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Fun, Free Events

Listings by AREA:
St. Louis, MO~STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
MORE METRO EVENTS HERE
Email us to receive this e-newsletter weekly: stchascounty@recreationcouncil.org

Recreation Council News…

The Recreation Council is accepting applications for fiscal year 2025 for programs happening from Oct 1, 2024 to Sept 30, 2025.

The Recreation Council’s Voucher Funding program is available to residents of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County who have a documented developmental disability. Funds may be used to offset the cost of attending recreation programs of your choice. We are grateful to our funding partners, DDR-St. Louis City, PLB of St. Louis County, and DDRB of St. Charles County. Information and Applications Here

Partner News…

DDRB Public Hearing (SCC), Thursday, October 17 at 7 p.m. at the DDRB office or via Zoom at www.ddrb.org/news. The DDRB Board is gathering input on service and funding needs to assist with DDRB Budget decisions for FY26. The Board welcomes input from individuals, families, agencies, and community members to share information about the needs of individuals, programs, and agencies. DDRB’s new Strategic Plan is found at www.ddrb.org/reports.  Share your input either at the Public Hearing or by email to Kathy Robb krobb@ddrb.org Joyce Eichelberger jeichelberger@ddrb.org or Denise Cross dcross@ddrb.org

RISE Missouri Open House (STL), Tuesday, October 29 from 1-4pm at RISE Missouri, 11828 Lackland Road, 63146. You are invited to an open house introducing RISE Services, Inc. – Missouri (formerly The Center for Specialized Services).  We will share our mission, vision, and purpose as we begin to serve our community. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Niki Phillips at nicole.phillips@riseservicesinc.org by October 20. Invitation

 

Events for People with Disabilities…

OPERA ON THE GO! Sensory Friendly Performance: The Pirates of Penzance (STL), Saturday, October 19 at 10 am at the Ritenour Performing Arts Theater, 9100 Saint Charles Rock Rd., St. Louis, MO 63114. Introduce your child to the fantastic world of opera through a free 30-minute semi-staged, sensory-friendly performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera The Pirates of Penzance, accompanied by piano. Designed for children in grades 3-12, the performance also includes three mini workshops: Music & Drama, Character & Movement, and Stage Makeup. This is a FREE event but tickets are required. Register Here

Sunnyhill Family Fun Day (Dittmer, MO), Saturday, October 19 from 10am-3pm at Sunnyhill Adventure Camp, 6555 Sunlit Way, Dittmer, MO 63023 (map). Cost: $5 per person. Celebrate the beauty of fall at our camp location. Activities include a zipline, rock wall, archery, fishing, face painting, alpine climbing tower, strolling the outdoors, and enjoying nature. Information at www.sunnyhillinc.org or call 636-274-9944 ~ Flyer

L’Arche Walk and Roll (STL), Saturday, October 19 from 10am-12noon at Brentwood Park, 2924 Brazeau Ave, 63144 (map). Join us to celebrate the joy of an inclusive community. Cost is $25, but call Madeline at 314-395-5851 to get the coupon code to eliminate the registration fee if needed as we don’t want the cost to prevent someone from joining us. Register Here ~ Information

MO Better Assistive Tech Resource Day (SCC), Sunday, October 20 from 3-5pm at Chicken ‘N Pickle, 1500 N. Main Street, 63303. Meet local healthcare representatives, vendors, and organizations that serve people with disabilities. Learn about state of the art technology and recreation equipment, and enjoy live music and kids activities. Event is free and open to the public. MO Better Health ~ Flyer

Autism Speaks TopGolf Sensory Friendly Event (STL), Wednesday, November 6 from 6-8pm at Topgolf in Chesterfield. Join us for a FREE evening of golf, dinner, and fun in a sensory-friendly environment. Modifications include dimmed lights, lowered volume on TV and music, and dedicated quiet areas. RSVP at 314-326-7554 or staci.gerchen@autismspeaks.org. Flyer

Specialized Agency Trunk or Treat Events

WRTS Trunk or Trick (STL), Saturday, October 19 at 3:00 PM at We Rock the Spectrum Fenton, 2075 Bentley Plaza, Fenton, MO 63026. A sensory and allergy friendly night of Halloween fun for families with children with autism. Information

Variety Trunk or Treat (STL), Saturday, October 19 from 4:00-5:30pm at Variety STL offices, 11840 Westline Industrial Drive, Suite 220, Maryland Heights, MO 63146. The event will be held in the Variety office parking lot. All current and alumni Variety children, their families, and anyone else who is interested in joining is welcome and invited to attend this event. While trunks are not required, they are highly encouraged. Register HERE ~ Flyer

FACT Trunk or Treat (SCC), Saturday, October 19 from 12 noon-2pm at the FACT office, 2240 Bluestone Dr, 63303. Join us for a fun afternoon for all ages. Bring your treat bag or bucket. For information, call Roni at 636-949-2425 x273 or email rjackson@factmo.org ~ Flyer

LifeBridge and Colton’s Cause Trunk or Treat (STL), Sunday, October 20 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in the parking lot of the LifeBridge office, 1457 Olde Cabin Road, St. Louis 63141. Decorate your vehicle, dress in your best costume, and hand out candy from your trunk. Prizes for the best decorated trunks. Other activities include airbrush artists, music, crafts, games, and hotdogs for all. Everyone is welcome to attend. Register HERE ~  Flyer

United Cerebral Fall Festival (STL), Wednesday, October 23 from 5-8pm at UCP Heartland South, 9246 Watson Rd, St. Louis MO 63126. All ages are welcome to come for trunk or treat, games, music, and more. UCP Website ~ Flyer

Emmaus Homes Trunk or Treat (SCC), Tuesday, October 29 from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM at The Dutzow Deli in Marthasville, 11861 MO-94, Marthasville, MO 63357 (map). The Deli will transform into a Halloween Wonderland, complete with decorated cars overflowing with candy and spooky surprises. This free, family-friendly event offers a wonderful opportunity to get involved and support our mission to serve adults with developmental disabilities. So put on your spookiest costume and join us for a night of fun, treats, and memories. Information

MO School for Blind Trick or Treat, (STL), Tuesday, October 29 from 5-7 PM at MSB, 3815 Magnolia Ave, 63110. Calling families with children with vision or dual sensory loss. Join us for a spooky evening of trick or treating with agencies serving deaf/blind children on hand to give out treats. Flyer

Fun, Free Community Events for Everyone…

Movie Night at The Hub STL: The Wizard of Oz (STL), Thursday, October 17 with activities at 6:30 pm and movie beginning at 7:30pm. The Hub is located at 17057 N Outer 40 Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63005. This outdoor venue has a pavilion, outdoor movie screen, sound system, entertainment stage, and food/drink for sale. Enjoy a family-friendly movie viewed on the outdoor large LED screen of The Hub. Admission is FREE. (NO outside food and drink.) Movie Night repeats on October 17, November 21, and December 19. Information

Gateway Arch Ghosts of the Arch Grounds (STL), Friday, October 18, 6:30 pm at the Arch Main Entrance. The annual favorite returns as a park ranger discusses the various “incarnations” of the area as it evolved from a French fur trading post to the present Gateway Arch National Park. The stories behind people such as Thomas Targee, James Eads, Percy Green, and Kenneth Swyers will be discussed. Information

Boos and Booze at Pere Marquette Lodge (ILL), Friday, October 18 from 6:00pm-10:00pm at Pere Marquette Lodge, 13653 Lodge Blvd, Grafton, IL 62037. Ages 21 and older: The party takes place in our on-site Winery and in addition to the spooky décor we offer guests live music, drink specials, themed adult beverages, medium readings, and a costume contest where you have 3 chances to win! Admission is FREE. Information

Bones, Graveyards and Burials (SCC), Saturday, October 19 from 12noon-3pm at the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site in Historic St Charles. Visitors will learn from staff and archaeologists the difference between a graveyard and cemetery, mysterious and strange customs of burial, local burials and archaeological digs right in St. Charles and MORE. This event is FREE. Information

Historical Game Day – American Revolutionary War (SCC), Saturday, October 19 from 10am-4pm at Heritage Park Museum, 1630 Heritage Landing, St. Peters, MO, 63376. Game masters from Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance (BMHGA) host varying game tables where guests can learn how to play or watch 3D historical miniature games. The games displayed are based on the events of the Battle of St. Louis and the Attack on Cahokia that are discussed in the Heritage Museum’s American Revolutionary War in the West exhibit. This free program is for ages 10 and up. Register at  636-255-6000 or online at Register Online.

Legends and Lanterns (SCC), Weekends from October 19, 20, 25, 26, & 27 on Historic Main Street in St. Charles, MO 63301. Embark on a “spirited” journey through Halloween history with an array of memorable character interactions, historical exhibits, and frightfully fun expEERIEnces. Information and Dates

BARK Ranger Event at the Gateway Arch (STL), October 20 from 1-2pm at The STL Arch National Park, St Louis Riverfront, St Louis, MO, 63102.  Bring your dog out to this month’s Pet Costume Parade event. The event is FREE for you and your furry friend. Event repeats on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Information

Symphony Halloween Concert (SCC), Tuesday, October 22 from 7-8pm at This symphony is dedicated to promoting and performing free traditional music throughout the Saint Charles County area.  Children are welcome and encouraged to wear a costume  Admission is free. Information

Movie Night: The Nightmare Before Christmas (STL) Friday October 25 from 7-10pm at 9-Mile Garden, This is Halloween! Join us for our movie night with Nightmare Before Christmas on the big screen. 9 Mile Garden is located in Affton, Missouri. It is a family-friendly entertainment district which has the distinction of being Missouri’s first food truck “garden.”  Information

Science Spooktacular at the Saint Louis Science Center (STL), Oct 25 & 26 from 9:30 am – 8:00 pm and Sunday October 27 from 11am-4:30pm at the St Louis Science Center. Get ready for science thrills at our annual Science Spooktacular. This is a no-cost, candy-free event packed with Halloween-themed festivities for the entire family. Enjoy a themed experience at the Science Center as you navigate your way through the different galleries. Make sure to experience a chilling science demonstration down at the Energy Stage. This year we’re incorporating all-new special events for adults, for families and even for toddlers to Science Spooktacular.  Information

Pumpkin Glow on Main Street in Historic St. Charles (SCC), Friday & Saturday, October 25 & 26 from 5-8pm on Historic Main Street, St. Charles, 63301. Come and enjoy the shops on Main Street that will be open late, AND the spooky glow of hundreds of pumpkins that will illuminate the street. This is the final weekend of Legends & Lanterns for the season. This event is FREE, but it is NOT a trick or treating event. Information

Airport Open House and Pumpkin Drop (SCC), Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9am to 3 pm at St. Charles County Regional Airport–Smartt Field, 6390 Grafton Ferry Rd, Portage Des Sioux, MO 63373 (map). Check out experimental and home-built aircraft, view historic military aircraft and vehicles, tour the Commemorative Air Force Museum, and more.  At 10 a.m., the pumpkin drop begins. At noon, the WW II B-25 and TBM bombers “carpet bomb” a target with pumpkins. View a fully functional robot from FIRST® Super Hornets Robotics Team. 636-949-1893. St Charles County Park Facebook Events

Community Harvest Festival in Florissant (STL), Friday and Saturday, October 18 & 19 at Calvary Bible Church of Florissant, 825 Graham Road Florissant, MO 63031. On Friday at 7pm, join us for a movie with s’mores and popcorn. Saturday is Harvest Fest Day from 2pm – 6pm with a petting zoo, hayride, candy, face painting, hayrides, music, corn hole tournament and so much more. It’s all FREE. RSVP Requested ~ Church Website

NEWLY ADDED: Fall Family Fun at Grant Historic Site (STL), Saturday, October 19 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Ulysses S. Grant Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123. Bring the family for fall activities, crafts, and music. Join in on old-fashioned lawn games such as horseshoes and sack races, have fun with simple fall crafts and harvest activities and enjoy and afternoon concert 11:30 am – 12:30 pm with a wide range of traditional genres ranging from fiddle tunes to string rags, from waltzes to schottisches, and from polkas to blues. The event is free. No reservations are required. Information

Chesterfield Fall Festival (STL), Saturday, October 19 from 1-6pm at Chesterfield Amphitheater. The third annual Chesterfield Fall Festival is Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 1-6 PM at the Chesterfield Amphitheater for FREE. Come out and enjoy live music by Russo & Co. in the plaza from 1:00-4:00 PM, followed by Silver Bullet STL – A Tribute to Bob Seger on the Chesterfield Amphitheater stage from 4:00-6:00 PM. Don’t miss this exciting day that includes craft and market vendors, carnival rides, a petting zoo, delicious food vendors and so much more. Information

Fall Festival in Florissant (STL), Saturday, October 19 from 2-5pm at American Family Insurance Office, 1109 Howdershell Road, Florissant, MO 63031. Join us for a fun-filled day at the Fall Festival! Get ready to embrace the autumn spirit and enjoy a variety of activities for the entire family. From delicious food to exciting games and entertainment, this event promises to be a memorable experience. Information

Octoberfest at Westport Plaza (STL), October 19 from 1-9pm at Westport Plaza. Jam out to live tunes from The Wurst Bavarian Band and Ubercool who will have you clapping, stomping, and singing along in no time. Feel the rhythm as German dancers light up the plaza with traditional moves, and don’t forget to test your own skills in our rowdy beer competitions. Information ~ Westport Events

Tower Grove Fall Frolic (STL), Sunday, October 20 from 1 – 5 p.m. at Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive between Kingshighway and Grand Boulevard. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is teaming up with Tower Grove Park and River City Outdoors to introduce people of all ages to the park’s wildlife at this family event is free and open to everyone with no registration required. Enjoy interactive activity stations, live animal encounters, s’mores & hot cocoa, live music, storytelling, resource booths, and giveaways. Information

Specialized Program News from last week (in case you missed it):

Families at Ease Conference (STL), November 7, 2024 at Westport Plaza with morning and afternoon sessions. Families and caretakers of special needs dependents will enjoy sessions presented by experts in the field, learn about existing resources and tools, and have the chance to connect with area organizations and like-minded families.The afternoon session is a repeat of the morning session. Register Here

Variety St. Louis Bikes for Kids: APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN – Once per year, Variety takes applications to provide therapeutic and standard bikes to kids and teens with physical and developmental disabilities living in the greater St. Louis region. Standard Bikes will be available November 2024 and Therapeutic Bikes in November 2025. But you MUST APPLY. Information

City of O’Fallon MO Swim Lesson Scholarships: Thanks to fundraising efforts and generosity of the O’Fallon Community Foundation, financial assistance is available to help CITY OF O’FALLON, MO families with financial need to enroll their children through age 17 in one set of O’Fallon Swim Academy swimming lessons. APPLY HERE

Best Buddies Chapter at St. Louis University (SLU) is looking for more potential friends. If you are someone with an intellectual or developmental disability, ages 18-30, this is a great opportunity for fun social activities and the potential to build a long-term friendship. If you want to be paired up with someone and commit to get to know each other over the course of a semester, you can apply for a 1:1 pairing. For information, click here.

St. Louis Arc Fall 2024 Leisure Programs (fees charged for each class): Fall 2024 Leisure Program Brochure. Sign up for your choice of cooking, art, music, sports, socialization, yoga, book club, community outings, and more. We also offer United Sports for people with and without disabilities to play on a team together. As a reminder, Leisure Services is going paperless. This means we are moving away from paper brochures, confirmations, and registrations. To begin your online registration, click here for online registration. Subscribe to the Arc Newsletter hERE.

Arya Foundation Holiday Adaptive Giveaway: The Arya Foundation is bringing back the Holiday Adaptive Toy Program for 2024. We give special toys to children with special needs in Greater St. Louis for the holidays. You can donate on our website to make sure a child with a disability gets a toy this Holiday.  Families: Applications to receive a toy will be available from October 1 to December 1, 2024. Check the website for information: www.thearyafoundation.org/programs

Recreation Council St. Louis/St. Charles Regional Fall 2024 Newsletter:  Click Here
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Search for more Activities in your part of town…

Here are a few links to continue your search for fun in the metro area. Some places charge entry fees, so check on costs before you go.

Resources…

Click HERE to see fee-based programs for people with disabilities
Click Here to see Community Resources for People with Disabilities
Click Here for the Recreation Council Regional Fall 2024 Newsletter

View this newsletter as a web page HERE

Need Funding for a Recreation Program? Click here for information about our voucher programs for people with developmental disabilities in St. Louis and St. Charles.
Event information is updated weekly.  www.recreationcouncil.org/anytime-activities

If you want to receive this newsletter weekly to your inbox, send your email address to stchascounty@recreationcouncil.org