Spring brings endless activities to the Gateway City. If you’re looking for things to do in St. Louis in May, we’ve got awe-inspiring exhibitions, powerful performances, tasty traditions and festivals galore.
St. Louis is also the ultimate sports city. If you’re a fan, snag tickets to see one of our professional sports teams play in rip-roaring competitions in between these events.
Looking Back Toward the Future: Contemporary Photography from China
Until July 27
More than 40 large-scale photographs created in China between 1993 and 2006 make up Looking Back Toward the Future at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum. Featuring the work of 14 contemporary artists, the survey represents a wide cross section of the conceptual photography that flourished in the nation in the decades following the 1989 protests and massacre in Tiananmen Square – a pivotal moment of sociopolitical change that signaled the beginning of strict repressive measures and ended democratic social reforms that had been initiated after the death of communist leader Mao Zedong in 1976. The free exhibition is divided into three interrelated thematic sections – The Presence of the Past, East and West and Performance and the Body – which together explore how these artists used performance in conjunction with diverse photographic and aesthetic methods to capture, freeze and criticize the new sociopolitical, economic and cultural environment of China. On view for the first time at the museum, which sits on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, these glossy photographs constitute a significant recent addition to the institution’s holdings of contemporary Chinese art. Created during a tumultuous period of recent history, they together make visible the radical transformations that China underwent during these critical decades, challenging past, present and future.
Marvel Infinity Saga in Concert
May 1 to 3
Fans, new and old, can relive every iconic moment from the Marvel Cinematic Universe in this epic on-screen journey. Presenting 23 films in one momentous concert experience, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will play the heroic music that accompanies the earliest days of Iron Man, Captain America and Thor as well as the next wave of Avengers: Black Panther, Doctor Strange and Captain Marvel, among others. The Guardians of the Galaxy won’t miss the party either, dropping in to deliver a taste of their iconic mixtape backed by the orchestra. The spectacle culminates in the ultimate trials of the Infinity Saga.
Chinese Culture Days
May 2 and 3
In St. Louis, attending Chinese Culture Days at the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the most enticing – and the most exciting – ways to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. On May 2 and 3, the Garden will come to life with Chinese pageantry, music, dance and art. At the event, you can also immerse yourself in the history and legends of China while savoring traditional cuisine. Throughout the weekend, the Changchun Acrobatic Troupe will present a wide range of performances, including Chinese yo-yo, jar spinning, ground hoop and face changing, which is a traditional Sichuan opera performance art.
Foodies Eat First
May 2 and 3
STL Toasted, Fufu N’ Sauce, Steve’s Hot Dogs, Nicky Slices, Good Company, Dad’s Cookies, 4 Hands Brewing Co. and more – Foodies Eat First brings together some of the region’s most exciting flavors. The curated food festival spotlights innovative chefs, standout mixologists and craft makers, offering a delicious taste of St. Louis’ diverse and dynamic culinary scene.
Maifest: A German Celebration of Spring
May 2 to 17
Celebrate the season, German-style at Grant’s Farm. This month, the park elevates its signature family-friendly experience with traditional German fare, complimentary draft beers and commemorative steins available for purchase at Maifest. Enjoy live brass bands and all-day dancing, then explore beloved Grant’s Farm activities, from tram rides through Deer Park to up-close encounters with Budweiser Clydesdales.
Monty Python’s Spamalot
May 5 to 17
See the show that set Broadway back 1,000 years! Spamalot – lovingly ripped off from Monty Python and the Holy Grail – has everything that makes a great knight at the theater, from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery and, of course, the Lady of the Lake. “It’s unfair to make me laugh this much!” Peter Marks of The Washington Post exclaims. “Spamalot is a tightly packed clown car speeding to musical theater nirvana!”
Explore St. Louis Fest
May 6
This month, Explore St. Louis Fest will celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week with interactive booths and displays from top attractions and hotels throughout the region. The event will take over Together Credit Union Plaza at Ballpark Village, and it’s the perfect pit stop before heading to the St. Louis Cardinals game at 12:15 p.m. Whether you have tickets to the game or not, stop by to get ideas for your visit.
Laumeier Art Fair
May 8 to 10
Over Mother’s Day weekend, you can shop for one-of-a-kind artwork, savor tasty food and drinks, enjoy live music and entertainment and get creative with hands-on activities at one of the most unique attractions in St. Louis. Laumeier Sculpture Park is one of the first and largest dedicated sculpture parks in the U.S. – and the perfect setting for this exciting event. Attracting more than 17,000 patrons annually, the Laumeier Art Fair showcases 150 juried artists from across the country, who exhibit work in 10 media categories: ceramics, fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, 2D mixed media, painting, photography/digital, printmaking/drawing, sculpture and wood.
Bubbles & Blooms
May 10
Experience the timeless tradition of afternoon tea with a playful twist when The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis hosts Bubbles & Blooms on its beautiful, sun-soaked Solarium Rooftop Terrace this spring! Guests can enjoy a carefully curated selection of seasonal and classic tea sandwiches, housemade pastries and premium teas. Between bites and sips, they can also build their own bouquet. The experience comes with complimentary self-parking, and there will be sparkling wine and specialty cocktails for purchase.
Taste of Maplewood
May 15 and 16
Taste of Maplewood spotlights the neighborhood’s renowned restaurants, delightful libations, beloved boutiques and specialty stores. In its 18th year, the festival’s vibe is distinct and unmistakable, radiating the culture and character of the local businesses. In addition to food and drinks, visitors can enjoy live entertainment on two stages.
Pointfest
May 16
Staind, Blue October, Mammoth, Highly Suspect, From Ashes to New, Magnolia Park and Return to Dust – these artists and more will play during Pointfest at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis.
Oddities & Curiosities Expo
May 16 and 17
From funeral collectibles to quack medicine and odd jewelry to preserved specimens, The Oddities & Curiosities Expo is your destination for all things peculiar. Everything at the show is sustainably sourced and legal to own, and alongside carefully curated vendors, dealers, small businesses and artists, sideshow performers will entertain attendees throughout the weekend.
MJ
May 19 to 24
The music. The moves. The icon. Now, the unparalleled artistry of the greatest entertainer of all time comes to St. Louis as MJ, the Tony Award-winning musical centered on the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Created by Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson to legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ at The Fabulous Fox this May.
St. Louis African Arts Festival
May 23 to 25
The St. Louis African Arts Festival aims to increase awareness of the global contributions that African people and people of African descent have made through artistic, cultural and educational programs. In its 35th year, the festival is held at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park, drawing locals and visitors together to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of African and African American people. Attendees can enjoy the African marketplace with arts and crafts, clothing and jewelry, alongside cultural demonstrations, traditional foods and African films.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Festival Season
May 23 to June 28
Offering its signature mix of beloved classical operas and bold contemporary works, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis will present its 51st festival season from May 23 to June 28. Through the talents of hundreds of local, national and international artists, audiences will experience the magic of innovative storytelling as they travel between fantasy and reality, comedy and tragedy, love and revenge. The 2026 festival season includes The Pirates of Penzance (May 23 to June 27), The Light in the Piazza (May 30 to June 28), A Streetcar Named Desire (June 7 to 26) and Romeo and Juliet (June 13 to 27). All operas will be sung in English and accompanied by the Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
May 27 to June 21
“Hast thou dropped from heaven?” This summer, the answer is yes. The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival conjures The Tempest in Forest Park, offering a little sorcery under the summer sky. After a violent storm, travelers wash ashore on a mysterious island where nothing is quite as it seems. Ruled by Prospero – a mother and sorcerer haunted by betrayal – the island becomes a place where old wounds resurface. As tensions rise between Prospero, her daughter and the brother who stole her future, magic, romance and mischief bloom. The Tempest is a spellbinding story of forgiveness, love and finding your way home. Don’t miss one of the free performances between May 27 and June 21. “Every cultural hot spot in the world produces great Shakespeare, and St. Louis is one of them,” Tom Ridgely, producing artistic director for the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, says. “And here, you’re not experiencing it in a controlled environment; you’re immersed in nature, surrounded by people and animals. It reminds you what it means to be alive.”
Whitaker Music Festival
May 27 to July 29
The Missouri Botanical Garden is an idyllic place to listen to live music, and on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer, the garden hosts free, open-air concerts as part of the annual Whitaker Music Festival. To date, more than one million people have participated in the cherished St. Louis tradition, which promotes common heritage, celebrates diversity and encourages vitality within the community. Visitors can bring their own picnics, and food, beer, wine and sno-cones will be available for purchase.
Saint Louis Dance Theatre Spring Series
May 29 to 31
Saint Louis Dance Theatre’s season of love languages culminates in its spring series, featuring a profound examination of human connection. The weekend includes the company premiere of Stephanie Martinez’s kiss., which has been described by the choreographer as “my love letter” to the fundamental human need “to be seen, to be heard and to be honored.” The mesmerizing work emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when connection was most precious, and it uses movement as a language to express vulnerability and intimacy.
Missouri Bridal & Wedding Expo
May 31
Signed, sealed, delivered! The Missouri Bridal & Wedding Expo returns to America’s Center Convention Complex on May 31. The convention features an amazing selection of wedding professionals who can help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination and so much more. Admission is free with online registration or $10 at the door.
We can’t wait for these events, but there are more than 20 things to do in St. Louis in May. For more inspiration, check our events calendar.
