St. Louis has plenty of signature, must-attend events — and we’re sure you’ve heard about most of them. These 10 annual events are a whole lot of fun and they help make the city what it is, covering a wide range of fun activities. Get your fill of the circus during the few weeks that Circus Flora is in town. Enjoy the thrill of a professional bike race — and maybe participate yourself — at Gateway Cup. Or maybe just chill at MOSAICS Missouri Festival for the Arts, taking in great works from artists in a variety of disciplines. Whether you already know about them or not, these are the 10 must-attend events in St. Louis, making the city worth a trip.
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Downtown |
We love Loufest, but it’s far from the only music festival in town. Big Muddy Blues Festival connects with St. Louis’s rich jazz roots with two days of performances that start at 3PM and last until 1:30AM. Stay all day, enjoying quintessentially American music in one of the cities that has always done it best. |
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631 Veterans Pl Dr, Chesterfield |
We all like food. St. Louis has more than its fair share of excellent restaurants, but it’s even better to have all the great food you could want in one place. During Taste of St. Louis, that place is Chesterfield Amphitheater. There will be spectacular art and music, setting the stage for chef cook-offs and a chance to buy the food of dozens of delicious restaurants from the St. Louis area. |
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3511 Samuel Shepard Dr |
Most of us probably harbor fun memories of the circus as kids. So why not bring your family to one? For the better part of a month each summer, Circus Flora features an extremely well-staged circus that will thrill all ages. |
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Various |
Everyone from children to elite professional biker racers can participate in and enjoy Gateway Cup. On the list of 10 must-attend events in St. Louis this is a standout: Each Labor Day Weekend, four St. Louis neighborhoods — Lafayette Square, Francis Park, The Hill and Benton Park — host thrilling professional races, as well as kids and charity races on the same courses. |
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Forest Park |
Once a year, people from around the area stop by Forest Park for Balloon Glow, a nighttime event with lit-up hot air balloons, food and more. The next day is the one-of-a-kind Great Forest Park Balloon Race. It might not be as fast moving as the Gateway Cup, but what it lacks in speed it makes up for in grace and uniqueness. |
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4344 Shaw Blvd |
The Missouri Botanical Garden is always worth a visit, whether for its winter lights festival, its summer concert series, or any time of year. The Japanese Festival is especially worth attending, with authentic Japanese culture on display, including food, art, music and entertainment. |
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Various |
There’s nothing quite like an airshow, is there? Seeing incredible tricks in the sky as you relax safely on the ground is awe-inspiring. The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show is a highlight most years, with more than 100,000 people gathering to watch. Scott Air Force Base also hosts an excellent air show as well. |
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Downtown |
The Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center works all year to help children and families in the St. Louis area. For more than 100 years, the top fundraising day has also been a great event in its own right. The May Day Parade, America’s second largest African-American parade, is always a good time. |
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St. Charles |
One weekend in September, St. Charles hosts one of St. Louis’s many art events. MOSAICS Missouri Festival for the Arts features nearly 100 artists in a wide variety of disciplines, including performing artists. Come with the family (there are activities for the youngest guests) to appreciate (and maybe even buy )art. |
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Chesterfield |
Like places all over America, St. Louis boasts a rich German heritage. For decades—first downtown, now in Chesterfield—Strassenfest has celebrated German culture with a day of fun. Stop by for food, music, activities for the whole family, and plenty of beer. |
CHEAT SHEET
Want to learn more about St. Louis? Read more about the city and its must-attend events here!
Senior Editor Robert Lindsley is a media industry veteran and DC diehard with years of experience covering consumer products, technology, and other cutting-edge fields. A passionate fan of fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife, he's also a noted beer and wine connoisseur who loves trading tips and advice with readers.
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