St. Louis Event Schedule – August 2009

by Karen Goodman on August 1, 2009

St. Louis has so many wonderful events with something for everyone.

Below are my picks for August 2009.

Downtown Restaurant Week 2009 (August 3-9):

Last year, Downtown Restaurant Week attracted over 15,000 people to St. Louis City restaurants. This year, diners can choose from 25 restaurants that are all offering a 3 course meal for $25 (plus tax & tip). Most of the restaurants get large crowds, so reservations are strongly encouraged.

Visit the event website to see a list of participating restaurants and menus. Feeling generous? Add $5 to your bill to support the good work of Operation Food Search.

Great Stone Hill Grape Stomp (August 8):

Ok, so this event isn’t exactly in St. Louis, but it is only a short day trip away in nearby Hermann, MO.

Have a rompin’, stompin’ good time by stomping for fun and charity! Help celebrate the beginning of grape harvest by dipping your toes into a barrel full of juicy grapes!

Only 90 people actually get a chance to stomp on the grapes, so make sure to arrive early if you want to be a stomper and compete for grapes and bragging rights. Even if you don’t plan to stomp on grapes, the event is sure to be a good time. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on the hillside, enjoy some wine, food and live bluegrass music.

Festival of the Little Hills (August 21-23):

Visit historic main street and Frontier Park for this free festival offering food, music, magicians, street performers,crafts and artwork for sale, plus a kid’s corner with free soda (12 yrs and under), arts & crafts and face painting.

See complete entertainment schedule so you don’t miss your favorite performers.

Jammin’ at the Zoo (August 26):

One of my favorite summer events, Jammin’ at the Zoo combines live music, beer and wine tasting and animal watching at the amazing St. Louis Zoo.

With 7 bands playing at stages set throughout the zoo grounds from 6-10 pm, you are sure to have a great time. Beer and wine tasting will be held from 6-8 pm. Admission fees for Zoo Friends members is $10 ($20 for non-members) with the wine & beer tasting. Skip the tasting package and Zoo Friends get in free ($10 for non-members). Or join the Young Friends that night, and you and a friend will get in free.

Leave the kids at home. Jammin’ at the Zoo is a 21 and up event.

The LOT Music Festival (August 29):

I can’t explain it better than the festival’s website, so here is the basic info:

The LOT outdoor music festival is a treasured St. Louis tradition that started 11 years ago with one person’s dream of hanging out in a St. Louis parking lot, listening to live local bands and drinking beer. In the past 11 years the LOT has developed into something much more than that original dream. This free outdoor music festival has always been about bringing people together; this year the LOT is about engaging people of all backgrounds with fun outdoor activities , musician garage sale, and artist exhibitions. Attendees will also receive a coupon book from local businesses that feature discounts and deals in the St. Louis area. This event is free to attend and you get awesome local deals!

The festivities start at 2pm for a musician’s garage sale and go until 12:30am with live local bands.

Directions to the event held in downtown St. Louis at the Schlafly Taproom.

Moonlight Ramble (August 29-30):

For over 45 years, bicycle riders of all ages have joined together for a midnight Moonlight Ramble bike ride. In recent years, the event typically draws more than 10,000 riders each year. The event begins just past midnight and riders have a choice of a short (7 mile) or long (14 mile) route through the streets of St. Louis.

The first 1000 registered riders get a free glow in the dark t-shirt. Let the kids stay up late for this family friendly event.

Festival of Nations (August 29-30):

The International Institute’s Festival of Nations is a celebration of diversity. Activities include traditional music and dance, ethnic food, cultural and educational exhibits, folk art demonstrations and an international market. Plus, you can take informal, free dance classes to learn Spanish Flamenco, Indian dancing and the Mexican hat dance. Before you leave, make sure to stop by the World Sports Meadow to show off your strength in the caber toss.

The kids will also be entertained in the Children’s Area with ethnic storytelling, mask-making and other hands on activities.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to experience the city’s best multicultural event located at Tower Grove Park in South St. Louis City. Admission and entertainment are free.

Do you have a favorite event that I missed?

Leave a comment below and fill us in on the details.