Jour de Fête

Jour de Fête – Ste. Genevieve’s Grand Celebration

Every year on the second full weekend in August, the streets of Historic Downtown Ste. Genevieve transform into a vibrant marketplace and festival ground for Jour de Fête—southeast Missouri’s largest and most beloved outdoor crafts fair. This spectacular two-day celebration draws thousands of visitors who come to experience the perfect blend of artisan craftsmanship, delicious food, live entertainment, and the unique historic charm that only America’s oldest town west of the Mississippi can provide.

A Feast for the Senses

With over 150 vendors lining the historic streets, Jour de Fête offers an unparalleled shopping experience for lovers of handcrafted goods and unique artisan work. Stroll beneath the shade of century-old trees as you discover an impressive array of arts and crafts: hand-thrown pottery, custom jewelry, woodwork, paintings, textiles, metalwork, folk art, home décor, and so much more. Each booth represents the passion and skill of talented craftspeople, many of whom have been returning to Jour de Fête year after year, making it a beloved tradition for vendors and visitors alike.

Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift, looking to add to your art collection, or simply enjoy browsing beautiful handmade items, you’ll find treasures around every corner. The phrase “shop till you drop” takes on new meaning as you navigate the festival’s bustling marketplace—but don’t worry, there are plenty of places to rest, recharge, and plan your next discovery.

Flavors to Fuel Your Festival Experience

No great festival is complete without great food, and Jour de Fête delivers with an enticing variety of culinary options. From classic festival fare and regional favorites to unique specialty foods, the diverse selection of food vendors ensures there’s something to satisfy every craving. Grab a quick snack to fuel your browsing, or settle in for a leisurely meal while you people-watch and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Live Music and Entertainment

Throughout the weekend, live music fills the air, creating a soundtrack for your Jour de Fête experience. Local and regional musicians perform across multiple stages, offering everything from traditional folk music that honors the town’s French heritage to contemporary sounds that get toes tapping and spirits lifting. The music adds an essential layer to the festival’s atmosphere—transforming a craft fair into a true celebration.

Living History Comes Alive

Set in the heart of Ste. Genevieve’s National Historic District, Jour de Fête takes full advantage of its remarkable setting. Living history demonstrations bring the past to life, offering visitors—especially younger festival-goers—a chance to see traditional crafts and skills practiced just as they were centuries ago. Watch blacksmiths work glowing metal, see period cooking techniques demonstrated, or learn about the daily life of French colonial settlers. These engaging presentations add educational depth to the festival experience and remind us of the rich cultural heritage that makes Ste. Genevieve so special.

A Family-Friendly Tradition

Jour de Fête is designed with families in mind. Children delight in the festival atmosphere, the street performers, and the living history demonstrations, while parents appreciate the safe, walkable environment and the abundance of activities to keep everyone entertained. It’s the kind of event where memories are made—where a child’s face lights up watching a craftsperson at work, or a family discovers a handmade treasure that will grace their home for generations.

Adding a deeply meaningful dimension to the family-focused celebration is Project Pioneer, a special tradition that honors Ste. Genevieve’s enduring heritage. Each year during Jour de Fête, one German family and one French family with historical ties to Ste. Genevieve are recognized and presented with a carefully prepared packet containing their genealogical data and family history within the community. This touching ceremony acknowledges the generations of families who have shaped this town’s character and reminds us that the history we celebrate isn’t just about buildings and dates—it’s about the people, the families, and the continuing stories that connect past to present. For the honored families, it’s an unforgettable moment of recognition and connection to their roots. For festival attendees, it’s a powerful reminder that they’re not just visiting a historic town—they’re walking streets where family stories stretch back centuries, and where heritage is still living and celebrated.

The Magic of the Historic Setting

What sets Jour de Fête apart from other craft fairs is its incomparable location. The festival unfolds along streets lined with beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture, creating a backdrop that no convention center or parking lot could ever match. Historic homes, many open for tours during the festival, stand as silent witnesses to centuries of community celebration. The Mississippi River flows nearby, the French colonial heritage permeates every corner, and you’re reminded that festivals like this have brought communities together on these very streets for generations.

Between browsing vendor booths, take time to duck into the historic sites, pop into the local shops and galleries that call downtown home year-round, or simply rest on a shaded bench and watch the vibrant festival life swirl around you.

A Celebration of Community and Craft

Jour de Fête—French for “Festival Day”—embodies the spirit of celebration that has always been central to Ste. Genevieve’s French heritage. It’s a time when the community opens its arms wide to welcome visitors, when artists and craftspeople share their talents, when music and laughter echo through historic streets, and when the simple joy of gathering together reminds us what makes small-town life so rich and meaningful.

This isn’t just Missouri’s largest outdoor crafts fair—it’s a cultural institution, an economic lifeline for artisans, a tourist draw that puts Ste. Genevieve on the map each August, and most importantly, a joyful celebration that honors both tradition and creativity.

Plan Your Visit

Jour de Fête takes place the second full weekend in August, typically running Saturday and Sunday with extended hours to give you plenty of time to experience everything the festival offers. Admission is free, though you’ll want to bring plenty of cash and cards for all the treasures you’ll discover.

Consider making a weekend of it—Ste. Genevieve offers charming bed and breakfasts, comfortable hotels, excellent restaurants, and numerous historic sites beyond the festival itself. Many visitors arrive Friday evening, spend Saturday and Sunday at Jour de Fête, and leave Monday morning having fallen in love with this remarkable river town.

Mark your calendar, gather your friends and family, and join thousands of others for Jour de Fête—a celebration of art, craft, history, and community that captures the very best of what southeast Missouri has to offer.

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