15 Things to Do in St. Louis This October

Who doesn’t love fall? The season is especially enjoyable in the Gateway City, and our list of 15 things to do in St. Louis this October gives you umpteen ways to enjoy it.

Need more fresh trip ideas? Check our roundup of haunted happenings for hair-raising, spine-tingling events. If you can’t handle the horrors of Halloween, though, stick to theater and performing arts in St. Louis.

St. Louis Renaissance Festival

September 14 to October 27

Armored jousting, aerial acts, lively music, fine foods, vintage wares, new friends and plenty of cheer make up the St. Louis Renaissance Festival. Come and find what strikes you merry! The festival will take place on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 14 to Oct. 27, as well as Mon., Oct. 14, and festivities will proceed, rain or shine.

Ragtime

September 20 to October 20

At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing and anything is possible. A sweeping musical portrait of early 20th-century America, Ragtime tells the story of three families united by courage, compassion and a belief in not only the American dream but the promise of tomorrow. Told through a dazzling array of musical styles from the era, this Tony Award-winning musical presented by STAGES St. Louis is bursting with emotion and hope as the surprising interconnections of the heart are discovered and history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, and hope and despair are confronted.

A Night on the Farm: Pumpkin Painting and Cocktail Sipping

October 3 and 10

Eckert’s Farm in Belleville, Illinois, is the perfect place for fall fun. Head to the farm, grab a complimentary cocktail and enjoy an evening tractor ride through the fields. After cruising around the farm, you can paint a handpicked pumpkin while savoring a flight of signature hard ciders and a boxed snack pack. This is a great event for date night or girls’ night.

Best of Missouri Market

October 4 to 6

This fall, the Best of Missouri Market returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden with more than 120 vendors, offering unique handicrafts, locally produced foodstuffs, bespoke jewelry, native plants and more. Kids will also have a blast with fall-inspired activities such as sustainable pumpkin decorating.

Grovefest

October 5

Dance, eat and party in the streets of The Grove during this annual festival praised for its diversity. Live music, interactive art, street performers, drag shows and a bubble bus set the tone, so you know that you’ll have a good time. Want to immerse yourself in the fun? Enter the pizza eating contest, best mustache and beard contest or Fear Factor competition.

Historic Shaw Art Fair

October 5 and 6

A stone’s throw from the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Historic Shaw Art Fair takes place at the intersection of Flora Place and Tower Grove Avenue. The fine art fair features 130 artists showcasing their ceramics, paintings, pastels, photography, sculptures, woodwork and more. Food and music will supplement the art.

St. Louis VegFest

October 6

Since the first VegFest in 2018, this St. Louis event has grown to include approximately 70 vendors, expert speakers, entertainment, yoga and kid-friendly activities. This year, St. Louis VegFest will be held at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park, where you can learn more about the thriving vegan community in the region. St. Louis VegFest 2024 will happen rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

St. Louis Bourbon Festival

October 18

The St. Louis Bourbon Festival returns to the historic Lemp Mansion as part of St. Louis’ lineup of fall festivals and events. This year’s festival footprint doesn’t stop there, though. It has expanded along four city blocks with additional spaces to explore along Cherokee Street and Demenil Place. Imbibers can enjoy more than 500 whiskies from around the world, along with live music, street performers, food trucks and a scotch and cigar patio. Bottoms up!

Wolf Fest

October 19

Party with the pack at the Endangered Wolf Center! During Wolf Fest, you can embrace the best aspects of the unique attraction. After visiting wild canids such as red wolves, Mexican wolves, painted dogs and fennec foxes during an open house-style tour, you can enjoy food trucks, live music and kids’ activities with the whole family.

Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration

October 19

Mary Meachum and her husband, Reverend John Berry Meachum, were staunch abolitionists who dedicated their lives to educating and freeing enslaved people. On the night of May 21, 1855, Mary attempted to help a small group of enslaved people cross the Mississippi River, from St. Louis to Illinois, where slavery was outlawed. At least five enslaved people were caught, and Mary was arrested and charged in criminal court for assisting the “fugitives.” In 2001, the National Park Service recognized the site of the escape – which is now included in the Mississippi River Greenway – as part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Every year, Great Rivers Greenway celebrates the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing with a reenactment at the site. This year’s theme will explore the confluence of the past and the present as told through the story of a St. Louis family’s resistance to enslavement and the perspectives of young local artists today. The free community event also includes food, drinks, children’s activities, local artists and makers, live music from various eras and skits that showcase historical scenes from Black communities in St. Louis.

Fall Colors Expedition

October 19 and 20

Join Big Muddy Adventures on a breathtaking journey through the Missouri River Valley via canoe. This overnight expedition will cover 30 miles of the Missouri River, including incredible views of fiery fall foliage – plus, riverside tent camping, meals and snacks. You don’t need paddling experience, but participants must be 18 or older.

An Evening with David Sedaris

October 22

David Sedaris, author of bestsellers Calypso, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and a regular National Public Radio contributor, will appear for one night only at Stifel Theatre following the release of his newest books Happy Go Lucky and Pretty Ugly. This is a unique opportunity to see the best-selling humorist in an intimate setting. As always, Sedaris will offer a selection of all-new readings and recollections, as well as a Q&A session and book signing. Books will be available for sale at the event, courtesy of Left Bank Books.

Saint Louis Dance Theatre Fall Concert

October 24 to 27

To open its season, Saint Louis Dance Theatre will present a collection of stunning works by cherished artists of varied generations. Following his 11-year tenure as artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Robert Battle will share his beloved duet Unfold set to “Depuis Le Jour” performed by legendary opera singer Leontyne Price. The program will feature the 1942 solo Chaconne by dance pioneer José Limón, who blends the formal austerity of the traditional Mexican dance with the powerful emotion of the music. And audiences will be among the first to see world premieres by Saint Louis Dance Theatre artistic director Kirven Douthit-Boyd and renowned guest artist Jamar Roberts, described by Dance Magazine as “a choreographic voice of uncommon force and originality.”

Bands of America

October 25 and 26

Returning to The Dome at America’s Center this month, Bands of America is a music education advocacy organization and promoter of high school marching band competitions in the U.S. The Bands of America St. Louis Super Regional Championship will feature more than 60 high school marching bands – and you can see the spectacle for yourself!

Apple Butter Festival

October 26 and 27

Attracting more than 100,000 visitors every year, the Apple Butter Festival is the largest event in Kimmswick. While participants can enjoy the small-town ambiance, live entertainment and between 500 and 600 food, drink and craft vendors, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, too. On Friday, the Kimmswick Historical Society gathers to peel and prepare the apples. Then, before dawn on Saturday and Sunday, the apples are cooked in a kettle over a wood-burning fire until the fragrant spread is thick enough to seal in jars. After one taste of the apple butter, you’ll want to stock your pantry with the indulgence.