Festiva Hispana Hispanic Festival
Celebrate all things Hispanic! Enjoy a parade, car show, food and music with Sabaneros MGM, folkloric dancing and more.
Parade starts at 3 pm.
Spend the day and bring your entire family for all the fun.
TIckets are $20, but free if you arrive before 7 pm.
Fireworks, Music, and More at Jefferson City’s Salute to America
A beloved tradition for 20+ years, Salute to America is an all-day Independence Day extravaganza that brings the booms to Jefferson City. Enjoy food, drink, a parade, live music, and—once it gets dark—a dazzling fireworks display.
By Natalie-Elizabeth Tan
This Fourth of July, proudly don your red, white, and blue and hit the state capital for some good old-fashioned American fun. Salute to America, one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Missouri, returns for its 22nd year, filling the streets of downtown Jefferson City with food, drink, shows, fireworks, and more.
The all-day extravaganza kicks off with a food court and fair. Browse the plentiful craft and retail vendors while munching on kettle corn, barbeque, or pizza. If you find yourself sweltering under the summer heat, there will be snow cones, boba, and Italian ice to cool you down.
For the kids and young at heart, there is plenty to stay entertained—inflatables, bubbles, crafts, a bounce house, chalk art, and more. Or, feed your competitive streak and go up against your friends or family in a sack race, corn hole, or Yahtzee.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to cheer on the grand parade that snakes through McCarthy Street, High Street, and Jefferson Street before coming to an end on Miller Street. “This year’s theme is Heroes Among Us. We are honoring not only our veterans, but our teachers and medical and emergency service workers,” says event coordinator Taylor Wolz. “There will be music, dancers, fire trucks, military vehicles, people on horses, veterans in classic cars, and people handing out candy.”
There’s so much more to see and do as well. Ornithology aficionados, you have to check out the birds of prey show, presented by the World Bird Sanctuary. Car enthusiasts can marvel at the car show display. For something slightly different, hop on over to Mighty Machines, where you can see and sit inside large equipment including military and police vehicles.
In the evening, grab a quintessential American beer—or two, we won’t judge!—and relax while you watch while four homegrown musical acts take the stage: Ernest James Zydeco, Bad Habit, Soulroot Band, and Shiloh Country Band are all on the lineup.
End the night with a literal bang, as the night sky lights up with dazzling fireworks. Anywhere you can see the Missouri Capitol, you’ll be able to see the fireworks. An insider tip from Wolz: “The best view is from the Capitol lawn,” she says. “Bring a blanket and get a snack, we will have music set to go along with the fireworks. It’s a beautiful combination.”
All photos courtesy of Salute to America.
For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.
Dr. Zhivegas
For two decades, Dr. Zhivegas has reigned supreme as one of the most beloved and hardest working dance rock acts in the United States.
With a Vegas residency, a Superbowl pregame show and sold out theatre shows in St. Louis, Kansas City and Chicago on their resume, Dr. Zhivegas is coming to The Lot at Liberty Center with their legendary disco-rock style.
Now entering their third decade of performing over 200 shows a year, the Dr. Zhivegas legacy continues…….
French Heritage Festival
Join in the fun at the 2024 French Heritage Festival to celebrate the unique traditions, architecture and music of Ste. Genevieve’s French and Creole heritage in Missouri and the Mississippi River Valley. Experience the Opening Ceremony at 10:30 am on Saturday June 8 at the Church of Ste. Genevieve and activities in Lions Club Park and each of the historic tour homes, National Park sites and museums.
Explore the beauty of Ste. Genevieve's historic homes, gardens, and art centers, sample delicious food and live music in the National Historic Landmark District. Enjoy story-telling, dancing, street performers, re-enactor skill demonstrations and immerse yourself in the music, food, shopping and history of Missouri’s oldest town. Stay overnight for more live music on North Main Street Saturday night and join the guided Audubon’s Nature Walk at the levee wildlife refuge early Sunday morning. Then take a trolley on a driving tour of the Creole Corridor.
Other than some of the historic sites’ admission fees, the activities throughout the Ste. Genevieve French Heritage Festival are free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve and the City of Ste. Genevieve. Learn more at VisitSteGen.com and HistoricSteGen.org
How ‘Bout “Dublin” Your Labor Day Weekend Fun?
Are you Irish? Or maybe you just enjoy Emerald Isle imports like Irish music, dance, beer, or whiskey. If you're nodding your head and saying, ”Sure ‘n I do – ‘Irish’ I could enjoy even more Eire experiences!,” then you won't want to miss this festival!
By Peg Cameron Gill
Kansas City will be shamrockin’ Labor Day weekend when its annual Irish Fest returns for the 19th year. The Fest, put on by Kansas City Irish Fest (KCIF), a nonprofit “dedicated to promoting the culture, music, character and history of Ireland and of the Irish people who call Kansas City home.”
Each year, KCIF offers stellar Irish musical acts and much more. The Fest exists “to bring the heart of Ireland to the Heart of America, and that means everything from Irish culture to shops, beverages, food, and activities using Irish themes and traditions.” Might be the perfect chance to to sample that whiskey you've wondered about or pick up a Celtic collectible, like a Claddagh ring.
According to the Fest's website, “It is the mission of Kansas City Irish Fest to graciously provide our local and regional community with the best, friendliest, and most enjoyable Irish cultural weekend in Kansas City by creating and presenting the best blend of music, education and (great) craic.”
Taking place Sept.1–3, some of the 2023 musical entertainers include The Elders (Appearing together again after a hiatus. Read more here), the Red Hot Chili Pipers, Gaelic Storm, Aofie Scott, and Talisk. The Fest also includes an artisan showcase, whiskey tastings, the ‘’I’rish I was a Star Kansas City Sing-Off,” a whole host of children's activities like a scavenger hunt, take-and-go craft coloring activity, inflatable obstacle courses, balloon artists, and magicians. New this year is interactive mural painting! Kids will have the chance to be a part of an Irish Fest mural, drawn by local artists.
KCIF is committed to:
- Presenting family-friendly entertainment, activities, and products
- Providing opportunities for Irish organizations to promote positive and peaceful causes
- Perpetuating the study and appreciation of Irish history and genealogy
- Developing and cultivating opportunities for leadership and volunteerism
- Deepening a sense of community among Irish Americans and all ethnic groups that contribute to the unique flavor and vitality of the Midwest
- Bringing the heart of Ireland to the heart of Kansas City
The Kansas City Irish Fest Is the result of a merger of two successful, smaller neighborhood events, the Brookside and Westport Irish fests. Located in the heart of Kansas City on Crown Center Square, KCIF regularly hosts around 80,000 of its closest friends and soon-to-be friends throughout the three day festival. KCIF is almost 100% volunteer staffed, and is grateful for the help of nearly 1,000 volunteers annually.
So come on out and enjoy yourself at Kansas City Irish Fest. Otherwise you might be green with envy.
For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.
You’ll Wanna Flag This Event!
Are you good at identifying flags? When you see one, do you know where it’s from? Or maybe you’re fascinated by history and how flags figure into it. Either way, you’ll wanna run this free event up the flagpole. You’ll definitely salute it!
By Peg Cameron Gill
Every month, The Stars & Stripes National Museum and Library in Bloomfield holds a special Kids Day at the Museum, sponsored by Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland.
August’s Kids Day at the Museum is “Design Your Own Flag,” on Saturday, August 26 from 10 AM to 2 PM. This is a drop-in event that’s free to the public.
Most of us know the story of Betsy Ross and the American flag, but there’s so much more to learn about flags and their significance. At this informative event you and your kids will learn fascinating facts about why flags were important during wartime.
Then, kids will have a chance to get creative and design their own flags!
What colors will they choose? What symbols? Any stars or stripes? It’ll be fun to see what they come up with. Each child will get to take their flag home as a special souvenir and reminder of the fun time they had at the August Kids Day at the Museum.
Designated the birthplace of the Stars and Stripes by the US Department of Defense, the museum collects, documents, celebrates, interprets, and preserves material related to the creation and continuing history of the Stars and Stripes, our nation’s military newspaper.
Through exhibits and programs, The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library offers a unique and important view of some of the most pivotal moments in modern history.
The Museum highlights the history of the Stars and Stripes from the very first issue, printed by Union troops in November 1861, through the wars of the 20th century and into the modern era.
Speaking of stars and stripes and flags, how much do you know about Missouri's state flag? Find out here who’s become known as “Missouri’s Betsy Ross” for designing our state flag.
For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.
Be Part of a Biking Blast!
Do you enjoy being a two-wheeled tourist? Whether you’re a peddling pro, a cycling sensation, or a little wobbly on wheels, if you’re any kind of a biking enthusiast—at any skill level!—you'll want to check out a marvelous moonlight bike ride.
By Peg Cameron Gill
Be in a Big Bike Brigade!
The Moonlight Ramble has been a staple of the St. Louis community since 1964. Join in this year as the tradition continues on Aug. 26th, starting and finishing in the Grove. All ages are welcome, but children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Check-in/ pre-ride party festivities begin at 7 PM.
The adult price is $50 with a T-shirt through 8/25, and $55 on the day of the ride. The youth price is $25 for those 6–17 years old. Child riders 5 and under are free.
Registering is easy and convenient — just click here. Adult and youth registration includes your choice of an 11- or 16-mile Moonlight Ramble, a custom tri-blend event T-shirt, a commemorative sticker, access to the exclusive vendor area and samples, and the event afterparty where each rider will receive snacks and your choice of Urban Chestnut Beer or Fitz's Soda, All riders 21+ will receive one complimentary beer, plus a happening festival and more!
Make sure to visit the event details page for info on packet pick up, parking, food, and more.
Want to take your ride up a notch? Enter the Light My Ride Contest at this year’s Ramble. The rider with the flashiest, best decorated bike will take home this year’s first prize. Here’s how it works…
First, you must be a registered rider in this year’s Moonlight Ramble in order to be eligible to participate.
Light up and decorate your ride and bring it to the Trailnet tent located in the vendor village to register for the contest and to have the judges rate your ride. Registration is open from 7 – 8:30 PM, and you don't want to be late.
At 8:30 PM the judges will announce the five finalists via text message and invite them to the main stage for the finals. There, the rest of the Ramblers will cheer the loudest for what they feel is the Ramble’s raddest ride!
Winner of this year’s Light My Ride contest will receive a free entry to the 2024 Moonlight Ramble.
As with all large events, the Ramble can use help! If you aren't able to ride but want to help make St. Louis' historic bike ride better, take a look at the volunteer and donation opportunities available on the Moonlight Ramble Volunteer page.
The Moonlight Ramble started 59 years ago with one rider, Dick Leary, and has grown into St. Louis' most iconic cycling event. Held under the light of the August full moon each year, the Moonlight Ramble celebrates the city of St. Louis, its neighborhoods, and landmarks through cycling, while raising funds for Trailnet.
Over the past two years the Ramble has raised $31,000 to support Trailnet's vision for fostering healthy, active, and vibrant communities where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit are a way of life.
Read about another big bike ride, the annual Big Bam, here. Missouri Life also shares the 20 best biking and hiking trails in the Show-Me state here.
For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.
Kids Fish For Free!!
Casting about for a way to enjoy some fresh air and fun with your family? Here's a reel-y fun – and free! – event you’re sure to fall hook, line, and sinker for: a Kids Free Fishing Day on Saturday, August 19. Don’t let this one get away!
By Peg Cameron Gill
If a day of family fishing sounds fun, head to historic Roaring River State Park in Cassville for Roaring River Free Fishing Day!
A section of the river from the first low-water crossing up toward the hatchery will be specially designated for young anglers to fish in throughout the day. Adults will not be allowed to fish by themselves in this area. Anglers 15 and younger will be able to get tags from the park store for free the day of the event.
Parents and guardians are welcome to help the children as needed, but only one pole between the helper and the child may be used at any time. Volunteers will be on hand to help out in any way they can.
Kids have the opportunity to fish all day for free and take part in other nature activities. Throughout the day, a variety of programs and activities will be available to both parents and children, including fish cooking, fly fishing, fish casting, knot tying, watersheds, fly tying, and a hatchery tour.
Those 15 and younger can enjoy a free lunch. The park concessionaire will provide a free lunch of hot dogs, chips, and a drink in the lower section of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Lodge.
Fishing hours are from 7 AM to 8 PM in August.
This is a joint event held in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). If you have any questions or concerns, please call the park office (417-847-2539), MDC hatchery (417-847-2430) or park store (417-847-4971).
About Roaring River State Park:
Early settlers were drawn to the rugged nature of the area in the early 1800s, because of its beauty and the clear reliable streams that powered their mills. But the area was not always peaceful. The hills around Roaring River served as hideouts for Civil War guerrillas and outlaws, and large-scale troop movements traveled the countryside.
After the war, the valley became known as a resort community with cottages dotting the hillsides. By the turn of the century, many wealthy businessmen used the Roaring River area as a retreat.
Dr. Thomas Sayman, a wealthy businessman from St. Louis tried to persuade Missouri’s game and fish commission to buy the property, but the commission was unable to do so, due to lack of funds. So, Sayman purchased 2,400 acres of land surrounding Roaring River Spring and turned it over to the state.
With a deep, narrow valley surrounded by a striking and rugged landscape, Roaring River State Park is one of Missouri’s most popular state parks.
Located in the southwest Ozark hills, Roaring River State Park is one of three state parks stocked with rainbow trout. Eager anglers flock to the park year-round to try and catch their lunker trout.
The park’s scenic setting includes seven hiking trails, picnic tables for a leisurely lunch, and a nature center to learn about the park.
For those wanting to spend the night, the park has many options. The campground has basic, electric, and sewer/electric/water sites. Rustic cabins are scattered throughout the park, or guests may choose a modern room at the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center. The center also boasts a full-service restaurant.
Read more about Roaring River and six other Missouri State Parks here.
Article originally published in the July/August 2021 issue of Missouri Life.
Ste. Genevieve’s Festival With a French Flair
Maybe you've been to France, and would love to go again. Or maybe a trip to Pari is on your bucket list. Good news! You can take a mini trip to the city of love the weekend of Aug. 12—and you don't even need airline tickets.
By Peg Cameron Gill
As the first European settlement in Missouri, the French Colonial setting of Ste. Genevieve provides a perfect setting for the annual Jour de Fête celebration, this year August 12–13.
The Village of Ste. Genevieve was settled by French Canadians around 1735 on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The Village has been welcoming travelers, traders, and artists for more than 275 years.
You can join in the fun and shop for treasures at the annual Jour de Fête arts and crafts festival the weekend of August 12–13. With over 200 arts and crafts booths—plus hands-on exhibits and special attractions—Ste. Genevieve's annual Jour de Fête has been described as one of "the premier arts and crafts fairs in the Midwest" and a weekend you don't want to miss!
Jour de Fête is held each year on the second full weekend in August in the historic downtown of Ste. Genevieve. The 2023 Festival hours are 10 AM to 6 PM Saturday and 9 AM to 4 PM Sunday.
Both days will offer events at different locations—easily accessed by shuttle bus—along with an arts and crafts show and food and beverage stands downtown, and live music in Lion Club Park.
Saturday will feature a 5K run, opening ceremonies, an impressive arts and crafts fest, musical entertainment, and more. Sunday will bring more music, the same exhibits of arts and crafts galore to explore, an 11 AM fried chicken dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall, and more.
History is just the beginning in Ste. Geneviève’s National Registered Historic District. It offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into its colonial past and more.
The “Ste” in Ste. Genevieve is the abbreviated form of sainte because the town is named after a French female saint. Saint Genevieve lived around 400 AD and was beloved by the French. She is known as the “Patron saint of Paris,” as it’s said she saved the city from Attila the Hun.
The Church of St Genevieve has a large statue of her above the front doors, a side altar dedicated to her, and a famous painting “The vows of Saint Genevieve” which it’s said was given to the parish by King Louie XV.
The town is home to several historic homes and buildings, some on the National Register of Historic Places (NPS). They include: Beauvais-Amoureux House built around 1792 by Jean-Baptiste St. Gemme Beauvais, the Bolduc & LeMeilleur Houses, the Felix Vallé House State Historic Site, and the Green Tree Tavern, the oldest verified vertical log building in Ste. Geneviève, officially dated to 1790 by dendrochronology studies.
So polish up your parlez vous and plan on a fun, French fete!
Read more about historic Ste. Genevieve in this Missouri Life article.
For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.
It’s Fair to Say, the State Fair is Fun!
Not many events can claim all this: Competing critters. Marvelous music. Carnival contests. Rousing rides. Blue ribbon baking. Ridin’ & ropin’. Tough tractors. And more. Yep, you know what we’re talking about. But do you know this year’s details?
By Peg Cameron Gill
The Missouri State Fair has been an annual tradition since 1901. Fittingly enough, this year’s theme is “Where Traditions Grow.” Not only is the Fair fun—it’s a showcase for our state’s agriculture, agribusiness, domestic arts and, today, even fine arts. This year’s Fair runs August 10–20.
According to its website, the Fair “provides a setting for Missouri’s producers, agricultural leaders, and farm families to engage consumers in order to increase their awareness of our state’s strong agricultural heritage. The Fair fosters a better understanding of the important role of Missouri farm families and the agricultural community in assuring a healthy and prosperous future for all Missouri citizens.”
The Fair also offers a wide variety of entertainment. Some of this year’s musical must-sees include 3 Doors Down. The quintet’s many accolades include selling more than 20 million albums globally, receiving a Grammy nomination, earning two American Music Awards, and five BMI Pop Awards for songwriting, including ”Songwriter of the Year.” The band will be appearing with Candlebox.
Tyler Hubbard is another act sure to draw a crowd. He’ll be performing along with Parmalee. Some of the other artists include Riley Green, with Randy Houser, and Nelly. Artists from a wide variety of musical genres ensure there will be something for every fan.
In addition, the Fair provides a safe environment where knowledgeable producers, teachers, and agricultural leaders can offer encouragement and recognition to Missouri’s youth as they participate in competitions and educational programs.
And speaking of educational programs, check out some of the 2023 Fair’s informative demos, classes and other offerings: View blacksmithing , milking, and firefighter demos. Enjoy Missouri Wine 101 classes. Watch the Chicago Honey Bear dancers. Meet and see the works of the different artists in residence throughout the Fair’s run.
The Missouri State Fair strives to promote excellence in Missouri agriculture, to cultivate and support future leaders in agriculture, and to provide opportunities for the agricultural community to deepen people’s understanding and appreciation of agriculture’s role in their daily lives and the economy of our state.
To that end, who can’t appreciate a delicious deep-fried delicacy like a funnel cake? Or some other type of fabulous Fair fare?
You can shop at the Missouri Grown Market in the Agriculture Building while you’re at the Fair. From pears to pork, hundreds of fresh and nutritious products grown by the men and women of Missouri agriculture are available for you to buy. When you pick Missouri Grown products, you show your state pride and support your neighbors — the farmers and business owners who make Missouri so great.
One more thing: How about a blast from the past? Come compete in the Fair’s first ever Biggest and Best Bell Bottom Contest on the the Touchstone Energy Stage at 6 PM on Friday, Aug. 11. You could be the Bell (Bottom Jean Queen or King) of the Ball in any of four categories: Biggest bell bottoms, best overall, most unique, and kids best bell bottoms. Entry is free. A panel of judges will select winners who’ll receive gift certificates to Missouri businesses.
For a look back from a first timer to the Missouri State Fair, click here.
For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.