the beautiful Defiance Ridge Vineyard in Defiance and begins at 7:15 a.m.
Get tickets and learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The 2026 Warrenton Fall Festival will feature a full day of live music, food, vendors, and fun family-friendly fall activities.
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 Advertorial Feature

Want to Turn an Unfinished Basement into Your Dream Living Space? Here’s Why Early Fall is the Time to Start the Project

If you’re a home owner and you’ve ever looked at that unfinished basement filled with clutter and wished it could instead be your dream living space, now is the time to do something about it. Although we can use them as an area to keep holiday decor and those forgotten toys kids have outgrown, a basement can also be the perfect place for an entertainment area, your dream master suite, dwelling for aging relatives, a home office, or just about any other space that can add to the functionality of your home.  

Architectural draftsman and designer Brandon Bretz, owner of Freelance Services, a residential architectural drafting and design business, advises that late summer to early fall is the ideal time to start a basement addition project. Doing the work during the early fall and into the winter puts home owners in a sweet spot, since the outdoor projects that many contractors are tied up with throughout the spring and summer are wrapping up, and may even place some contractors in a slight lull.

Floor plan drawing of a basement with a great room, bathroom, and home gym area.
An example of a basement addition project drawn by Brandon Bretz. The drawings for this project depict the existing basement with the planned renovations of a great room, bathroom, and home gym area. Document credit: Brandon Bretz_Freelance Services

“I like to help my customers get the most out of their projects, not just from a design perspective, but also when it comes to timing,” Brandon shares. 

Besides the possibility of finding contractors with a lighter workload during this season, there’s another reason to get started on that basement project now. That’s because the basement project would be fully completed before the weather breaks in the spring, a time when many contractors can be slammed with everything from roofing projects to spring storm repairs and other jobs that require good weather to complete. 

“Having a finished design drawing before reaching out to a contractor makes good sense from a lot of different perspectives. It helps contractors get a better scope of the work, and can help them provide a more accurate bid as well as a more precise project timeline,” Brandon explains.

Another thing that can slow down projects before they’re even started is that people will often go straight to a contractor with their ideas about the project, but some contractors want to see drawings that outline design intent before they’ll bid a job and start working on the project. 

Working with Brandon on a design means clients will have drawings that show design intent to a perspective contractor. These drawings can help contractors provide a more accurate bid and project timeline. Photo credit: Amanda Bretz_The Socialite.

“By reaching out to a design professional like myself first, I can work with the client to find out what they want to do, I can get that design down on paper, and then the client has the project drawings in hand to take to a contractor to get accurate project bids.”   

Basement finishes or other indoor renovations can often take longer in the summer and a shorter amount of time to complete in the winter and early spring when contractors’ workloads can be slower. And if your project requires incorporating access from the existing house into the project design, such as the case if a client wishes to finish their walkout basement and also add a patio or overhang feature, it’s important to remember that can also add to the project’s completion timeline. 

Brandon describes possible project scenarios and why timelines can be crucial to meeting a customer’s needs. Video credit: Produced by Alex Don Media Group

If you’re thinking about finishing your basement, designing an addition, or building your dream home, view Brandon’s portfolio of work on his website. Want to learn even more about Brandon, his professional background, and why he started Freelance Services? You can find out more about him in this advertorial that was published last month.

You can also connect with Brandon on Facebook or call/text him at 314-799-9272.  

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri May 4 – May 10, 2026

This week there’s ways to celebrate Mom with brunches, markets, and more. Then there are community festivals this weekend like Founders Day in Union and Miller’s Landing Day in New Haven. If you’re feeling crafty, there’s a create your own lightsaber event at the Washington Public Library, and a craft fair at the St. Clair KC Hall.

There’s also chances to hear free live music at Music on Main in Union, and the first Sunset on the Rails of the season in Pacific. Another free music event is the ECC Pops concert that brings together East Central College, The Pride of Washington High School, Saint Louis University, and Lindenwood University for a performance at the Washington Fairgrounds.

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.

Monday, May 4
Celebrate “Star Wars” day also known as May the Fourth, at the Washington Public Library. Create your own lightsaber at this family-friendly crafting event.
Get more info.

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.

Wednesday, May 6
Skip the awkward small talk and get straight to real connections at the Businesses 4 Businesses speed networking event in Pacific from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. This fast paced event is built for ambitious professionals who want to meet like minded people, exchange value, and grow their business without wasting time. Expect quick rotations, deeper conversations, and connections that go further than a generic elevator pitch.
RSVP to attend.

Thursday, May 7
Music on Main is happening in Union. Enjoy the music of Claudia Rose, grab a bite from food truck Messy Bettie’s, and a drink from Sip on Main. The concert begins at 6 p.m.
Learn more.

Thursday, May 7
Clark Street Cafe & Bakery in Sullivan is hosting a plant and sip night from 6-8 p.m. Personalize a recycled container for your succulent planter and decorate a sugar cookie. Cost is $35 per person. Included in price: container, soil, succulent, glass of sangria or soft drink and cookie.
Register to attend.

Friday, May 8
Grab your lawn chairs and head to downtown Pacific for a beautiful evening of live music, community, and sunset views at Pacific Station Plaza for a Sunset on the Rails concert. Featured band is Cody & The Chameleons, and the event is from 6-9 p.m.
Find out more.

Friday, May 8
Join East Central College along with The Pride of Washington High School, Saint Louis University, and Lindenwood University as they put on their annual Pops Concert on the Fairgrounds in Washington. The theme for this year is “A Moment in Time.” The concert is free to attend, and there will be concessions available for purchase.
Learn more.

Friday, May 8
Market on Main, the Union Farmer’s Market, is happening from 4-7 p.m. Find items from local producers, makers, and vendors, as well as food from food trucks.
Get more info at ReDiscover Union on Facebook.

Friday, May 8
Make some memories under the stars with your loved ones at a family-friendly outdoor movie night at Our Lady of Lourdes in Washington. Enjoy “The Prince of Egypt” on the big screen in a kid-friendly atmosphere, complete with delicious popcorn and refreshing beverages. Bring the whole family for an evening of smiles, laughter, and connection. The fun begins at 7 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 9
The KC Hall in St. Clair will have a craft fair from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find goodies from handmade jewelry, to scrubs, soaps, jellies, tumblers, and more.
Get more info.

Saturday, May 9
The Sullivan Community Market kicks off its season at 9 a.m. at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan. The market runs the second and fourth Saturdays from May through September.
Vendor and entertainment info for this week’s market.

Saturday, May 9
The 2026 Founders Day celebration in Union is happening at the City Park, as well as in the town square area. Find the full list of the locations and times of locations online.
Learn more.

Saturday, May 9
Head to East Central College for a free evening of stargazing. Join other stargazers at the lower parking lot at dusk. Bring your viewing equipment and chairs to enjoy the experience.
Get the details.

Advertisement – Brandon with Freelance Services is an architectural draftsman that can help you design construction and permit documents and specializes in custom home plans as well as drawings for home renovations and additions, outdoor living spaces, and small commercial projects.

Saturday, May 9
Celebrate Miller’s Landing Day in New Haven from 3 p.m. – dusk. The day’s festivities include music, food, children’s activities, crafts, and a fireworks display to cap off the event.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 9
The Clubhouse Play Cafe in Sullivan is having a Mother’s Day celebration. Kids can play, while moms can enjoy a beverage, with a special Mother’s Day photo backdrop on site to commemorate the day.
Find costs and more info.

Saturday, May 9
Sullivan Eagles Hall will light up the night for a great cause at a black light bingo event! Enjoy a fun-filled evening of glowing bingo, prizes, and community spirit—all to support the Franklin County Safe House.
Get tickets and find out more.

Saturday, May 9
McKelvey Vineyards’ Car Cruise is happening from 1-5 p.m. The full bar and menu will be open all day from noon to 8 p.m. with live music from 2-6 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 9
Frisco Farmhouse in Catawissa is having a Mother’s Day Market from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Shop local farmers, producers, and artisans to treat the mother in your life.
Learn more.

Saturday, May 9
Bring the family out to Crooked Creek Farmers Market for a morning of animals, food, and country fun from 8:30 a.m – noon. Find 4H demonstrations, face painting, sourdough, farm fresh eggs, and more.
Get the details.

Sunday, May 10
Celebrate mom in style with a special Mother’s Day brunch buffet at Triple 3 Vineyard’s Trinity Hall. Enjoy a delicious spread of gourmet dishes, seasonal favorites, and fresh ingredients—all served in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This is the perfect way to show appreciation to the amazing moms in your life.
Purchase tickets.

Road Trippin’

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

Thursday, May 7
Relax & unwind with pampering. light nibbles, mocktails, samples, swag bag and a unique shopping experience at Maggie Grace in Warrenton.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 9
Find unique treasures at the Mother’s Day pop-up market at Red Door Cigars in Eureka from 1-5 p.m. Shop from vendors offering permanent jewelry, sweet treats, beauty and self-care products, and much more.
Learn more.

Saturday, May 9
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Spend the day enjoying a delicious brunch, fresh spring air, and the simple joy of time together on the farm. With blooming flowers, peaceful countryside views, and a warm welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting to slow down and celebrate the woman who does so much for everyone else.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 9
Marthasville Fire Protection District is the site of a plant auxiliary sale, just in time for Mother’s Day and spring planting! Happening from 8-11 a.m., find everything from hanging baskets, to flowers, vegetables, and more.
Get more details.

Sunday, May 10
Treat mom to a Mother’s Day Brunch at Root Food + Wine in Augusta. Enjoy a 3-course meal, bloody marys or mimosas, for $50 per person.
Get more info.

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!