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.

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.

Kudos to the LouFest organizers on a fantastic festival this year! This year had a wonderfully…read morediverse lineup of talented acts. I loved the established favorites like Huey Lewis, Snoop Dog, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Weezer as well as the newer artists. ZZ Ward and Lecrae are definitely being added to my playlist. The food options were fantastic! They had everything from Dewey's Pizza and Sugarfire to Vicia and Evangeline's. Something delicious for everyone to nosh on. The lines got long at times as expected, but they moved well. The drink lines were the same. We loved the addition of the Malibu Beach House and the Fizz and Folly area. A bonus that you hardly ever witness at a festival: we never had to wait for more than a minute or two for a porta potty...and there was always paper. This was by far the best festival experience I've had in St. Louis. I can't wait for next year!

Ah, Loufest! 2010-2017. I think its safe to say that the festival is now a thing of the past - but…read moreif it does return sometime in the next few years, go ahead and say "I told you so!". In short, it was fun while it was happened. LouFest was supposed to be one of many "smaller" music and arts festivals that would be nothing like the "big boys" (Bonnaroo, Coachella, Lollapalooza) but more of a community-based festival like the ones that were popping up all over the country. I didn't attend the first five Loufests, regretfully, but the last three years were fun for me and my friends. It seemed that it was getting bigger each year, and the lineup of artists/bands was getting better. Loufest had one of the best diverse lineups, with genres of all kinds as well as past and present acts. 2018 was supposed to have classic acts like Robert Plant and hometowner Michael McDonald, along with current artists like Kacey Musgraves, the Brothers Osborne and Gary Clark Jr. You couldn't find another great lineup nearly anyplace else. Some of the middle-rung acts on the roster were found at some of the other festivals that year (caught some at Bonnaroo) and the headliners were very random. It was always like there was something for everyone, whether you enjoyed local goodness, Christian hip-hop or up-and-coming acts. Because of LouFest, I discovered plenty of great acts I still listen to and enjoy today (Lord Huron, Delta Rae, etc.). You had some of the best indie/alternative headliners such as TV on the Radio and Weezer, along with those that were headlining "big boy" festivals at times (LCD Soundsystem, OutKast). It was no wonder LouFest would have a sell-out attendance in recent years. People came from all around to attend this one-of-a-kind festival. And it wasn't just about the music: it was all about supporting local small businesses - including record stores, and of course the food! It was always great to check out some of the St. Louis-area restaurants and local brews. You had it in a great location in Forest Park - up until last year when they temporarily moved it behind the Muny. It was supposed to happen again this year for different reasons. As the old saying goes, "All good things must come to an end...". Unfortunately, it was a very sad, sudden end as it was announced three days before the 2018 festival that it was cancelled. Let me give you a little background: LouFest was going to continue into 2018, straight after the '17 one. Limited tickets were available in October of last year as well as Black Friday (me and my friend both bought ours that day). Their social media presence was alive and well up until May (the usual time when they announced the lineup). People like me got worried as there was no lineup, but finally in late June of this year, it was announced. Next came all the rumors behind all of the backstage drama. This was all about the financial part, but the people behind Loufest's social media accounts assured things were still happening on 9/8 and 9/9. Well, those rumors were put to rest on 9/5/2018. I really don't need to get into much detail about the cause(s) of the festival's demise. That can be found anywhere online. I do believe one of the reasons the 2018 festival didn't happen was crime. Yes, the C-word that is a common cancer to the St. Louis area. Near the end of August, St. Louis' Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner announced she would be no longer accepting cases from 28 St. Louis police officers. Way to go, Kim. (please note the sarcasm) Coincidentally, this is around the same time the festival's main sponsors bowed out. I'm sure it wasn't just for financial purposes. Of course, the lamestream media is not going to report this. I am glad that people did step up and support the businesses that were to participate in 2018's LouFest. I am still bummed to this day that it didn't happen and how it ended. What even stung more is that Robert Plant (while I'm glad he did perform in St. Louis) played at the Pageant and Loufest ticket holders didn't get first dibs (you know, like a lottery-type of thing...). What really should have been done was moving it to the Dome...after all, it's not like anything is going on there! But, St. Louis and logic don't usually go in the same sentence. Or common sense.

This place goes on forever !!!…read more Blew every single botanical garden I've been to so far in the U.S. Highly recommend this experience. The Dome is really special . Many plants I had never seen before , it was wild . We didn't even see everything it was so big. Museum , cafes , absolutely beautiful . My favorite were the Japanese gardens - so peaceful . Pro tip ; if you come in later , tickets are half price . You'll have to walk faster lol to get through it all . They also offer military discounts & other specials as well.

The garden is a destination for tourists and can also be a regular spot to enjoy nature and learn…read morefor residents. While the single day passes have increased in the 12+ years I've been visiting, it's proven that my longstanding festival membership pays for itself every year. Supporting the botanical garden with the membership not only allows me unlimited access to the garden grounds during operating hours, but also more options for events. Think the garden is only good when flowers are in bloom? No way! Come down for classes, exhibits, walks, and there's so many more to see than the roses and the tulips. Henry Shaw's house is open to the public with garden admission and the docents always have taught me something new when I go. The house is decorated beautifully for the winter holidays as well. Hope to see you at the garden!

This is one of my favorite events to attend! I have gone pretty much every year and I always have a…read moregreat time! Schlafly usually has a few beers to sample and of course they have a few you can purchase to enjoy while shopping. They also have food to purchase outside so that you don't have to go inside the restaurant if you don't want to. There are hundreds of local vendors selling different types of art. I think every year I find a new artist to buy something from. This year, I purchased some really cool wall art and my husband purchased a retro poster. I also purchased some local earrings for a friend that I know she will love. This is a good event to attend if you want to get out of the house and wander. No need to purchase anything, but you probably will. It's also a good place to purchase gifts for people at. I usually buy birthday presents and sometimes Christmas gifts here as well. Schlafly has had some really good beer specials in the past. You can purchase a pack of beer for just $5! I recommend going on the first day if possible or early on the 2nd day because they usually sell out by the third day. Oh, and they have live music and sometimes fun games to participate in as well. Art Outside has my vote and I look forward to next year!

This was a great casual art fair with a great variety of categories. A great way to enjoy art and…read moremeet the artists. They are very open to questions and some even had freebies! Location couldn't be better, giving you the chance to observe some local art with a local beer in hand!

Every year, my husband and I count the days until The Great Forest Park Balloon Race returns--and…read morewhen it does, it feels like pure magic. The sky transforms into a living canvas, painted with brilliant colors and whimsical shapes that seem to float straight out of a dream. There's a childlike wonder that sweeps over the crowd as the balloons rise--families spread out on blankets, friends laughing together, the smell of festival treats in the air, and that perfect mix of excitement and awe. Whether you're watching them inflate up close or gazing skyward as they drift gracefully over the city, it's impossible not to feel inspired. This is more than an event--it's a celebration of joy, beauty, and community. Visit their website to plan your whole weekend--you'll find schedules, activities, and everything you need to make the most of this unforgettable experience. If you've never been, go. If you have been, you already know... there's nothing quite like it.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race and Glow are something I look forward to every year. It's…read morealways on a weekend, and on Friday night, it starts with the balloon glow. All the balloons inflate and as it gets dark, they open up the field so you can walk around amongst the hot air balloons and the balloon pilots will light them up every few minutes and they will glow (this is after it gets dark). It looks really cool. The next day, they have the race. One balloon takes off and flies off then the others take off and follow it. It's really cool seen them all, especially in a city, which is unusual. Whether you choose to go to the glow or the race, it's a cool thing to do and see. Definitely recommend checking it out.

Went to Fair St. Louis for the 90's show in Kiener Plaza before the fireworks last night, July 4th…read more The "Fair" was pretty lame. A few food tents but really not that many tents with actual food- maybe about 4 or so. A few had sweets as well and the beer tents. The musical performances were fine, the stages were a bit too close together, so, in the grass where we were sitting, as were many others, you kind of struggled to concentrate your ears on one stage while also being accosted by the other. Really did not seem like there were that many activities for families either. The fireworks show was on the arch grounds so when the music stopped they announced that we should move down to the arch grounds for those which was, of course, packed, es expected. The show started about 15 minutes later than it was supposed to but they did make an announcement at least and we were PACKED around other people. They shoot the fireworks off from a barge in the water so a lot of the fireworks are pretty low and you pretty much need to be as close to the river/arch as you can to see them. TLDR: In the future I will skip baking in the sun for a lackluster fair and just slide into the arch grounds about an hour to an hour and a half before fireworks go off. Bring a deck of cards, or a book to keep you entertained while you wait, and be prepared to be packed in with people. Fireworks were about 35 minutes in 2022.

This party is the jam. St. Louis went all out and was super prudent with traffic planning…read more Unbelievable how many popular artists are on the bill for two stages and 3 days - free. The fireworks have been amazing. I love me some St .Louis and 'Merica.

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!