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Fun, Free Events Newsletter

Listings by AREA:
St. Louis, MO ~ STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
Email us to receive this e-newsletter weekly: stchascounty@recreationcouncil.org
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New Feature! Spotlight on Recreation in our Community…

Choo choo parents, this one’s for you: The historic Kirkwood Amtrak station has reopened after its big renovation! The 133-year-old depot now has a restored 1940s-style platform, a new courtyard, and a tiny museum filled with local railroad history. Translation: You now have an actual destination for the kid who considers watching trains a legitimate weekend activity. Check out this video of the newly remodeled station, and come explore downtown Kirkwood: Facebook Reel ~ Visit the train station while you attend one of these 2 events happening in downtown Kirkwood:

  • Kirkwood Fall Fest: Saturday, October 3 from 12 noon-10pm in the heart of Kirkwood. Enjoy a full day of live music, local food, refreshing drinks, and family-friendly fun. Information

Check out the new sculpture on Main Street St. Charles honoring Jean Baptiste Pointe de Sable. He was a Haitian Creole, famed for founding a place called Chicago when it was only a hunting outpost at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Jean Baptiste Pointe de Sable came to St. Charles in 1810 to be with his children and grandchildren. After his death in 1818, he was buried here. Now, an 8-foot tall, 2,000-pound bronze sculpture of de Sable sits outside the St. Charles Historical Society building at Main and Jefferson. Sculptor Erik Blome says, “I wanted him to look tough because he represents Chicago, you know, you got to be tough. And I wanted him also to look friendly at the same time.” That he does! The sculpture will remain on loan here for two years. Visitors are welcome to come inside the St. Charles County Historical Society at 101 South Main Street Charles, MO 63301 to learn more about local history. Information

Past Spotlights HERE

 

Recreation Council News…

Focus on Friendship: A Photo Hike for People with Disabilities and their Caregivers
DATE: Saturday, October 3, 2026
TIME: 1 – 3 pm ~ FLYER
LOCATION: Busch Greenway, Duckett Creek Trailhead (more information)
WHO: Children and adults with disabilities and their support providers to assist if needed
BRING: full water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, jacket, camera or cell phone (for pictures only), snacks
WEAR: dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes good for walking
Please RSVP: www.recreationcouncil.org/nature-photo-hike-fall-2026/
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Recreation Council want everyone to discover the joy of friendship, nature, and nature photography. First, we will get to know each other with some games and activities. Then our group will take a leisurely stroll down a beautiful paved path that is easy for all hikers and wheelchair users. The hike is less than 2 miles and is flat, paved, and shaded with a lovely stream flowing alongside the path. Come enjoy the chirping birds, gently bubbling water, fall colors on the trees, and the warmth of the sunshine peeking through the forest canopy. We will stop many times along the path to take photos and just immerse our senses in the peaceful glow of nature. LEAVE YOUR HEADPHONES, & MEDIA AT HOME so you can fully experience the beauty of this natural trail. There is ample parking and a “johnny on the spot” but no running water toilets or drinking fountains. Please note that the trail is a little difficult to find if this is your first visit. Google does not clearly take you to the trailhead.Make sure to look at the maps before you come so you know how to get here.

Events For People with Disabilities…

SPARK & CONNECT Speed Dating Event for People with Disabilities (STL), Friday, October 2, 2026 at 5:30PM at 11828 Lackland Rd, St. Louis, MO 63146. You are invited to find new friends or find a romantic match. This is an IDD Community Event Only. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door. Dinner and refreshments will be provided. Please Bring: a support person if needed. Email questions: sparknconnect@gmail.com, or call (636) 284-0614. This event is hosted by D’Angelo Johnson and Jennifer Brimer. Register here or Use the QR code on the Flyer

Open Caption Movie Night at 9 Mile Garden: The Fall Guy (STL), Friday, October 2 from 7-9:30pm at 9445 Gravois Road, Affton, MO, 63123. Join 9 Mile Garden and SignBridge for a special Open Caption Movie Nights featuring full sound and captions displayed directly on the screen. Movie starts at 7:00 PM. It’s free to attend, and donations are encouraged. Grab dinner or a snack, enjoy a drink, and settle in for the movie. Bring a chair or blanket for comfortable seating. Sponsored by SignBridge and STL Deaf Sport and Social Club. Information

Saturday Explorers: Kinetic Tapestry Jugglers (STL), Saturday, October 3 from 2-3 pm at the Weber Road Library branch, 4444 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 (map). Saturday Explorers is a program designed specifically for adults with disabilities. Caregivers are welcome. Contact Lauren Budde at 314-994-3300 or lbudde@slcl.org at the library with questions. Repeats on the first Saturday of each month. Information ~ Flyer

Thompson Center’s Parent Day at the Autism Conference, Wednesday, October 7 from 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at St. Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles, Missouri, 63303, Phone: 636-669-3000. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers of individuals with autism are invited to attend a special one-day conference for caregivers. It’s only $25 and lunch is provided. For those who want more, register for the full conference on October 8 & 9 – price varies from $200-$595 depending on type selected. Parent Day Registration ~ Full Conference Information

The Black Cat Coffee Cafe Project Pop-Up Café (SCC), Saturday October 10 from 9 am – 12 noon at Francis Howell North High School, 2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles MO 63303, (map), Please enter through Door #27 (side bus lot door). The Black Cat Coffee Cafe Project is a pop-up mobile cafe that supports young, motivated workers with disabilities to gain valuable vocational experiences. Join us at this pop-up host location and enjoy the menu of breakfast food and drinks. There is no charge; this is a cash “tips only” event.  Information ~ Flyer

Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis: Application for a FREE Standard Bike is now open. If your child is under the age of 21, lives within one of the 30 counties we serve in the STL region, and has a physical or developmental disability, they qualify to receive a free standard bike. Bikes give children freedom and independence to explore the world around them and interact with family and friends. Ready to ride? Learn more about our application requirements and our Bikes for Kids program by visiting: varietystl.org/bikes-2026

Fun, Free Events for Everyone…

Romeo & Zooliet (STL), Thursday to Sunday through October 11. Performances this Week: Thursday, October 1 at 6:30 pm; Friday, October 2 at 11 am; Saturday, October 3 at 2 pm & 6:30 pm; Sunday, October 4 at 12 pm & 4 pm. Location: Shakespeare Glen in front of the Art Museum in Forest Park. Romeo & Zooliet is a family-friendly outdoor production that tells the story of zoo animals who put on their own version of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet.” Information

Movie Night at 9 Mile Garden: The Fall Guy (STL), Friday, October 2 from 7-9:30pm at 9445 Gravois Road, Affton, MO, 63123. Join 9 Mile Garden and SignBridge for a special Open Caption Movie Nights featuring full sound and captions displayed directly on the screen. Movie starts at 7:00 PM. It’s free to attend, and donations are encouraged. Grab dinner or a snack, enjoy a drink, and settle in for the movie. Bring a chair or blanket for comfortable seating. Sponsored by SignBridge and STL Deaf Sport and Social Club. Information

Screen on the Green Outdoor Movie: Monsters, Inc. (SCC), Friday, October 2 from 6-9pm with movie beginning at 7:15pm at Blanchette Park Athletic Fields, 1900 Randolph Street, 63301. Kickstart your Halloween festivities with a movie about two monsters, whose job is to make human children scream accidentally, let a little girl into their world and must now protect her from their own kind to return her home unscathed. No outside food or drinks are allowed. Concessions available for purchase beginning at 6:15pm. Bringing your lawn chairs or a blanket for seating. Information

Movie Nights at Westport Plaza: The Devil Wears Prada (STL), Friday, October 2 from 6-9 PM at Rawlings Green Space at Westport, 111 Westport Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 (map). Enjoy an outdoor movie with activities begin at 5:30pm and movie begins at 7pm. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Admission is FREE. Check out all the October events at Westport: Information

Art Hill Film Series: Men in Black (STL),  Friday, October 2 from 5-9 pm at Art Hill in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. Enjoy a FREE outdoor movie with music, food, a cash bar, and other pre-show events begin at 5pm. The featured film will be shown at 7pm. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. NO tickets are required. mark your calendar for October 9 for showing of Young Frankenstein. Information

Builders Home & Remodeling Show (SCC), October 2-4, repeating daily at the St. Charles Convention Center, 63301. See, learn about and buy the latest home improvement products and services for your home, yard and garden. Even if you don’t have a project in mind, come grab some sway, and stroll the entire fair.  Free admission and parking. Information

St. Louis at Bat Opening Weekend (STL), October 3 & 4 from daily at MO History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. Celebrate the opening of St. Louis at Bat with a weekend honoring the players, fans, and unforgettable moments with music, crafts, and meet-and-greets with the players themselves. On Saturday, October 3, meet baseball legend Ozzie Smith, try your hand at cork ball, and explore a special collection of St. Louis Browns memorabilia. On Sunday, October 4, keep the fun going with more baseball-inspired games, an adaptive game of beep ball, and meet-n-greets with some famous St. Louisans. Information

Kirkwood Fall Fest: Saturday, October 3 from 12 noon-10pm at the Kirkwood Train Station, 120 West Argonne Dr, St Louis, MO 63122. Enjoy a full day of live music, local food, refreshing drinks, and family-friendly fun. Held in the parking lot on the west side of the newly renovated Kirkwood Train Station, Fall Fest is the perfect opportunity to experience the new station and celebrate this exciting addition to Downtown Kirkwood. Information

Bash at the Boulevard in Lake St. Louis, MO (SCC), Saturday, October 3, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Boulevard Park, 2550 Lake Saint Louis Blvd. We’re anticipating good weather, live music, shopping, an exciting kids’ zone & interactive play area, delicious food and refreshing drinks from our local businesses, and so much more to keep the party rocking all day and night long. Music from 2-5pm by Rough Ryders, then stay for an evening concert by Steve Ewing. Information

St. Charles County Parks Fall Harvest Festival (SCC), Saturday, October 3 from 10 am-3 pm at Broemmelsiek Park, Agriculture Educational Garden, 1615 Schwede Rd., Wentzville, MO 63385. Enjoy children’s activities such as pumpkin painting, egg toss competitions, and more. Browse vendor booths, take a hayride, make a holiday wreath, explore historical demonstrations, find your way through a corn maze, and discover antique engines with the IL-MO Tractor and Engine Club. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Hayride and wreath-making tickets can be purchased at the registration table. Information

Paw Parade (SCC), Saturday, October 3 from 10:30 am-12 noon in Frenchtown, 2nd Street, St. Charles, MO 63301. Parade begins at 2nd street and Randolph and travels north to the newest outdoor gathering space, Bench Racers (featured here). Join us for fun and vendors for you and your pets. Information

Little Creek Nature Area Saturday Fun Day: Prehistoric Park (STL), Saturday, October 3 from 9am-12 noon at Little Creek, 2295 Dunn Road, Florissant, MO, United States, 63033. Little Creek is a hidden gem in north St. Louis County designed to bring nature to children. Bring the whole family for a FREE morning of nature, animals, and prehistoric fun with penguins, dino watch, rock hounding, meet a raptor, photo challenge, refreshments, animal feeding, and raffle drawing. Mark your calendar for Oct 17 Fall Festival ~ Prehistoric Park Event Information ~ Event Flyer  

St. Charles County Parks: Where the Wild Things Play, Parent-Child Nature Days (SCC), Sunday, October 4 from 10 am–1 pm at Broemmelsiek  Park. Children ages 6–11 head outdoors to explore natural spaces alongside their peers, supported by light-touch supervision that encourages independence and discovery. While kids are off adventuring, parents and guardians can join a ranger-led hike to slow down, explore the trails, and reconnect with the natural world. This is a FREE program, but Registration is Required.

Chicken N Pickle Kids Crew: Pumpkin Party (SCC), Sunday, October 4 from 10am-12noon at CNP 1500 South Main, St. Charles, MO 63303. Free Kids brunch, free Pumpkin craft, free bingo, face painter. Fun for the whole family. FREE Tickets needed for kids ages 12 & under only. Repeats on Nov 8 with new themes. Sign up here

Chesterfield Movies Under The Stars: Hotel Transylvania (STL), Wednesday, October 7 from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Chesterfield Amphitheater, 631 Veterans Place Drive, Chesterfield, MO, 63017., Bring your own blanket or chair for lawn seating; fixed seating is available but limited. Food trucks will be available or bring your own refreshments. Doors open at 5:30pm, movie begins at dusk (approx. 6:30pm). Movie admission is FREE. Information

Artisan Day at The Historic Daniel Boone Home (SCC), Thursday, October 8 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at The Historic Daniel Boone Home, 1868 Highway F, Defiance, MO, 63341. On the second Thursday of the month through November, tour the historic Daniel Boone Home for FREE. Docents will be available to answer questions, and all levels of the Home will be open to explore. Stay and tour the Historic Village. Event repeats on Nov 12. Information

O’Fallon, MO Food Truck Fright (SCC), Friday, October 9, 2026 from 6-8:30pm at Dames Park, 387 Dames Park Dr, O’Fallon, MO 63366. Additional Entertainment includes character visits, live DJ music, and an outdoor movie on the athletic field at 6:45 p.m. “How To Train Your Dragon” (2025 Live Action). Information

Guided Walking Tour of Chain of Rocks Bridge (STL), Friday October 9 from 12 noon-2pm at Mississippi Greenway at Chain of Rocks Park, 10840 Riverview Dr, St Louis, MO 63137. Join us for a slow-paced, two-mile guided walking tour to learn about the nature, history and culture along this greenway. Free, but pre-registration is required. Register here

Soulard Oktoberfest (STL), October 9 & 10 daily in Soulard Farmers Market Park, 730 Carroll St, St. Louis, MO 63104. Admission to Soulard Oktoberfest at Soulard Farmers Market Plaza is free and open to the public. Entry into the beer/wine tent is limited to ages 21+ and requires ticket to be purchased. Free festivities include live music, authentic German food and drink available for purchase. Events at Soulard Farmers Market Plaza run from 4pm to 11pm on Friday and 11am to 10pm on Saturday. Soulard Oktoberfest

Legends & Lanterns Opening Weekend (SCC), October 10 & 11 from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm on Main Street in Historic St Charles, 63301. This annual festival is a “spirited” journey through Halloween history with costumed characters creating mischief along Main Street. The festival runs on Saturdays and Sunday through October 25 with activities for all ages, live music, ghostly guests, and a Pumpkin Glow on October 23 & 24. Information

Manchester Park: Day of the Dead Celebration and Outdoor Movie, Coco (STL), Saturday, October 10 from 6-9pm at  Schroeder Park, 359 Old Meramec Station Road, 63021. Join Manchester Parks and the Venezuelan Association for Día de Los Muertos, a celebration of departed loved ones. Food and drink is available for purchase starting at 6 pm along with free activities and historical information, followed by the movie Disney-Pixars Coco at 7 pm. Come be part of an event that honors memory, celebrates life, and brings community together through culture, cinema, and cuisine. Information

Florissant Old Town Fall Festival (STL), Sunday, October 11 from 10am-5pm in Olde Towne Florissant, Rue St. Francis, 63303. Join us for a day of lively music, craft and food vendors, pony rides (fee), a dog show, and a car show. Information ~ Flyer

St. Louis VegFest (STL),Sunday, October 11 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at World’s Fair Pavilion at Forest Park. Vegfest is an event that encompasses all things vegan. Visit with over 70 vendors, listen to speakers in the main pavilion, enjoy entertainment, try yoga for free, and check out the kids’ activities. Information

Italian Heritage Parade and Festa (STL), Sunday, October 11 from 12:30-5pm with parade beginning at Botanical & Macklind and ending at Berra Park where the Festa begins. Join us for a day of joyful, one-of-a-kind celebration bursting with food, family, music, live music, games, activities, and plenty of good, old-fashioned fun.  Information

Check out this link for more festivals in the Metro area (some charge entry fees): www.festivalguidesandreviews.com/missouri-festivals

 

 

 

Outdoor Concerts….

St Charles Area…

The Meadows at Lake St. Louis Summerfest Music Series (SCC), No concert on Oct 1, Next Concert is Thursday, October 8 from 6:30-8:30pm at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, 20 Meadows Circle Drive, Lake Saint Louis, MO, 63367. FREE admission for humans, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your dancing shoes. More concerts on Oct 15, & Nov 1, 2026. Information

St. Louis Area…

Downtown St. Louis City Lunchtime Live Outdoor Concerts (STL), Wednesday, September 30 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Old Post Office Plaza in Downtown St. Louis, 800 Locust, between 8th and 9th Streets. Lunchtime Live brings you outdoor activities, live music, and food trucks during lunchtime, PLUS it is FREE to attend. Purchase food from the food trucks or brown bag it. No dates published for October yet. Information

Thursdays Concerts at the History Museum (STL), Final Concert of the series:Thursday, October 1 from 6-8pm at MO History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. Join us for the fall concert season at the Missouri History Museum! This popular, free outdoor concert series on the Imo Family Plaza brings a lineup of spectacular shows from local musicians. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and listen to music under a beautiful Forest Park sunset. Some of the area’s best food trucks will also be on hand each week. Information

Tower Grove Park, Sauce on the Side Food Truck & Music Friday (STL), Friday, October 2 from 4-8 PM at Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63110.(map).  Bring a picnic dinner or buy an entrée from one of our food truck vendors and enjoy an evening at the park with friends, fun, live music and over 20 food truck options. Final event of the season is Oct. 2. Information

Clayton Jazz Festival in Downtown Clayton (STL), Saturday October 3 from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm in Downtown Clayton. Enjoy an evening of livemusic, food and drink. Admission is FREE, with food and adult beverages for purchase. Bring your own chair, tables and chairs available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Information

Advertising this super cool October event because it might fill up: FAMILY CAMP OUT NIGHT & STARGAZING EVENT (SCC), October 24-25 from 3pm (Oct 24)-10am (Oct 25) at Kochanski Multi Sport Field in Legacy Park in Cottleville, MO. Pull out your camping gear, join a group campfire, gaze at the stars through telescopes, and spend the night on the field. Tom’s Coffee Truck will be there and the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri will have telescopes set up. Plan to take guided group walks in the park. Cost: FREE! Register here ~ Flyer

 

Recreation Council & Partner Reminders…

Missouri Department of Conservation FREE nature classes:  Visit these links to find all the class listings: MDC’s Free Classes & Programs Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events here: Sign Up for MDC News.

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.

Footnotes…