TIMBUKTU! – St. Louis Black Rep – May 15 – June 9
Edison Theatre at Washington University in St. Louis
Opulent beyond man’s dreams, travelers died crossing the Sahara in search of Timbuktu! Set against this exotic locale is the story of the Poet, his beautiful daughter, Marsinah; an evil Wazir of Police; his restless Wife of Wives, Lundanda; and The Mania of Mali, Bobo. While wandering incognito, Bobo meets Marsinah and instantly falls in love. Still, the twisted twine of fate must unravel in many thrilling and exciting ways before the two lovers can finally tie the knot. Book by Luther Davis with music and lyrics by Robert Wright and George Forrest and directed by Ron Himes.
Taste of Maplewood Street Festival – May 17 and 18
Sutton Blvd. South of Manchester Rd. – FREE
The festival is a culmination of Maplewood and Richmond Heights’ most renowned restaurants, beloved boutiques, and unique specialty stores. In its 16th year the event’s vibe is distinct and unmistakable, radiating the culture and character of the businesses in the area. In addition to the food and libations, visitors will enjoy live entertainment on two stages.
“In 2024, we’ll kick things off on Friday evening, May 17th with a pre-party (think of it as a sneak peak) to the Taste of Maplewood Street Festival including with live entertaiment, food vendors and more! The event continues the next day, on Saturday, May 18th with our full roster of vendors on the street offering their signature bites, libations, demonstrations, and unique items! Join us for one day or both!”
City Social: St. Louis’ Ultimate Block Party – May 17 @ 5-9pm
Washington Ave – FREE
St. Louis’ ultimate block party returns to Washington Avenue on May 17. The free event celebrates downtown St. Louis with local food and music, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.
Poetry in the Garden Competition Series – May 9th & 23, June 20 and July 11
Field House Museum
The Field House Museum is excited to announce our inaugural Poetry in the Garden competition series, held in the museum’s garden in downtown St. Louis.
This competition aims to honor the legacy of 19th-century poet Eugene Field by inviting local poets to create their own works inspired by some of the themes he returned to again and again over the course of his career – love, food & drink, nature, and current events.
We invite poets of all ages and skill levels to submit their original, unpublished works to info@fieldhousemuseum.org by the deadlines listed on the website link above.
St. Louis African Arts Festival – May 25 – 27
World’s Fair Pavillion in Forest Park
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 33rd year, the festival will be held at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park from May 25 to 27.
The multi-day event draws 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.
Whitaker Music Festival – Wednesdays May 29 – July 31
Missouri Botanical Garden – FREE
The open-air Whitaker Music Festival presents free Wednesday evening concerts under the stars every summer. To date, more than one million people have participated in this cherished St. Louis summer tradition. The festival is funded by the Whitaker Foundation, which supports St. Louis arts and parks to promote common heritage, celebrate diversity and encourage vitality within the community.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic supper, baskets or coolers. Glass is prohibited. Picnic fare, beer, wine, soda and sno-cones are also available for purchase onsite. Free admission begins at 5 p.m. on each performance evening; no advance tickets or reservations are required. Enter through the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center at the Garden’s entrance. All packages subject to inspection; please review the list of prohibited items below prior to arrival.
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival: As You Like It – May 29 – June 23
Shakespeare Glen, Forest Park – FREE
In this spontaneous romp, the brilliant and resourceful heroine, Rosalind, and her friends, exiled from the confines of city life to the Forest of Arden, are free to explore new identities, friendships, and (of course) love. Nancy Bell’s production is romantic, lusty, funny and full of heart and longing for a sweeter life. Featuring live music and new songs from St. Louis indie singer-songwriter Beth Bombara, with a lavish gilded age setting. Performance schedule: Tuesday-Sunday, nightly at 8 p.m. at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park.
Spring Antique Fair – June 1 @ 10am – 5pm
Lafayette Park – FREE
Taking place in the idyllic setting of Lafayette Park, this spring antique fair will feature vintage collectibles, vinyl records, instruments, textiles and jewelry, among other treasures.
On June 1, you can also see Packard cars and old-school fire trucks, witness a Lafayette Square Cyclone baseball game and enjoy a variety of food trucks in and around the park. At 6 p.m., the first concert of the season will also start beneath the trees.
Picnic in Your Park – June 9 @ 11am – 1pm
Gateway Arch – $125-$250
Join Gateway Arch Park Foundation for the fourth annual Picnic in Your Park on Sunday, June 9, 2024, hosted by their Friends Advisory Board at the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. Gateway Arch Park Foundation serves as the official philanthropic partner for Gateway Arch National Park.
Funds raised for Gateway Arch Park Foundation at the event will support conservation, preservation, education and community programs.
Enjoy a catered picnic lunch at your leisure in our hometown national park while listening to live entertainment and taking in iconic views of the Gateway Arch. Picnic basket reservations for the event will open in April. To receive a reminder when baskets are available, sign up on the website at www.archpark.org.
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