The final days of summer will soon be here, but September in St. Louis is still filled with great events. There are fall festivals, hot air balloons and a world class bicycle race. Here are my top ten picks for what to do in St. Louis this September.
St. Louis Art Fair
If you want to see one of the best art fairs in the country, head to Clayton the first weekend of September. The St. Louis Art Fair ranked fifth in the nation in the 2007 Harris List of the best fine art fairs and craft shows. This year, hundreds of artists will show off their talents in painting, sculpture, photography and more. There's also live music and food served up by some of the area's best restaurants including Portabella, Alexander's and Baileys Chocolate Bar.September 5 - 7, 2008
Downtown Clayton
Hispanic Festival
The Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival celebrates the food, music and cultures of Latin America. The annual event draws thousands of visitors to downtown St. Louis. The three day festival is truly a feast for the senses. You can hear the sounds of Mexican salsa bands, see the bright costumes of folk dancers and enjoy the tastes and smells of some of the most popular Hispanic dishes and desserts. Admission is free.September 5 -7, 2008
Soldiers Memorial Park
Downtown St. Louis
The Tour of Missouri
Photo by Mia Watts, courtesy Tour of Missouri
St. Louisans can once again be proud to have a world class bicycle race finish under the shadow of the Arch. The second annual Tour of Missouri will bring in the best cyclists from all over the globe, including the world's top ranked team, Team Columbia. Stages six and seven of the Tour bring the cyclists through the heart of the St. Louis region. Stage six begins in Hermann and ends in St. Charles. The seventh and final stage is a circuit race that begins and ends in downtown St. Louis. Most towns along the route also have festivals and other activities planned for visitors before and after the cyclists ride through.
Stage 6 - September 13, 2008
Hermann to St. Charles
Stage 7 - September 14, 2008
St. Louis
Stage 6 - September 13, 2008
Hermann to St. Charles
Stage 7 - September 14, 2008
St. Louis
St. Louis Rams Season Begins
Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Stringer, courtesy Getty Images
Beer, brats and football. That's what September means to thousands of St. Louis Rams fans. Many of those fans will fill the parking lots around the Edward Jones Dome before every home game for a big tailgating party before heading inside to cheer the home team on to victory (let's hope). The Rams kick off their season in Philadelphia, but also have two home games scheduled this month.
September 14, 2008 - New York Giants (home game)
September 28, 2008 - Buffalo (home game)
September 14, 2008 - New York Giants (home game)
September 28, 2008 - Buffalo (home game)
Hazelwood Harvestfest
The city of Hazelwood celebrates the beginning of fall with Harvestfest, a family-friendly event filled with activities for the kids. There's a parade, pony rides, games and a petting zoo. And everyone in the family can enjoy the food and live music. Harvestfest runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.September 13, 2008
Howdershell Park
Great Forest Park Balloon Race
Photo by Jeff Zelevansky, courtesy Getty Images
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of the biggest events in St. Louis each year. It all begins with the Balloon Glow where you can get an up-close look at dozens of hot air balloons lit by their burners at night. Then, crowds return to Forest Park the following day for the big race. This year, 70 balloons will launch from Central Field and chase the Engergizer Bunny Balloon in the skies over St. Louis. The race is the highlight of the day, but its really just part of the fun. There's also a food court, childen's activity area and performance by the Pepsi Skydiving Team.
September 19 & 20, 2008
Central Field, Forest Park
September 19 & 20, 2008
Central Field, Forest Park
Pioneer Days
Image courtesy Lindenwood University, Daniel Boone Campus
Learn what it was really like to live on the Missouri frontier by visiting Pioneer Days at the Daniel Boone Home near Defiance, Missouri. The historic encampment recreates life as it was before 1840. Children can attend a one-room school or play period games. Historical interpreters will show visitors how to cook on a hearth and make household items from gourds. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 4 to 11.
September 20 & 21, 2008
Daniel Boone Home
September 20 & 21, 2008
Daniel Boone Home
Mosaics Festival
The Mosaics Festival is your chance to see and buy works from many of the best artists in the area. Nearly 125 juried artists will be selling their originial paintings, drawings and jewelry during the three day festival along historic North Main Street in St. Charles. The festival also showcases performing artists including a concert from the St. Charles County Symphony. Younger visitors will want to check out the Children's Village at the Foundry Art Centre where they can make their own artwork to take home.September 19 -21, 2008
Historic St. Charles
Ballroom Blitz
You could say this is St. Louis' version of Dancing with the Stars. Local celebrities like Betsey Bruce from Fox 2 and Guy Phillips from Y98 team up with dance instructors for a fun competition to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The evening also includes an auction, appetizers and an open bar. VIP tickets are $80 in advance or $90 at the door. General admission tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door.September 26, 2008
Casa Loma Ballroom
Missouri Chili Cook-Off
Do you have a great chili recipe? The 33rd annual Missouri Chili Cook-Off and Salsa Competition is just the event to show off your cooking skills. More than 50 local cooks will compete in several different categories and one winner will have to chance to go on the ICS World Championship Chili Cook-Off in Omaha, Nebraska. For those who prefer eating to cooking, just bring a hearty appetite to sample the many different chilis and salsas. Admission to the cook-off is $5 and samples are $.50 each. All of the money raised goes to the National Kidney Foundation.September 27, 2008
Westport Plaza
