St. Louis, Missouri, is famous for blues, baseball, barbecue, and the Arch, but that’s not all it has to offer. Throughout the year, the city plays host to some of the best fall festivals in the Midwest. Get out and enjoy the wonderful people, places, food, drink, and entertainment at these can’t-miss events.
LouFest
Started in 2010, LouFest has grown to become one of the most acclaimed music festivals in the Midwest. This year, the event takes place on Sept. 8 and 9 in beautiful Forest Park across three stages. One stage is reserved for a local artist showcase, but the other two feature popular bands across numerous genres.
This year’s headliners include country music diva Kacey Musgraves, rock legend Robert Plant, indie rockers Modest Mouse, roots and folk rockers The Head and the Heart, auto-tune legend T-Pain, and modern blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr. Tickets start at $60 for a one-day pass.
Q In the Lou
From Sept. 21 to 23 at Kiener Plaza downtown, enjoy mouthwatering barbecue from the area’s top restaurants and pitmasters at Q in the Lou. This free annual event offers food stalls, drink stands, live music, and the famous BBQ School, where pitmasters show you the techniques behind their award-winning barbecue. In total, vendors smoke over 18,000 pounds of meat, making Q in the Lou one of the largest barbecue festivals in the Midwest.
If you love being treated like royalty, try one of their VIP packages. For $35, you can eat and drink to your heart’s content before the Cardinals battle the San Francisco Giants. VIP options are also available at various prices.
Soulard Oktoberfest
On Oct. 12 and 13, get your drinking shoes and lederhosen on for Soulard’s annual Oktoberfest. Taking place in St. Louis’ most lively neighborhood, this event invites attendees to celebrate the German heritage of the area by chowing down on authentic German food, listening to live polka bands, enjoying the wine garden, or loading up your commemorative stein with domestics and local craft beer.
Brew in the Lou
The 6th annual Brew in the Lou (and Fine Wine Too) — as it’s officially called — takes place this year at Francis Park in St. Louis Hills on Oct. 13. For $40 in advance or $50 the day of the event, you can enjoy beer from local craft breweries such as Schlafly and Four Hands, guzzle some wine from Missouri wine country, and gorge yourself on chili and brats. If you’re feeling adventurous, make a brew of your own for the Home Brew Competition and year-long bragging rights.
Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival
With over 100,000 guests each year, the Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival is one of the most popular festivals in the St. Louis area. On Oct. 27th and 28th, you can stroll around historic downtown Kimmswick for crafts, food, drinks, and fun. Don’t leave without sampling their famous apple butter, which is tasty on just about anything.
There’s nothing like autumn in St. Louis. With crisp autumn air, good company, and these festivals, it’s the season that you’ll look forward to year after year.
Image via Flickr by Gillardi