As the mercury rises, so do the number of entertaining options in St. Louis. In fact, scanning the social calendar on any given weekend can be nearly as exhausting as a run downtown in mid-July. That’s why we did the footwork for you. What follows is your guide to 13 weekends of summer, from June through August. We offer insider tips on an array of adventures, from art in Webster Groves to the River City Rascals, stomping grapes in Hermann to floating the Mississippi—plus weekday happenings, big-name concerts, and expert tips on barbecues and books. Mark your calendars, and make it a red-hot summer to remember.
Weekend 1: June 4–6
Hie Thee to Hamlet
Hello, Hamlet. This year’s Shakespeare Festival St. Louis (shakespearefestivalstlouis.org), May 26 to June 20, goes for bloody murder with a free production of the tragedy under the stars in Forest Park. SFSL education/programming maven Roze Wolownik has the skinny:
1) “The Art Museum’s major renovation project means a big chunk of our parking is gone, so consider carpooling, the Metro, bicycles, and the decent-sized walk you’ll probably be taking through the park to get to the show.”
2) Unlike at most events of this sort, “You can bring booze. You can also bring a picnic, buy concessions, or for the first time, preorder a picnic.”
3) For the sake of others, don’t put your folding chair right in front of the stage; it’s “blankets only.”
4) Arrive early for the Green Show at 6:30 p.m. to see dancers, musicians, jugglers, lecturers, a “20-Minute Hamlet,” and a kids’ activities table. “Often the kids make masks and then have a parade,” says Wolownik. “It’s adorable.”
Take It Outside
Art fairs are practically as endemic to St. Louis summers as our beloved Cardinals. Chances are you haven’t visited one yet this summer—so we suggest checking out Art & Air (artandair.com), June 4 to 6 in Webster Groves. Each day of the fest has its distinct charms, with more than 100 artists from 15 states displaying their work. “Friday evening is a good time for adults, with the Robust Sip & Stroll wine tent and the live jazz,” says event spokesman Terry Perkins. Saturday afternoon is ideal for families, with hands-on activities and entertainment for the kids by one-man act Babaloo. Sunday afternoon is the time for bargains—artists are packing up, so you can sometimes score great deals. And with a surfeit of bicycle racks at the festival, it’s a great time to bike it.
Hit the High Notes
It’s no exaggeration to say that every summer, the eyes of the opera world are trained on Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (opera-stl.org)—specifically, on the annual world-premiere opera, which this year is The Golden Ticket, based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. OTSL board member emeritus and longtime volunteer Jane Feibel knows just what you need to have a grand night at the opera, whose season runs May 22 to June 27:
• “Don’t be afraid of the opera!” she says. “It’s sung in English, and there are supertitles in English, too. Just listen to the music. You’ll get it.” She suggests listening to the opera at the library and reading the libretto beforehand. First-timers, in particular, will appreciate the preshow lecture at 7 p.m. in the new Community Music School Center next door. “It’s just 20 minutes long or so,” she says. “I’ve been going to the opera for 33 years, and I always learn something new at the lecture.”
• Come early for a picnic. Order your dinner from the box office the day before, or bring your own—and sip champagne between acts. “That’s what makes it a festival event,” she says.
• Bring the little ones to a matinee for The Golden Ticket. “On Tuesdays they have a new ‘Grandparents’ Matinee’,” says Feibel. “If the kids are old enough to sit through a movie, they can sit through this.”
• Meet the singers afterward in the tent. “They come out, have dinner, and enjoy taking to you,” she says. “Don’t be shy; they won’t bite.”
• Finally, “From a woman’s point of view,” says Feibel, “you can avoid the line for the bathroom by going to the second restroom on the lower level.”
Weekend 2: June 11–13
Feast Your Eyes
Oil and water, Pelosi and Boehner, the CWE and a boring time—they’re just not gonna mix. The Art Fair & Taste (thecwe.org), June 11 to 13, adds a lagniappe to the charms of the pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. John Berglund, president of the Central West End Association, has a few tips:
• The lot just south of Washington Boulevard on Euclid Avenue, near Herbie’s Vintage 72, is a great place to park.
• “In comparison to the Saint Louis Art Fair, it’s just one strip along Euclid; it’s not too big or overwhelming,” he says. “You can see all the booths in 20 minutes.”
• “There’s a great opportunity to sample food progressively,” he says. “Mini burgers at Sub Zero, the Drunken Fish signature sushi roll, and so on.”
• “If you’re coming with a stroller and kids, come in the day,” he says. “For more of an experience with singles, hard drinks, and live music, come in the nighttime.”
Try Twang
Fans of alternative-country music—a sound exemplified by bands like Wilco and The Jayhawks—won’t want to miss a day of Twangfest (twangfest.com), now in its 14th year. Inspired by roots-rock mag No Depression, this annual event celebrates and curates the alt-country phenomenon. Rick Wood, one of the self-proclaimed Twang Gang that chooses the bands, says this year they’ve tweaked things. “We’re still offering a Friends of Twangfest four-day pass,” he explains. “But what’s unique is, we’re also offering a discounted four-night pass without all the bells and whistles; you won’t get a T-shirt or a poster, but it actually works out to be a savings.” Those who do opt for the Friends of Twangfest pass, however, can attend a private reception with some of the bands at Schlafly Tap Room on Wednesday, June 9, when the festival gets under way with Big Smith and Shannon McNally; then, on Saturday, they can rock out at a house concert in Wood’s very own abode. From Thursday through Saturday, head to Blueberry Hill to see Ray Wylie Hubbard, Blue Rodeo, These United States, and Magnolia Summer (June 10); Detroit Cobras, Those Darlins, and JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound (June 11); and Jason and the Scorchers and Ha Ha Tonka (June 12). The Duck Room offers $3 drafts, and don’t forget to arrive early every evening for buzz sets from bands like Jason and the Scorchers and Ray Wylie Hubbard.
Weekend 3: June 18–20
Run Away to the Circus
There’s a lot to see at Circus Flora (circusflora.org), the St. Louis–based, one-ring, European-style circus in Grand Center. This year’s version—“Ingenioso,” which runs June 3 through 27—uses circus acts to tell the fanciful story of Don Quixote. Former ring-crew member Heath Aldrich says he never tires of Sasha Alexandre Nevidonski’s aerial-silk equestrian act, in which Nevidonski suspends himself from a length of colorful silk while doing stunts and occasionally touching down on his horse’s back. “Watch the musicians in the circus band,” Aldrich also advises. “If you look up at the bandstand, you’ll see them waiting for very precise cues and setting the mood for all the acts.” And after the show? “You can usually meet the performers out front, if you’re really crazy about the circus.”
Ride (Nearly) Naked
As the days heat up, there’s no better time to bike than at night—especially when it’s with a couple of hundred (or more) of your closest friends. St. Louis’ World Naked Bike Ride ([email protected]), now in its third year, takes off from Tower Grove Park on June 19 at 9 p.m. Co-organizer Stephanie Co suggests packing a helmet, flashlights, extra water, and a change of clothes. The dress code is “as bare as you dare”—though Co and others “warn everyone what the police tell us,” she says. Another ever-popular ride-by-night event, the Moonlight Ramble (moonlightramble.org), happens later in the summer, on August 21. After more than 45 years, crowds have grown to 10,000-plus riders who pedal the 9- and 19-mile courses. A route map is handed out before midnight, when riders depart from downtown, though it’s easiest to simply stick with the crowd. “A lot of people have heard of the Ramble, but don’t realize it’s a fundraiser,” says Kamille Pope, development coordinator for the Gateway Council of Hostelling International USA, adding that this year’s proceeds go toward transforming the historic Mullanphy Emigrant Home into a St. Louis hostel. The group also hosts weekly bike rides, as well as a handful of cycling series and “Cycle Route 66” rides.
Weekend 4: June 26–27
Make It to The Muny
Our favorite thing about The Muny (muny.org), if we had to name just one? The giant fans that cool the immense outdoor theater. They are actually repurposed airplane propellers, and they are officially awesome. Assistant director of marketing Larry Pry filled us in on a few more of the theater’s attractions.
• The season runs June 21 to August 15, with some new additions. “There are two Muny premieres this season: Titanic and Footloose,” says Pry. “Titanic has a huge orchestra and cast, and of course, a huge ship onstage.”
• “Here’s the secret to getting great parking: Get here early and picnic,” he says. “You can buy a box dinner at the Muny café.”
• “Bring water for those hot summer nights, but no glass, aluminum, or booze,” he advises. “A lemon freeze is the best way to cool down; you pick at it with a spoon all night.”
• Don’t forget those famous free seats. “Every night, there are 1,450 free seats,” he says proudly. Gates open at 7 p.m.; it’s first-come, first-served; and the show starts at 8:15 p.m.
Score a Soccer Game
Since April, AC St. Louis and Saint Louis Athletica have packed a one-two punch at Anheuser Busch Soccer Park. How best to catch the new crews’ matches? Take advantage of the ACSTL Soccer Pubs option (888-785-4625, ac-stlouis.com) during one match per month through September. For $25, you can get game-day tickets, shuttle service, and—best of all—parking and drinks at one of four local drinking establishments (Amsterdam Tavern, Barrister’s in Clayton, Smugala’s Pizza Pub, or Tigín Irish Pub & Restaurant) before and after the match. You can also score other deals, like $5 club tickets, by following the soccer teams’ Facebook pages. “We’ll give first dibs to our Facebook people all the time,” says PR director Tony Hubert. And for soccer fans who seek the company of other die-hards, there are a handful of supporter groups, including the United Knights (ukstl.com).
Week 5: July 2–4
Have a blast
No summer in the city would be complete without Fair St. Louis (celebratestlouis.org). The annual festivities kick off with the Veiled Prophet Parade on July 3 at 10 a.m. There are plenty of other attractions to keep you occupied throughout the day: local bands, the Purina Incredible Dog Team, dancers, face-painting—even air shows at 12:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Parking is available in nearby garages, but arrive extra early because there are Cards games both days.) On Friday night, R&B singer John Legend takes the main stage at 8 p.m., and on Saturday it’s the B-52s—with fireworks following both shows. And when it comes time to catch the fireworks, you might think outside the fair. Janet Wilding of Great Rivers Greenway recommends the McKinley Bridge. “There’s a separate path for bikers,” she says, “so it’s a safe place to watch.” She also suggests checking out the fireworks from Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, just across the river from downtown. (The fun continues with Live on the Levee throughout the summer; check out the Celebrate Saint Louis site for details.)
Go Postal
Old Post Office Plaza (downtownstl.org) fits free summertime fun to the letter. On Saturday, June 12, soccer fans can cheer on the U.S. men’s team as it squares off against England; the plaza’s 12- by 19-foot screen offers an ideal place to catch the match. The night before, warm up by watching The Game of Their Lives. (Partially shot on The Hill, the movie stars Gerard Butler and depicts America’s dramatic matchup against England in 1950.) If soccer isn’t your World Cup of tea, the plaza hosts a different movie every Friday from June through September. And Party on the Plaza—held the third Wednesday of each month from May 19 to September 15—boasts music, food, and prizes. There are also plenty of daytime activities: The plaza presents its weekly concert series at noon on Fridays in July; and for those who are a little more country than rock ’n’ roll, there’s a farmer’s market on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. Shuntae Shields Ryan of the Downtown St. Louis Partnership suggests grabbing a bite at The Terrace View while you’re in the neighborhood.
Week 6: July 9–11
Get Fresh
When it comes to the Tower Grove Farmers’ Market & Bazaar (tgmarket.org), held on Saturdays through October 23, Stephanie Herbers isn’t joking around. A serious devotee of the market, she has a set routine when she makes the scene. Her agenda, in her words:
• “Remember to get cash the night before!”
• “Ride my bike over to the market—I only live a few blocks away, and it is much easier to park a bike than my car.”
• “Go directly to the Kuva Coffee stand and order a mint iced coffee.”
• “Peruse the stalls, see what is available, compare prices, chat with friends, enjoy the live music.”
• “My goal this year: Get to the market early enough to take advantage of the free yoga that starts at 8:30 a.m.”
• “Tip for fruit: the earlier, the better for getting to the market (i.e., before 9:30 a.m.). This is especially true when it is strawberry season (usually starts in early June).”
• Some of Herbers’ favorite stalls: “Prairie Grass Farms for lamb brats (my favorite is the garlic–and–green onion) and fresh eggs; Mangia Italiano for pasta—I like the squid ink for color and the lemon pepper for taste; Greenwood Farms—good quality, variety, and price for meat; and 4 Seasons Baked Goods—their baked items are great, but also stop by for some wonderful pesto. It goes fast and isn’t always available, so you have to keep an eye out for it.”
Game–Set–Match
This could be the St. Louis Aces’ (stlouisaces.com) most star-studded season yet, with not one but four household names in tennis coming to town. Lindsay Davenport plays six home matches in July, and Anna Kournikova returns to St. Louis on July 17. Or for $50, catch the matchup of the season: Davenport squaring off against Venus Williams and the Washington Kastles, July 10 at 7:15 p.m. Finally, on July 22, five-time Grand Slam singles champ Martina Hingis and the New York Buzz visit Dwight Davis Tennis Center for the last home match of the season. When you go, be ready to cheer. “People don’t know to be loud and rowdy,” says president Dani Apted Schlottman. Oh, and one other thing: “Come early. The guy players warm up without their shirts on.”
Weekend 7: July 16–18
Pick a Peach
Pablo Picasso once observed, “One does a whole painting for one peach, and people think just the opposite—that particular peach is but a detail.” Discover the painter’s inspiration firsthand at the annual Peach Festival, July 17 at 10 a.m. at the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market (downtownkirkwood.com). Held in conjunction with the Downtown Kirkwood Sidewalk Sale, it offers all things peaches: a crop of peaches from local vendors, as well as a peach pie–baking contest. What should you look for when picking peaches? “Smell them, look at the color and firmness, and talk to the vendors,” says Donna Poe, executive director of Downtown Kirkwood. Or drive to a pick-your-own farm outside town during July, typically the fruit’s peak month. Illinois’ Calhoun County (visitcalhoun.com) boasts quite a few options that might be less picked-over than the always-popular Eckert’s.
Storm the Barricades
Joanie Thomas of Joanie’s Pizzeria is responsible for some gruesome atrocities. Every year, she organizes an angry mob that chants, “Off with their heads!” The unruly, semidrunk peasants march through the city streets to Soulard Market Park, where their king and queen beg for forgiveness. It matters not—the guillotine is sharp, and heads will roll. The mock ritual is all part of the annual Bastille Day fun in Soulard (soulard.org), July 16–17. “We start at Nadine’s Gin Joint on Friday night, and walk through the streets of Soulard, picking up more peasants as we go. We encourage the peasants to mock the royalty, and we become an angry mob,” explains Thomas. “We wind up at the park, where there’s an executioner and a giant wooden guillotine.” After the Styrofoam heads bounce down the steps, consider hitting any of Soulard’s two dozen restaurants and pubs. “There’s an arts-and-crafts fair Saturday, and the guillotine remains standing through the day for a great photo opportunity with your friends,” adds Thomas, with a note of ghoulish glee.
Week 8: July 23–25
Weekend 8: July 23–25
Flex Those Mussels
Since the good brewers at Schlafly (schlafly.com) are already flying in gobs of seafood for the annual Schlafly Belgian Beer & Mussel Mania fest, July 23 and 24, they decided to take the theme one step further and throw in Belgian waffles, too. “In the club room, we have a Belgian waffles station for dessert,” says Susan Haberer, Schlafly’s spokeswoman. Hmmm…beer, mussels, and waffles—you might want to bring Tums for this one. You’ll also want to bring bills: The food upstairs is cash-only. In the Club Room, where the big party is hosted, the mussels are available in the classic steamed preparation; downstairs, you can order them in a variety of ways, including cooked in a creamy broth, served spicy, or in a “cheese-bacon-spinach” type of savory sauce.
Row Your Boat
Of course, there are always Missouri’s popular paddling spots: the Meramec, Current, and Jacks Fork rivers. But there’s no shortage of nearby less-traversed streams—large and small—where the fishing is prime and you can breathe a sigh of relief for avoiding the cries of so many rafting revelers.
- Big River: Don’t be misled by the name. Located an hour south of the city, this tributary of the Meramec is less packed than other floating destinations. Rent a canoe for $50 at Cherokee Landing (cherokeelanding.com) in Bonne Terre, and enjoy the river’s slow pace and scenic bluffs.
- Bourbeuse River: As the website Southwest Paddler notes, “The Bourbeuse may well be the king of crooked rivers.” One stretch in Franklin County spans more than 100 miles of river in 27 miles as the crow flies. Jim McCarty, editor of Rural Missouri magazine, grew up near the river. “The Bourbeuse was so slow it would flow backward if the wind blew hard enough,” he recalls, adding that it does have one major draw, namely smallmouth bass. Access points are few and far between, so schedule a shuttle at Devil’s Back Floats (573-484-3231) in Leslie. For those willing to drive a bit farther—and whose preference is floating over fishing—McCarty recommends the Eleven Point, Black, and Gasconade rivers.
- Missouri and Mississippi rivers: We’ve driven over both a million times, but how many locals can say they’ve floated down either? Big Muddy Adventures (2muddy.com) in Alton offers guided trips and rentals. For the more adventurous, experience the rivers in a new light by floating at sunset and marveling at the stars on a sandbar during the monthly Full Moon Float.
Weekend 9: July 30–August 1
Weekend 9:
July 30–August 1
Explore the Frontier (League)
While lacking names like Pujols and Carpenter, Frontier League games do have their advantages: cheap seats, easy access to players, and endless promos. Among the latest and most novel? The River City Rascals’ (rivercityrascals.com) “Portable Season Ticket.” For $200, you get a folding chair that serves as your pass to sit anywhere in the stadium—within reason. “We’re not going to plop you down in the middle of the concourse or anything,” says Jason Troop, director of public relations and broadcasting. His tip? “If it were me, I wouldn’t sit in that one spot the entire time.” Mix it up by fielding fouls near the outfield during one game, or tossing back drinks by the beer garden during another; you can even sit in the dugout or behind the scoreboard if you’re one of the first 20 seat-holders. During the six away games in Sauget, Ill., you can take the seat with you. And don’t forget about the Gateway Grizzlies. Visit GCS Ballpark on Sundays and purchase six tickets for $6 with an online coupon; kids run the bases for free afterward.
Tap to the Music
Once a year, some of the best hoofers in the biz converge for the St. Louis Tap Festival (tapheritage.com), July 26 through 31. The fest’s big event is the “All That Tap” Saturday-night showcase at the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ Touhill Performing Arts Center. “You’re never gonna see a show like this anywhere else,” crows Robin Reed, the festival’s youth coordinator. “It’s a tap-dance extravaganza, with all generations of some of the best dancers in the world coming together, and not just in tap, either; we have flamenco, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop, and other kinds of dancers, too.” Don’t miss the free salsa lessons and panel discussions. Each year, the festival honors those who’ve devoted their lives to tap, and the 2010 honorees have some amazing resumes. Jeni LeGon was mentored by Count Basie and Fats Waller. She was under contract with MGM, and performed with such stars as Bing Crosby and Lena Horne. Fellow honoree Gene GeBauer danced on Broadway, in such musicals as Camelot and Hello, Dolly!, and performed with stars including Julie Andrews and Carol Burnett. These two stars should have some great stories to share.
Weekend 10: August 6–8
Talk to the Animals
A trip to the farm can mean a range of things for urban dwellers. For those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, RS Ranch (rsranchtrailrides.com), north of Columbia, offers draft-horse farming, hayrides, and campfire cookouts. Not quite ready for rural Missouri? Visit Suson Park’s animal farm in South County to see goats, pigs, chickens, cows, and horses on weekends. Prefer something more…commercial? Grant’s Farm (grantsfarm.com) recently added a carousel—its first-ever ride (if you don’t count the tram)—and opened the elephant barn to the public; get up close and personal with Bud and Mickey, the popular pair of African elephants, for $5 after the free elephant shows at 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. When you go, bike Grant’s Trail to avoid the $11 parking fee and burn off the calories from those complimentary drinks. For those who prefer cuddly to Clydesdales, Purina Farms’ (purina.com) 20-foot cat house—complete with feline-sized furniture—is a must-see. Also, don’t miss the dog shows, a sure splash with the kids, Wednesday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and three times a day on weekends. Just remember to make reservations by calling 314-982-3232.
Party in the Park
The Carondelet Community Betterment Federation’s Concerts in the Park series (ccbf-inc.org) provides the soundtrack for a perfect summer. Held each Sunday from June 6 through August 22 at 6 p.m. (5:30 p.m. in August), the two-hour concerts in Carondelet Park span styles from rock and bluegrass to Scottish and big band. The Bob Kuban Band, which plays ’60s-style rock, kicks things off in June. Other highlights include Memories of Elvis and the Soulard Blues Band. For those who can’t get enough, there are also concerts in South St. Louis Square, Bellerive, and Fanetti parks on Sundays and some weekdays. Pack a picnic, and let the park provide the music.
Weekend 11: August 13–15
Catch the Cards and Cubs
Ah, the memories: Gary Bennett’s against-all-odds grand slam in 2006; pitcher Carlos Zambrano screaming at Jim Edmonds as he rounded the bases in 2004; the unforgettable season-long McGwire/Sosa home-run derby of 1998. Sure, a lot’s changed between the Cards and Cubs—today, Big Mac is Major League Baseball’s most controversial hitting coach, and Jim Edmonds has gone from the Cards to the Cubs to the Brewers—but that age-old blue-state/red-state rivalry remains. Our suggestion when you visit Busch Stadium (cardinals.com) August 13 through 15: Embrace the tension. Grab a pregame dinner at Edmonds’ F15teen; strike up some (friendly) banter with one of those unfortunate souls wearing blue at the game; toast the rivalry on the patio at Mike Shannon’s (shannonsteak.com) during the postgame show; and grab a Cardinal Sin concrete or sundae, complete with tart cherries and hot fudge, at Ted Drewes (teddrewes.com).
Stomp Like You Mean It
Wanna know what to avoid during Stone Hill Winery’s Grape Stomp in Hermann? Search for “grape stomping gone wrong” on YouTube to witness what happened during a live news segment near Atlanta. On August 14, from 1 to 5 p.m., visitors can enjoy a far more pleasant experience while stripping off their socks to compete for prizes. For $5, stompers of all ages have two minutes to crush 30 pounds of grapes—a feat that’s easier said than done. “Most people can’t stomp long enough to complete the time,” warns Stone Hill staffer Lucinda Huskey. “You have to be in good shape.” Judges award points for charisma, so stomp with style. Past years’ competitors have tried everything from costumes to standing on their hands, says Huskey. Groups get even more creative; last year, one Hermann team donned tunics while dancing to “Stomp Like an Egyptian,” their own version of the Bangles’ hit. Judges also measure the amount of juice drained from the barrels—though Huskey admits the scoring is “not super scientific.” A few pointers: Registration starts at 11 a.m., but arrive several hours earlier because the line forms fast. And when the heat’s too much, take a tour of the cellar to cool off.
Weekend 12: August 20–22
Sample the Fair
Really, there’s waaaaay too much to do at the Missouri State Fair (mostatefair.com), August 12 to 22. Take the competitions alone: There’s a beauty-queen contest, weight lifting competitions, livestock and floral judging, truck and tractor pulls, photography and ceramics contests, and the new Science at the Fair robot competition. That’s not to mention the menu of food contests: cookies, pound cake, chicken dish, ground-beef dish, dish made with Missouri wine, fruit cobbler, wild-game dish, pork-loin dish, dish made with pecans, and on and on. (New this year is the Mystery Sack cooking competition, à la Iron Chef.) As for onstage entertainment? Missouri’s own Sheryl Crow performs on Saturday, August 21. And in a secondary area, check out the one-ring tent that houses the Amazing Anastasini Circus. Finally, three more must-dos: the petting zoo, the midway, and the endless people-watching.
Climb Little Hills
St. Charles’ Festival of the Little Hills (festivalofthelittlehills.com), August 20 to 22, offers the chance to take in long views of the Missouri River while enjoying the standard crafts, music, kids’ activities, and more. A few tips for this year’s fest:
• Ride your bike there if you can, not just to avoid the parking crunch, but to enjoy the Katy Trail, which connects up to the park; also, consider convenient shuttles from The Family Arena, Duchesne High School, and St. Charles West High School.
• “Everything in the concessions area is fried,” says one festival frequenter, exaggerating just a bit, “so BYOB—bring your own banana—if you want to eat anything remotely healthy.” Otherwise, you’ll find food stands at every corner on Main Street.
• Those golf carts driving people all over the fest are for anyone who asks. Hop a ride if you need one.
Weekend 13: August 27–29
Face the Nations
The Festival of Nations (iistl.org), August 28 through 29, is a microcosm of America as a melting pot, with Vietnamese dance, Bosnian baklava, Scottish games of strength, Mexican crafts, and fun from every continent (except Antarctica, we think). Two areas, in particular, will separate you from your money: the gift and food booths. Each table represents a different country, so you can buy tchotchkes from almost anywhere: African masks, voodoo dolls, and a host of clothing and jewelry—especially hoop earrings. Then there’s the food: Greek and Middle Eastern, African and Indian, and much more. Also consider the intimate, acoustic music played far from the madding crowd on the Folk Grove Stage; it’ll mellow you out. And ladies, get your hands painted with henna. It tickles.
Chill in Forest Park
In its inaugural year, LouFest (loufest.com) transforms Forest Park’s Central Field into a musical fair with two stages and 18 bands. Among the ear-friendly performers on August 28 and 29: Jeff Tweedy, Kim Massey, Built to Spill, and Alejandro Escovedo. It all builds up to the 8:30 p.m. shows each night: popular Canadian troupe Broken Social Scene on Saturday, and She & Him—the folksy duo comprising guitarist M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel of 500 Days of Summer and Elf—on Sunday. A one-day ticket’s $38; a two-day pass will set you back $64. For the youngsters, a Kids Village features music education and more. A word of warning, though: Forgo the picnic baskets; no outside food is allowed inside. Purchase a stainless-steel water bottle, and get free spring-water refills all weekend. And spring for the two-day pass; it allows you to come and go as you please—not an option with the one-day ticket.
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