Best Things To Do In St. Louis

Experience the Illuminate STL Light Festival

Bright evenings transform downtown St. Louis during the Illuminate STL Light Festival, where vibrant installations and dazzling light sculptures enchant visitors of all ages. Walking through the city’s iconic landmarks, you’ll encounter creative displays that merge art, innovation, and technology into an unforgettable visual experience. The festival’s curated exhibits stretch across parks, plazas, and building facades, offering a family-friendly atmosphere filled with wonder. Beyond the stunning light art, the event features live performances, interactive exhibits, and food vendors serving local favorites. Early evening hours are perfect for capturing photos without the heavy nighttime crowds. Comfortable shoes are essential as the installations are spread across several city blocks. Whether you’re a St. Louis local or visiting for the first time, the Illuminate STL Light Festival offers a dynamic way to experience the city’s vibrant culture and community spirit. Don’t forget to check the schedule for special artist-led tours and performances.

Attend the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’s 50th Season

Milestone celebrations take center stage during the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’s 50th season, promising an extraordinary lineup of performances. Each production showcases world-class talent, innovative stage designs, and stirring musical interpretations, making it a cultural highlight for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. From classic masterpieces to thought-provoking new works, the season’s repertoire offers something for every taste. Performances are held in the intimate Loretto-Hilton Center, ensuring every seat provides an immersive experience. Special events, including artist talks and post-show receptions, offer deeper insight into the creative process behind each production. This golden anniversary season also features collaborations with renowned conductors and international performers, elevating the caliber of each show. Visitors are encouraged to book tickets early, as many performances sell out quickly. Experiencing the Opera Theatre’s milestone season not only supports the arts but also connects you to a legacy of excellence woven into St. Louis’s cultural fabric.

Explore the City Foundry STL Food Hall

Local flavors and eclectic tastes meet at the City Foundry STL Food Hall, an exciting destination for food lovers. Located in a revitalized industrial space, this bustling marketplace offers dozens of chef-driven concepts, from globally inspired dishes to inventive takes on American classics. Each food stall presents a unique culinary story, ensuring visitors can explore a range of flavors without leaving the venue. Open spaces and community tables create a lively, welcoming atmosphere ideal for casual gatherings. Beyond the diverse dining options, the City Foundry hosts pop-up events, live music, and artisan markets, adding layers of entertainment to your visit. Parking is convenient, and the proximity to Midtown’s other attractions makes it a perfect starting point for a day in St. Louis. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or embarking on a food tour, the City Foundry STL Food Hall delivers a memorable culinary experience that celebrates creativity and community.

Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow

Winter evenings at the Missouri Botanical Garden become truly magical during Garden Glow, a spectacular seasonal event featuring over one million dazzling lights. Historic structures, trees, and pathways are transformed into a glittering wonderland, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The event combines the natural beauty of the garden with imaginative light displays, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for families, couples, and photographers. Warm beverages like hot chocolate and mulled wine are available throughout the grounds, along with fire pits for cozy gatherings. Special ticketed nights may include live music, holiday shopping, and food trucks. Timed entry reservations help manage crowds, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. Garden Glow is not only a visual feast but also a beloved local tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the season. Don’t miss visiting the Climatron, beautifully illuminated and offering a tropical escape during chilly nights.

Attend the St. Louis Art Fair in Clayton

Art enthusiasts from across the country converge in Clayton each September for the St. Louis Art Fair, one of the top-ranked juried art fairs in the nation. Featuring more than 180 artists across a variety of mediums — painting, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media — this free, three-day event offers a vibrant celebration of creativity. Live music stages, interactive art experiences, and gourmet food vendors enhance the festival’s lively atmosphere. Families can enjoy dedicated children’s activities, making it a welcoming event for all ages. The setting in downtown Clayton, with its wide streets and upscale ambiance, adds to the experience, providing ample space to explore the exhibits comfortably. Collectors and casual browsers alike will appreciate the opportunity to meet artists personally and learn about their processes. Attending the St. Louis Art Fair not only supports the arts community but also offers a memorable cultural outing filled with beauty and inspiration.

Explore the National Blues Museum

Fans of American music history will find the National Blues Museum an essential stop when visiting St. Louis. Dedicated entirely to preserving and celebrating the legacy of blues music, the museum offers an immersive experience through interactive exhibits, rare memorabilia, and multimedia displays. Visitors can trace the genre’s roots from African-American communities through its evolution into rock and modern music styles. Highlights include a hands-on recording studio where guests can create their own blues tracks and rotating exhibitions featuring legendary artists. The museum’s live performance space regularly hosts concerts, ensuring the blues remain a living tradition within its walls. Located downtown, the museum is easily accessible and pairs well with other nearby attractions. History buffs, music lovers, and cultural explorers alike will appreciate the deep storytelling and rich audiovisual displays. A visit here provides a deeper appreciation of the profound impact blues music has had on American culture.

Visit the Saint Louis Science Center’s New Exhibit

Curiosity sparks excitement at the Saint Louis Science Center’s newest exhibit, where hands-on activities, cutting-edge technology, and engaging demonstrations invite visitors to think, explore, and innovate. As one of the only free science museums in the country, it offers an impressive variety of experiences, from a life-size animatronic dinosaur to an actual space capsule. The newest exhibit often highlights current scientific advancements or global phenomena, making it a must-see for returning visitors. Interactive labs allow children and adults to experiment with real-world science, while the OMNIMAX Theater provides a larger-than-life look at natural wonders and technological marvels. Free general admission and accessible parking make it an easy, family-friendly outing. Whether you’re passionate about physics, astronomy, biology, or robotics, the Saint Louis Science Center fosters a love of discovery that extends beyond its walls, inspiring future innovators with every visit.

Attend the St. Louis International Film Festival

Independent cinema, international storytelling, and local talent converge at the St. Louis International Film Festival, an annual event celebrating the art of filmmaking. The festival screens hundreds of feature films, documentaries, and shorts from around the globe, offering audiences a chance to explore diverse perspectives and compelling narratives. Special events include filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, and award ceremonies, enhancing the festival experience for cinephiles and casual viewers alike. Screenings are held across several iconic venues, including the Tivoli Theatre and Hi-Pointe Theatre, creating a dynamic cinematic landscape throughout the city. Festival passes and individual tickets cater to different schedules and budgets, making it accessible for everyone. Beyond showcasing new films, the event actively supports emerging filmmakers and strengthens St. Louis’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub. Attending the St. Louis International Film Festival offers not just entertainment but also a deeper connection to the global arts community.

Explore the Laumeier Sculpture Park

Art and nature harmoniously blend at Laumeier Sculpture Park, one of the first and largest dedicated sculpture parks in the United States. Spanning over 100 acres, the park features more than 60 large-scale sculptures integrated thoughtfully into the landscape. Wide, paved trails and wooded paths invite visitors to explore the artworks at their own pace while enjoying the fresh air. Popular installations like Tony Tasset’s “Eye” and Alexander Liberman’s “The Way” provide iconic photo opportunities. Seasonal exhibitions, workshops, and festivals enhance the park’s appeal, offering new experiences throughout the year. Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. Whether you’re admiring monumental pieces or simply taking a scenic walk, Laumeier offers a unique and peaceful way to engage with art outside traditional museum walls. Dogs on leashes are welcome, making it a perfect outing for the entire family, including furry companions.

Visit the Historic Lemp Brewery for a Haunted Tour

History and mystery intertwine at the Historic Lemp Brewery, where haunted tours delve into the fascinating — and often chilling — past of one of St. Louis’s most storied families. Once a thriving brewery empire, the Lemp legacy became overshadowed by personal tragedies and rumors of ghostly activity. Guided tours explore the brewery’s underground caves, decaying structures, and hidden chambers while narrating tales of the Lemp family’s rise and fall. Paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs will appreciate the eerie atmosphere and meticulously researched storytelling. Flashlights and sturdy shoes are recommended, as parts of the tour navigate dimly lit, uneven terrain. Special seasonal tours, particularly around Halloween, often sell out quickly, so advance booking is advised. Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, a visit to the Lemp Brewery offers a captivating glimpse into St. Louis’s haunted history and the lingering legends that continue to captivate visitors.

Attend the St. Louis Brewers Heritage Festival

Beer lovers gather each year at the St. Louis Brewers Heritage Festival to celebrate the city’s rich brewing traditions. Featuring a curated selection of craft and heritage beers, the festival showcases over 100 styles from local and regional breweries. Set against the scenic backdrop of Forest Park, the event combines great brews with live music, local food vendors, and educational tastings led by brewing experts. Specialty tents often highlight limited-edition batches and collaborations you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a serious connoisseur, sampling from such a wide variety of brews ensures there’s something for every palate. General admission and VIP tickets offer different experiences, with early entry and exclusive pours available to VIP guests. Attending the St. Louis Brewers Heritage Festival is not just about enjoying beer; it’s about experiencing the culture, craftsmanship, and community spirit that have defined St. Louis’s brewing scene for generations.

Explore the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Stepping onto the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site feels like traveling back over a thousand years to a time when a thriving Native American civilization flourished along the Mississippi River. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cahokia was once the largest and most sophisticated pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. Visitors can explore preserved earthen mounds, including Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas. The Interpretive Center offers detailed exhibits on the daily life, trade, and complex societal structures of the Mississippian culture. Walking trails throughout the site provide opportunities for self-guided exploration and panoramic views from the top of the mounds. Seasonal programs and guided tours add deeper context to the archaeological significance. Visiting Cahokia Mounds is both an educational experience and a profound reminder of the rich indigenous history that predates modern St. Louis by centuries, offering insight into an ancient and sophisticated society.

Visit the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

Creative energy pulses through the galleries of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, where rotating exhibitions spotlight the most compelling voices in modern and contemporary art. Unlike traditional museums, CAM St. Louis emphasizes emerging artists and experimental work across a wide range of mediums — from large-scale installations to multimedia performances. The minimalist architecture allows each exhibit to take center stage, offering a dynamic and ever-changing visitor experience. Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural outing for both serious art enthusiasts and casual visitors. Guided tours, artist talks, and community events provide deeper engagement with the artwork and foster a vibrant creative community. Located in the Grand Center Arts District, CAM is close to other major cultural institutions, making it easy to plan a full day of exploration. A visit to the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis offers fresh perspectives and endless inspiration, encouraging thoughtful conversations and discovery.

Attend the St. Louis World’s Fare Heritage Festival

Local pride and historical celebration converge at the St. Louis World’s Fare Heritage Festival, a lively event honoring the city’s iconic 1904 World’s Fair. Held annually in Forest Park, this free festival features live music across multiple stages, a diverse range of food vendors, art displays, and cultural exhibits that reflect the vibrant spirit of St. Louis. Family-friendly attractions, including kids’ zones and educational activities, ensure that visitors of all ages feel welcome. The festival’s roots in the original World’s Fair are honored through historical displays and reenactments that bring the past vividly to life. Participating in the World’s Fare Heritage Festival is an opportunity to connect with the city’s unique history while celebrating its modern achievements. Whether you come for the music, food, or simply the festive atmosphere, the event offers a memorable experience deeply tied to St. Louis’s identity as a hub of innovation and culture.

Explore the Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum

Imagination takes center stage at the Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, where interactive exhibits invite kids to play, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences. Housed in a charming historic mansion expanded with modern wings, the museum offers an incredible range of activities that blend education with pure fun. From creating art masterpieces to experimenting in the science lab or running for office in the children’s government center, every exhibit encourages active participation and creativity. Special rotating exhibits mean there’s always something new to explore on return visits. The museum’s outdoor play areas add another dimension of fun during warmer months. Admission is affordable, and memberships are available for families who plan to visit often. The Magic House is consistently rated among the top children’s museums in the country, making it a must-visit destination for families traveling to or living in St. Louis. It’s where learning feels like pure adventure.