The final days of summer are here, but September in St. Louis is still filled with great events. There are fall festivals, hot air balloons and the return of football. Here are top picks for what to do in St. Louis in September 2011.
For ideas on what to do this fall when you don't want to spend any money, check out Free Fall Events in St. Louis.
Labor Day Weekend Events
Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden
September gets off to a busy start with Labor Day. The long holiday weekend is filled with events like the Japanese Festival at the Botanical Garden, the Big Muddy Blues Festival on Laclede's Landing, Midwest Wingfest and more. If you're looking for ideas, see Ten Things to Do For Labor Day Weekend 2011 in St. Louis.
September 3 - 5, 2011
Various Locations
Great Godfrey Maze
The Great Godfrey Maze is a fall tradition in the Metro East. Visitors head to Glazebrook Park to wander through the giant maze cut into seven acres of cornfield. The theme for this year's maze is a familiar one, Route 66. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children. Kids younger than five get in free.
September 2 - October 30, 2011
Godfrey, IL
St. Louis Art Fair
If you want to see one of the best art fairs in the country, head to Clayton for the annual St. Louis Art Fair. 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.
September 9 - 11, 2011
Downtown Clayton
St. Louis Rams Season Begins
Quarteback Sam Bradford and the St. Louis Rams are back. Let's hope the team can continue to turn things around this season. The Rams start the 2011 regular season with a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Edward Jones Dome.
September 11, 2011 - vs. Philadelphia
Edward Jones Dome
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 Soldiers Memorial in 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 16 - 18, 2011
Downtown St. Louis
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 other entertainment.
September 16 & 17, 2011
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 $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 4 to 11.
September 17 & 18, 2011
Daniel Boone Home
Taste of St. Louis
The best restaurants in town will be showing off their finest dishes at the 2011 Taste of St. Louis. The three day event features food, art, music, cooking demonstrations and more. The Taste of St. Louis is held at Soldiers Memorial at 12th and Market Streets in downtown St. Louis. Admission is free.
September 23 - 25, 2011
Downtown St. Louis
Green Homes & Great Health Festival
Improve your health and your home at the 2011 Green Homes & Great Health Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The event will feature eco-friendly home ideas from more than 100 vendors. Local doctors will also be offering free health screenings. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is included when you purchase a Garden ticket.
September 24, 2011
Missouri Botanical Garden
Best of Missouri Market
Every fall, 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 is open for "First Look Friday" from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, it's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for Garden members and children.
September 30, October 1 & 2, 2011
Missouri Botanical Garden
