Photo by Jason Deem
Crowds gather on Cherokee Street to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Maeystown Fruehlingsfest (May 1)
Antiques dealers converge on Maeystown for a giant market in a charming setting. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. maeystown.com
Cherokee Street Cinco De Mayo (May 7, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.)
This multi-block extravaganza includes live music, lucha libre wrestlers, and the must-hit People’s Joy Parade at 1:11 p.m. cincodemayostl.com
Wampus Music & Arts Festival (May 20-21)
Artists, musicians, and other entertainers will descend on Manchester to raise awareness and funds to help curb the region's opioid epidemic. wampusfestival.com
June Shakespeare Festival (June 3-26)
This year’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is possibly the most accessible, fun, and funny Shakespeare play. And The Rats & People Motion Picture Orchestra returns with an original score. Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park. sfstl.com
Central West End Cocktail Party (June 4)
In 1917, Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr. held a get-together at her Central West End home, which many claim to be the first cocktail party on record. True or not, it's a great excuse for a party. This summer's event will include live music and, of course, plentiful cocktails. Central West End. Facebook event
St. Louis Brewers Guild Heritage Festival (June 11)
This three-session fest offers more than 100 beers from more than 30 breweries. St. Louis Riverfront. stlbg.com/heritage
Life Outside (June 11)
Great Rivers Greenway hosts a festival where you can learn about outdoor activities offered across the metro region. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. greatriversgreenway.org/life-outside
PrideFest (June 24-26)
In addition to a Sunday parade at noon, there are two large stages with entertainment, the Pride Ride bike race, an interfaith service, a ceremony honoring LGBT soldiers, and food and libations. Downtown St. Louis. pridestl.org
Fair Saint Louis (July 2–4)
Though the 2016 event schedule hadn’t been announced by press time, expect the traditional offerings (funnel cake, fireworks, music), as well as some unexpected flourishes. (Last year, that was the addition of a zipline.) Forest Park. fairsaintlouis.org
Let Them Eat Art (July 8, 6–11 p.m.)
This Bastille Day celebration has a flavor all its own, with art demos, street performers, music, a gallery stroll, food, and frilled-out Marie Antoinettes. Maplewood. cityofmaplewood.com
St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase
Like SLIFF, this locals-only fest is a mix of documentaries, features, and shorts. July 17–21. Various locations. cinemastlouis.org
Festival of the Little Hills (August 19–21)
Vendors from all over the country come to Old St. Charles to sell handcrafted furniture, art, pottery, and more. St. Charles. festivalofthelittlehills.com
Rise Up Festival
To celebrate revitalization in St. Louis, Rise Community Development organizes an evening filled with live music, the work of local artists, circus-themed kids' activities, and more. Downtown St. Louis. riseupfestival.org
Festival of Nations (August 27 & 28)
Crowds of 150,000 flock to Tower Grove Park for as joyous a cultural celebration as you’ll ever see. It showcases dance, music, handicrafts, art, ritual, and food; in fact, you can even buy a cookbook with recipes from all 40 food vendors. Tower Grove Park. festivalofnationsstl.org
