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Oktoberfest at Grant’s Farm

• When: Sept. 5-7 and Sept. 12-14
• Where: Grant’s Farm, 10501
• Gravois Road
• How much: Free
• More info:

Oktoberfest at the Busch family home is included with free general admission and features plenty of beer (of course), German food, dancing and more.

St. Louis Art Fair

• When: 5-10 p.m. Sept. 5, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7
• Where: Downtown Clayton
• How much: Free
• More info:

More than 200 artists from around the country as well as local artists converge on downtown Clayton every year. There will be food trucks, live performances and, new this year, a coloring contest.

Art Outside Art Fair

• When: 5-9 p.m. Sept. 5, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 7
• Where: Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood
• How much: Free
• More info:

Schlafly bills this as an “alternative art festival� at its Maplewood location. More than 60 artists participate, and you’ll find plenty of beer, festival food and live music. Keep in mind, the festival takes place on Schlafly’s parking lot, so find street parking or nearby lots.

Jack’s Lighted Trail at Eckert’s Farm

• When: 7-10 p.m. Sept. 13- Nov. 1; Fridays and Saturdays in September, Thursdays to Sundays in October and Nov. 1
• Where: Eckert’s Farm, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville
• How much: Free
• More info:

This new walkable attraction immerses visitors in glowing displays of pumpkin sculptures, photo ops and festive surprises around every corner. Combine your visit with fall apple picking or visit the adult-only Spook-Easy for themed cocktails on special pop-up dates.

Wentzville Fall Festival

• When: 5-9:30 p.m. Sept. 12, noon-9:30 p.m. Sept. 13
• Where: Main Street at Linn Ave., Wentzville
• How much: Free
• More info:

East Main Street in Wentzville will be lined with vendors selling goods both edible and not, while at a nearby stage an assortment of bands (the Luke Queen Band, Russo & Co, Run Forest Run, the Lucky Old Sons, On the Fence and Pink Houses USA) will be cranking up the music. A bubble bus and dreamtime princess events will entertain kids.

Greentree Festival

• When: 5-10 p.m. Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 14
• Where: Kirkwood Park, 111 South Geyer Road
• How much: Free
• More info:

This year’s theme is “Carnival of Traditions,� and you can bet there will be music, carnival rides, crafts, performers, food and more to go along with it. Highlights include a kids dog show on Friday and the Greentree parade at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Mosaics Fine Art Festival

• When: 4-9 p.m. Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 14
• Where: Historic North Main St., St. Charles
• How much: Free
• More info:

More than 100 artists will convene in St. Charles to show and sell their best work in clay, fibers, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, oil and acrylic paint, pastels, photography, prints, sculpture, watercolor and wood. There will also be a children’s village and a pet adoption area, “Artists for Adoption – Pet Pavilion,� in partnership with Stray Paws Rescue, which is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13-14.

Fright Fest

• When: Various days from Sept. 13-Nov. 3
• Where: Six Flags St. Louis, 4900 Six Flags Road, Eureka
• How much: $29
• More info:

Get ready for seven scare zones, four haunted attractions, a variety of scary shows and parties and already terrifying roller coasters at Six Flags’ annual Fright Fest. The haunted houses require an additional Haunted Attractions Pass. Fright Fest is not recommended for kids under 13, but don’t worry, younger kids have their own Halloween celebration: Boo Fest, with family-friendly mazes, dancing and character meet-and-greets on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

Alton Pride Festival

• When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 13
• Where: Belle Street, Alton
• How much: Free
• More info:

With vendor booths, food trucks, live music, wrestling matches and drag performances, Alton Pride’s fourth Annual Pride Festival competes with the best of them. The party starts at 11 a.m. in front of the famed Bubby and Sissy’s Bar and Nightclub in historic Alton.

St. Louis Renaissance Festival

• When: Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 13 to Oct. 26
• Where: Rotary Park, 2577 West Meyer Road, Wentzville
• How much: $25.24, $21.93 seniors 65 and older, $17.51 children 5-12. Dogs are $10.
• More info:

In the fictional town of Petit Lyon, revelers can re-create the glories of the Renaissance by feasting on turkey legs, enjoying a bout of jousting or two, being mystified by magicians, singing along with polyphonic motets, trying their hand at archery and more.

Jazz St. Louis Parade

• When: 5:30-8 p.m. Sept. 16
• Where: Grand Center
• How much: Free
• More info:

To kick off its 30th anniversary season, Jazz St. Louis is hosting a lively second line-style parade and public celebration in Grand Center. The event will be led by legendary New Orleans drummer Herlin Riley and local media personality Yolonda Lankford and feature performances by three St. Louis brass bands.

Italian Fest

• When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 19-20
• Where: 221 West Main St., Collinsville
• How much: Free
• More info:

How do you know if it’s an Italian festival? If it has a bocce ball tournament. Also if it has a grape-stomping, both of which are at the Collinsville festival, along with more than 30 food stands generally selling Italian food. There will also be live music, a 5K run, activities for kids and a Little Miss & Mr. Pageant.

Arnold Days

• When: Sept. 19-21
• Where: Arnold City Park, 2400 Bradley Beach Road, Arnold
• How much: Free
• More info:

This community festival has everything: arts and craft booths, a car show, a fishing tournament, a carnival, food, music and nightly fireworks. Last year, there was also a petting zoo, a reptile show, a baby crawling contest and pro wrestling.

Belleville Oktoberfest

• When: Sept. 20-21
• Where: Public Square, Belleville
• How much: Free
• More info:

Three stages provide music with concerts from Grand Allusion, the Dave Mendoza Band and more. Entertainment also includes a wiener dog race and costume contest, a corn hole tournament, a car show, a stein-holding contest and children’s area.

Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival

• When: Sept. 19-21
• Where: Soulard Park, 7th Street and Lafayette Avenue
• How much: Free
• More info:

The mission: to raise regional awareness of the cultural contributions made by the Hispanic community through art, music and cuisine. The method: Latin music, folk dancers, food and fun.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race

• When: 5-9:15 p.m. Sept. 19 (glow), 1-6 p.m. Sept. 20 (race)
• Where: Emerson Central Fields, Forest Park
• How much: Free
• More info:

One of the region’s best-loved traditions, now in its 53rd year, features dozens of hot air balloons first lighting up with an impressive nighttime glow and then chasing a “hare� balloon. But it’s a St. Louis festival, so that means there will also be no end of other events, with food, drink, music (from DJs) and fireworks on Sept. 19.

Augusta Harvest Festival

• When: Sept. 19-20
• Where: Augusta Town Square, 5577 Walnut St., Augusta
• How much: Free
• More info:

The festival kicks off Sept. 19 with “Swingin’ in the Vines�, a gourmet picnic at Honey Bee Vineyard ($125 for two). The next day, enjoy a free festival with plenty of food and drink, a pie-eating contest, a parade, a bounce house for kids and pony rides (also for kids).

Affton-Lemay Community Parade

• When: 10 a.m. Sept. 20
• Where: From Affton High School to Bayless Elementary School
• How much: Free
• More info:

Celebrate “Capes, Courage & Community� at this annual parade featuring floats, marching bands, schools, churches and local organizations. Don’t miss the afterparty at 9 Mile Garden, with food trucks, a foam party and inflatables.

Frizz Fest

• When: Noon-7 p.m. Sept. 20
• Where: Tower Grove Park, South Grand entrance
• How much: Free, but donations are accepted
• More info:

It’s a festival devoted to Black hair, but of course it is more than that: It celebrates the natural beauty and culture of African Americans in general. So along with a hair fair and a hair show, there will be art, food, a farmers market, dancing and music highlighted by headliner Melanie Fiona.

Street Art Fest

• When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 20
• Where: Town Square, Highland
• How much: Free
• More info:

Once a year, artists take to the streets of Highland, Illinois, turning the roads into chalk masterpieces of stunning quality and expressiveness. The works are judged, too, in both professional and amateur divisions for several age groups. Non-artists can have fun, too, with food, drink, entertainment, shopping and more.

South Grand Fall and Music Fest

• When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 20
• Where: Grand Boulevard, from Arsenal to Humphrey Street
• How much: Free
• More info:

This street festival will include 70 vendors selling handmade crafts, boutique items and everything in between, as well as face-painting and balloon art. Live music will play until 8 p.m.

St. Louis Oktoberfest

• When: Noon-11:30 p.m. Sept. 26-27, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 28
• Where: Urban Chestnut Brewery in the Grove, 4465 Manchester Ave. (Sept. 26-27), Urban Chestnut Brewery in Midtown (Sept. 28)
• How much: Free
• More info:

The region’s only traveling Oktoberfest begins in the Grove for two days before staggering over to Midtown. The live music will include traditional German (and polka) music; contests will be held to determine who can hold a beer stein for the longest time, plus, there will be a silent disco and Oktoberfest-themed craft vendors.

Edwardsville Art Fair

• When: 5-9 p.m. Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 28
• Where: City Park, 101 South Buchanan St., Edwardsville
• How much: Free
• More info:

Any time you get more than 100 local, regional and national artists together to sell their work, you’re guaranteed to wind up with works that will appeal to everyone. The Edwardsville version is juried, so the art is better than some, and will include live art demonstrations, a children’s art gallery and food and drink.

St. Charles Oktoberfest

• When: 4-11 p.m. Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 28
• Where: Frontier Park, St. Charles
• How much: Free
• More info:

St. Charles’ riverfront turns into Bavaria with plenty of food and drink but also wiener dog races, a car show and a brat-eating contest.

Tower Grove Pride

• When: Sept. 27-28
• Where: Tower Grove Park, Main Drive from Grand Boulevard to Center Cross
• How much: Free
• More info:

LGBTQ pride gets several festivals in this region, including this one among the peaceful splendor and the Victorian charm (and the ducks and the geese) of Tower Grove Park. Three stages will provide live bands, DJs, drag performances and more. The People’s Joy Parade will kick off Sept. 28 at 1 p.m.

Fright at the Museum

• When: Fridays-Sundays, Oct. 1-26
• Where: City Museum, 750 North 16th St.
• How much: Free with regular admission, $20
• More info:

The City Museum is already full of wild surprises around every corner. Now, imagine those with Halloween-themed frights. Doc Terminus’ Odditorium awaits, as does spooky storytelling, the Coven & Cauldron pub and the Vampire bar.

Halloween Nights at Grant’s Farm

• When: 5-9 p.m. Thursdays, 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 5-9 p.m. Sundays from Oct. 2-30
• Where: Grant’s Farm, 10501 Gravois Road
• How much: $12
• More info:

The regular tram ride becomes a haunted tram ride through miles of lights, decorations and scary tableaux, followed by Halloween-themed areas, a magic show, a haunted scare zone and a monster mash dance party. The Grant’s Farm folks warn that some parts may be too frightening for young children.

St. Louis Bourbon Festival

• When: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 3
• Where: The Lemp Grand Hall and Lofts, 1817 Cherokee St.
• How much: $65 (VIP $120-$175)
• More info:

More than 600 types of bourbon, whiskey, rye and Scotch from around the world are the draw to this annual festival that takes up four city blocks. Between sips, serious whiskeyholics can enjoy a good cigar and check out the strolling street performers.

Best of Missouri Market

• When: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 3; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 4-5
• Where: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd.
• How much: $18, $9 garden members and children 3-12, free children under 3 and member children 12 and under
• More info:

More than 120 regional artists, crafters and sellers of artisanal foods come together every year to sell all of that plus plants, booze and more. The price includes entry to the garden.

Zootoberfest

• When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12 and 5-8 p.m. Oct. 10
• Where: St. Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive, in Forest Park
• How much: Free
• More info:

Visit the zoo’s animals and enjoy live polka music. German-inspired food is available for purchase, along with apple cider, root beer and other soft drinks. Beer trailers throughout the zoo offer a variety of local and craft brews. An exclusive Zootoberfest beer stein with discounts for refills is available for purchase (while supplies last).

Grovefest

• When: 3-11 p.m. Oct. 4
• Where: The Grove, Manchester Avenue between Vandeventer and Kingshighway
• How much: Free
• More info:

Music, vendors, food trucks and a kids zone from 3-6 p.m. start the festivities. Headliners Unknown Mortal Orchestra will close out the night with a show at 9:45. Before that, NandoSTL, and others will be on stage.

Metro East Pride Fest

• When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 4
• Where: Veterans Fountain and East Main Street, Belleville
• How much: Free
• More info:

The festival will feature a lineup of entertainment, including Silly Sally on the Pride Stage, NoCo Incidents on the Main Stage, and Bad Habit STL headlining the night. The evening will wrap up with a drag show. And of course you’ll find food and drink, community booths and a kids area where they will be making tie-dye apparel.

Historic Shaw Art Fair

• When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 5
• Where: Flora Place and Tower Grove Avenue
• How much: $8 in advance, $10 at the gate; 14 and under free.
• More info:

The Shaw Art Fair brings together 120 artists — many from around the country — who will show (and sell!) their works in pretty much every medium you can think of. With food, music and an art gallery from local schools.

St. Louis Vegfest

• When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 5
• Where: World’s Fair Pavilion, 1904 Concourse Drive, in Forest Park
• How much: Free
• More info:

Vegans enjoy a world without cruelty to animals, which means no meat, no seafood, no dairy, no eggs, no honey, no leather nor any other products that require the exploitation of nonhuman animals. Expect plenty of plant-based food and other products, yoga and entertainment.

Columbia FestiFall

• When: 1-6 p.m. Oct. 5
• Where: Metter Park, 106 North Metter Ave., Columbia, Illinois
• How much: Free
• More info:

Celebrate fall with unique vendors, music by the Z Band, and food and drink including authentic German potato pancakes. Upper Limits will have a rock climbing wall; there will be kids inflatables and more.

Boo at the Zoo

• When: 5-8:30 p.m. Oct. 16-30
• Where: St. Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive, in Forest Park
• How much: $10-$15
• More info:

The zoo opens at night for some not-very-scary Halloween thrills, plus you can see a limited number of zoo animals. There will be decorations and actors standing by to (not really) scare you, along with live entertainment, food and drinks. Note, this is not a trick-or-treating event. Oct. 14 will be sensory-friendly Boo at the Zoo with sensory maps, quiet areas and trained staff to assist individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Galaxy Con

• When: 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 10; 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 11; 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Oct. 12
• Where: America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza
• How much: $40-$299
• More info:

Come for the celebs — “Weird Al� Yankovic, William Shatner, Giancarlo Esposito, Joey Fatone and many more — and stay for the cosplay competitions, table-top gaming, video game and exhibits.

St. Louis Rare Book Fair

• When: Preview night is 4-8 p.m. Oct. 10; main fair is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 11
• Where: Missouri Athletic Club, 405 Washington Ave.
• How much: $50 for Friday; $10, $8 for student, free under 16 on Saturday
• More info:

This inaugural event will bring dozens of booksellers to the Missouri Athletic Club, selling thousands of books, maps, prints and ephemera on a range of subjects.

Fest-of-Ale

• When: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 10
• Where: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd.
• How much: $50, $40 garden members, $15 designated drivers
• More info:

More than 20 local breweries will be offering samples of their beers. There will be food to wash down all that ale, plus live music.

Soulard Oktoberfest

• When: 4-11 p.m. Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 12
• Where: Soulard Market Park, South 8th Street
• How much: Free
• More info:

There will be beer, lots of beer served in large steins if you like. German food will also be on tap, as it were, and there will be singing, dancing and games. You can upgrade to the Budweiser VIP tent for $30. That will get you exclusive entertainment and premium beer options as well as a 1-liter stein.

Brew in the Lou

• When: 1-5 p.m. Oct. 11
• Where: Lily Pond, Francis Park
• How much: $65, $55 in advance
• More info:

More than 80 beer, wine, spirits and food vendors will line the banks of Lily Pond, offering tastings from makers from all over the country. The money raised goes to support Lutheran elementary schools.

St. Charles Legends & Lanterns

• When: Various times, weekends from Oct. 11-26
• Where: Historic Main Street, St. Charles
• How much: Free
• More info:

Historic Main Street is the perfect location to celebrate Halloween history. This family-friendly event will have memorable character interactions (Lizzy Borden, the Big Bad Wolf, to name a few), historical exhibits, and fun experiences such making sugar skulls and live music.

Florissant Fall Festival

• When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 12
• Where: Rue St. Francois Street in Old Town Florissant
• How much: Free
• More info:

This festival is now in its 28th year, offering pony rides, pumpkin decorating, a car show and a dog show to go with its live music, food vendors and craft-and-retail vendors.

Italian Heritage Parade and Festa

• When: 12:30-5 p.m. Oct. 12
• Where: Berra Park, 1825 Macklind Ave.
• How much: Free
• More info:

Everything you’d expect from an Italian festival in St. Louis’ Italian neighborhood. The day kicks off with the parade at 12:30 p.m., starting at Botanical and Macklind avenues and ending a Berra Park where you will find food, drink and live music.

St. Louis Independent Comics Expo

• When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 18
• Where: The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Ave.
• How much: TBA
• More info:

People who love comic books and people who create them will come together for a one-day (plus opening night activities the night before) celebration of all things comic book.

Chesterfield Fall Festival

• When: 1-6 p.m. Oct. 18
• Where: Chesterfield Amphitheater, 613 Veterans Place Drive
• How much: Free
• More info:

Rockin’ Chair will provide the music at the amphitheater. Craft vendors, carnival rides and food and drink round out the festivities.

Science Spooktacular

• When: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 24-25, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 26
• Where: St. Louis Science Center, 5050 Oakland Avenue
• How much: Free
• More info:

The Science Center is hosting three days of pop-up activities that will highlight the spooky, scary and kooky aspects of the holiday. For adults, the Science Center Up Late returns with the theme of “Spooky Science,” which will include interactions with local STEM professionals, hands-on experiences, themed foods and drinks and more. The event is Oct. 25; tickets are $15-$20 at .

Spirits in the Garden

• When: 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 24
• Where: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd.
• How much: $35, $30 members
• More info:

That’s “spirits� in the alcoholic sense. This adults-only event includes music and laughs from Clownvis, meetings with paranormal investigators, tarot card readings and more.

CWE Halloween

• Where: Central West End, centered around the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Maryland Plaza
• When: 11 a.m.-midnight Oct. 25
• How much: Free
• More info:

Billed as “St. Louis’ most legendary Halloween party,� this one has it all: tricking-or-treating, a children’s costume parade, a dog costume parade, a street party, live music, drag performers and fire dancers.

Apple Butter Festival

• When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 25-26
• Where: Kimmswick
• How much: Free
• More info:

More than 500 vendor booths will sell everything you can imagine, including levee-high apple pies, and there will be a petting zoo, pony rides and music, too. But the main draw is the apple butter. Volunteers from the Kimmswick Historical Society fill their kettles with apples, light the wood-burning fire and began cooking the apples by stirring continuously for up to eight hours. The apple butter is then placed in jars for sale.

Alton Halloween Parade

• When: 7-10 p.m. Oct. 31
• Where: Broadway from Washington to Piasa Street, then Piasa to 9th Street, Alton
• How much: Free
• More info:

Alton calls itself he most haunted small town in America, and its Halloween Parade is one of the nation’s oldest. More than 40 floats and bands will participate.

Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl

• When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 8
• Where: Cherokee Street between South Compton and Missouri avenues
• How much: Free, except for $15 grand finale
• More info:

There will be jazz and/or dance on every corner of the Cherokee Street commercial district (nonantiques division), along with food, art and the tempting wares of the Cherokee Street merchants. The Golden Record will host the finale show and dance battle.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire Party

• When: 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 9
• Where: The Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles
• How much: $25-$66, $10 children 2-12
• More info:

Who doesn’t love the sight of enormous trucks crushing smaller cars? Who doesn’t thrill to trucks powering their way up ridiculously steep hills? This show also promises glow and fire. We can only guess what that means.

St. Louis Storytelling Festival

• When: Nov. 10-16
• Where: Multiple venues, especially branches of local public libraries
• How much: Free
• More info:

National and local storytellers convene on the area for a wide variety of spoken-word performances and writing workshops.

STL Mystic Fair

• When: 3-8 p.m. Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 16
• Where: Machinists Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton
• How much: $8
• More info:

The metaphysical gets real at this annual event featuring psychics, healers, mediums, spiritual vendors, workshops, tarot, crystals, aura photos and energy work. If you were psychic, you’d already know that.