As far as festivals go in the area this is one of the bigger interesting ones. They have a big…read moreassortment of what i call "fair food" and it all seemed like it was very likeable and easy on the wallet. They had a huge tent for dancing. We also got to see a kids area that they had dancers in Disney characters contests...they were kindof scary looking characters i guess the costumes are like a knockoff kind or something. The thing they are known for is there giant skillet meal, i had this it was pretty darn good and only $6.00. They also have a chicken dinner which i found out about after I had eaten, there was quite a big line for it and they even have it done by a number series...fyi the kids eat free only works with a paying adult. They also have a huge garage sale type thing, everything you could cram into a brown bag for $5.00. Just a bunch of junk to me, but it could be your treasure! They also have carnival type games here along with bingo at certain times and live entertainment. This place was well worth it to come to, i would come again next year.

This is pretty typical of a small town festival:…read more - over priced food and drinks - crappy carnival game prizes - over priced junk at rummage sale - people selling their homemade junk - local "talent" for the entertainment - lots of drunk people - old ladies playing bingo If you are into all of that, then by all means: have at it. I think I'll stay home and enjoy the peace and quiet.

It has been three years since I started this review, and I feel like it deserves to be completed…read moreand posted. The Aviston St. Francis de Assisi Parish Picnic and Festival has become a summer annual tradition for my partner's family for many years. We travel the 4.5 hours from Chicago to the rural town just to take it all in. Here's how it works: -Buy your dinner ticket (just $9 for all-you-can-eat "Thanksgiving-eque" dinner) which runs from 3:30 until 8 pm. They're so organized that you can also get carry-out between the hours of 3-7 pm. The picnic kicks off first with an old school Polka musician playing tunes while you wait under a tent for your dinner ticket number to be called. -Meanwhile, check out the Country Store pitched under a tent with handmade quilted items, pastries and vegetables for purchase. -Once your number gets called, step into the Old School House building, downstairs into the cafeteria to choose one of the many pie slices made by local women. Place it at your seat to save your spot and get in the food line. Fill up your plate with a selection of delicious fried chicken, roast beef, green beans, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cucumber salad, cole slaw and bread. Some of the freshest homemade dinners you'll ever eat!! I think the chickens are killed shortly before the picnic, just sayin'. -After filling up on food for the evening, go directly to Kopff Field where wooden benches sit to play several rounds of $1 (per card for 4 rounds) Quilt Bingo, beginning at 6:30 pm. If you are the only round's winner, you'll earn a gorgeous homemade quilt made by ladies within the town. If it's a tie, you used to earn a pair of white towels, but they recently switched it to WalMart gift cards. Just beware of all the chain smokers in the vicinity. -Once you're all Bingo-ed (or smoked) out, step up to play Poker. Winners win a six pack of beer or southern Illinois' own, Ski Soda (a citrus orange-lemon soda similar to Squirt or Mountain Dew). -If you get thirsty and aren't very lucky at playing Poker, visit one of the several Beer Booths to drink your sorrows away (requires tickets to be purchased and sold by the cup or pitcher). There are also a tropical-themed Margarita and a wine booth. -For the kids, there's several small carnival rides, games, basket raffles, and toys for purchase. This will easily keep them busy for hours, plus a field and playground to run around in are also nearby. In the end, it's all about walking out with a quilt in hand, having a good time, and supporting a small town in need of support. If you ask me, it has been worth driving from Chicago--even though we get the occasional, "You ain't from 'round here, are ya?"

The community really works hard to bring this all together. There are rides for the kids and you…read morecan buy a wristband that is good for the whole event. There are games and raffles. There is the country store for those of us not lucky enough to win the things we want. Lol. All and all it is a great family event. There are people who come from all over, you should come too.

St. Louis Wine Festival is a great annual event that includes wine sampling from a selection of…read moremore than 200 wines from around the world. Live local music, food from local restaurants, and a beautiful view at the basin of Art Hill are the backdrop for the festival. Wine seminars and cooking demonstrations are also included. Ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, & Festival Program. This year the event will be held September 27-28, 2008. Saturday, September 27 12:00 to 7:00PM Ticket sales end at 5:30PM, alcohol sampling and sales end at 6:30PM Sunday, September 28 12:00 to 6:00PM Ticket sales end at 4:30PM, alcohol sampling and sales end at 5:30PM Advance tickets are available for $20 (purchase by 9/26/08) or $25 at the door. Order on-line http://www.stlouiswinefestival.com/InPLAY-FestivalFacts.htm or call 888-210-0074. Volunteers are also needed. Contact Fuel to sign up to volunteer for a shift and attend the event for free volunteer@fuelforthecity.org.

What an awesome event! I can't believe it's been going on for 5 years, and yesterday was my first…read moretime attending! The whole thing takes place on Art Hill. A TON of wineries participated in the event, which was neat. I'm not a huge wine person. I couldn't tell you the difference between pinot grigio and chardonnay. I don't know how to pair wines with particular foods. All I know is that I like sweet wines! Every vendor that I spoke with had representatives working who seemed to be very knowledgeable about wines, which was a plus. I tried lots of tasty wines! The entry fee isn't too bad; $25 a person, which gives you 10 tickets for 10 tastings of wine (additional tickets can be purchased for $5 per 10). This year they also had a Stella Artois beer seminar (free!) which was very interesting and informative. I have so much more respect now for (good) beer! If you're not into wine, they also had booths with food from various local restaurants, as well as live music. Super cool event! Can't wait to attend again next year!

This was my first time coming to this event. There were vendors from all around the world cooking…read moreup some good food and drinks. There were also vendors there selling clothes, jewelry and other products. There were two stages for the numerous amount of performers that will be there over the span of the weekend. There were also art installations which were great for social media and pic opportunities. I would highly suggest not doing what we did and show up later to this festival because parking is an absolute nightmare. There are vendors selling drinks too (alcoholic and Non-alcoholic drinks). This is a family event or to go with groups of friends.

-- A Passport to the World, Right in St. Louis…read more The Festival of Nations is one of those events that makes you fall in love with St. Louis all over again. For a weekend, the beautiful Tower Grove Park -- a historic landmark and true center of the community -- transforms into a living, breathing celebration of cultures from around the globe. Each tent, stage, and food stand offers a chance to step into someone else's world for a few moments. You can taste flavors from continents apart, hear music that spans generations, and watch traditional dances performed with pride and joy. From the sizzle of street food to the swirl of colorful costumes, every detail feels like an authentic gift from the communities who call St. Louis home. What I love most is that it's not just a food and music festival -- it's a chance to meet your neighbors, learn their stories, and understand the history and traditions they carry. It's a reminder that our city's strength comes from its diversity. The Festival of Nations is more than an event -- it's an invitation. An invitation to listen, to celebrate, and to honor the cultures that make St. Louis a true crossroads of the world. Bring your curiosity, your appetite, and your respect, and you'll leave richer than you arrived.

Went on Sunday, their day three of the event and after reading about this being the top art fair in…read morethe nation, it was pretty disappointing. The weekend prior, I went to Laumiere's and that one far exceeded art on the square, seemed bigger, more planned out and actually fun. We drove over an hour out when they were open for a least a half hour but there were still booths that were closed or not set up. The food places were also not open so we went into a little popcorn place to get a snack. Expectations fell short and not sure how they received that title. Got my steps in though!

I have not been to Art on the Square in years. We went on Saturday afternoon, they were all…read moreprepared for the rains which only lasted for a few minutes. The artist seemed to not be affected by the weather. I was impressed with the artwork on display. We had photography, water colors, mixed media, metals, jewelry but the one booth that caught my attention was made with all magazine pages. The artist told me that he cuts words or phrases out of magazine and creates his art. He had a picture of a building that he had hand cut every window out and placed a phrase in it. It was amazing. He spent 50 hours creating it. He was asking $1900. Belleville had it spread out nicely and there was enough room for people to walk around and browse. Food, wine, beer and water was available for you to purchase. They had musicians playing and even an kid art creation station. This is held every May, and sadly you does usually rain. It is a must see for you and the family.

This can be a good family outing and I hope it stays this way. I attended on a Friday evening and…read morebecause of the okay weather it was crowded. I was thinking wow all these people to see balloons glow? Is it the food and higher prices or drinks? Nope, it's the time we all come out to support and come together without judgement and feel safe. we can stretch out on the ground and bloop just about anywhere and bring our own or buy to support ( because that's what we are doing when we pay those prices) We choose to battle the traffic and walk through the people to gather for something to do without nonsense. Don't get me wrong yes, we have our few a holes and it is what it is especially when so many cultures cross without regard. However it does not stop us from the thing to do in September right before we know summer will end now .... but tell that to STL... LOL!

This is one of the many fun and free events in St Louis and it pains me to say that having lived in…read morethe area for almost a decade, this was my first year checking this event out. My friends dragged me here, albeit not kicking and screaming but there were definitely some initial resistance due to crowd and traffic. The usual introverted enemies. I'm glad I allowed them to drag me here though. While I totally missed out on the Glow activities, I got to witness the actual race which was fun, filled with entertainment, and a few choice food trucks and vendors to satisfy some of your food and drink cravings while enjoying some fanciful balloons. Yes, parking can be a slight mess but if you come early and exercise patience, the event is actually quite enjoyable. There were face painting booths for the young ones, bunnies to pet, drink trucks for your imbibing needs, and food booths and trucks for your hungry bellies. Walking around the part of Forest park where they held the races is also quite fun. I got to meet some friendly corgi owners and most importantly, their corgis! It is a dog friendly event which means, for you non-people lovers, there is a great chance of meeting a four-legged friend or two. After the races, the inflated balloons did stick around for the general public to check out. I had a great time and got to marvel at the colorful hot air balloons. Did I mention this event is free?!

Review for 2025. Clayton MO…read more There were fewer restaurants than I expected. There were also some vendors and shops for tshirts. I enjoyed the event but it was hot. I tried places I had not in the past. Peacemaker lobster. So good. Had the mini roll. The bread was fresh, buttery, crispy. The lobster was tasty with the right amount of mayo. Juan tacos. Birra taco was the best. Came out hot. Was not greasy at all. Very tasty. Wools get again. The chicken taco was good. The steak taco was ok. The taste frozen lemonade was very refreshing and good. The creek bros lemonade was good but the sugar crystals were interesting to chew on. Parking can be challenging in Clayton but meters are free on the weekend. There's definitely a lot of restaurants. Quite a few caterers. Some brought their own chairs, else eat while standing. There was some shade which was a welcome relief to the 98 degree heat index. Always a good time when looking to try many new things.

There should have been shaded areas to sit and enjoy the ambience, food & entertainment. Should…read morehave been better laid out similar to the Clayton Arts festival. They could have had air-mist sprayers, cooling off areas, tents, large coverings & concern for the visitors. I went on Sunday because I thought it would be a great time since Clayton is a great area for Dining, shopping. Etc... Only stayed for an hour because it felt like a big cheap food truck(s) gathering without much vision, care & empathy for families - especially with children. Saint Louis is a vastly underrated city that needs to step up for events to attract visitors, locals, farmer markets, more diverse restaurants offerings and affordable Options especially in the grueling heat walking on asphalt with no escape/shade from the 100" degree baked sun! Gus's chicken was excellent, Jon's pipe shop was great & the Make-a-wish charities did a great job!

if you have any level of disability, all costs. They removed the elevators and installed a ramp…read more twice as long but they stack the able-bodied on it and provide no relief for wheelchair users. Many of the handicap spots have been co-opted for stalls. The show itself has activities walkways meaning unless you can go into the grass or the gravel, you are stuck until people take mercy on you. And if you don't have credit or debit cards, you must buy a cash card, which has five dollar a month fees, cannot be reused or refilled, and cannot be recycled. If I could leave a zero review I would. One star is too generous

I love this event and come every year From elegant…read morecalligraphy and beautiful kimonos to delicious ajapanes foods and the loud rhythms of the taiko drums, there is SO MUCH to do, see, hear, taste, and experience. If you only go to one diecisiete event at the gardens, this is the one I recommend. Be warned, though: Labor Day weekend is often very hot, and its an incredibly popular festival with large crowds and difficult parking. Bring a water bottle, and be prepared to show up early or leave plenty of time to find parking. Tip: show up to the festivals' indoor shows and demonstrations at least 30 minutes before start to get chair seating.