Named in honor of the settlement (now known as St. Charles) founded by French Canadian explorer Louis Blanchette, Fete des Petite Cotes, or Festival of the Little Hills, has been one of the Midwest’s premier arts and craft shows since 1971. Held annually on the third full weekend in August, this St. Charles festival commemorates the city’s founding by inviting more than 350,000 people for a three-day celebration.
During the Festival of the Little Hills, you’ll find over 300 arts and craft vendors lining Historic Main Street and throughout Frontier Park – each one displaying unique gifts and colorful finds. A steady stream of visitors bring their chairs or blankets to a grassy spot in Frontier Park to listen to their favorite band during the festival. Local favorites, Jam, Danger Party, and more perform throughout the weekend to keep the crowd rocking all weekend long.
Down by the riverside, The Lewis & Clark Discovery Expedition displays a replica Keel Boat to honor the history of explorers Lewis & Clark and their journey from the banks of the Missouri River. The Illinois-Missouri Tractor & Engine Club bring memorabilia to showcase, Mike Lanham performs blacksmith demonstrations, and a Daniel & Rebecca Boone reenactors can be found teaching families of what life was like in early St. Charles. Children are encouraged to visit the “Kids Corner” to create one-of-a-kind arts and crafts of their own and jump around in Bounce House Brother LLC’s bounce houses. The Circus Kaput on North Main Street for the young and young at heart hosts magic shows, juggling and circus trick shows, cowboy trick shows, and fire shows all weekend long.
Organized by a volunteer Board of Directors who donate their time year round in order to showcase St. Charles for residents and visitors, the Festival of the Little Hills in St. Charles, MO is a weekend full of art, crafts, live music, food, fun, and community. Each member of the Board, and the merry band of volunteers that pitch in to help, are passionate about giving back to the community and supporting local not-for-profits. They are true in their purpose: “…annually renewing public interest and enthusiasm in St. Charles, and its historic heritage; coordinating the yearly Festival events to be enjoyed by residents of, and visitors to, our proud city.”
Everyone loves this festival!
The Festival of the Little Hills is a St. Charles favorite, and has guests that return annually from all over the country!
“The Festival is so eclectic, there is something for just about everyone. The vendors offer a unique variety of wares from sunglasses to solid oak furniture. Food vendors offer frozen custard to steak sandwiches to shish kabob. It's a great way to spend the day or the weekend!!!” -Rob Taylor
“Festival of the Little Hills is a must for us! Being in Old St Charles is such a nostalgic experience. Great shopping for fall and upcoming holidays, live music and all the food stands. We patronize the local merchants as well. Fun time!!!” -Kitty Rothkopf
More than 50 local not-for-profit organizations benefit from the festival by organizing and running the festival’s food and alcohol booths. These organizations rely on the festival as one of their major fundraisers that help support their various endeavors. Food is always a major highlight, from ice cream sandwiches to walking tacos, these organizations provide a diverse selection of food to eat. It is estimated that more than $200,000 annually is raised by, and for, the festival’s partner not-for-profits, and over the years everyone from Scout groups to Youth in Need, and Make a Wish have participated.
In addition to the support of not-for-profits, the Board of Directors selects deserving St. Charles City high school seniors and awards five or more $1,000 scholarships via a scholarship application process.
Plan to attend this free Festival, your visit supports local organizations and small businesses and will give you an opportunity to discover all St. Charles has to offer.
The 2025 Festival of the Little Hills has been scheduled for August 15-17 and is open from 4 PM to 10 PM on August 15th, 9 AM to 10 PM on August 16th, and 9 AM to 4 PM on August 17th. Free shuttles run to and from the festival to Duchesne High School, St. Charles West High School, EPC - Executive Personal Computers, and Just Storage in Saint Charles. The shuttles begin when the festival opens and end an hour after the festival closes. Find places to stay and plan your trip now for one of the biggest festivals of the year.