Sikeston, Missouri, knows how to have fun, and the annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Home Brew Competition at American Legion Park on March 11 more than fits the expectation.

This article is presented in partnership with Sikeston Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

St. Patricks

This annual event begins weeks prior when judges begin evaluating the home brews entered in the day’s festivities. On average, more than two dozen local and regional brewers compete for festival bragging rights and prizes during the competition. While the judge’s decision is announced at the festival, that’s not the only award handed out. Festival attendees can sample all the homebrews and vote for their favorite for the People’s Choice award. In addition to home brewers, several commercial brewers will be at the festival handing out samples. Some of these are master brewers and started out as home brewers. Beyond beer, you will enjoy live music, a corn hole tournament, crafts, food trucks, 1K Donut Dash, kids’ activities, and a St. Patrick’s Day-themed costume contest. In case of rain, this event will be moved to March 18. The festival runs from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Another great get-together, the 15th Annual Sikeston Jaycee Crawfish Boil & Music Festival on May 20 at Sikeston Rodeo Grounds, 1220 North Ingram Road, brings together two Cajun icons: crawfish and music. It’s hard to decide which is the main attraction at this annual shindig.

Crawfish Boil

The Sikeston Jaycees will bring up more than two thousand pounds of fresh crawfish from the Gulf of Mexico for hungry festival-goers looking for their fix. Pair the spicy crawfish with corn on the cob and it’s a meal fit for anyone who loves this southern combination. Follow the Facebook event for the musical headliner announcement.

Hot Air Balloon

And finally, don’t miss the Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival featuring tethered balloon rides, balloon glow, beer & wine garden, live music, crafts, and food vendors. The event runs from June 16-18 at the Sikeston Jaycee rodeo grounds. To plan your visit go to www.sikeston.net/tourism, or 1-800-309-6591, [email protected].