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Fall in St. Louis is nothing short of magical. With vibrant foliage, cooler weather, and a rich tapestry of events, the season transforms our city into a wonderland before the winter wonderland. From family-friendly festivals to unique cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace this exciting change of season. Join us as we explore some of the most exciting 2024 fall events happening in St. Louis--whether you’re a resident or a visitor, it promises an autumnal experience like no other! more Dive Into St. Louis Fall Festivities This Season Apple Butter Festival – Kimmswick, October 26-27, 2024 Nothing says autumn quite like the warm, spiced aroma of freshly made apple butter. Held in the charming town of Kimmswick, the Apple Butter Festival draws in over 100,000 visitors each year with its small-town charm and unique offerings. Visitors can savor an array of food and drinks from more than 500 vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and peruse the crafts made by local artisans. The centerpiece of the festival is the traditional apple butter-making process, where apples are peeled, cooked over a wood-burning fire, and sealed in jars – ready for you to bring a taste of fall home. It’s a time-honored event that adds a delightful sweetness to the season. 12 th Annual Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl – November 2, 2024 Jazz enthusiasts will find a haven at the Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl, where the lively sounds of brass bands and blues musicians fill every corner of this vibrant neighborhood. This free event brings together swing dancers, vintage clothing vendors, and marching bands for an immersive celebration of jazz culture in St. Louis. Although most of the day’s activities are free, the grand finale at The Golden Record does require a ticket. Laumeier After Dark – Laumeier Sculpture Park, November 2, 2024 For one special evening, Laumeier Sculpture Park opens its gates for an enchanting nighttime experience. Laumeier After Dark features illuminated sculptures, temporary art installations, and a night market with local vendors offering everything from handcrafted art to delicious treats. Strolling through the park’s glowing sculptures under the stars makes for a memorable evening, complete with live music that fills the autumn air. This unique event offers an opportunity to see the beloved park in a whole new light. St. Louis International Film Festival – November 7-17, 2024 Cinema lovers rejoice! The Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival returns with an impressive lineup of independent and international films. Now in its 33rd year, this festival showcases a diverse array of features, shorts, and documentaries from around the globe, many of which will be exclusive to St. Louis. With screenings at multiple venues throughout the city, the festival brings together filmmakers, audiences, and the St. Louis community in a celebration of cinematic artistry and storytelling. Flyover Comedy Festival – November 14-16, 2024 The Flyover Comedy Festival promises three days of laughs as over 100 comedians descend on St. Louis for a packed schedule of stand-up shows, improvisation performances, and workshops. The 2024 lineup includes headliners like Patton Oswalt and Tig Notaro, who will take the stage at the historic Stifel Theatre. Whether you're a fan of edgy humor or classic stand-up, this festival has something for everyone. Spread across multiple venues, the Flyover Comedy Festival delivers a refreshing take on the comedy scene that’s bound to leave you smiling. Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights – November 23, 2024 The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights is a must-see event kicking off the holiday season on November 23 in downtown St. Louis. This family-friendly festival includes live holiday performances, interactive photo ops with favorite local mascots, and an array of vendor booths. One of the highlights is the lighting of The Salvation Army Tree of Lights, which is followed by an impressive fireworks finale that brightens the night sky. Grab your loved ones, bundle up, and head to the heart of the city for a memorable evening filled with the sights, sounds, and warmth of the holidays! Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade – November 28, 2024 Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade brings tradition and joy to St. Louis on November 28. With lively musical floats, dance troupes, and marching bands from across the region, the parade promises a vibrant display of talent and holiday cheer. Watch for festive parade units and special performances by drumlines and dance groups, all leading up to the arrival of Santa Claus, who brings a wave of holiday spirit as he wishes everyone a joyful season. This event is a true spectacle and a St. Louis staple that draws families from across the area to enjoy a heartwarming community celebration. Fall in St. Louis brings a special kind of magic that harvests a deep appreciation for the changing of seasons. Each attraction provides a unique way to celebrate the season and connect with the community we exist within. So grab the family or grab a friend, bundle up, and immerse yourself in the St. Louis experiences that make autumn unforgettable--and don't forget to stop by Bommarito Mazda Wes t today to find your next vehicle for your holiday travels!

On August 17th, the Bommarito 500 is set to captivate thousands at the World Wide Technology Raceway, offering more than just a spectacle of speed—it's a full-blown festival of motorsport culture, courtesy of John Bommarito and Bommarito AutoSports. Saturday is just a couple days away, and attendees should arrive prepared for an electrifying mix of high-octane competition and unparalleled hospitality. So go ahead and grab your tickets on our website and prepare to experience a day packed with pulse-pounding action and exclusive behind-the-scenes access! more Experience the Midwest's Most Exciting Racing Event in Style with Bommarito! Imagine being at the heart of the action, where every turn and every lap matters. At the Bommarito 500, this isn't just a possibility—it's a guarantee. The Turn 4 Experience offers fans an exclusive hospitality zone curated by John Bommarito and the Bommarito Auto Group team, showcasing elevated track views so you don't miss a single beat of the action. Food is provided by none other than Sugarfire Smoke House, so you can indulge in some mouthwatering St. Louis barbecue while you let loose at our Bommarito-style party. You'll even get to meet your favorite drivers! Top 2024 IndyCar Drivers to Look Out For As anticipation builds for the 2024 Bommarito 500, the lineup is set to dazzle with an array of top-tier talent ready to dominate the World Wide Technology Raceway. This season, watch for standout performers such as Scott Dixon ( Chip Ganassi Racing), a veteran known for his strategic prowess and cool demeanor under pressure, who continues to challenge the limits of the sport. Joining him is the young sensation Colton Herta ( Andretti Global w/ Curb-Agajanian), whose quick reflexes and raw speed make him a thrilling competitor in any race scenario. Additionally, keep an eye on Pato O'Ward ( Arrow McLaren), a driver who takes an aggressive yet calculating approach, captivating fans and adding an unpredictable element to every race. These athletes are just a few among the monumental talent representing IndyCar racing this Saturday, with each driver bringing their own unique skills to a track that tests their limits and rewards the audacious. The History of Bommarito Auto Sports Since 2017, Bommarito Automotive Group has proudly affiliated our legacy with the world of auto racing in St. Louis. Every summer when the Bommarito 500 comes around, John Bommarito is out at the track, fueling the spirit of Midwest racing and actively engaging with visitors to share in their excitement. In partnership with Jordan Anderson Racing to become Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport, we've been able to experience some amazing milestones in the IndyCar, Truck, and Xfinity Series--and we truly couldn't have achieved these goals without Jordan Anderson, Parker Retzlaff, Jeb Burton, and the rest of the team. This alliance has catalyzed the growth of both IndyCar and NASCAR in our region, fostering a vibrant community of motorsport enthusiasts and positioning St. Louis as a central hub for racing excellence. The Bommarito 500 has become a cornerstone of summer excitement here in the Midwest. Whether you’re a veteran racing fan or curious about the world of motorsports, this event promises to deliver an exhilarating rush of adrenaline from the moment you arrive. Engage with us at Bommarito Mazda West to enhance your experience with exclusive race weekend access. Get ready to immerse yourself in a day where every moment is charged with potential and every turn can lead to victory. We hope to see you there!

Summer's here and that can only mean one thing. St. Louis is about to come alive as it hosts everything from art exhibitions and movie nights to music concerts and food festivals. With so much going on, how do you choose which St. Louis events to attend? To help you decide, we've compiled a list of our favorite things to do in St. Louis, MO during the hot summer months. more Things to Do in St. Louis, MO 1. Gateway Arch National Park Prepare a picnic basket, round up the crew, and head off in your Mazda SUV for a fun family day out at the Gateway Arch National Park, 11th North 4th Street. At its heart is the infamous Gateway Arch itself, the tallest man-made monument in the country. Take a tram ride to the top and enjoy the breathtaking views of St. Louis, the Mississippi, and beyond from 630 feet above the ground. After a leisurely picnic in the park, take the opportunity to see the arch from a different perspective as you journey down the Mississippi on an old-fashioned paddle-wheel riverboat. 2. Downtown Summer Nights Experience the best of St. Louis at Kiener Plaza, situated at 500 Chestnut Street. Every Thursday throughout July and August, the plaza comes alive with parties and events to celebrate summer. Browse the stalls at the night markets, bring a blanket or lawn chair for an outdoor movie, or dance the night away to live performances and DJs. 3. Blues at the Arch Festival St. Louis and the blues go hand-in-hand, so don't miss out on the Blues at the Arch Festival on August 9 and 10. Held at the Gateway Arch National Park at 11th North 4th Street and free to attend, the festival pays tribute to the history of the St. Louis blues scene with performances from local and national musicians and dancers. Visiting with the family? Keep the kids entertained at Kids Korner, with a musical petting zoo, yard games, and interactive pop-up sports. Don't miss the fireworks display on Saturday night and cap off the weekend by getting yourself a ticket to Sunday's Blues Brunch being held on the site of a former speakeasy. 4. Festival of Nations Head to Tower Grove Park at 4257 Northeast Drive on 24-25 August and celebrate the multicultural diversity of St. Louis at the Festival of Nations. This annual festival welcomes over 100,000 people and will tantalize every sense as you sample the cuisine, arts, traditions, and music of more than 75 nations. Whichever landmarks you visit or events you attend in St. Louis this summer, you'll want to arrive in style. Visit Bommarito Mazda West County in Ellisville, MO today, and find the new vehicle that will set you up for a summer of fun.

As the weather warms up, the city of St Louis comes alive with outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. From annual festivals to immersion in nature, you are sure to find plenty of things to keep you entertained. Read on to discover a few of our favorite summer activities in St. Louis, MO. more 3 Fun Outdoor Summer Activities in St. Louis, MO 1. Explore Forest Park Known as the green lung of the Gateway City, this park's 1,300 acres of greenery and winding waterways make it one of the most beautiful urban parks in the world. Trek through more than 30 miles of paths, paddle in the Emerson Grand Basin, or admire public art at the open-air museums. Forest Park, located at 5595 Grand Street, hosts the annual Shakespeare Festival on Tuesday through Sunday evenings from the end of May through June. Each year, a different show is performed from the famous playwright's catalog. Load up the back of your Mazda with blankets, chairs, and a picnic basket for an entertaining night under the stars. 2. Missouri Botanical Gardens This beautiful attraction is particularly stunning in full bloom over the summer. Set your GPS to 4344 Shaw Boulevard on your car's full-color display screen via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, then park your Mazda in the free parking lot, which is easy to do with the rearview monitor and cross-traffic alerts. Thursday's extended evening hours make this destination perfect for a date night. Take a sunset stroll with your sweetheart then indulge in dinner on the Sassafras Restaurant's patio. Make your adventure a family affair by bringing the little ones for brunch before exploring the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden. Step into a tropical rainforest at the Climatron greenhouse, which is the first geodesic dome to be used as a conservatory. Immerse yourself in peaceful harmony as you meander through the Japanese Garden and end your summer by attending the Japanese festival before driving away in your Mazda. 3. Foodie Festivals Head to Ballpark Village at 601 Clark Avenue for Taste of St. Louis. This annual weekend event is designed to promote engagement between St. Louis' residents and local establishments. Sample offerings from the numerous culinary exhibits and enjoy live music while shopping local vendors and artists. For an international flare, stop by the Festival of Nations, which is the largest multicultural event in the region with more than 75 nations being represented. Enjoy a weekend in Tower Grove Park, located at 4257 Northeast Drive, where music, flavors, and art combine to deliver an experience unlike any other. We encourage you to bring some treats home from the festival and worry-not, because your Mazda's leatherette or leather-trimmed seats are easy to clean in case something spills. What St. Louis activities are you adding to your must-do list this summer? Visit us at Bommarito Mazda West in Ellisville, MO to find the perfect vehicle for all your adventures.

St. Louis, Missouri, offers visitors a thriving, diverse local music scene and a long history of cultivating world-class musicians including Scott Joplin, Miles Davis, and Chuck Berry. Whether you're in the city for business or a weekend of fun, there are endless opportunities to hear everything from rock, jazz, and blues to rap, classical, swing, and punk. Here are the four best live music venues in town. Blueberry Hill Blueberry Hill is the place to go for rock, R&B, and Rockabilly. With a welcoming vibe, the owners are all about music, pop culture memorabilia, great beer, and great food. Head down the stairs and treat yourself to some fantastic music from past and present greats, such as Hembree. These up and coming artists are scheduled to perform songs from their debut album "House On Fire" at this venue on March 6, 2020. Doors open for this all-ages show at 7:00 p.m. and advanced tickets are $12. Located in the Loop neighborhood at 6504 Delmar. The Fabulous Fox When you're on the lookout for a concert featuring some of the best national touring acts, head to the Grand Center neighborhood and The Fabulous Fox. This stunningly restored 1929 grand theater at 527 N. Grand Blvd. makes for an exceedingly classy evening, hosting primarily Broadway shows and world-class touring dance troupes, complete with luxury box seating. more On stage, Feb. 25 through March 8, 2020, is "The Band's Visit." This Tony-Award winning Broadway musical tells a joyously offbeat story about a band of musicians that brings the unsuspecting citizens of an off-beaten town to life. Performers open the show most nights at 7:30 p.m. with plenty of afternoon matinees on the calendar. Tickets will set you back between $29 and $99. Kirkwood Station Brewing Co. Kirkwood station is a local Kirkwood taproom that touts a beautiful stage that many tribute cover bands call home. With live music almost every Friday and Saturday night until 1:00 a.m., it's the ideal place to wander in. You never know what might be playing, from country to hip-hop and rock-and-roll. Cover charges range from $5 to $10, and this brewing company is located at 110 W. Argonne Dr. in nearby Frontenac. The National Blues Museum If you're an aficionado of classic blues, there's only one place in St. Louis for you. The National Blues Museum is located downtown at 615 Washington Ave. It offers some of the best live music in the state. The concerts are free with admission to the museum or pay just $15 a show, and seating is first-come, first-served. Come in every Thursday night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for "Sittin' on the Porch Open Jam" or get tickets to the Howlin' Friday series, featuring Silky Sol. They're performing live at the museum on March 6, 2020. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts promptly at 7. The city of St. Louis is a prime destination for music lovers. With a venue hosting every genre on stage, there's something for everyone to tap their toe to here in Missouri. Image via Pixabay.

Whether you're a St. Louis local or an out-of-town visitor, finding funs things to do with the kids can be difficult. The following six activities have been recommended by parents. If you want to have a memorable day in St. Louis, choose one of these activities and take lots of pictures. St. Louis Science Center The St. Louis Science Center is very well designed and conscious of young learners. The science center is always free, which is a plus when doing things as a family. You can find interactive family games and explore a variety of exhibits. There's so much to explore that you'll have to come back another day to experience it all. The Magic House The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum, is a fantastic place for children set their imaginations free. The Children's Museum has several work areas for kids to play in and hundreds of exhibit to explore. Be sure to plan for a whole-day adventure at the Magic House because your little one is going to love it there. more St. Louis Zoo The St. Louis Zoo is highly recommended by parents. This zoo is free to the public, though there are specific activities in the zoo that do cost money. Since it's free, the zoo is usually busy. You may want to plan to come back an additional day to explore all the exhibits. Two recommended zoo attractions that you'll want to pay for are the Zooline Railroad that circles the whole zoo and the 4-D movie experience. Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum The Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum is a great way to inspire learning about history and engineering in your little ones. There are several hands-on, educational displays for your kids. The museum is self-guided, but you can request a guided tour in advance if you plan to come with 10 or more people. Plan for about an hour or so to explore this enormous collection of telephones. Grant's Farm If you or your kids love farm animals, Grant's Farm is the place to go. You'll get a 15-minute tram tour of the farm and the opportunity to explore exhibits and feed the animals. You do have to pay for parking and feeding the animals, but it's not every day that you get to feed a baby goat with a bottle. Your little ones will love the opportunity to interact with the animals. Missouri Botanical Gardens The Missouri Botanical Gardens is a must-see if you want to experience walking among carefully maintained plants and flowers. But there's more to enjoy than the plants. The Missouri Botanical Gardens has a children's garden for your little ones to explore and learn about nature through hands-on activities. There are even festivals and other events in the gardens. Walking through everything can take several hours, so consider planning specific areas to visit. St. Louis is full of family-friendly places to explore and things to do. You can't go wrong spending the day at the Magic House or exploring nature at its finest at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Image via Flickr by ChrisYunker | CC BY 2.0.

Welcome to St. Louis, one of the most beautiful cities in North America. When you're in the city, don't overlook the chance to experience some of the best walking tours around. Here are a few you can check out! Central West End Food Tour Are you a real foodie? If so, you will adore this historic overview of the West End, filled with scrumptious eats to enjoy along the way. You'll discover the nuances of the area's fantastic history while eyeing the finest restaurants. Enjoy visiting local shops, fancy clothing boutiques, and shops selling unique collector's items, all while soaking up the overall international feel of the area. You'll love the feel of the most famous Welsh pub in America, as well as the opportunity to try enjoyable, up-and-coming establishments. Famous Religious Buildings Walking Tour Take one of many free walking tours and learn all about the religious sites in the area in about three hours on foot. Begin your journey at Saint Vincent DePaul Church, a beautiful, grandiose red brick building. You'll be in awe as you look out upon a magnificent sanctuary. Next up, take in Saint Raymond's Maronite Cathedral, a Catholic church in the Eastern tradition with a fantastic dome top. You will also see St. Mary of Victories Catholic Church, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (known as "the Old Cathedral"), and four other churches. more Grand Center Art Galleries Walking Tour Take this free, long walk to check out and learn about some of the amazing art taking place in St. Louis. See paintings, photos, prints, sculptures, and other innovative works on this tour that takes just one hour. You'll get started at the Bruno David Gallery, one of the most significant galleries in the area that is featured in the Grand Center Arts District. Enjoy contemporary art by local artists. Afterward, try the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, where numerous exhibitions and programs take place. New shows come up every six months, and there is a permanent display of Ellsworth Kelly's famous sculpture, Blue Black. You can see the Sheldon Art Gallery, the Craft Alliance, the Greenberg Van Doren Gallery, and the Portfolio Gallery. Forest Park Walking Tour Forest Park is a public park and region that spans 1,371 acres. If nature and community is your thing, then you'll really love the Forest Park tour, which takes you on a three-hour journey through eight unique attractions. Enjoy seeing the Missouri History Museum, which features interesting natural artifacts, including colonial and native historical items. Next, head over to the Grand Basin. It is a beautiful area with eight fountains pouring glistening water and lovely areas to walk along. You can also visit the St. Louis Art Museum, the zoo, the Fair Pavilion, the Muny Theatre, the Jewel Box, and the Science Center. There is a myriad of fantastic attractions for you to see. There is no better way to experience a beautiful city than on a walking tour. Try a foodie tour or one of the other great free tours available and experience St. Louis in a highly personal way. Image via Flickr by joncutrer | CC BY 2.0.

St. Louis is one of the biggest cities in America, and even if you limit yourself to the neighborhoods within the city limits, you can find plenty of vibrant, exciting places to live. The downtown district by the Mississippi River has great retail stores and old restaurants, and the suburban west end has plenty of clean, quiet neighborhoods where you can choose from hundreds of lovely homes and apartment buildings. The city's neighborhoods have unique shops and small boutiques, so if you're thinking of moving to St. Louis, here are a few neighborhoods to consider. Hi-Pointe Hi-Pointe is a neighborhood just southwest of Forest Park, and it covers the area from Oakland Avenue to Dale Avenue and from Louisville Avenue up to the city's border with Richmond Heights. It's a mostly residential neighborhood with single-family homes, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area. You won't have trouble finding things to do as a family, either, since the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum are in the nearby park. Wydown-Skinker Wydown-Skinker is another neighborhood at the west end of the city. It's just north of Hi-Pointe and it covers the sliver of land between Forest Park and the suburb of Clayton. It's just as residential as Hi-Pointe and is just as close to the Forest Park's attractions, but the north end is only a block away from Washington University. Thanks to its proximity to the college, residents of this neighborhood are mostly young people, so there are plenty of cafes and bars in the area. more Skinker DeBaliviere Skinker DeBaliviere is adjacent to Wydown-Skinker between Delmar Boulevard, DeBaliviere Avenue, Forest Park, and the city limits. This neighborhood is also close to Forest Park and Washington University, but it has a few more apartment complexes for residents who don't need the space a single-family home offers. You can also find plenty of businesses along Delmar Boulevard at the north end of the neighborhood. Benton Park Benton Park is on the east side of the city and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in St. Louis. You can find it between Gravois Avenue, I-55, Cherokee Street, and Jefferson Avenue. Benton Park was a popular location for breweries back in the day thanks to its natural underground caves ideal for storing beer. Today, the Anheuser-Busch brewery is located just across the street. For a more local flavor, Bluewood Brewing is in the south end of the neighborhood. Benton Park also includes plenty of places to eat, like Gus' Pretzel Shop, a bakery that has been open since 1920. There are plenty of other great neighborhoods in St. Louis in addition to the ones listed here. Across St. Louis, you'll find lovely places to live. Deciding which neighborhood is best for you depends on your housing needs and where you work or go to school. In any case, one of these neighborhoods is sure to be perfect for you and your family. Image via Flickr by Christian Collins | CC BY-SA 2.0.

Out on the edge of the St. Louis, Missouri, suburbs you'll find Ellisville, a nice place to live with beautiful homes, busy shopping centers, and quiet parks. This small town is far enough from the city center that you can find plenty of good walking trails in the area. Not all of the trails on this list go through town, but those that don't are just a short drive away. Wildwood Greenway The Wildwood Greenway is in Wildwood, Ellisville's western neighbor, and includes over 18 miles of paved biking and walking trails throughout the city. Many of these trails follow the main roads through town, but others head off towards the residential neighborhoods and parks where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. Finding parking is easy since the greenway crosses several parking lots throughout Wildwood. Rock Hollow Trail The Rock Hollow Trail is a relatively short walk, just 2.3 miles, and is all downhill from the trailhead near Ridge Meadows Elementary School. This means it's all uphill on the way back, but there are plenty of benches. The trail is very scenic and quiet, and you'll cross 13 bridges on your way to the trail's end. Once you get there, you'll find the Meramec River and the Al Foster Memorial Trail, a 7-mile trail that follows the river east to west. more Monarch Chesterfield Levee Trail A work in progress, the Monarch Chesterfield Levee Trail will eventually loop around the Chesterfield Airport north of Ellisville. Parts of the trail along Bonhomme Creek and the Missouri River are already done. To reach the trail, you can park at one of the many shopping centers along I-64 or Edison Avenue. Together, the two trail segments are 10.4 miles long, and since the trail passes plenty of stores and restaurants, you'll have no trouble finding a place to take a break. If you're looking for some peace and quiet on your hike, other parts of the trail are nothing but you and nature. Katy Trail State Park The Katy Trail is great if you want to go on a real wilderness hike. The trail covers a converted railroad that follows the Missouri River west for a total of 240 miles until it breaks off and continues toward Kansas City. The trail is on the north side of the river, so the best place to reach it from Ellisville is to take the Daniel Boone Bridge north of Chesterfield. Then, take the first exit after the bridge and head to the Busch Greenway, a short trail that takes you to Katy. There are other trails farther north and south, and you may be surprised by how many nature walks you can find in St. Louis itself. So, if you're a fan of nature or you just want a quiet space where you can relax and clear your head, one of the trails on this list should fit the bill. Lace up those hiking boots! Image via Flickr by Heath Cajandig | CC BY 2.0.

Like most Midwestern cities, everyone looks forward to spring St. Louis, Missouri. The snow is melting, the grass is coming back, and all the flowers and trees erupt in colorful blossoms. Not every St. Louis spring celebration is all about the season, but with the weather warming up, people love to have an excuse to go outside and enjoy themselves. If you're looking for such an excuse yourself, you should make time for one of the St. Louis events on this list. St. Patrick's Day St. Louis has a strong Irish heritage that the city likes to celebrate every year in March. In fact, St. Louis hosts two major celebrations each year in St. Patrick's honor. The big downtown celebration includes a five-mile run, a parade, and a dinner the night before. St. Louis' St. Patrick's Day parade is one of the biggest in the country, and it is held every March on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. The parade also includes an entertainment area called the Irish Village in Kiener Plaza that stays open before and after the parade. more If you haven't had enough St. Patty's Day celebrations, the Dogtown district of St. Louis holds its own parade and festival on the holiday no matter which day of the week it is. Food and drink options include a lot of local breweries and pubs, so while the Dogtown Irish Festival is family friendly, there are also plenty of ways for adults to have fun. Mardi Gras The Irish aren't the only big influence on St. Louis. After all, the city takes its name from a sainted king of France. That's why Mardi Gras is just as important in St. Louis as it is in New Orleans. The dates change from year to year based on when Easter and Lent take place, but in St. Louis, the Soulard Mardi Gras celebrations take place throughout the months leading up to the big day. They include balls, a Cajun cook-off, and of course a big celebration and parade on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. The Laumeier Art Fair The Laumeier Art Fair takes place at the Laumeier Sculpture Park every year during Mother's Day weekend. This celebration of art is a nationally recognized event, and artists from around the country submit their works for display. However, only 150 of the best artists receive this honor. The festival jurors also award prizes to the best submissions in each medium. Aside from displaying artwork, the fair also features a music festival, food, and hands-on activities for kids who want to express their inner artist. Spring is a time of renewal in the Midwest, and it's a time to go outside and enjoy the weather after the cold winds of winter fade and before the humid air of summer arrives. St. Louis residents have plenty of ways to celebrate the season, so get out there and find out for yourself what makes a St. Louis spring worth experiencing. Image via Pixabay

St. Louis is a wonderful place in the springtime. The weather is starting to warm up, and there are all kinds of things going on. Whether you want to get out with friends or you need to keep the kids busy, check out these can't-miss spring events in St. Louis, Missouri. Wizard World Comic Con From April 5 - April 7, the Annual Wizard World Comic Con will take place at America's Center in downtown St. Louis. The event runs from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon and celebrates everything comics. You can check out comics, graphic novels, TV shows, and gaming at this fun event. There will also be celebrities from moves and TV along with writers and artists. Gamers can watch or join in the gaming tournaments, and anyone can take part in the costume contest. General admission tickets are $49.99 per day or you can get a VIP package for $99.99. more Go! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend Each April in downtown St. Louis, can take part in the Go! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend. This family-friendly event features races for people of all ages and fitness levels, including a marathon, a half marathon, a 5K run/walk, and even children's fun runs. For 2019, the Go St. Louis Weekend will take place from April 5 - 7. Racers will get to enjoy St. Louis-themed food at the finish line, get race T-shirts, and take part in a post-race party with a local band. St. Louis Earth Day Festival Head to Forest Park in late April for the annual St. Louis Earth Day Festival. This event gives the community a chance to celebrate the Earth and learn all about the resources and products they can use to help the earth every day. There will be three different stages with entertainment, food from local restaurants, and over 200 different booths. The whole family can take part in this event with hands-on activities for all ages. Shakespeare Festival St. Louis Head to Forest Park in late May to watch Shakespeare under the stars. The main stage production is always fantastic, and each year brings something special. Guests can bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating and even bring a picnic for dinner. There is a caterer on sight if you want to get a box dinner. If you arrive early, you can see the traditional Green Show which starts the night off for even more entertainment. This early show includes dancers, jugglers, and musicians that interact with the audience to keep you entertained while you wait for the main performance. Laumeiers Annual Art Fair From May 10 - 12 the annual Art Fair will take place at Laumeier Sculptor Park. This event will feature live music, hands-on activities for the kids, food and drinks from local vendors, and over 150 juried artists from all across the country. Stroll through the exhibits showcasing work from many different media including ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, and glass. Check out these St. Louis events happening this spring. Image via Flickr by TFDuesing | CC BY 2.0.

St. Louis has many unique and interesting museums. Each one has its own atmosphere and content with exhibits that range from all kinds of transportation to fine art and sports. With so many different museums offering a number of different displays, choosing where to visit can be a challenge. Here are some of the must-see St. Louis exhibits. City Museum City Museum in St. Louis was voted one of the best family attractions in the world. It is a 600,000 square-foot space filled with hands-on activities for kids. All the exhibits contain stuff from the city such as castles made from reclaimed stone, fire trucks, and church pipe organs. There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits and all kinds of things to do. The kids can pretend to fly a plane, sit by a fire, find treasures in a cave, and even see a show. more Missouri Civil War Museum The Missouri Civil War Museum on Worth Road allows visitors to explore Missouri's role in the Civil War. It contains artifacts and memorabilia from the war, and the famous Jefferson Barracks is still there and still in use. Some of the new exhibits include the "Hollywood and the Civil War" exhibit. This showcases some Civil War-themed films including costumes from "Gone with the Wind," "North and South," and "The Undefeated." The Jefferson Barracks exhibit includes a 10-minute film about the history of the barracks, and the display includes uniforms and equipment. Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum Baseball lovers should make sure to visit the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum. There are artifacts here from not only some of the greatest Cardinals teams but also from the old St. Louis Browns team. You can see exhibits dedicated to some of the great baseball players including Dizzy Dean, Bob Gibson, Curt Flood, and even the Gas House Game teams from the 1930s. Make sure you check out the World Series rings before you leave, and you might even be able to try one on. The National Museum of Transportation The National Museum of Transportation is a fun stop for visitors both young and old. There are all kinds of exhibits including a toy train display and train ride for the kids. The rail and transit collection encompasses over 190 major exhibits including a Boston & Providence Railroad Passenger Coach from 1833, and a Providence Union Pacific, also known as a Big Boy. This was the largest successful steam locomotive ever built. The Earl C. Lindburg Automobile Center is also part of this museum with an automobile collection featuring rare and classic cars. This display is where you can see a 1901 automobile built by the St. Louis Motor Carriage Company and the only Chrysler turbine car on display. There is also a Bobby Darin Dream Car. This one-of-a-kind custom car is the work of Detroit clothing designer Andi Di Dia. Stop by these St. Louis museums to see unique exhibits that the whole family can enjoy. Image via Flickr by andresmh | CC BY-SA 2.0.