New Feature! Spotlight on Recreation in our Community…
Historic gas station becomes new gathering spot in St. Charles City: A long-vacant Texaco station in St. Charles’ Frenchtown has found new life as Bench Racers, a family-owned food truck park, bar, and community gathering space. Owners Andy Stark and Stephanie Lai spent two years restoring the 1940s building before opening the dog-friendly venue this spring. The bar serves Sugarfire Smoke House barbecue, while a rotating lineup of food trucks offers everything from tacos to Indian and Chinese cuisine. The couple also plans to host live music, movie nights, trivia, car club meetups, vintage markets, and dog adoption events, creating a neighborhood hangout that celebrates both local history and car culture. Read STL Magazine Article here ~ Bench Racers Website
📍 1801 N. 2nd, St. Charles ~ 📞 636-493-0018 ~ ⏰11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon-Sun ~ 🚚 Food Trucks: Mon – Sun ~ 🍻 Bar: Wed-Fri 5 – 9 | Sat-Sun 12 – 9
Recreation Council News…
Rides CANCELLED for Sept 3 & 5 – Ride to Unite at the Gateway Cup 2026 (STL),A word from the RTU planning team – “Dear Partners, Athletes, Families and Volunteers, Out of an abundance of caution, respect, and heartfelt concern for everyone’s well-being, Ride to Unite is cancelling: Thursday, 9/3, Pedal with the Pros, Saturday, 9/4, Adaptive Cycle Heat of the Kids Race, Saturday, 9/4, Women’s Pro Race Kickoff & Men’s Pro Race Kickoff. We regret that weather has interfered with what promised to be fun and impactful events, but health and safety are our top priorities. We are following National Weather Service guidelines for outdoor events. These events are scheduled during peak temperatures and heat indexes while St. Louis is under a Heat Advisory. We are grateful to Big Shark and the Gateway Cup organizers for the opportunity to be included in this prestigious racing event and we look forward to seeing you next year. The Ride to Unite Team”. Ride to Unite is still participating in Trailnet’s Giro Della Lou Ride on Sunday morning, 9/6. For more advanced riders, sign up for Sunday, September 6 for the Trailnet Giro Della Lou ride that takes you 18 miles through the historic Hill neighborhood. Get your free code to ride in all these races by emailing Ride to Unite at CycleSTLpartnership@gmail.com. Information ~ Flyer
Partner Updates…
2026 Transition Fair hosted by BCI and Community Living (SCC), Friday, September 18 from 8am-1:30pm at the Ameristar Casino Ameristar St. Charles, Discovery Ballroom , 1 Ameristar Boulevard, Saint Charles, MO 63301 (map). Join us for a day of connection, resources, and inspiration to help young adults with disabilities transition into adult life and independence. The day includes: Practical workshops on education, employment, & life; Connecting with service vendors; Discovering tools and strategies to build confidence and plan for the future; Being part of a community that supports, uplifts, and empowers; Taking the next steps toward the life you imagine. The conference is for young adults with I/DD, families, providers, & funders. COST: $10 per person ~ Conference REGISTRATION ~ Flyer
Free Events for Everyone…First Friday at the Foundry Arts Centre (SCC), Friday, September 4 from 5-8pm at Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Center, Saint Charles, MO 63301. Join the Foundry and celebrate the arts. Visitors to spend time in the galleries, meet resident studio artists, engage with the community, and enjoy a wide array of art programming, entertainment, and special events. Information
St. Charles County Parks: Where the Wild Things Play, Parent-Child Nature Days (SCC), Saturday, September 6 from 10 am–1 pm at Broemmelsiek Park. This is a FREE program, but Registration is Required. 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. Registration is also open for repeat date of Oct 4 at Broemmelsiek Park. Registration is Required ~ St. Charles County Parks Facebook
Chicken N Pickle Kids Crew: Fall Kickoff (SCC), Sunday, September 6 from 10am-12noon at CNP 1500 South Main, St. Charles, MO 63303. Free Kids brunch for kids ages 12 and under, free ice cream Social craft, free bingo, and fun for the whole family. Repeats on Oct 4 & Nov 8 with new themes. Free, but you must sign up here
Frontier Park Food Truck Event (SCC), Tuesday, September 8 from 5-8pm at Frontier Park, 500 S. Riverside Drive, Saint Charles, MO 63301. Grab dinner from a lineup of food trucks and enjoy live entertainment along the riverfront. 5–8 p.m. Free. Enjoy live entertainment as you indulge in a variety of delicious food options that will be available by several different food truck vendors. Bring your family and friends out for a relaxing evening in the park. Information
Artisan Day at The Historic Daniel Boone Home (SCC), Thursday, September 10 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at The Historic Daniel Boone Home, 1868 Highway F, Defiance, MO, 63341. Tour the historic Daniel Boone Home for FREE. Docents will be available to answer questions, and all levels of the Boone Home will be open to explore. Stay and tour the Historic Village. Event repeats on Oct 8 & Nov 12. Information
O’Fallon MO, Patriot Day Ceremony Remembrance Walk (SCC),Friday, September 11 from 8:30-10am at the O’Fallon Justice Center located at 1019 Bryan Rd, 63368. The Patriot Day Ceremony will take place at 8:30 am followed by a 1-mile Remembrance Walk at 9 am. If you plan on participating in the 1-mile remembrance walk, please register: Information
Mosaics Fine Art Festival (SCC), September 11–13 daily on Main Street in Historic St. Charles, 63301. Come see artwork from nearly 80 juried artists from more than 15 states to showcase and sell original works in a variety of media. The free festival also features live music, hands-on activities in the Children’s Village, a kid-only art shop where young collectors can purchase original artwork, and a pet adoption pavilion hosted by Stray Paws Pet Adoptions. Information
Rail District Festival (SCC), Saturday, September 12, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Civic Park. This family-friendly event promises a full day of fun and festivities. Enjoy a variety of local vendors, a lively beer garden, delicious food trucks, Krekel Train rides, inflatables, a dedicated kid zone, and the baby crawl race. Information
R/C Airshow (SCC), Saturday, Sept 12 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Spirits of St Louis R/C Club, 73 Amrein Rd.Saint Charles, MO 63304 (map). This event is designed to showcase the hobby with RC Jet and Helicopter demonstrations and kids activities including flight simulators. This event is free and will include raffles and free prizes for kids. Food and drink will be available for purchase. There is a $5 donation for parking. Information ~ Flyer
Pet-a-Palooza (SCC), Saturday, September 12 from 11am-1pm at Laurel Park, 3000 McClay Valley, St. Peters, MO 63376. Bring your furry friends to this FREE community pet event. Enjoy vendor booths, giveaways, prizes, food trucks, animals for adoption, and $10 microchipping if desired. Plus, Laurel Park pool will be open for dogs to swim. Information ~ Flyer
A Grand Day At The Park (SCC), Wapelhorst Park, 1875 Muegge Road, Saint Charles, MO, 63303 (map). It’s Grandparent’s Day and the City of St. Charles invites grandparents, grandchildren and families to come together and enjoy some fun, family time. This year we are hosting a Backyard BBQ with music, yard games, food and fun. This event is FREE to attend, but we ask that you register so we know how many people are coming. Information ~ Flyer
Outdoor Concerts….
St Charles Area…
The Meadows at Lake St. Louis Summerfest Music Series (SCC), Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24 from 6:30-8:30pm at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, 20 Meadows Circle Drive, Lake Saint Louis, MO, 63367. On August 28, enjoy music by “Decades Apart.” On September 3, enjoy music by “Decades Apart.” FREE admission for humans, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your dancing shoes. More concerts weekly through November 1, 2026. Information
St. Peters Sunset Concerts (SCC), Fridays, September 4 & 11 from 6:30-9 PM at 370 Lakeside Park, 63376. On September 4, enjoy music by “Me & Paul.” On September 11, enjoy music by WildHorse Creek Band with Jim Keefe PLUS 9/11 Tribute. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 19, enjoy a double header with music by Breakdown Shakedown, & That 80s Band starting at 4pm. Enjoy these free outdoor concerts around beautiful lake 370 with food trucks. Sept 19 is final concert of the season. Information
New Town Concerts (SCC), Saturday, September 5 from 7-10pm at the New Town Amphitheater, 3312 Rue Royale, Saint Charles, MO 63301.Bring your lawn chair and picnic dinner. More free concerts on Sept 19, 26. Information ~ New Town Events Listing
JAZZ at the Riverside (SCC), Sunday, September 6 at 7:30pm at Frontier Park, 222 S. Riverside Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301. Listen to the swinging sounds of the St. Charles Big (Jazz) Band performing on the Jaycee Stage in Frontier Park on the Banks of the Missouri River. Performances include popular music including Swing, Bebop Jazz, Pop, Show Tunes, Contemporary Jazz, and vocals from the Great American Songbook. Final jazz concert of the season. Information
St. Charles, Beale Street Concert (SCC), Wednesday, September 9 from 6-8pm at Streets of St. Charles, 1520 South 5th Street, St. Charles, MO, 6330 . Bring your lawn chair for a live local musical entertainment by Zero to Ninety (no outside food or beverages). Final concert of the season is Oct 14. Information
Frenchtown Hot Summer Nights,(SCC), Saturday, September 12 from 7-10pm on Second Street, St. Charles, MO 63301. Join us for a summer of hot music, great times with friends and good food and drinks. Enjoy the music of 80’s Rock Night featuring the M80s. Information
Mark your calendar for these September events….
- Pollinator Palooza (SCC), Sept 19 Information ~ Flyer
- Dobson Fest Astronomy Celebration (SCC), Sept. 19 Information
- O’Fallon Fall Into the Arts Festival (SCC), Sept 20 Information
- Cottleville Live Owl Display (SCC), Sept 22 Information
- Dardenne Prairie Day 2026 (SCC) Sept 26 Information
Recreation Council Reminders…
Missouri Department of Conservation FREE nature classes: Classes are for outdoor lovers of all ages and abilities. Choose from nature classes to learn about plants and animals, outdoor skills, hiking, survival, fishing, and shooting sports. Registration is required for most classes unless indicated. Participants with disabilities should email the instructor when registering to discuss accommodations needed to participate. Support staff are usually allowed to attend to provide assistance, but instructors need prior notice. 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.
Recreation Council Resources…
- Summer Opportunities Guide
- Program Providers for People with Disabilities
- Community Resources for People with Disabilities
- Recreation Council Facebook Page
- View this Newsletter as a WEBPAGE
Search for more events in St. Charles…
- Discover St. Charles: www.discoverstcharles.com/events
- St. Charles County Parks: www.sccmo.org ~ Information ~ Calendar ~ Guide
- Events in the Metro Area (BEST OVERALL SITE): www.stlouiscalendar.com
- Michael’s Craft Store classes: www.michaels.com/classes
- Missouri Department of Conservation – www.mdc.mo.gov/events
- Best Hiking Trails in the Metro area: www.hikingproject.com
- Kids Out and About: www.saintlouis.kidsoutandabout.com
- Fun 4 STL Kids: www.fun4stlkids.com/calendar
- Metro attractions: www.explorestlouis.com

