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1. Lip Service
The Flaming Lips, a theatrical rock band from Oklahoma, has amassed quite a following over the past few decades. The band’s over-the-top shows often feature costumes, video projections, and lead singer Wayne Coyne’s signature plastic bubble. The latest albums are Embryonic and a remake of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. $37.50. Time: 8 p.m. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar, 314-726-6161,thepageant.com. 9/17/10
2. Webster’s 10th Edition
In the category of quaint festivals, the Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival is among the best. This year marks the fest’s 10th anniversary...so it’s only appropriate that 10 bands will play on two stages. Free. Time: Noon–11 p.m. Old Webster Groves, 314-961-4656, oldwebsterjazzfestival.com. 9/18/10
3. Art Smart
Just how respected is the Saint Louis Art Fair? Art Fair SourceBook ranked the annual festival second among 600 of the nation’s fine-arts fairs—and it’s easy to see why. Last year, nearly 1,500 artists applied, but only 160 were picked to attend. This year’s booths range from ceramics to glass, jewelry to painting, alongside food, concerts, and more. Free. Times: 5–10 p.m. Fri, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sun. Downtown Clayton, 314-863-0278, culturalfestivals.com. 9/10 to 9/12/10
4. Spirited Away
When building any wine list, it’s important to consider two key ingredients: quality and quantity. The St. Louis Wine Festival isn’t lacking in either department. Last year, more than 15 labels with around 100 varieties were represented there; this year promises to be equally impressive. And nearly a dozen local restaurants, from Roxane to Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, will offer worthy pairings to complement that list. $25 in advance; $35 at the door. Times: Noon–6 p.m. Sat & Sun. Art Hill at the Grand Basin, Forest Park, 877-772-5425,stlouiswinefestival.com. 9/25 to 9/26/10
5. Border War
To kick off the past four football seasons, St. Louis has hosted its own veritable border war. But alas, the Mizzou Tigers and the Fighting Illini are currently slated to face off just one last time during the 2010 State Farm Arch Rivalry game. Downtown will be awash in blue-and-orange and black-and-gold, as the teams contend for bragging rights. Call or visit the website for ticket info. Time: 11:30 a.m. Edward Jones Dome, 701 Convention Plaza, 800-745-3000, stlsports.org/archrivalry. 9/4/10
Photograph courtesy of The Pageant; Photograph by Doug Cavanah, courtesy of the Saint Louis Art Fair; Photograph by Kevin A. Roberts