Posted by Andrea Durway
St. Louis Fall Festival Season 2024
As autumn arrives, St. Louis comes alive with a vibrant tapestry of festivals, embracing the crisp air and colorful foliage of the season. From the historical charm of the Legends & Lanterns festival in Saint Charles to the historic Shaw Art Fair and the eco-friendly Veg Fest in Forest Park, the city offers a plethora of events that showcase its diverse culture and community spirit. Whether you’re a foodie, art enthusiast, or nature lover, St. Louis’s fall festival season has something to enchant everyone, making it a perfect time to explore and celebrate the richness of the region.
September
Queeny Art Fair (Aug 30 – Sep 1): Explore works from over 120 juried artists at the Queeny Art Fair, hosted at the Greensfelder Recreation Center in Queeny Park. Enjoy live music, food, wine, and kids’ activities in a climate-controlled venue.
Paint Louis (Aug 30 – Sep 1): Head to the Downtown Paint Wall to experience Paint Louis, a celebration of street art, hip-hop, and dance. The event features a massive mural wall, live performances, and an All Styles Dance Battle.
Japanese Festival (Aug 30 – Sep 2): Celebrate Japanese culture at the Missouri Botanical Garden with traditional music, dance performances, tea ceremonies, and authentic cuisine at the annual Japanese Festival. This event is one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.
Big Muddy Blues Festival (Sep 1): Experience the rich blues heritage of St. Louis at the Big Muddy Blues Festival on Laclede’s Landing, featuring a lineup of talented local and national blues artists.
AppleFest (Sep 1): Grab a caramel apple and enjoy children’s activities, wagon rides and more during this celebration of apple-picking season at Eckert’s Belleville Farm.
St. Louis Art Fair (Sep 6-8): Join art enthusiasts at the St. Louis Art Fair, a nationally recognized event showcasing over 180 artists, interactive art installations, live music, and delicious food in downtown Clayton.
Art Outside (Sep 6-8): Visit Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood for the Art Outside festival, featuring local artists, live music, and craft beer. It’s a great opportunity to discover and support local talent.
Greentree Festival (Sep 13-15): Enjoy the Greentree Festival at Kirkwood Park, a family-friendly event with arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, and a parade.
Autumn Outdoor Fest (Sep 21): Downtown Kirkwood kicks off fall with its annual sidewalk sale featuring fall fashion, décor, and end-of-summer clearance items. The Pumpkin Patch at Kirkwood Farmers’ Market will hosts its Grand Opening, with delicious treats, fall decorations and plenty of pumpkins. Activities are also available for children in the Fall Fun Zone.
Great Forest Park Balloon Race (Sep 20-21): Witness a spectacular sight as hot air balloons take to the skies at the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, complete with a “Balloon Glow” event on the evening before the race.
Hispanic Festival (Sep 20-22): Celebrate Hispanic culture at the Hispanic Festival at Soulard Market with live music, dance performances, authentic cuisine, and craft vendors.
Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival (Sep 21): Groove to jazz and blues at the Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival, held at Allen & N. Gore in Webster Groves, featuring local and national musicians.
South Grand Fall & Music Fest (Sep 21): Enjoy live music, art, and local food vendors at the South Grand Fall & Music Fest at Ritz Park, a celebration of the vibrant South Grand community.
Macklind Days (Sep 28): A community street festival on Macklind Avenue, from Devonshire to Nottingham, featuring local vendors, live music, food, and family-friendly activities.
Art in the Park (Sep 29): Discover unique artworks and enjoy live performances at Art in the Park, held in the beautiful Francis Park, perfect for a day of art and relaxation.
October
Fall Fest at Grant’s Farm (Saturdays & Sundays throughout October) : Celebrate autumn with Fall Fest at Grant’s Farm, featuring pumpkin decorating, festive food, live music, and a nighttime beer garden experience. The farm transforms with seasonal decor, providing a perfect family-friendly fall outing.
Ecktoberfest (Saturdays & Sundays throughout October): Dive into a day of pumpkin picking, cuddle with adorable animals, indulge in mouthwatering fall treats, and stop by the Cider Shed to enjoy free live music and the best eats and drinks around. Eckert’s Farms is the ultimate celebration of all things fall.
Legends & Lanterns (Oct 12-13, 19-20, 25-27): Step back in time for a spirited celebration along Main Street in Saint Charles, where “Legends & Lanterns” brings to life spooky stories, iconic Halloween characters, and historical figures through interactive street theater.
Best of Missouri Market (Oct 4-6): Discover the finest in local crafts, foods, and plants at the Best of Missouri Market, held at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Over 130 vendors showcase Missouri-made products, accompanied by live music and a children’s corner.
Shaw Art Fair (Oct 5-6): Head to the historic Shaw neighborhood to enjoy the Shaw Art Fair, which features 100+ juried artists from across the country, live music, and delicious food. Held on the scenic Flora Place, it’s an ideal way to enjoy art in a neighborhood setting.
Grove Fest (October 5): Experience one of St. Louis’s most unique street festivals at Grove Fest on Manchester Avenue in The Grove. The event features street performers, local artists, food trucks, and live music that celebrates the eclectic spirit of the community.
Veg Fest (Oct 6): Celebrate a plant-based lifestyle at Veg Fest, held at the Forest Park World’s Fair Pavilion. The event features vegan food vendors, cooking demonstrations, speakers, and activities promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
Italian Heritage Parade & Festival (Oct 13): Celebrate Italian culture at the Italian Heritage Parade & Festival in Berra Park on The Hill. The event includes a parade, live music, authentic Italian cuisine, bocce ball, and other family-friendly activities.
Harvest Festival (Oct 13): Enjoy a day filled with food, music, and local vendors at the Harvest Festival in Tower Grove Park. This event, organized by the Tower Grove Farmers’ Market, celebrates the bounty of fall with local produce, handmade crafts, and live performances.
