St. Louis, situated along the majestic Mississippi River in the state of Missouri, is a city teeming with history, culture, and vibrant energy. Known as the "Gateway to the West," its iconic Gateway Arch stands as a symbol of the city's pivotal role in the westward expansion of the United States. St. Louis boasts a rich heritage, evident in its diverse neighborhoods, historic architecture and world-class museums. The city is celebrated for its flourishing arts scene, encompassing the renowned Saint Louis Art Museum and the Muny, America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater. Sports enthusiasts rally behind the St. Louis Cardinals in baseball and the Blues in hockey, fostering a strong sense of community pride. With a flourishing culinary landscape, highlighted by the delectable St. Louis-style barbecue and the cherished toasted ravioli, the city offers a taste of its distinct flavors. From its bustling downtown to its picturesque parks, St. Louis captivates visitors and locals alike with its blend of tradition and modernity.
Here are some events worth checking out this fall if you visit St. Louis.
September 15 and 16
One of St. Louis’ most idyllic events, The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race is not to be missed. Event organizers say that it’s the oldest and best-attended hot air balloon race in the world – you might want to scope out the perfect viewing area for you and your family ahead of time. This September, the event will also feature food trucks, music, wagon rides, a fireworks show and more free family fun!
September 15 to 17
Running along historic North Main Street in Saint Charles, the Mosaics Fine Art Festival features diverse artwork from artists across the country, alongside a pet pavilion and a children’s village with a creation station. The festival aims to stimulate the community and educate children and adults in art and its ability to enhance their lives.
September 15 to 17
Located in Kirkwood Park, the Greentree Festival is a time-honored tradition. The first festival was held in 1961 to replace drought-stricken trees in Kirkwood, and today, the family-friendly event features a parade, food, entertainment, arts and crafts, contests and more. While you’re here, check out the folklife festival, where more than 40 artisans – from blacksmiths to frontierspeople and rope-makers to weavers – demonstrate their crafts and display their wares.
September 16
Let’s get back to the land. The Fall Farm Festival at The Magic House gives kids – and adults – a chance to meet local farmers and learn about where and how their food is grown. The whole family can also sit in a real tractor, participate in agricultural activities and meet real farm animals in the museum’s Play Garden.
September 16
Now in its eighth year, the South Grand Fall and Music Fest includes more than 70 retail vendors and community organizations, along with ongoing entertainment in Ritz Park. During the fall festival, South Grand businesses will offer varying specials, discounts and entertainment, and tucked between the storefronts, you’ll find themed activities, games and crafts. There will also be a face painter and a balloon artist on site.
September 16 to October 22
Armored jousting, aerial acts, lively music, fine foods, vintage wares, friends new and old and plenty of cheer will appear at the St. Louis Renaissance Festival. Come and find what strikes you merry! The festival will take place on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 16 to Oct. 22, as well as Mon., Oct. 9, and festivities will proceed, rain or shine.
September 16 to October 29
With thrills both on and off the rides, Fright Fest at Six Flags St. Louis is one of the spookiest events of the season. During the day, family-friendly attractions abound, but at night, all the creatures that go bump in the night haunt the park. Expect rides in the dark, haunted houses and other scare zones.
September 21
At this annual concert in Forest Park, you can experience the sounds of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra under the stars. Find a spot on Art Hill, sit back and enjoy the music, from classical tunes to modern scores. The event also includes fare from local food trucks for purchase and a stunning fireworks show.
September 22 to 24
Raise your steins! Oktoberfest is back in Saint Charles. At the family-friendly event, revelers can immerse themselves in a traditional Bavarian experience, complete with delicious German cuisine, renowned German beer and plenty of lederhosen. The legendary Obenheimer Express Band will entertain the crowd with its lively Beer Hall Polka, and people of all ages can partake in a variety of activities such as a bratwurst-eating contest and a 5k race.
September 23
As part of the new Mizzou To The Lou series, the Missouri Tigers will play the Memphis Tigers in a football game of epic proportions. Held at The Dome at America’s Center, this will be the Missouri Tigers’ first appearance in St. Louis since 2010. The game against the Memphis Tigers will kick off a partnership between the University of Missouri and the St. Louis Sports Commission, which will bring multiple Mizzou athletic events to the St. Louis area during the 2023-2024 season.
September 29 and 30
Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. will celebrate Oktoberfest at its bierhall in The Grove. Festivities will feature live music on two stages, hearty German food and plenty of beer – plus, a stein-holding competition. Prost!
September 29 to October 1
Round up your family and friends and head to Eureka, for its annual, shall we say, party. Eureka Days features carnival rides, a parade, a beer garden, a firework show and more. Think you’ve got skills? Sign up for the kickball tournament or enter the chicken wing eating contest.
September 30
Held at the Community Music School on Webster University’s campus, this festival centers on traditional Korean performing arts, with performances by the Eine Ensemble from South Korea as well as local groups. Highlights of the program include a martial arts demonstration, K-pop dance and traditional foods. Attendees can also participate in visual art demonstrations focused on the Korean alphabet, calligraphy and crafts; try on hanbok, a traditional clothing of the Korean people; and learn about the traditional Chuseok charye table setting.
September 30 to October 22
Ecktoberfest features fun, family-friendly events on Eckert’s farm in Belleville, Illinois. Take a scenic wagon ride, enjoy live entertainment and treat your taste buds to caramel apples and cider donuts. At the children’s carnival, your little ones can ride a pony, feed a goat and get a thrill from the rides. In the coming weeks, you can also enjoy the Hard-Pressed Cider Fest (Sept. 9 and 10), Bluegrass Festival (Sept. 15 and 16) and Holiday Market Pop-Up (Nov. 4 and 5) at Eckert’s.
October 1
Since the first VegFest in 2018, the St. Louis event has grown to include approximately 70 vendors, expert speakers, entertainment, yoga and kid-friendly activities. This year, St. Louis VegFest will be held at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park, where you can learn more about the thriving vegan community in the region. St. Louis VegFest 2023 will happen rain or shine, so dress accordingly.
October 1 to 31
During the month of October, you’ll see some new faces around Eureka. As part of the Scarecrow Festival, artfully designed scarecrows will strike regal poses in front of local businesses, schools, churches and homes. While you’re in town, embark on The Great Scarecrow Hunt for a chance to win cash prizes.
October 6 to 8
This fall, the Best of Missouri Market returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden with almost 100 vendors, offering unique handicrafts, locally produced foodstuffs, bespoke jewelry, native plants and more. Kids will also have a blast with fall-inspired activities such as sustainable pumpkin decorating.
October 7
Dance, eat and party in the streets of The Grove during this annual festival praised for its diversity. Live music, interactive art, street performers, fashion shows and a bubble bus set the tone, so you know that you’ll have a good time. While you’re in the area, fuel up at the Food Village, which boasts bites and sips from local establishments.
October 7 and 8
A stone’s throw from the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Historic Shaw Art Fair takes place at the intersection of Flora Place and Tower Grove Avenue. The fine art fair features 130 artists showcasing their ceramics, paintings, pastels, photography, sculptures, woodwork and more. Food and music will supplement the art.
October 8
The community will come together for this one-day festival, celebrating the changing of the seasons. Local vendors will serve food and drinks, while the on-site farmers’ market will also feature artisan foodstuffs, such as chocolate, salsa and tea. Snack and shop to your heart’s content while listening to an assortment of live music.
October 13 and 14
Home to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Biergarten, Soulard is the perfect location for Oktoberfest. The free, family-friendly event honors St. Louis’ German brewing traditions with multiple beer stands serving the best suds around town. Attendees can also enjoy traditional German food, a wine garden and live music.
October 13 and 14
A film festival by filmmakers for filmmakers, The Gung Ho! Revolution Film Festival aims to support, educate, showcase and reward talent from around the world. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting the art and science of filmmaking, with a long-term vision to become the go-to destination for the best ultra-low-budget films by 2030. In its second year, The Gung Ho! Revolution Film Festival sets itself apart from other film festivals by emphasizing both production and competition. Every year, the organization collaborates with a top-tier production team and five St. Louis locations to bring the winning script to life with the hope of identifying and elevating the careers of independent filmmakers while showcasing St. Louis and its unique character. See the winning script on the screen along with other fantastic films at the St. Louis Public Library – Central Library this October.
October 14
Local, regional and national craft breweries, distilleries and wineries will come together for the 11th annual Brew in the Lou. Hosted by Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA), the festival in Francis Park also boasts food tastings, live music and local vendors. Admission includes unlimited beer, wine, spirits and food (while supplies last), along with a commemorative tasting glass, and proceeds benefit LESA’s 35 member schools, which serve approximately 9,500 students and 500 educators.
October 21
More than 40 local and national breweries will come together for the St. Louis Beer Fest. There will be 120 beers available, and admission includes unlimited samplings as well as access to all the exhibits at the Saint Louis Science Center.
October 21 and 22
Join Big Muddy Adventures on a breathtaking journey through the Missouri River Valley via canoe. This overnight expedition will cover 30 miles of the Missouri River, including incredible views of fiery fall foliage – plus, riverside tent camping, meals and snacks. You don’t need paddling experience, but participants must be 18 or older.
October 26
Looking for a spooktacular evening? Head to The Magic House for Haunted Happy Hour! Attendees will enjoy a night of food, spirits and fun in the museum, featuring a haunted mansion tour, Halloween photo ops, a costume contest and more. Reservations are required, and you must be 21 or older to attend.
October 28 and 29
Attracting more than 100,000 visitors every year, the Apple Butter Festival is the largest event in Kimmswick. While participants can enjoy the small-town ambiance, live entertainment and between 500 and 600 food, drink and craft vendors, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, too. On Friday, the Kimmswick Historical Society gathers to peel and prepare the apples. Then, before dawn on Saturday and Sunday, the apples are cooked in a kettle over a wood-burning fire until the fragrant spread is thick enough to seal in jars. After one taste of the apple butter, you’ll want to stock your pantry with the indulgence.
November
For a complete list of events, visit https://explorestlouis.com/whats-new/st-louis-fall-festivals-events-guide/