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Experience the Top 10 (er, 13?) Annual Festivals in St. Joseph...
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What does barbecue, African art, jazz, mariachi bands, historical reenactments, funnel cakes, pumpkins, sugarplums and twinkle lights have in common? Well, each year St. Joseph plays host to several annual festivals that feature these very things and much, much more. Fortunately, we have so many great events and festivals, we couldn't limit ourselves to naming just 10.
MAY: 
Staring off the festival season is the Apple Blossom Festival, the first weekend in May. During the festival you can enjoy the Apple Blossom annual parade on the first Saturday, and the Apple Blossom Barbecue contest all weekend at Civic Center Park.
Also going on the same weekend as Apple Blossom is Better Block St. Joe. Better Block focuses on the betterment and development of downtown by featuring pop-up businesses, street events, live entertainment, and more.
JUNE:
The Northside Association of St. Joseph hosts the Northend Spring Festival the first weekend in June, which includes a live music, a parade, craft vendors, games, rides, food and fireworks.
Also this month, two festivals occur which celebrate the black culture in St. Joseph. The second weekend in June is Juneteenth. It commemorates the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation with a parade, art show, reenactments, music and food.
 The other festival celebrates one of our musical natives, Coleman Hawkins. At the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival various talented musicians from the region come together to perform day and night at Coleman Hawkins Park in downtown St. Joseph, also during the second weekend in June.
AUGUST:
There are two more festivals rounding out the summertime. The St. Patrick's Mexican Fiesta which celebrates the Hispanic culture with variety shows, great food, carnival rides and live music on the 1st weekend of the month.
Then, the 3rd weekend, Trails West! the largest arts festival in Northwest Missouri features 3 full days of fine art, craft booths, reenactments, children's activities, a wide range of
 festival food, and popular live music on 3 different stages. Joestock Music Festival is a three-day event during the last August weekend and includes dozens of international, national, regional and local musical acts on the grounds Felix Street Square in Downtown St. Joseph. Free admission for all ages, and is produced in conjunction with the Missouri Music Hall of Fame inductions
SEPTEMBER: The 2nd weekend in September, the spirit of Coleman Hawkins returns with the Coleman Hawkins Blues Festival. Enjoy hot local and regional blues in Coleman Hawkins Park, downtown St. Joseph.
On the 3rd weekend in September is the annual Southside Fall Festival. This free event is dedicated to family entertainment with craft and food booths, kids rides and games, on-going entertainment all weekend, fireworks and a parade, all in an alcohol free environment.
The last weekend in September offers an opportunity to give back to the community with the Bluegrass Battles Hunger Festival. This annual bluegrass concert event was organized to support the Second Harvest Community Food bank and encourages patrons to bring a non-perishable food or cash donation.
OCTOBER:
 To usher in the fall season, Pony Express Museum hosts PumpkinFest on the 2nd weekend in October. This free, family arts festival includes all the regular festival fare, including a children's costume parade and the lighting of Great Pumpkin Mountain, hundreds of carved and electrically lit pumpkins wired together to light up on cue each night.
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER:
Finishing out the festival season are two holiday events. The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art sponsors the Sugarplum Festival on the 2nd weekend, which is a holiday gift mart that includes gourmet food and wine tasting. Though not a festival, you must make sure to check out Holiday Park during the Christmas season. From right after Thanksgiving to the first week in January, Krug Park and Hyde Park are magically "dressed" up for the holiday with the most extensive lighting display in Northwest Missouri. 
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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CLICK HERE to see an updated Calendar of Events in the St. Joseph Area. |
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REQUEST VISITORS GUIDE
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CLICK HERE to request the new 2014 Offical St. Joseph Visitors Guide. |
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Buy One Adult Admission,
Get One Free
ST. JOSEPH MUSEUM
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Expires 12/31/14
Includes Black Archives, the Glore Psychiatric Museum, and the St. Joseph Museum exhibits at 3406 Frederick Ave. Limit one per family. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not redeemable for cash. 816-232-8471 - www.stjosephmuseum.org.
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Buy One Adult Admission,
Get One Free
PONY EXPRESS MUSEUM
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Expires 12/31/14
Limit one per family. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not redeemable for cash. 914 Penn Street, St. Joseph, MO. 816-279-5059 - www.ponyexpress.org
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Looking for Coupons?
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Scroll down to the bottom for some great 2-for-1 specials at local museums.
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Monthly Spotlight
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Travel the Way of American Genius on Highway 36
Whether you're traveling east or west, welcome to Missouri Highway 36, known as The Way of American Genius, the Show-Me State's 195-mile stretch of Highway 36. It's been dubbed the route The Way of American Genius because of its connection to some of the world's most well-known innovators and innovations.
Once the Pikes Peak Ocean to Ocean Highway, U.S. 36 was destined to ignite the imaginations of travelers yearning to see the American west. But for a special group of Missourians, this area was a hub for creative expression long before paved roads crisscrossed the country.
Many of Missouri's well-known figures were born, grew up or made their greatest contributions while living in communities situated along the Missouri Highway 36 corridor. You don't have to have a little princess in your household to appreciate Walt Disney's lasting impact on the animation, film, TV and entertainment. During his life, he attributed much of his inspiration to his time living in Marceline.
And while you probably didn't appreciate it at the time, there's a reason Mark Twain's, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" was required reading in school. The author was born in tiny Florida, Mo., but his most famous works were drawn from experiences in his hometown of Hannibal. Both Disney and Twain spent their formative years in this area of Missouri and both achieved more in their lives - and created lasting legacies - than most ever dream. And their stories are just the beginning.
Did you know the Pony Express started at the Pikes Peak Stables in St. Joseph? The last time you shopped, did you tip your cap to retailer J.C. Penney, who lived in Hamilton? On trivia night, did you correctly guess that a baker from Chillicothe was the first to sell sliced bread in the U.S.?
Were you aware that Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, from Laclede, achieved the highest rank of any living Army officer in U.S. history? Have you considered the impact Dr. Andrew Taylor Still had on the medical profession when he founded the first school of osteopathic medicine in Kirksville?
As you explore Highway 36 in Missouri, think about these geniuses and how they impacted the world around them and the world around you. While you're here, get off the beaten path to learn a little more about the communities that exist today.
A variety of businesses, from retail shops and restaurants to accommodations, farmers markets, and historic sites are waiting for you. And don't miss the beautiful natural areas that dot the landscape of The Way of American Genius. They offer a great way to connect with nature and unwind in a quiet setting - perfect for unlocking your inner genius.
www.MOHwy36.com
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