Explore Jefferson City’s rich history this fall!

Missouri State Penitentiary tours

Decommissioned in 2004, the Missouri State Penitentiary is now open to the public for hard hat tours. Before it closed, MSP was the oldest continually operating penitentiary west of the Mississippi. The prison was 100 years old when Alcatraz began taking inmates. When this prison opened in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo was going on in Texas and Andrew Jackson was in his second term. The tour showcases cells including those of famous inmates such as heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, who learned to box during his time in the big house, and James Earl Ray. Other stops on the tour are the gas chamber where 40 men and women were executed, the buried cells, several housing units and the upper yard. In 1967 the Missouri State Penitentiary was infamously named the “bloodiest 47 acres in America” by Time magazine because of the incredibly high number of serious assaults on the grounds between 1963-1964. Public tours cost $12 per person. Go to www.MissouriPenTours.com to book your tour today.

Wineries

Jefferson City’s two wineries are perfect places to spend a fall afternoon or evening. Summit Lake Winery(www.summitlakewinery.com) offers a spectacular view of the Missouri State Capitol, distinctive Midwest wines and a creative bistro menu. Sample wines in the year-round tasting room and relax on the huge outdoor patio. Native Stone Winery (www.nativestonewinery.com) is located on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River and is also has ties to the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Katy Trail

The Katy Trail is the perfect opportunity for recreation of all sorts- cycling, hiking, exploring and more! The Katy is the longest “Rails to Trails” conversion and stretches 225 miles across Missouri, from St. Charles to Clinton. The trail reaches the peak of its beauty during the fall when you have the opportunity to see the leaves change and create a picturesque splash of color along the trail.

September 2, 9, 16 and 23

Every Thursday in September will feature live music from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in downtown Jefferson City.  A variety of music will hit the stage each night playing everything from blues to classic rock.  Plan to be downtown every week for some great Missouri music.  The stage will be set up on at the corner of Madison and High Streets. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the evening. Downtown stores, restaurants and bars will offer “Thursday Night Live” specials.

Annual Capital Jazzfest and Street Art Fair

September 18

This music filled event will feature jazz and blues artists, both local and traveling artists. The Annual Capitol Jazz Fest promises to bring quality entertainment!  Jazzy tunes will play from 12 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 18 at Memorial Park. The Capitol Jazz Fest will once again partner with the Capital Arts’ street art fair.  Enjoy chalk art and music, all for free! For more information about the  Jazzfest the contact information is (573) 681-5301 or www.capjazz.org.   To find out more about the Street Art Fair, call (573) 635-8355 or www.capitalarts.org

Jefferson City’s Oktoberfest

September 25

Located at Jefferson Street and Dunklin Street in historic Old Munichburg, Oktoberfest is a celebration of Jefferson City’s strong German heritage. It includes authentic homemade German food, music and dancing. A parade, car show, craft vendors and demonstrating artisans offer a day full of family activities. Some of the highlights include the Dachsund Derby and the Children’s Train. A beer garden with live music serves as entertainment for the adults. For more information call Becky Bocklage at (573) 636-6603 or visit www.oldmunichburg.com.

Jefferson City Multicultural Fall Festival

October 16

With a new date and new downtown location, this festival is sure to be bigger than ever.  The Annual Fall Festival and Downtown Harvest Fest have merged into one event that promises a great day of entertainment, food, arts, crafts and storytellers for the children, community information booths and vendors that embrace the diverse cultures found in mid–Missouri. On Saturday, October 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. experience the community’s diversity in downtown Jefferson City. For more information call (573) 636-3763 or check out www.jcmcf.org or www.DowntownJeffersonCity.com.

Jefferson City Gallery Crawl “Art Exposed”

October 22

Expose yourself to an evening of art in Jefferson City! Eight galleries will be open on Friday, October 22 from 4:00 to 8:00 for this first time event.  Bet you didn’t know there were that many galleries here…….some you may have visited, others may be NEW to you. There will be special displays, new exhibits, pumpkin carving and artists to meet. Start anytime at any of the first seven galleries. You will receive a punch card with a map at the first gallery visited. This card is to guide you along the way and register for a drawing of gallery gifts. You don’t have to visit all galleries but the more punches, the more chances to win a gift.  For more information, contact Capital Arts at (573) 635-8355.