15 Things to Do in St. Louis This October

Who doesn’t love fall? The season is especially enjoyable in St. Louis, and this October, the events calendar is bursting with activities to keep the good times rolling.

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

Fright Fest

September 16 to October 29

With thrills both on and off the rides, Fright Fest at Six Flags St. Louis is one of the spookiest events of the season. During the day, family-friendly attractions abound, but at night, all the creatures that go bump in the night haunt the park. Expect rides in the dark, haunted houses and other scare zones.

Ecktoberfest

September 30 to October 22

Ecktoberfest features fun, family-friendly events on Eckert’s farm in Belleville, Illinois. Take a scenic wagon ride, enjoy live entertainment and treat your taste buds to caramel apples and cider donuts. At the children’s carnival, your little ones can ride a pony, feed a goat and get a thrill from the rides. On November 4 and 5, you can also shop ’til you drop at the Holiday Market Pop-Up at Eckert’s.

St. Louis VegFest

October 1

Since the first VegFest in 2018, the 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 2023 will happen rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

Best of Missouri Market

October 6 to 8

This fall, the Best of Missouri Market returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden with almost 100 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 7

Dance, eat and party in the streets of The Grove during this annual festival praised for its diversity. Live music, interactive art, street performers, fashion shows and a bubble bus set the tone, so you know that you’ll have a good time. While you’re in the area, fuel up at the Food Village, which boasts bites and sips from local establishments.

Beetlejuice

October 10 to 22

He earned his stripes on Broadway. Now, the ghost-with-the-most is coming to St. Louis. Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, an unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an astonishing set, an irreverent book and a score that’s out of this netherworld, Beetlejuice is “screamingly good fun,” according to Variety. Under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s also a remarkably touching show about family, love and making the most of every Day-O!

RuPaul’s Drag Race: Night of the Living Drag

October 12

Sashay into The Twilight Zone with the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race. During the 12th annual Night of the Living Dead Tour, you’ll witness the mysterious fates of Angeria Paris VanMicheals, Denali Foxx, Icesis Couture, Jaida Essence Hall, Jorgeous, Plastique Tiara, Rosé, Tayce Szura-Radix and host Yvie Oddly as the infamous Rod Serling.

Oktoberfest in Soulard

October 13 and 14

Home to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Biergarten, Soulard is the perfect location for Oktoberfest. The free, family-friendly event honors St. Louis’ German brewing traditions with multiple beer stands serving the best suds around town. Attendees can also enjoy traditional German food, a wine garden and live music.

The Gung Ho! Revolution Film Festival

October 13 and 14

A film festival by filmmakers for filmmakers, The Gung Ho! Revolution Film Festival aims to support, educate, showcase and reward talent from around the world. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting the art and science of filmmaking, with a long-term vision to become the go-to destination for the best ultra-low-budget films by 2030. In its second year, The Gung Ho! Revolution Film Festival sets itself apart from other film festivals by emphasizing both production and competition. Every year, the organization collaborates with a top-tier production team and five St. Louis locations to bring the winning script to life with the hope of identifying and elevating the careers of independent filmmakers while showcasing St. Louis and its unique character. See the winning script on the big screen along with other fantastic films at the St. Louis Public Library – Central Library this October.

Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration

October 14

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, the Great Rivers Greenway celebrates the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing with a reenactment at the site. 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. This year’s theme, From Field Hollas to Hip-Hop, recognizes the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop, as well.

St. Louis Street Food Festival

October 14 and 15

Ballpark Village will host the first St. Louis Street Food Festival on Oct. 14 and 15. The scrumptious weekend event will feature the area’s top food trucks and restaurants. The best part? All food items will be $5 or less – plus, you’re first drink is free! Sample a wide range of flavors as you enjoy eating competitions, cooking demonstrations, axe throwing, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and more.

St. Louis Beer Fest

October 21

More than 40 local and national breweries will come together for the St. Louis Beer Fest. There will be 120 beers available, and admission includes unlimited samplings as well as access to all the exhibits at the Saint Louis Science Center.

Fall Colors Expedition

October 21 and 22

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.

Haunted Happy Hour

October 26

Looking for a spooktacular evening? Head to The Magic House for Haunted Happy Hour! Attendees will enjoy a night of food, spirits and fun in the museum, featuring a haunted mansion tour, Halloween photo opportunities, a costume contest and more. Reservations are required, and you must be 21 or older to attend.

Apple Butter Festival

October 28 and 29

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.