30th annual Twin City Days to offer lots of favorite events, some new ones

The 30th annual Twin City Days celebration is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 4-6, taking place at a wide range of locations across Festus and Crystal City.

Festival hours are from 8 a.m. through the evening on Sept. 4; 7:30 a.m. through 11 p.m. Sept. 5; and 8 a.m. through 11 p.m. Sept. 6.

Twin City Days, which recently was named the Best Local Festival/Carnival in the Best of Jefferson County contest, is sponsored by the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce and will include dozens of events across the Twin Cities, including many activities, food, contests, shopping and live music.

“It’s a sense of community,” said chamber executive director Mary Zebrowski. “It’s a great way to showcase our community and what we have in the Twin Cities.”

Zebrowski and Denise Kist, a chamber director, said the Twin City Days committee begins meeting in March to start the planning process.

“(It) involves (many) people from the city, like police chiefs and everyone,” Zebrowski said. “Then (it goes) all the way down to our chairman (Kirk Mooney), who has been here running this for 30 years.”

New events

This year, Twin City Days will include more than a dozen new additions.

“We’re very excited about this, because there haven’t been too many new things for quite a while,” Zebrowski said. “We’ve really been trying to brainstorm, and a lot of people came forward to help us out.”

■ At 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, a new classic movie night will be held at The Contrarian, 125 E. Main St., in Festus.

“We’re really excited about this one,” Zebrowski said. “They’re going to (show) “Jaws.”

The classic 1975 film is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

■ Several new events will be held on Friday, Sept. 5, like a new Teen Night will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Jefferson County YMCA, 1303 YMCA Drive, in Festus. This event will include many activities for teenagers. The activities will include basketball, kickball, skating and treats.

■ Additionally, many new events are planned for Saturday, Sept. 6, such as a Children’s Entrepreneur Market to be set up on Brierton Lane.

“It’s run by children ages 5 to 17,” Zebrowski said. “They run everything, they have a product, do their selling and advertising.”

She said the children’s market has been held in Festus a few times before, as well as many other locations in the St. Louis area.

Also, the pet parade, talent contest, costume contest, animal adoption and vaccine clinic will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a new location this year at the Double Pavilion next to the pool at the Crystal City Park.

As for refreshments, two new drink spots will be available at this year’s festival. At Main Key Realty on 114 E. Main St. in Festus, a comfort and refreshment station will be available for attendees to cool off. Nearby, the Cub Scouts will have a lemonade stand. Additionally for those 21 and older, the Herculaneum LaPachanga will host a tequila tasting featuring Herradura brand.

The festival also will include some new family events, like a scavenger hunt put on by Riverbend Bookstore, 521 N. Truman Blvd., in Crystal City.

“They’re going to have a whole list of clever riddles, and then each one takes you around the store to discover different tokens and things,” Zebrowski said. “When you get your tokens, you win a prize.”

Along with the returning baby-crawling contest at 10 a.m., a new diaper-decorating contest will be held at 11 a.m., with both contests near the Crystal City Pool.

“They’ve got some local judges, and they will give out prizes on creativity and aesthetic appeal, things like that,” Zebrowski said.

The three-on-three basketball event is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a new location – the Darrell “Hickey” White Park on County Road in Crystal City, which is just south of the Twin City Little League Field. The event is for youth and adults.

“They just redid (the park),” Zebrowski said. “They’re hoping to bring some attention to the park and how cool it is.”

Lastly, the Glass Brick Cigar Lounge will have a mobile cigar lounge at some of the Twin City Days events this year.

“The unit that I use is actually a repurposed St Louis library bookmobile," said Jerry Williams, owner of The Glass Brick. “So it’s made for people to come inside and utilize the space.”

The lounge will offer a space to purchase and enjoy cigars both inside and outside the unit. The unit will be set up during the Blues on the Brick concert and Concert in the Park. The lounge will also be set up on Mall Street in Crystal City near the end of the car show. For more information on the lounge’s whereabouts during Twin City Days, visit the Glass Brick Facebook page.

Sept. 2

The festivities will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 2, with the “Hunt for the Red Bird” scavenger hunt around the Twin Cities area. Clues to help people find the red bird will be announced on KJFF-AM 1400 at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. beginning that day and will be posted at Enterprise Bank, 680 S. Mill St., in Festus.

Sept. 4

The festivities will begin with the Twin City Days Free Community Breakfast at 8 a.m. in the Ballpark Pavilion at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park in Festus, followed by the Crystal City vs Festus City Cup-In-Hand Kickball Challenge.

Both the Festus Library and the Crystal City Library are scheduled to hold a three-day book sale. At 10 a.m., the popular Seniors in the Park event in the Ballpark Pavilion will begin. The event will have bingo, food and live music.

The Twin City Days Tailgate Kickoff Party is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MRV Banks, 1319 Truman Blvd., in Festus and will have food, raffles, giveaways and games.

Rounding out the evening is a trivia night at the Festus-Crystal City Elks Lodge 1721 and the classic movie night celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” at The Contrarian.

Sept. 5

The sold-out Tonda Breeze Twin City Days Golf Tournament will be held at the Crystal Highlands Golf Course in the Festus area.

Many evening events will take place around the Twin Cities, including a free family bowling event at Quonset Lanes in Crystal City and a wine tasting at the Petit Paree restaurant in Festus.

Over at Crystal City Park, a bike ride will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the parking lot by the pool. The all-ages event is described as a 2.8-mile, casual ride around Crystal City.

Immediately following the bike ride is an outdoor movie night on the ballfields near the pond at the park, featuring the PG-rated “Minecraft” movie at about 7:45 p.m.

The day will conclude with Blues on the Brick, a concert held on Mississippi Avene in Crystal City. Beverages and food trucks will be on hand. The concert will feature MojoSaurus, 5 Star Roscoe and Crossroads, an Eric Clapton tribute band. This event is for those 21 and older.

Transportation and parking

Due to the ongoing construction to the parking lot on South Second Street and the high demand for parking during the Main Street Market on Sept. 6, the city of Festus has arranged for a trolley service to transport people to the event.

“Parking is always a premium on that Saturday, so I was talking to the owners of the St. Genevieve Trolley,” said Festus City Administrator Greg Camp. “We set up a route that would run from the back side of the Twin City Mall on Broadway and Mall Street and run along South Second Street, dropping people off or picking people up at South Adams and at Brierton (Lane), and then also doing the same there at Mill and Main streets and then heading up to the library parking lot, where people could park as well.”

Along with the trolley service, the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce will run a golf cart to the expanded market on 201 Brierton Lane.

“We’re going to have golf carts, or courtesy cars as we are calling them, and driving people up to that other lot, trying to get some attention for (the market expansion),” Zebrowski said.

Sept. 6

The day will begin at 8 a.m. with a free pancake breakfast at the First United Methodist Church of Festus-Crystal City in Festus.

Also, the 5K run/walk will begin at 8 a.m. at Crystal City Park. People may register at the Jefferson County YMCA or on its website.

The popular Main Street Market will follow at 9 a.m. on Festus Main Street. The Children’s Entrepreneur Market will open at 10 a.m.

A variety of 100 vendors will be on hand for the Main Street Market, including crafters and local merchants. In addition, the Crystal City and Festus Police departments will offer children’s ID kits.

The classic car show returns to the festival, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Bailey Road in Crystal City.

A pickleball tournament will return to Jokerst Memorial Park, 525 S. Mill St., in Festus. For the tournament, players from different states will compete, and the tournament will conclude on Sunday, Sept. 7.

For the foodies, the Main Street food court will open at 9 a.m., featuring many food vendors from the area. Throughout the day, other food and drink events will take place at various locations, like a ravioli-eating contest at 4 p.m. at Pasta House in Festus. Free ice cream will be available at Crystal City Park.

A variety of family events will be held, such as Hot Wheels Racing beginning at 11 a.m. at Twin City Toyota in Herculaneum; kids’ games and money pit from 9-11 a.m. at Crystal City Park; a fishing tournament from 8-11 a.m. at the Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club and sidewalk chalk-drawing contest beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Crystal City Park.

Attendees may find many other events around the Twin City area, including a grip strength challenge at Athletico Physical Therapy in Festus and a washer and cornhole tournament at Crites park.

The annual festival will end with the Concert in the Park at Crites park featuring the Dave and Greg Show followed by 5 Star Roscoe and then Breakfast in America, a Supertramp tribute band. Before the show, food trucks will be on hand at the park.

For more information, visit twincitychamber.com/program or call 636-931-7697.

Twin City Days to feature children’s activities

By Kate Bequette

Families can expect nonstop fun at this year’s Twin City Days, with many children’s activities scheduled for Friday, Sept 5, and Saturday, Sept. 6.

From free bowling, Hot Wheel races and movie nights in the park to new events this year, like a Teen Night, a Children’s Entrepreneur Market and a diaper-decorating contest, the festival offers something to keep everyone in the family happy and entertained.

Friday, Sept. 5

■ Twin City Area Junior Optimist Club is organizing a free family bowling event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Quonset Lanes, 2004 N. Truman Blvd., in Crystal City. This family event is open to all ages and registration is not required. One free game and shoe rental per person will be provided.

In addition to a free game, a $6 voucher for food and drinks will be given to the first 75 children.

■ The Jefferson County YMCA is holding its first Twin City Days Teen Night as part of the festival. The Teen Night will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the YMCA, 1303 YMCA Drive, in Festus and will offer a fun evening for those 12 to 17 and will include outdoor basketball, kickball, cornhole, skating and snacks.

Registration is required, and walk-ins will not be allowed on the night of the event. To resister, go to the Jefferson County YMCA website, gwrymca.org/events/teen-skate-night. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Macy Hahn, the YMCA’s membership director, said the event aims to engage teens and complement the Twin City Days activities.

“We noticed in our community that we hit the age range of young children and older adults with activities for them to do, but we felt like the teenagers were missing out. We thought the YMCA, being that community hub, would be the perfect place to get those teens involved,” Hahn said.

The cost for the event is $20 for Y members and $25 for non-members.

“A lot of people think you have to be a member to attend these events, and you don’t. We really want to encourage those non-members to be able to come and attend as well, create new friends and just get to know other people outside of their own school district,” Hahn said. “We want them to get involved in the community and be able to have something to do.”

For additional information, call 636-931-9622.

■ People may enjoy a casual bike ride around Crystal City from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The event, sponsored by Pedal’n Pi, is for all ages and offers a 2.8-mile ride that takes in the sights of the city. The bike ride will begin at Crystal City Park in the parking lot by the pool. Participants will receive a free voucher for a treat at Pedal’n Pi. Afterward, participants may enjoy snow cones, refreshments and a movie in the Crystal City Park ballpark. 

■ Located at Crystal City Park on the ballfield near the pond, the Crystal City Parks Department is giving participants a chance to relax under the stars at the Movie in the Park event. The movie “Minecraft” (rated PG) is scheduled to start at sunset or approximately 7:45 p.m. Glow bracelets, snow cones and light refreshments will be provided. Those interested should bring their own chairs and blankets.

Park Drive will be closed to traffic at Lake Drive. To get to the ballfield, use Park Drive by the Summit.

Saturday, Sept. 6

■ Support kids’ creativity at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, which offers those 5 through 17 the chance to become young business people for the day. Sponsored by the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, this new Twin City Days event will begin at 10 a.m., with check-in for kid entrepreneurs at 9 a.m. The children will run their own mini businesses, selling everything from crafts to games.

Alisa Knotts, the St. Louis market manager for the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, said events like this aim to provide hands-on business experience, interpersonal skills and problem-solving for children as they will be running their own booths.

“Children will have the opportunity to be vendors for a day. This event really does help instill confidence and motivates them to be more independent,” Knotts said.

The event will be in the parking lot at 201 Brierton Lane in Festus. For kids who wish to sell food, all food must be pre-packaged, and the children must follow Missouri’s Cottage Law guidelines. Kids interested in having a booth must register by 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5. To register, visit kidsmarkets.com/event/crystal-city.

■ The Crystal City and Festus police departments are holding an event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Main Street and South Adams during the Main Street Market that will allow families to learn more about keeping their little ones safe with the help of Children’s ID Kits. For more information, call 636-931-7697.

■ Children between 3 and 15 may take part in the Twin City Toyota’s Hot Wheels Races at Twin City Toyota, 301 Autumn Ridge Drive, in Herculaneum. Entry fee is one canned food item, which will be donated to the Ozark Food Pantry in Festus. There is a limit of two Hot Wheel cars per entry. Children 3 through 7 may register at 10:30 a.m., and races for that age category will begin at 11 a.m. Children 8 through 15 may register at 11:30 a.m., and races for that age category will begin at noon. Snacks and beverages will be provided for attendees.

■ Children 10 and younger may attend the “Kids’ Games and Money Pit” event from 9-11 a.m. at Crystal City Park, near the sand volleyball courts. Kids may play various games and try their luck at the popular money pit, which gives children the chance to collect coins buried in the sand, keeping the money they find. The Festus-Crystal City Kiwanis Club is organizing the event.

■ Also new to Twin City Days is a free scavenger hunt with riddles set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverbend Bookstore, 521 N. Truman Blvd., in Crystal City. No registration is required. Those of all ages may participate and will receive a list of clever riddles. The goal is to solve each riddle to discover a token and collect tokens to win the prize.

Stephen Meyers, owner of Riverbend Bookstore, said the event will give families the chance to have fun and explore the bookstore in a unique way.

“I think that this store is a great place for the community. I think a scavenger hunt gives people the opportunity to see it’s a great place to hang out and the store has a great family environment,” he said.

Meyers also said a variety of prizes will be awarded to participants, with multiple winners throughout the day.

“We will have smaller items like stickers and bookmarks all the way to large-scale items, such as books. We will have a little bit of something for everyone.”

■ The Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club will hold a “Hooked on Fishing” event for those 16 and younger from 8 to 11 a.m. at the club, 2567 Hwy. 61, in Festus. After a morning of casting and reeling and making some fishing memories, refreshments will be provided. This event is free, but pre-registration is required. Children should bring their own bait and equipment. To register or for more information, call 314-550-6279 or email fccconservationclub@gmail.com.

■ First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City will hold a free family fun day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees may expect a day full of family fun, with a bounce house, obstacle course, slide, snacks and drinks. The event will take place at the church, 107 N. Truman Blvd., in Crystal City. A diaper changing and nursing station will be available.

■ Bring out your creative side at the sidewalk chalk-drawing contest at 9:30 a.m. in Crystal City Park, 1400 Dick Cook Drive. The event is open to families or individual registrations. One entry per request: ages 5 and younger, 6-11, 12-18 and 19 and older. Awards or prizes will be given in each category, and judging of the drawings will begin at 11 a.m. Chalk will be provided for those taking part.

■ Pony Bird has organized a baby-crawling contest set for 10 a.m. in Crystal City Park by the pool. The free event is for babies who are crawling but not walking, with prizes given to the first-, second- and third-place winners. Participation prizes will also be awarded. No pre-registration is required for this event.

■ New this year at Twin City Days is a diaper-decorating contest, also organized by Pony Bird. For the contest, which is being held in conjunction with the baby-crawling contest, caregivers should bring babies who are not yet crawling and wearing a decorated diaper for judging at 11 a.m. by the Crystal City Park’s pool. No registration is needed.

Nicole Kyle, Pony Bird’s program manager of family support, said the contest was created to give kids younger than crawling age their own part of Twin City Days.

Prizes will be given for creativity, aesthetic appeal and uniqueness.

“The prizes are like the baby crawl, something age-appropriate for a child not crawling yet,” Kyle said. “ There will also be rubber ducks and sippy cups for participation prizes.”

Attendees can participate in a variety of sports activities, competitions

By Carrson McDaniel

The 2025 Twin City Days festival, set for Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 4-6, will offer a wide range of sports contests and activities, from pickleball tournaments to a 5K run.

Whether you’re looking to just have fun or earn some bragging rights, the festival is sure to offer something for everyone. The events will be held at locations around the Twin Cities area.

Saturday, Sept. 6

■ The Midwest Regional Bank Twin City Invitational pickleball tournament kicks off Sept. 6 and continues through Sept. 7 at Jokerst Memorial Park, 525 S. Mill St. Midwest Regional Bank sponsors the tournament.

Matches on Sept. 6 will feature men’s and women’s doubles, while matches on Sept. 7 will see mixed doubles.

Jim Berger, one of the organizers, said the tournament has been held in some form during Twin City Days for a decade.

“It’s the third oldest tournament in the state of Missouri,” he said. “Jokerst Park was also the first outdoor pickleball specific venue in Missouri.”

Berger said the tournament draws in highly skilled pickleball players, including ones from other neighboring states like Illinois, Kansas, Arkansas and Kentucky.

He said on Aug. 20 that between 80 and 85 participants were signed up, with spots still available.

Prize money is available for winning teams. The first-place team will be awarded $500, the second-place team $300 and the third-place team $200. The tournament is open to anyone and starts at $60 for late registration. Those interested should contact Rachel Sutton at 314-541-4152 or send emails to pbamigosevents@gmail.com by Sept. 1. For more information, visit pickleballbrackets.com.

■ A 5K run/walk through Crystal City begins at 8 a.m. at Crystal City Park, 1400 Dick Cook Drive. The entry fee is $25, but there is no charge for those 12 and younger. Register by Aug. 30 to guarantee an event T-shirt.

The Jefferson County YMCA sponsors the event.

YMCA organizer Shelley Otec said she is hoping for a large turnout this year.

For every person who registers, $5 will be donated to Open Door Animal Sanctuary in House Springs, which will help the shelter continue to provide care and second chances for hundreds of cats and dogs.

Otec also said the shelter will have pets available for adoption at the race.

Participants will run in eight age groups, ranging from 12 and younger to 70 and older. Those in the 12 and under group will not be timed and will not receive a T-shirt.

To register, visit gwrymca.org/events/twin-city-days-5k. For more information, email shelley.otec@gwrymca.org or call 636-931-9622.

■ Athletico Physical Therapy is hosting a Grip Strength Challenge from 9-11 a.m. at its facility, 1300 Veterans Blvd., in Festus. The free event will test your grip strength by using a dynamometer. Prizes for women and men in various age groups are available. For more information, call 636-931-2100 or email festus@athletico.com.

■ Washers and cornhole tournaments will be held at the Main Pavilion at the Larry G. Crites Memorial Park along Old Hwy. A in Festus. The entry fee is $50 per two-person team and will go toward prize money. Registration for the cornhole tournament begins at 8 a.m., and the tournament kicks off at 9 a.m. The washers tournament registration begins at 9 a.m. and play begins at 10 a.m. The tournaments are organized and sponsored by the Andy Habsieger Foundation and will raise money for the organization’s scholarship fund of the same name. For more information, contact John Crites at 314-221-0082 or jcrites@windsorc1.com.

■ A three-on-three basketball event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new Darrell “Hickey” White Park in Crystal City along Little League Drive. Divisions for boys and girls from fourth grade to high school, as well as an 18-plus men’s division will be offered. The event is sponsored by 34 Hoops Basketball Academy. For more information, email thirty4academy@outlook.com.

Twin City Days to feature lots of musical entertainment

By Sarah Lerch

Music lovers won’t want to miss the Twin City Days festival, which will feature two nights of live music, with five musical acts scheduled to perform.

The music will begin on Friday, Sept. 5, at Blues on the Bricks, which starts at 6 p.m. on Mississippi Avenue in Crystal City. Beverages and foods trucks will be set up on the cobblestone streets where the concert will be held. The event is for those 21 and older.

No coolers or outside beverages are permitted within Blues on the Bricks; however, attendees are allowed to bring lawn chairs.

The night’s music will begin at 7 p.m. with MojoSaurus made up of Steve Armstrong (singer), Danny Loesch (drums), Rick Fischer (bass), Jack Genever (keyboard) and Ryan Kelley (lead guitar). For the band’s Twin City Days performance, Athena Shepard and Anna Fischer will sing backup vocals.

“(We) play kind of a boogie blues, like Stevie Ray Vaughan or Johnny Lang, that kind of bluesy rock vibe,” said Rick Fischer, Twin City Days board member and MojoSaurus bass player.

He said the band will play a mixture of original songs and covers, adding that the band has not played in public for many years.

“Now, I remember why I did this – this is fun.” Fischer said.

Then, 5 Star Roscoe will perform at about 8 p.m. The St. Louis-based band describes itself as playing “top shelf vintage Americana tunes,” according to its Facebook page.

An Eric Clapton tribute band, Crossroads, will perform at about 9 p.m., immediately following 5 Star Roscoe.

According to Crossroads’ website, the band covers Clapton’s entire career, including his time as a solo artist, along with his time in bands like Cream, Derek and The Dominoes, Yardbirds and Blind Faith.

Concert in the Park

The festival also will include Concert in the Park, set for 7-11p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, 2232-2292 Old State Hwy. A, in Festus. Admission and parking are free. Many food trucks will be on hand at the event beginning at 6 p.m. Coolers and outside beverages are not allowed. Guests are allowed to bring lawn chairs.

The Dave and Greg Show will begin at 7 p.m. The duo consists of Dave Kalz (lead guitar) and Greg Hulub (bass), and both are members of the 5 Star Roscoe and the Crossroads bands that are performing at the Blues on the Bricks in Crystal City the night before.

Following The Dave and Greg Show, another St. Louis-based band, Breakfast in America, will perform until about 11 p.m.

According to its website, Breakfast in America is a group that celebrates the music of the 1970s rock band Supertram, including hits like “Goodbye Stranger,” “Give a Little Bit” and “The Logical Song.”

The band comprises Billy Audrain (vocals, guitar), John Gore (vocals, keyboards), Steve Johnston (guitar, vocals), Louis Michael (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Curt Shaw (bass, vocals), Dave Johnson (drums) and Waylon Schroeder (sax, percussion).

“Friday and Saturday night both are going to have great entertainment,” Fischer said.

Calendar of events

Tuesday, Sept. 2

Hunt for the Red Bird

• For this scavenger hunt throughout the Twin Cities, people search for the Red Bird by following a series of clues broadcast on KJFF Radio (1400 AM) at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., beginning Sept. 2. Once broadcast, clues will be posted at Enterprise Bank, 680 S. Mill St., in Festus. The prize includes tickets to a St. Louis Cardinals game.
• Organized by: Enterprise Bank and KJFF.
• Contact: 636-937-7642.

Thursday, Sept. 4

Free community breakfast

• Time: 8 a.m.
• Place: Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, Ballpark Pavilion, 2232-2292 Old Hwy. A, Festus.
• Cost: Free.
• Food provided by area restaurants. The annual breakfast also features a cup-in-hand kickball challenge between Crystal City and Festus.
• Organized by: Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Contact: Chamber office at 636-931-7697 or email director@twincitychamber.com.

Book sale – Festus Public Library

• Time: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Also 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday).
• Place: Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St.
• Cost: Free admission.
• Books for all ages will be available at low prices, with proceeds going to the library to fund various programs.
• Organized by: Friends of the Festus Library.
• Contact: Call 314-937-2017 or email library@festusmo.gov.

Book sale – Crystal City Public Library

• Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Also 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday).
• Place: Crystal City Public Library, 736 Mississippi Ave.
• Cost: Free admission.
• Find books great for educators, collectors and avid readers. Event includes a daily drawing.
• Contact: Call 636-937-7166.

Seniors in the Park

• Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Place: Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, Ballpark Pavilion, Festus.
• Cost: Free.
• Bingo will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The J.B. Louis and the Legends band will perform from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Organized by: First State Community Bank.
• Contact: 636-937-2265 or dkettler@fscb.com.

Tailgate kickoff party

• Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Place: MRV Banks, 1319 Truman Blvd., Festus.
• Cost: Free.
• Celebrate the start of Twin City Days with food, raffles, giveaways and games.
• Organized by: MRV Banks in Festus.
• Contact: RSVP by calling 636-638-2421.

Trivia night

• Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and trivia starts at 6:30 p.m.
• Place: Festus-Crystal City Elks Lodge, 4 Elks Drive.
• Cost: $120 for a table of eight.
• Cash bar available. No outside alcohol allowed. Registration ends today, Aug. 28.
• Organized by: Festus-Crystal City Rotary Club.
• Contact: Mary at 636-232-6313 or monumentmarythompson@gmail.com, or Megan Siracusa at 314-623-1441.

Classic movie night 

• Time: 7 p.m.
• Place: The Contrarian Concert Hall & Theater, 125 E. Main St., Festus.
• Cost: $10 per ticket.
• Celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” by watching the classic movie. Drinks, snacks and popcorn available for purchase.
• Organized by: The Contrarian Concert Hall & Theater.
• Contact: Call 636-638-5022 for more information. Purchase tickets at contrarianconcerthall.com.

Friday, Sept. 5

Golf tournament – sold out

• Time: Registration at 7:30 a.m.; shotgun start at 9 a.m.
• Place: Crystal Highlands Golf Course, 3030 Hwy. 61, south of Festus.
• Golf cart, coffee, doughnuts, juice, boxed lunches, drinks and prizes will be provided.
• Organized by: Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce, with contributions from H.W. Herrell Distributing Co. and Mercy Hospital Jefferson.
• Contact: Call 636-931-7697 or email director@twincitychamber.com.

Book sale – Festus Public Library

• Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Also 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday).
• Place: Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St.
• Cost: Free admission.
• Books for all ages will be available at low prices, with proceeds going to the library to fund various programs.
• Organized by: Friends of the Festus Library.
• Contact: Call 314-937-2017 or email library@festusmo.gov.

Book sale – Crystal City Public Library

• Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Also 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday).
• Place: Crystal City Public Library, 736 Mississippi Ave.
• Cost: Free admission.
• Find books great for educators, collectors and avid readers. Event includes a daily drawing.
• Contact: Call 636-937-7166.

Free family bowling

• Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Place: Quonset Lanes, 2004 N. Truman Blvd., Crystal City.
• Cost: Free game of bowling and shoe rental for all ages.
• Registration not required. First 75 kids receive a $6 voucher for food and drinks.
• Organized by: Twin City Area Junior Optimist Club.
• Contact: Debbie at debbie268244@gmail.com or call 314-471-7213.

Wine tasting

• Time: 6 p.m.
• Place: Petit Paree, 228 E. Main St., Festus.
• Cost: Tickets sold in advance at $30 per person.
• Music-themed wine tasting will include wine samples, small whiskey tasting and charcuterie. Age 21 and older only. Single seating limited to 50 people.
• Organized by: Petit Paree Restaurant.
• Contact: Leigh Tetrault at 636-937-8400.

Teen night

• Time: 6-8 p.m.
• Place: Jefferson County YMCA, 1303 YMCA Drive, Festus.
• Cost: $20 for Y members and $25 for non-members.
• For ages 12-17. Enjoy skating and snacks, plus outdoor games including basketball, kickball and cornhole. Must register by Wednesday, Sept. 3.
• Organized by: Jefferson County YMCA.
• Contact: 636-931-9622 or register at gwrymca.org/events/teen-skate-night.

Blues on the Bricks

• Time: 6-11 p.m.
• Place: Mississippi Avenue in Crystal City.
• Cost: Free.
• Age 21 and older only. Beverages and food trucks will be available on the Crystal City cobblestone streets. Music by MojoSaurus with Rick Fischer will open the evening, followed by 5 Star Roscoe, and then Crossroads, an Eric Clapton tribute band. Chairs are welcome but no coolers or outside beverages will be allowed.
• Organized by: Crystal City.
• Contact: Call 636-937-4614 or email j.eisenbeis@crystalcitymo.org.

Bike ride

• Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Place: Crystal City Park parking lot, 1400 Dick Cook Drive.
• Cost: Free.
• Bicycle riders of all ages are invited to ride a 2.8-mile loop around the city, beginning and ending at the park. Snow cones, drinks and a movie, “Minecraft” (PG), will be provided in the park’s ballpark following the event. Participants will also receive a free voucher for dessert at Pedal’n Pi.
• Organized by: Pedal’n Pi.
• Contact: Email creed@creedsworld.com.

Movie in the park

• Time: At sunset, or about 7:45 p.m.
• Place: Crystal City Park ballfield, 1400 Dick Cook Drive. Note: Park Drive will be closed to through traffic at Lake Drive. To get to the ballfield, please use Park Drive by The Summit.
• Cost: Free.
• Movie: “Minecraft” (PG).
• Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Glow bracelets, snow cones and light drinks will be provided.
• Organized by: Crystal City Parks Department.
• Contact: Call 636-208-3763 or email p.meese@crystalcitymo.org.

Saturday, Sept. 6

Pancake breakfast

• Time: 8-10 a.m.
• Place: First United Methodist Church of Festus-Crystal City Fellowship Hall, 113 Grand Ave., Festus.
• Cost: Freewill offerings accepted.
• Pancakes, sausage and drinks will be served.
• Organized by: First United Methodist Church of Festus-Crystal City.
• Contact: 636-937-6205 or email welcome@festusumc.org.

Hooked on Fishing

• Time: 8-11 a.m.
• Place: Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club, 2567 Hwy. 61, south of Festus.
• Cost: Free for ages 16 and younger.
• Advance registration is required. Participants need to bring their own bait and equipment. Refreshments will be provided after fishing.
• Organized by: Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club.
• Contact: Call 314-550-6279 (leave message) or email fccconservationclub@gmail.com.

5K run/walk

• Time: 8 a.m.
• Place: Crystal City Park, 1400 Dick Cook Drive.
• Cost: $25 per person.
• Register by Aug. 30 to guarantee a shirt. Eight age categories from children through adults 70+. $5 of each entry fee will be donated to Open Door Animal Sanctuary in House Springs.
• Organized by: Jefferson County Family YMCA.
• Contact: Call 636-931-9622 or email shelley.otec@gwrymca.org for more information. Register at the YMCA or by visiting gwrymca.org, clicking “Locations,” “Jefferson County Family YMCA” and then “Events.”

Animal adoption and pet parade/contests

• Time: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Place: Crystal City Park pavilion next to the pool, 1511 Park Drive.
• Cost: $1 per entrant for contests and parade. All entry proceeds will go toward local nonprofit pet adoption services. Attendance is free.
• Representatives from Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Open Door Animal Sanctuary and Crystal City’s Department of Animal Control will be on hand throughout the event to meet prospective adopters, volunteers and foster parents. At 11 a.m., well-socialized, leashed pets will start the parade around the park’s paved trail. At noon, pets will be judged in the costume contest. At 12:30 p.m., pets will showcase talents for prizes.
• Organized by: Jennifer Grissom of Re/Max Integrity and Michelle Lambrich of USA Mortgage.
• Contact: Jennifer Grissom at 314-288-7078 or email jennifer.grissom@remax.net.

Pickleball tournament

• Time: Saturday and Sunday.
• Place: Jokerst Memorial Park, 525 S. Mill St., Festus.
• Cost: $55 registration fee; $60 after Aug. 30. Free for spectators.
• Players from multiple states will compete in the tournament, with prize money awarded to the winning teams. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
• Organized by: Midwest Regional Bank.
• Contact: Go to pickleballbrackets.com, email pbamigosevents@gmail.com or call or text 314-541-4152.

Main Street Market

• Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Place: Festus Main Street and 201 Brierton Lane parking lot.
• Cost: Free to attend.
• More than 100 booths will feature items for sale by local artists and vendors or information from local organizations and agencies.
• Organized by: Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Contact: 636-931-7697 or email director@twincitychamber.com.

Food court

• Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Place: North Adams and North Second streets in Festus.
• The food court will include Concessionaire Extraordinaire, Patty Shack, Dynasty Manna, Grillin’ & Chillin,’ Picture Perfect Panini, Grandma’s Sugar Shack, Show Me Kettle Korn and Kona Ice.
• Organized by: Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Contact: 636-931-7697 or email director@twincitychamber.com.

Classic car show

• Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Place: Main Street in Festus and Bailey Road in Crystal City.
• Cost: $20 per car. Spectators free.
• Registration begins at 8 a.m. No vehicles will be admitted after 8:30 a.m. Judging and prizes will take place later in the day, including a people’s choice award and trophy.
• Organized by: Manns Restoration.
• Contact: Call Jennifer at 636-933-7008 or email jasonmanns@mannsrestoration.com.

Children’s ID kits

• Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Place: On Main Street and South Adams during the Main Street Market.
• Cost: Free.
• Law enforcement personnel will be on hand to give out safety information and kits.
• Organized by: Crystal City and Festus police departments.
• Contact: 636-931-7697.

Comfort and refreshment station

• Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Place: Main Key Realty, 114 E. Main St., Festus.
• The station will offer a spot for changing diapers, nursing and cooling down. Includes water, fans and cooling towels.

Book sale – Festus Public Library

• Time: 9 a.m. to noon.
• Place: Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St.
• Cost: Free admission.
• Books for all ages will be available at low prices, with proceeds going to the library to fund various programs.
• Organized by: Friends of the Festus Library.
• Contact: Call 314-937-2017 or email library@festusmo.gov.

Book sale – Crystal City Public Library

• Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Place: Crystal City Public Library, 736 Mississippi Ave.
• Cost: Free admission.
• Find books great for educators, collectors and avid readers. Event includes a daily drawing and free doughnuts.
• Contact: Call 636-937-7166.

Grip Strength Challenge

• Time: 9-11 a.m.
• Place: Athletico Physical Therapy, 1300 Veterans Blvd., Festus.
• Cost: Free.
• Test your grip strength with a force gauge used in physical therapy. Prizes for women and men in various age groups.
• Organized by: Athletico Physical Therapy.
• Contact: 636-931-2100 or email festus@athletico.com.

Washers, cornhole tournaments

• Time: Cornhole tournament starts at 9 a.m.; washers at 10 a.m.
• Place: Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, first pavilion past the bridge, 2232-2292 Old Hwy. A, Festus.
• Cost: $50 per two-person team.
• Registration starts an hour before each tournament.
• Organized by: Andrew Habsieger Foundation.
• Contact: John Crites at 314-221-0082 or email jcrites@windsorc1.com.

Kids’ games and money pit

• Time: 9-11 a.m.
• Place: Crystal City Park, near sand volleyball courts.
• Cost: Free.
• Games for children 10 and younger. Prizes awarded. Kids win cash in the money pit. Free scoop of ice cream at the pavilion, while supplies last.
• Organized by: Festus-Crystal City Kiwanis Club.
• Contact: Ryan at 573-576-1843 or email ryan.vangilder@ofsl.bank

Free family fun

• Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Place: First Baptist Church, 107 N. Truman Blvd., Crystal City.
• Cost: Free.
• Bounce house, obstacle course, slide, snacks and drinks. A diaper changing and nursing station will be available.
• Organized by: First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City.
• Contact: Greg at 636-208-7855 or email grsull3669@gmail.com.

3-on-3 basketball – registration closed

• Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Place: Darrell “Hickey” White Park, 237 County Road, Crystal City, south of the Twin City Little League fields.
• Boys and girls fourth grade to high school, and men 18+ divisions, with pool into bracket play.
• Organized by: 34 Hoops Basketball Academy.
• Contact: Thirty4academy@outlook.com.

Sidewalk chalk drawing contest

• Time: 9:30 a.m.
• Place: Crystal City Park, 1400 Dick Cook Drive.
• Cost: Free.
• Family or individual registrations. Four age categories with awards or prizes for each category. Chalk will be provided. Judging at 11 a.m.
• Organized by: City of Crystal City.
• Contact: Pam Meese at 636-208-3763 or email p.meese@crystalcitymo.org.

Children’s Entrepreneur Market

• Time: 10 a.m.
• Place: Parking lot at 201 Brierton Lane in Festus.
• Cost: Free to attend.
• Kids aged 5-17 will be selling their creations, from crafts to games. Check-in for vendors begins at 9 a.m.
• Organized by: The Children’s Entrepreneur Market.
• Contact: Register at kidsmarkets.com/event/crystal-city by 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5.

Scavenger hunt

• Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Place: Riverbend Bookstore, 521 N. Truman Blvd., Crystal City.
• Cost: Free.
• Participants will receive a list of riddles to solve, leading them to hidden tokens. Collect tokens to win a prize. All ages welcome. No registration required.
• Organized by: Riverbend Bookstore.
• Contact: 636-543-3035 or email info@riverbendbookstore.com.

Baby-crawling/diaper-decorating contest

• Time: 10 a.m. baby-crawling contest; 11 a.m. diaper-decorating contest.
• Place: Crystal City Park, by the pool.
• Baby-crawling contest for babies who are crawling but not yet walking. Prizes will be given for the top three finishers, and participation prizes will be given. People with babies who aren’t crawling yet may dress the child in a hand-decorated diaper. Judging will start at 11 a.m. and will be based on creativity, aesthetics and uniqueness.
• Cost: Free, no advance registration required.
• Organized by: Pony Bird Inc.
• Contact: Nicole at nicole@ponybird.org.

Hot Wheels races

• Time: Ages 3-7 register at 10:30 a.m. for races at 11 a.m.; ages 8-15 register at 11:30 a.m. for races at noon.
• Place: Twin City Toyota, 301 Autumn Ridge Drive, Herculaneum.
• Cost: Entry fee is one canned food item for the Ozark Food Pantry.
• Limit two cars per entry. Snacks and beverages provided.
• Organized by: Twin City Toyota.
• Contact: Call Shelley at 636-931-0555 or email shelley@twincitytoyota.com.

Tequila tasting experience

• Time: Doors open at 2 p.m. with tasting at 2:30 p.m.
• Place: La Pachanga, 1185 S. Scenic Drive, Herculaneum.
• Cost: $10 per ticket, which can be purchased at La Pachanga until event begins.
• Enjoy a guided tasting of Herradura tequilas with a presentation on its history and production. Ticket includes one margarita and five to six samplings. Attendance limited to 60 people.
• Organized by: La Pachanga of Herculaneum.
• Contact: email stellingconsulting@gmail.com.

Ravioli-eating contest

• Time: 4 p.m.
• Place: Pasta House, 1606 Galemore Drive, Festus.
• Join the annual contest to see who can eat the most toasted ravioli in five minutes. Must be 18 or older to enter. There is no entry fee. All contestants get a free T-shirt, and the top three winners get prizes. There will be Happy Hour, music and giveaways throughout the event.
• The winner will get a trophy, have a picture posted on the restaurant’s Wall of Fame display.
• Organized by: Pasta House Co.
• Contact: Call 636-725-0300 to register.

Food trucks at the park

• Time: 6 p.m.
• Place: Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, 2232-2292 Old Hwy. A, Festus.
• Mobile food vendors will be on hand throughout the evening. Participants include Concessionaire Extraordinaire, Patty Shack, Dynasty Manna, Grillin’ & Chillin’, Kona Ice, Picture Perfect Panini, Grandma’s Sugar Shack, Villa Antonio Winery, Show Me Kettle Korn and a beer booth (cash only).
• Organized by: Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Contact: 636-931-7697 or email director@twincitychamber.com.

Concert in the park: Breakfast in America

• Time: 7 p.m.
• Place: Outdoor stage at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, 2232-2292 Old Hwy. A, Festus.
• Cost: Free admission and parking.
• The event will start with the Dave and Greg Show followed by 5 Star Roscoe and then Breakfast in America, a Supertramp tribute band. Food and drinks will be sold. No coolers or outside beverages allowed. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome.
• Organized by: Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Contact: 636-931-7697 or email director@twincitychamber.com.

See pictures from last year's events:

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Twin City Days 2024 photo album