Tag: Activities

Sainte Geneviève Holiday Christmas Festival Two Days of Music, History, and Celebration in Missouri’s Oldest Town Every first weekend of December, Sainte Geneviève transforms into what AAA Magazine has recognized as one of the top two Christmas celebrations in the entire Midwest. The annual Holiday Christmas Festival fills Missouri’s oldest town with a remarkable two-day program that spans more than 700 years of holiday music—from Renaissance sacred works to contemporary jazz—all performed in historic churches, galleries, and gathering spaces throughout the downtown district. With one of the state’s largest parades, elegant historical receptions, hands-on craft experiences, and French colonial holiday traditions, this free community celebration has grown over four decades into an event that draws visitors from across the region while remaining authentically rooted in Sainte Geneviève’s unique cultural heritage. A Festival Built on Generosity and Community Spirit Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Holiday Christmas Festival is what it costs to attend: nothing. Nearly every event across the entire weekend—from world-class musical performances to craft workshops, from the parade to Santa photos, from historical programming to art exhibitions—is completely free. This generosity reflects Sainte Geneviève’s community values and the festival’s purpose: sharing the town’s historic character and holiday Read more…

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 Read more…

Kona Ice of the Mid-Mississippi River Valley Across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, a bright, island-themed mobile shaved ice truck brings tropical treats and community celebration to events from Ste. Genevieve summer festivals to Chester parades, youth sports games to school fundraisers. Kona Ice of the Mid-Mississippi River Valley serves fresh-made shaved ice in classic and seasonal flavors, distinguished by signature music, colorful design that’s impossible to miss, and self-serve Flavorwave™ that lets guests customize their own combinations. More than mobile dessert vendor, Kona Ice operates as active community partner—giving back through school partnerships and fundraisers, supporting youth organizations, turning ordinary events into small celebrations with tropical flair. Whether parked at river festivals on warm afternoons, serving Little League teams after games, or bringing island vibes to corporate gatherings and birthday parties, Kona Ice delivers what one satisfied customer calls “a sweet stop to hit your sweet spot” with Midwest friendliness and aloha spirit. As the company tagline promises: “The Koolest Experience on the Planet.” Practical Information Business Name: Kona Ice of the Mid-Mississippi River Valley Service Area: Southeast Missouri and southern Illinois (including Ste. Genevieve, Chester, Perryville, surrounding communities) Business Model: Mobile shaved ice truck serving events, festivals, private Read more…

Lions Club Park Located at 155 Market Street in the heart of historic downtown Ste. Genevieve, Lions Club Park provides exactly what its name suggests—a gathering place where community and visitors pause together under shade, share meals, and participate in the rhythms of small-town life. This green space with tables and benches functions simultaneously as escape from sidewalk tourism and as gathering place for seasonal celebrations, French heritage festivals, and everyday downtown moments. The beautiful shade canopy creates genuinely comfortable respite from Missouri heat and sun, transforming what could be rushed downtown shopping into lingering, seated experience. Whether you’re enjoying lunch between historic site tours, watching live Paw Paw French music during festival celebrations, greeting Santa after the annual Christmas Parade, or simply needing a quiet moment during downtown exploration, Lions Club Park delivers what many tourist destinations lack—authentic public gathering space serving both visitors and residents equally. Downtown Location: Heart of Everything Positioned at 155 Market Street, Lions Club Park sits at the literal center of Ste. Genevieve’s historic downtown district. From the park, you can walk to galleries, antique shops, restaurants, historic houses, and cultural institutions—all within minutes on foot. That positioning means Lions Club Park functions as Read more…

Shaved Ice 21561 Highway 32 Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 Facebook Phone: (573) 615-8803 Website: Luna’s | All Natural | Missouri, USA Hours:  Open Seasonally Monday 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. About Luna’s:  Luna’s Shaved Ice has the fluffiest shaved ice around and features all-natural syrups, hand-dipped ice cream for shaved ice sundaes, and fresh fruit toppings! Read more…