The Barn

Our Red Barn was originally built by the Peterein Family in 1932 for their dairy farm.  They are reported to have shipped their milk to St. Louis on the railroad that is steps away. At that time, the area was known as Silica, MO.  When the work was done, barn dances were held in what was the hayloft.  There are still members of the Peterein Family in Festus.  

It is a quintessential Festus landmark.  Before this renovation began, it was a storage facility for the Festus Parks Department and a great feature in photos of fireworks at our annual Firecracker Festival.  It is a place the older generation told their children and grandchildren about.  Many stories start with, “I remember when . . . “

The City of Festus purchased the property that The Barn sits on in 1981.  The first level of the barn was and is still used for storage, and the hayloft area continued to be used for public gatherings until it was no longer safe to do so. An unused building deteriorates quickly, and it soon became a home to birds and squirrels.

In 2024, using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the city took on the job of renovating The Barn.   We paired with Bond Architecture, LLC and Hankins Construction Co. and dove into Phase 1.  You can see the result of all the hard work – and so did others.  The Barn has won the Heritage and Conservation Remarkable Renovation and Restoration Project from the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers, a Preserve Missouri Award, and Resolutions from the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives.

Today, you will find seating for up to 150 using 60" round tables and 8' rectangle tables.  The head table features wood-topped tables that have been custom-made by a member of the Park Department in front of a high-backed love seat that is perfect for the new Mr. & Mrs.  Outside, you will find covered cocktail tables and Adirondack chairs on the deck overlooking the North Lake.  For private conversations or a bit of gossiping, make use of the swivel rockers on the wide concrete sidewalk in front of The Barn that offer a stunning view of Al Brown Lake.  

Future plans for The Barn include an HVAC system, paved parking around The Barn, a new parking area nearby, and one day, an addition that includes a welcoming foyer, a caterer’s kitchen, a bridal suite, and bathrooms.

Fees and Availability 

Friday (5pm-midnight)                 $750

Saturday (11am-midnight)            $1650

Sunday (11am-6pm)                    $750

Monday – Thursday                     $150 per hour

               (Two hour minimum)

One hour for set up and one hour for clean up are included with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday rentals and will be included with Monday-Thursday rentals at no charge.  All rentals require a $500 refundable deposit.

Inclusions 

1             love seat at head table

2             swivel rockers

3             custom-made head tables

4             adirondack chairs

8             96” (8’) rectangle tables

10           60” round tables

10           covered cocktail tables

150         chairs

Availability

To learn if your preferred date is available, click HERE.  Once redirected, click "Facility Rentals" and then find The Barn.

Booking Information

Contact Barb Lowry at 636-937-4694 x313 or Barb.Lowry@FestusMO.gov.  Visits to The Barn can be set up Monday-Thursday during business hours. To reserve The Barn, the deposit and half of the rental fee must be paid.  The other half of the rental fee must be paid forty-five (45) days before the event.