October weather in St. Louis can't be beat. Plenty of sunshine, warm but comfortable days and crisp cool nights make getting outdoors a must. And, once the leaves start to change colors, a day at a festival or roadtrip through the surrounding countryside is a great way to spend a day. Here are the top picks for things to do in St. Louis this October.
Best of Missouri Market
Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden
Every year during the first weekend of October, the Missouri Botanical Garden is transformed into a giant outdoor market. The Best of Missouri Market features the finest products grown and made in the Show-Me State. You can sample and buy dozens of foods or get an early start on your holiday shopping. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for Garden members and children.
October 4 & 5, 2008
Missouri Botanical Garden
October 4 & 5, 2008
Missouri Botanical Garden
Columbus Day Parade & Festival
Photo courtesy chriscroy.com
Residents on "The Hill," St. Louis' famous Italian neighborhood, celebrate their rich history in October with the annual Columbus Day Parade and Festival. The parade starts at Southwest Bank and everyone is invited to line the route and watch the floats, cars and bands go by. Then head over to Berra Park for an afternoon of food, music and fun.
October 12, 2008
The Hill, St. Louis
See more of The Hill by taking a self-guided walking tour.
October 12, 2008
The Hill, St. Louis
See more of The Hill by taking a self-guided walking tour.
Oktoberfest Celebrations
Photo courtesy Stone Hill Winery
St. Louis also celebrates its German heritage in October with Oktoberfest. The celebration in Soulard is one of the fastest growing Oktoberfests in the country. There's plenty of beer, food and music, plus activites for the kids and a Miss Soulard Oktoberfest pageant.
For wine lovers, Hermann's the place to be during Oktoberfest. The small town comes alive each weekend in October, welcoming thousands of visitors to its wineries. You can get there by car, Amtrak or bike via the Katy Trail.
Soulard Oktoberfest
October 3 - 5, 2008
Hermann Oktoberfest
Weekends in October, 2008
For wine lovers, Hermann's the place to be during Oktoberfest. The small town comes alive each weekend in October, welcoming thousands of visitors to its wineries. You can get there by car, Amtrak or bike via the Katy Trail.
Soulard Oktoberfest
October 3 - 5, 2008
Hermann Oktoberfest
Weekends in October, 2008
Ottertoberfest at the Zoo
For a different kind of Oktoberfest celebration, make a visit to the St. Louis Zoo. Each year in October, the Zoo puts its own twist on the infamous German celebration with its own party, called Ottertoberfest. Kids can play games and learn about North American River Otters while mom and dad enjoy German food and beer in the biergarten. Admission is free.October 4 - 5 & 11 - 12, 2008
St. Louis Zoo
St. Louis' Haunted Houses
Photo courtesy The Theatre of the Dead
There are several places to go when you want a real Halloween fright in St. Louis. The Darkness Haunted House in Soulard is ranked as one of the best in the country and draws big crowds every year. There's also Creepyworld in Fenton and the brand new Theatre of the Dead in St. Charles. For more information on these scary attractions, read my Where to Go for a Good Scare article.
October 3 - 31, 2008
Various Locations
October 3 - 31, 2008
Various Locations
Adult Costume Contest in the CWE
If you want to see some of the best, weirdest and most outrageous Halloween costumes in St. Louis, or if you have a great idea for your own costume, head to the Central West End. Every year, the CWE's annual Halloween bash is one of the best street parties and costume contests outside of Mardi Gras. The party begins at 8 p.m., at the corner of Euclid and Maryland. Admission is free.October 25, 2008
Central West End
Apple Butter Festival
The Apple Butter Festival is Kimmswick, Missouri's largest celebration of the year. More than 100,000 visitors fill Market Street and the city park to sample apple butter and dozens of other foods. Hundreds of craft vendors sell their goods at booths around town. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.October 25 & 26, 2008
Kimmswick
Trick or Treat Street
Every year, one small block in South St. Louis hosts one of the area's biggest Halloween celebrations. The block has actually earned the nickname of "Trick or Treat Street." To join the fun, bring your kids to the 5300 block of Nottingham on Halloween night. Residents deck out their homes and dress in costumes for the thousands of visitors who descend upon the block by the car or bus load. It's a fun and safe way for your children to enjoy the holiday. The block party officially runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.October 31, 2008
South St. Louis
