15 Things to Do in St. Louis This November

Even as the temperature dips, you’ll find plenty of things to do in St. Louis this November. Don your favorite fall sweater and head to the Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl, Schlafly Full Moon Festival or Laumeier After Dark.

Indoors, highly anticipated events cover a range of topics, from heavy metal to musical theater to international films.

For more fresh trip ideas, check our 2023 St. Louis Fall Festivals & Events Guide.

Metallica: M72 World Tour

November 3 and 5

Ash to ash, dust to dust, fade to black… Heavy metal band Metallica will bring their M72 World Tour to The Dome at America’s Center for two separate – and completely different – concerts. The tour is supporting the band’s 11th studio album, 72 Seasons, and it features an upgraded stage design that relocates the Snake Pit to center stage. Metallica will perform two different sets at their concerts in St. Louis, preceded by special guests Pantera and Mammoth WVH on Nov. 3 and Five Finger Death Punch and Ice Nine Kills on Nov. 5.

Come From Away

November 3 to 5

On Sept. 11, 2001, the world stopped. On Sept. 12, 2001, stories of survival moved us all. Come From Away, the New York Times Critics’ Pick, takes audiences into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland and Labrador that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. This moving musical will take you to a place that you won’t want to leave.

Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl

November 4

The 11th annual Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl will bring music and dance to every corner of the thoroughfare. Featuring blues musicians and swing dancers alongside marching brass bands and racks of vintage clothing, the celebration is free, except for the grand finale at The Golden Record. Sponsored by Jazz St. Louis, this year’s grand finale boasts funky, genre-bending music from Blvck Spvde and the Cosmos. The ever-evolving collective of ten-plus artists is rooted in the diverse tapestry of Black musical traditions, and this is a unique opportunity to experience their sound for yourself!

Schlafly Full Moon Festival

November 4

Every fall, Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood celebrates the annual harvest with bonfires, live music and a pig roast featuring hogs from regional farmers. During the Full Moon Festival, local chefs will also compete for your affection – and your stomach space – in a deliciously competitive chili cook-off. Despite the full moon, the stars of the night are undoubtedly the kegs of White Lager, Pumpkin Ale, Coffee Stout, Hard Apple Cider and other seasonal suds from Schlafly Beer.

Laumeier After Dark

November 4

For one night only, Laumeier After Dark gives the public a unique opportunity to explore Laumeier Sculpture Park. The annual event features temporary art and light installations from local artists as well as illuminations of the park’s most iconic sculptures. Laumeier After Dark also includes a night market with local makers, food and beverage vendors and live music.

American Wine Society Education Courses

November 9

During the American Wine Society Conference 2023, there will be two wine education courses held on Nov. 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. WineSmarts I is an entertaining and interactive way to explore the basics of wine. Learn how it’s made, how to taste it and how to evaluate it with the Aroma Wheel using principal wine varieties. Featuring 18 wines, the course includes background information on where the grapes are grown, flavor profiles, region highlights from old and new world counterparts and the basics of food and wine pairing. WineSmarts II is designed as a continuation of the series, diving deeper into various winemaking processes while exploring how climate and terroir affect growing regions and their resulting wines. Acquire a more in-depth ability to evaluate the 19 wines covered in the course through blind tastings and fun, interactive learning challenges. Gain the knowledge and skills to make smarter, more confident wine purchases, and take food and wine pairing to the next level by evaluating, comparing and contrasting flavors. WineSmarts I is not a prerequisite for this class; it’s open to anyone who wants to advance their wine knowledge.

Flyover Comedy Festival

November 9 to 11

All joking aside, the Flyover Comedy Festival will return to The Grove from Nov. 9 to 11. The annual comedy invasion features various stand-up comedians, including headliners Jeff Ross, Janelle James and Sheng Wang. That’s only the beginning, though – this year’s festival includes more than 100 comedians and 30 events over the course of three days. Every event aims to showcase local and national comedic talent at some of the best venues in St. Louis.

St. Louis International Film Festival

November 9 to 19

This year marks the 32nd Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival. The festival showcases cutting-edge features and shorts from around the world, many of which will receive their only exposure in St. Louis.

COCA New Works Festival

November 10

Two of COCA’s Pre-Professional Division companies come together for this showcase of new work. Returning for its third season, COCA’s Choreographic Lab Project is a unique opportunity for young creatives to broaden their approach to dancing. This season, COCA launched a search to find a classical choreographer to lead the project, and the mentors include current professional ballet dancers and choreographers. A conversation with choreographer Audrey Johnston will follow the performance. The evening also includes a public reading of new plays by COCAwrites playwrights who have been developed and mentored by local, regional and national playwrights. Writers will share their original material, after which they will conduct a Q&A with the audience.

Trinity Irish Dance Company

November 11

Let your feet lead the way to the Trinity Irish Dance Company performance presented by Dance St. Louis at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Founded in 1990 by creative force and renowned choreographer Mark Howard, the uniquely Irish American company was the birthplace of progressive Irish dance, an innovative movement genre that “ushered in a new era for Irish step dance,” according to the Chicago Tribune. Through a blend of percussive power and aerial grace, Trinity Irish Dance Company sends a consistent message of female empowerment with a repertory that has elevated the art form for almost three decades. With inventive drive and a strong vision, the dance company has been revitalized in recent years, and it continues to carve new traditions for an ancient and beloved art form to this day.

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical

November 14 to 26

A comeback story like no other, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the ornate ceiling of The Fabulous Fox. One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. Featuring her greatest tunes, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.

The Polar Express Train Ride

November 17 to December 30

The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station is an important holiday tradition. Set to The Polar Express motion picture soundtrack, the magical experience takes guests on a journey to the North Pole aboard beautifully decorated trains. Families are encouraged to interact with the train conductor, The Polar Express characters, Santa Claus and his elves – and to wear their favorite seasonal pajamas for the occasion.

Ameren’s Thanks-For-Giving Parade

November 23

Celebrating its 39th year, the 2023 Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade will feature festive parade units, including musical floats and displays, dance groups, drumlines and marching bands from the St. Louis region. As always, Santa Claus will also attend the festivities to wish everyone a happy holiday season.

‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil

November 29 to December 10

‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show. Inspired by lines from the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore, the production tells the story of a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of Christmas. A festive flurry created especially for families, ‘Twas the Night Before… features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters and a soundtrack of Christmas favorites reinvented by Cirque du Soleil.

SCOOBY-DOO! Mansion Mayhem

Until January 15, 2024

Ruh-roh! Scooby-Doo and the gang will need your help to solve a gem of a mystery when the SCOOBY-DOO! Mansion Mayhem exhibit comes to The Magic House. The immersive experience allows visitors to analyze clues and put their problem-solving skills to the test. Young detectives and their families will work through the rooms of the mansion, meeting different characters of the iconic TV show that has captivated fans for more than five decades.