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…

Celebrate the sweet bounty of Missouri’s beekeeping heritage at the annual Honey Festival + Market, a delightful community gathering sponsored by Harold’s Famous Bee Company. This beloved event transforms historic downtown Ste. Genevieve’s Market Street into a vibrant celebration of all things honey, bringing together families, friends, and honey enthusiasts for a day of discovery, flavor, and fun. Traditionally held the last weekend in June, this year’s festival was moved to the first weekend in October, offering visitors the chance to enjoy this sweet celebration amid the beautiful fall season along the Mississippi River. A Festival for the Whole Family Running from 10am to 4pm on Saturday in June or October, Market Street comes alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes that make this festival a highlight of Ste. Genevieve’s event calendar. Live music fills the air, creating a festive atmosphere as you explore everything this unique celebration has to offer. Honey in All Its Forms At the heart of the festival is, of course, honey itself. Discover the remarkable variety of local honey, from delicate wildflower varieties to robust buckwheat and everything in between. Learn about the subtle flavor differences that come from different nectar sources and seasons. Sample 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…

Birding in Kaskaskia – Where the Mississippi Creates a Haven for Waterfowl and Rare Visitors In the heart of the Mississippi River Valley, where the river’s powerful currents once carved through a peninsula to create an island, lies one of the region’s hidden birding treasures. Kaskaskia Island and the surrounding wetlands managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offer bird enthusiasts a remarkable opportunity to observe herons, egrets, waterfowl, and—if fortune smiles—even the magnificent and critically endangered whooping crane. This is birding with history, where sloughs and backwaters that once sustained a thriving French colonial settlement now provide essential habitat for migrating and resident birds along the Mississippi Flyway. A Geographic Anomaly Creates Birding Opportunity Kaskaskia Island holds a unique place in American geography: it’s the only inhabited piece of Illinois located west of the Mississippi River. This geographic quirk resulted from the New Madrid Earthquake of 1811-1812 and subsequent flooding that dramatically altered the river’s course. What was once a peninsula became an island, separated from mainland Illinois but accessible only through Missouri. This isolation and the island’s low-lying, flood-prone nature have preserved it as largely agricultural land interspersed with wetlands—exactly the kind of habitat that waterfowl and Read more…

Kona Ice of the Mid-Mississippi River Valley brings a splash of color and flavor to events across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois. This mobile shaved ice truck serves up tropical treats at community festivals, school events, fundraisers, and private gatherings—turning any outing into a small celebration. With its signature music and bright, island-themed design, the truck is easy to spot and even easier to love. Guests can choose from a variety of classic and seasonal flavors, all made fresh on the spot. More than just a sweet stop to hit your sweet spot, Kona Ice is an active part of the Mid-Mississippi region, giving back through school partnerships and community fundraisers. You’ll often find the truck at local fairs, youth sports games, or parked near the river on warm afternoons. Whether it’s a summer festival in Ste. Geneviève or a parade in Chester, Kona Ice brings a taste of the tropics to the heart of the Midwest. Read more…