The heart of the city will come alive once again this fall as the Route 66 Cuba Fest returns Oct. 18–19, filling North Smith Street and the historic Recklein district with food, music, crafts, and activities. Now in its 63rd year, the festival continues to showcase the charm of small-town tradition along the Mother Road.

Saturday’s festivities begin early at 7 a.m. with the Eastern Star Country Breakfast at the Masonic Lodge and Tri-C apple butter making. The opening ceremony follows at 9 a.m., officially launching a weekend packed with entertainment and community favorites.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can relax with Brileys Massage services, explore museum tours or visit the Kids Corner at the Senior Center, featuring a petting zoo and bounce house. The Annual Fall Book Sale runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crawford County Library.

The Cuba United Methodist Church (CUMC) quilters are hosting a Quilt Show during Cuba Fest. Quilting has been part of the church since the early 1900’s and is still going strong today. The quilt show will be open to the public both days of the event. The display will include a variety of quilts made by past and present members. To see this wonderful display of history and artistry stop by the Cuba Senior Center Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.

At 10 a.m., the Son of a Buck Blacksmithing demonstration begins, along with the car cruise-In (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 605 W. Washington St.) and children’s art from the Free Kids Paint Party.

The fun continues midmorning with the Ozark Snappers at 10:30 a.m. and the always-popular Chili Cook-Off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy sidewalk chalk on Smith and “B” Streets, and Lions Club eye testing at the Senior Center between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For those seeking a little friendly competition, the Hog Calling Contest begins at noon.

Food and refreshments will be plentiful with the Taste of Cuba on “B” Street, with wine tasting, sponsored by the Cuba Arts Council. Brats, beer, and pretzels, plus cornhole will be at the Senior Center and cemetery tours throughout the day.

Afternoon highlights include Quarters in a Haystack from 1 to 3 p.m., sponsored by Peoples Bank, roller skate tricks by the Mid-Mo Riots Roller Derby Team at 1:30 p.m., and at 2:15 p.m. there will be a European Mount Competition. Hunters are invited to “show off that mount” for a chance to win a free barber service from Josh Brown, with prizes awarded for the tallest tines, most unique non-typical and widest rack tip to tip. Entertainment continues with the 3 p.m. S&T Ariel Swing Club performance.

This year Cuba Fest is introducing a Street Party to its list of events. The Starlighter’s Swinging Big Band will be performing on the East Side of the Wallace House on Saturday evening from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Due to this event Smith Street, between Washington/Route 66 and Spencer, will remain closed to through traffic from the conclusion of the car cruise-in until approximately 8 p.m.

Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and drinks and find a spot on the parking lot of the Appliance Store and enjoy live music ranging from the 1940’s to today. Smith St. will be the makeshift dance floor for the evening. Everyone is encouraged to come out and help celebrate what hopefully will be a new Cuba Fest tradition.

Parking for the event can be found not only on the surrounding streets, but also on the parking lots at Peoples Bank, Mizell Funeral Home and both the upper and lower lots at the Cuba United Methodist Church. There are also spots facing the railroad tracks along Main St.

Sunday’s schedule offers another full day of activities, starting at 10 a.m. with massage services, and the Kids Corner with petting zoo and bounce house. The Turkey Lunch hosted by the Methodist Church will be served at the Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the Taste of Cuba on “B” Street runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At noon, festival goers can enjoy the Wise Little Owls Dog Parade, the Trolley Trivia Contest, and wine tasting on “B” Street, all continuing through the afternoon. The Cuba High School Drama Club performs at 1 p.m., and the festival wraps up with the spirited 2 p.m. Battle of the Bands, featuring Cuba High School students versus alumni.

This year’s Cuba Fest promises a weekend full of tradition and hometown fun. For locals, it’s a cherished celebration of everything that makes Cuba unique. For visitors, it’s a chance to experience true Missouri hospitality along historic Route 66.

Cuba Fest 2025 is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19. Most activities take place along North Smith Street and in the Recklein Auditorium area. Admission is free, though some activities may have a small cost.

For more information, contact Traci Krygiel at 573-259-2301 or email route66cubafest@gmail.com.

"The Taste of Cuba" participants

CAC, chili dogs and hot dogs as well as wine sipping; Shirley Carroll, pork rinds; Uncle Charlie's Deep Fried Secrets, funnel cakes;    Prairie 4-H Club, walking tacos and brisket sandwiches; Food for The Soul, hamburgers, baked beans, loaded potato, homemade jams, sauces, pickles and lots of spices; Mitch Miller-Cuba Master & Warden Club, pulled pork and nachos; Miracle Wraps & Pitas, wraps and gyros; Cuba Bakery & Deli, deli sandwiches and baked goods;  Scooter’s Coffee, coffee, pastries and bottle water; Girl Scouts Troop 3011, fresh baked goods; All-American Food Co., smash burgers and hand cut fries; Patti Hunn-Koolvibz Shaved Ice, cotton candy.