The birds are chirping, the flowers are starting to bloom, and cyclists have returned to the Katy Trail; it must be spring in St. Charles! Take advantage of the warm weather with fun things to do in St. Charles this spring, like going to Main Street in Bloom, eating brunch at a local café, and shopping at area greenhouses and plant shops. Check out our list of events and things to do (in no particular order) and check off each activity as you go along. Don’t miss a thing and sign up for our e-newsletter for more information on upcoming events and activities. Request a free visitors magazine for more details on how to plan your trip to St. Charles this spring.
1. Join the sea of green at the St. Charles St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 4 PM on March 17th. Enjoy colorful floats, Irish music, and festive crowds to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in St. Charles.
2. Spruce up your yard of living space with help from greenhouses and plant shops in St. Charles. Whether you’re looking to add vibrant flowers, lush greenery, a vegetable garden, or unique indoor plants, you’ll find a wide selection of plants to suit your space.
3. Take a stroll down Main Street, where you can enjoy the spring weather, get some shopping done, and grab a cup of coffee (and a meal) all in one spot!
4. Get decked out in your pirate finery to celebrate halfway to Halloween at the Swashbuckler Soiree: A Legends & Lanterns® Masquerade Ball from 7 PM to 10 PM on April 19th at the Foundry Art Centre. The space will be transformed into a secret Caribbean tavern featuring entertainment, a costume contest, a cash bar, live music, and a treasure trove of surprises. Purchase tickets to this buccaneer-themed bash online.
5. Discover the fascinating people, places, and moments that have made St. Charles historically awesome since 1769 on a Hit the Bricks walking tour. Two tours are offered: “The Key to the West: Pioneers, Explorers, & Traders…Oh My!” covering the 400 to 900 blocks of South Main Street and “MO Than Meets the Eye: Surprises of the First State Capital” that covers the blocks from 300 South Main Street to 300 North Main Street.
6. Escape to Historic Missouri Wine Country from April 24th to May 3rd for the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival. Watch as artists flock to the countryside to paint artwork of the rolling hills, bluffs, farmland, trails, and historic structures that dot the scenery. Completed art will be on display and available to purchase each day.
7. Discover a new hidden gem the next time you visit St. Charles. From cozy local spots to eclectic hole-in-the wall bars, Saint Charles has something unique for every adventurer.
8. Ready? Set. Go! 240 miles of exploration await on the Katy Trail. Not in the mood for hiking but don’t have a bike? Rent one from Bike Stop Café for the ultimate adventure.
9. Support local farmers and artisans at the St. Charles Farmers Market. On Saturdays from April 26th to November 29th, visit the St. Charles Market to find high quality, locally sourced goods.
10. Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift at the May Makers Market during First Friday on May 2nd at the Foundry Art Centre. Featuring a wide selection of Mother’s Day gifts in St. Charles, this market is the ideal place to find something to show mom just how special she is.
11. Enjoy the perfect spring day on a patio in St. Charles, where you can savor a delicious meal al fresco while taking in beautiful views of the river and Main Street.
12. Look for treasures at the Flea Market in St. Charles. This open-air market is the perfect place to take advantage of lovely spring weather and look for antiques, artwork, crafts, and local food. The St. Charles Flea and Artisan Market is open from 8 AM to 1 PM on the second Saturday of each month from April to December.
13. Grab a pint of a local brew at one of St. Charles’ microbreweries, where you can enjoy everything from rich stouts to refreshing lagers, and everything in between.
14. Embrace St. Charles’ rich German history May 3rd at Midwest Maifest. Sample different beer, wine, and spirits, shop from local vendors, and dance to German music at this spring event in St. Charles.
Photo by Mabel Suen.
15. Catch up with friends and spend quality time with family at brunch in St. Charles. Tempt your taste buds with brunch buffets, homemade pastries, and bottomless mimosas for a memorable meal.
16. Cheers to warmer weather and longer days with a wine tasting in Historic Missouri Wine Country. Sample a variety of award winning wines in the region’s picturesque vineyards with beautiful views of the rolling hills of the Femme Osage Valley. Look for special events in Augusta as they celebrate 45 years as the country’s first official American Viticultural Area (take that, #2 Napa Valley).
17. It’s not springtime in St. Charles without Main Street in Bloom. On May 3rd and 4th, the historic district comes alive with live music, performances, activities, a parade, floral décor, and a Maypole dance to celebrate the start of spring in St. Charles.
18. Mark your calendars for St. Charles food truck events. Find food trucks and live entertainment at a local park on the second Tuesday of each month from May to September (except July) for a fun evening with friends and family.
19. Take a deep breath and escape the stress of reality at luxury spas in St. Charles. Treat yourself to a relaxing deep tissue massage, a sauna stay, and a refreshing mani-pedi.
20. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! St. Charles has no shortage of places to get ice cream. Celebrate the end of winter with a cup or cone of your favorite scoop the next time you’re in town, you deserve it.
21. Celebrate all things Irish at Missouri River Irish Fest from May 23rd to 25th. Visit the pop-up Irish pub, dance to Irish music, shop from vendors, and learn something new about the Emerald Isle at the featured cultural exhibits.
22. Grab a cup of coffee to fuel your day from one of the cozy coffee shops in St. Charles. Find classic espresso drinks, frothy lattes, and fun seasonal drinks to help start your day on the right foot.
23. Zip on over to Fast Lane Classic Cars, where you’ll be transported into a world of automotive history. Explore their showrooms packed with automobile art, memorabilia, and restored vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
24. Take a step back in time at the Historic Daniel Boone Home, where you can discover the story of the legendary frontiersman who once called the area home. Walk around the reconstructed 19th-century village and take a guided tour to learn more about the life and adventures of Daniel Boone.
25. Explore the great outdoors at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. With over 30 lakes and several trails, it’s a great place to fish, hike, and hunt in St. Charles.
