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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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Spotlight on our Community…

Judy Bateman Arboretum at City Centre Park in St. Peters: Looking for somewhere new to explore in St. Peters? Stop by the Judy Bateman Arboretum at City Centre Park! This five-acre space features 40 species of trees and offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature while learning more about the importance of our urban forest. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful walk or looking for a new outdoor destination, the arboretum is a great place to spend some time outside. Eagles, owls, and other rescued raptors make this free Missouri sanctuary a fascinating stop with a mission worth supporting. The arboretum is located at City Centre by the gazebo at the west entrance of City Hall in St Peters. Learn more and view the arboretum map at: Information ~ St. Peters Parks Facebook Page: 

More Spotlights HERE

Recreation Council News…

Events For People with Disabilities…

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 8 at 6:30 pm [Audio description & ASL interpretation available]; Friday, October 9 at 11 am; Saturday, October 10 at 2 pm & 6:30 pm; Sunday, October 11 at12 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 Nights at Westport Plaza:  (STL), Check out all the October events at Westport: Information

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

International Food Festival (SCC), Saturday, October 10 New Town Amphitheater, 3312 Rue RoyaleSaint Charles, MO 63301. Experience the flavors and traditions of cultures from around the world at the City of Saint Charles’ first International Food Festival. Enjoy authentic international cuisine, cultural performances, artisan vendors, and unique merchandise in a vibrant market-style atmosphere that celebrates the diversity of our community. 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

Pumpkin Painting at Ace (STL), Saturday, October 10 from 11 am-1 pm at 1140 Meramec Station Road, Ballwin, Missouri 63021. Join us for our popular FREE pumpkin decorating event. We provide the pumpkins and supplies so kids just need to bring their creativity and enthusiasm! See last year’s masterpieces and more details on our Facebook Page.

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 12:30-5 pm 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 these links for more fun and festivals in the Metro area (some charge entry fees):

 

Outdoor Concerts….

St Charles Area…

The Meadows at Lake St. Louis Summerfest Music Series (SCC), 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), Wednesdays October 7, 14, 21, 28 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. 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…