Family events in Hillsboro, MO

Enjoy a preschool storytime filled with picture books, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and simple crafts. Each activity is designed to help children get ready for kindergarten by building essential pre-literacy skills.

Turtle Cove hosts a relaxed evening with four food trucks and a DJ. This installment features The Hangry Hub, The Wandering Bean, LLC, Smokey D's, and Grandma's Sugar Shack. Field lights keep the space bright so everyone can stay a bit longer, pick up dinner, enjoy the music, and let the kids play. It offers an easy start to the weekend.

The Pacific Iron Horse Rodeo returns to Liberty Field in Pacific, Missouri, bringing another thrilling rodeo experience. Additional event information will be available soon.

A free family event at De Soto Farmers Market invites families to team up for ten cooperative, carnival-style challenges set across playful stations. Complete every activity to earn a prize. Highlights include Frisbee Connect Four, a darts-style game using pool noodles, balloons, or pom poms, a lighthearted junk food toss with shower caps, shaving cream, and Cheetos, a bean bag challenge, a blindfolded Garden Escape minefield, Compost Scrabble, the Cookie Face Race, a Recipe Unscramble, a timed water cup relay that tests your ability to avoid spills, and a Hula Hoop Lasso. Donations will be accepted to help support Back to Play.

A participating vendor invites visitors to stop by and say hello at the Festus Farmers Market. It is a simple chance to meet them while taking in the market atmosphere.

The day features live music, family friendly fun, and a fireworks show after dark. Barbecue will be served by the Screaming Eagle Grill BBQ Team. Tickets are available for a chance to win a 2026 Ford Maverick truck or $15,000 in cash, in support of BackStoppers.

Downtown Festus hosts the mayor’s car show and cruise, beginning with a display-only showcase at the library and followed by a cruise. A DJ will provide music, and Messie Betty’s Smash Burgers and Funnel King food trucks will be on site. Participation is open to vehicles that are both licensed and insured. Those not planning to cruise can arrive early to choose a comfortable viewing spot. The event is sponsored by Festus Tourism. There is no fee to take part, and vendor spaces are not available. To avoid scams, ignore unofficial solicitations. For questions, contact Barb at 636-937-4694 ext. 313 or Barb.Lowry@FestusMO.gov.

Sunrise Show-Off Cruz #7 is now taking place at Dave's Diner in Arnold, Missouri. Attendees can stop in at their convenience, with complimentary random lottery scratcher tickets adding a bit of extra fun. Please note that only cash is accepted at the diner.