August
La Cage aux Folles
AUGUST 8–14
Stop by The Muny this August for the return of La Cage aux Folles, the groundbreaking 1983 Broadway comedy that fuses drag and family dynamics. Critically lauded for its upbeat soundtrack and heartwarming story, the play is considered a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in the media. La Cage is sure to bring an evening of laughter as it joins The Muny’s summer schedule for the first time in decades. Performances are at 8:15 nightly throughout the show’s run. The Muny, 1 Theatre.
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Wilco
AUGUST 12
Visit The Factory in Chesterfield to the alt-rock pioneers, including Belleville native and lead singer Jeff Tweedy. Known for landmark albums Summerteeth, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, and the Grammy Award–winning A Ghost Is Born, Wilco returns to St. Louis for the first time in nearly two years. Now based out of Chicago, the band is riding strong off a 2023 album and 2024 EP as it enters its fourth decade. The Factory, 17105 N. Outer 40.
Festival of the Little Hills
AUGUST 15–17
The popular arts and crafts festival returns to the streets of St. Charles this August, when hundreds of the region’s top artisans converge to provide an unparalleled selection of pottery, jewelry, clothes, and more. Held annually since 1971, the Festival of the Little Hills brings a spirited atmosphere to Main Street and Frontier Park. Festivalgoers can expect live music and abundant food options alongside premium shopping. A kids’ corner rounds out this can’t-miss weekend event, perfect for the whole family. Downtown St. Charles.
Salome
AUGUST 15 & 16, 22 & 23
Rewind the clock to the 1st century AD and enter a dark, biblically inspired world as Richard Strauss’ Salome comes to Union Avenue Opera. Salome retells the death of Saint John the Baptist at the hands of King Herod, a tale rife with seduction and betrayal. Union Avenue’s production will stay true to Strauss’ German-language composition, though English supertitles will accompany the performance. Union Avenue Opera, 733 N. Union.
Renata Cassiano Alvarez: Passage
AUGUST 23–DECEMBER 15
Visit Laumeier Sculpture Park this fall to take in the debut of Mexican Italian sculptor Renata Cassiano Alvarez’s newest piece—“Passage,” a celebration of St. Louis’ history as the Gateway City. The work features an open-air construction of four interconnected archways, each adorned with hundreds of mosaics. Cassiano Alvarez, Laumeier’s visiting artist-in-residence for 2025, cites the Gateway Arch as an inspiration for the project and hopes that “Passage” will further symbolize St. Louis as an entry point for immigrant communities. Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott.
Can’t-miss shows in August
- 8/1 Rainbow Kitten Surprise at Saint Louis Music Park
- 8/2 Disney’s Descendants/Zombies at Enterprise Center
- 8/5 Toto at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
- 8/6 The Aquabats! at The Pageant
- 8/12 $uicideboy$ at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
- 8/15 Rod Stewart at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
- 8/16 Maren Morris at The Pageant
- 8/16 Coheed and Cambria and Taking Back Sunday at Saint Louis Music Park
- 8/17 The Marshall Tucker Band at The Factory
- 8/19 We Came as Romans at The Pageant
- 8/19 LCD Soundsystem at The Factory
- 8/21 Goo Goo Dolls at Saint Louis Music Park
- 8/22 Styx at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
- 8/23Alice Cooper at The Factory
- 8/23 Linkin Park at Enterprise Center
- 8/24 Lettuce at Atomic Pavilion
- 8/25 David Lee Roth at The Factory
- 8/26 Sierra Ferrell at Stifel Theatre
- 8/26 Fitz and The Tantrums at The Factory
- 8/26 Rob Thomas at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
- 8/27 Gregory Alan Isakov at The Pageant
- 8/30 The Struts at The Factory
September
Haegue Yang: Quasi-Heartland
SEPTEMBER 5–FEBRUARY 8, 2026
This exhibition celebrates the work of Haegue Yang, a renowned South Korean multidisciplinary artist who uses everyday materials to create fascinating new experiences. Quasi-Heartland is Yang’s first solo exhibition in the Midwest to feature a comprehensive set of her works since 2009. St. Louis will also be treated to a new commission in which Yang responds to the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis’ architecture and the region’s precolonial history. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington.
Jennie C. Jones: A Line When Broken Begins Again
SEPTEMBER 5–FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Sight and sound combine in A Line When Broken Begins Again, a new exhibition from Jennie C. Jones featuring a selection of the artist’s paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, as well as a site-specific installation responding to key works from the Pulitzer Arts Foundation collection. The Pulitzer will concurrently highlight Jones’ curatorial eye with Other Octaves from September 5–February 1, 2026. Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington.
Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection
SEPTEMBER 12–JANUARY 5, 2026
The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum’s Shah Garg Collection is dedicated to amplifying the message of women artists and showcases both historically significant pieces and contemporary voices. Making Their Mark, first presented in New York in 2023, is the first public exhibition of the collection’s highlights and encompasses more than 50 works. Works from across eight decades are placed in conversation with one another to explore the myriad ways in which these artists broke from convention to express their singular visions. Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, 1 Brookings.
MATI
SEPTEMBER 12–14
Music at the Intersection is embracing the snappier, sexier moniker “MATI” for 2025 and bringing with it a slew of great performers and programming. Common & Pete Rock, Patti LaBelle, Lucky Daye, Leon Thomas, De La Soul, and Branford Marsalis top the bill of this three-day fest, which will also include educational opportunities, arts vendors, and lots of great sips and bites. Looking to start the party early? Check out Free 4 All the weekend of September 6 & 7. Grand Center.
Fanfare for Powell Hall
SEPTEMBER 26–28
Celebrate the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s Powell Hall homecoming at the spectacularly renovated space’s opening weekend. Stéphane Denève will conduct this triumphant program featuring two world-premiere SLSO commissions and an SLSO premiere. Grammy Award–winning vocalist Joyce DiDonato will join the St. Louis Symphony Chorus for the debut of Kevin Puts’ House of Tomorrow. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand.
Can’t-miss shows in September
- 9/4 Gary Clark Jr. at The Pageant
- 9/4 The Doobie Brothers and the Coral Reefer Band at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
- 9/7 Pure Prairie League at City Winery
- 9/9 “Weird Al” Yankovic at Saint Louis Music Park
- 9/13 Geordie Greep at Delmar Hall
- 9/14 Chevelle at Saint Louis Music Park
- 9/14 Avatar the Last Airbender: In Concert at the Fox Theatre
- 9/15 Lucy Dacus at The Pageant
- 9/16 Pixies at Stifel Theatre
- 9/16 The Story So Far at The Factory
- 9/17 Buzzcocks at Red Flag
- 9/18 Colony House at Delmar Hall
- 9/21 Peach Pit at The Pageant
- 9/23 Halestorm and Lindsey Sterling at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
- 9/24 Papa Roach and Rise Against at Saint Louis Music Park
- 9/24 Emerson, Lake & Palmer at The Factory
- 9/26 Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue at The Pageant
- 9/27 Jordan Davis at Chaifetz Arena
- 9/27 Kansas at the Fox Theatre
October
ArtFusion
OCTOBER 4 & 5
Join in a weekend celebrating and supporting St. Louis’ thriving arts scene as the Abstrakt Arts Foundation hosts its first ArtFusion event. Taking over concourses and the turf field surface at The Dome at America’s Center, this sprawling art showcase will feature live music, exhibits, and plenty of local vendors. A family-fun zone and an ice-skating rink (plus free admission for kids 10 and under) make this an excellent opportunity to immerse the whole family in the arts. The Dome at America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza.
Flyover Comedy Festival
OCTOBER 16–19
Don’t be put off by its name—this weekend of hilarity is anything but skippable. Since its 2017 debut, Flyover Comedy Festival has given local and regional comics the chance to perform alongside stars like Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman, and Jeff Ross. The festival spreads across eight venues in St. Louis, ranging in size from the HandleBar to the Stifel Theatre. Be sure to check Flyover’s website for ticket information and a detailed schedule as the event draws closer. Various locations.
Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea
OCTOBER 18–JANUARY 25, 2026
Saint Louis Art Museum visitors will likely recognize Anselm Kiefer’s “Breaking of the Vessels,” a Holocaust commemoration piece crafted from shattered glass and destroyed books that has long been on display in the museum’s central Sculpture Hall. This fall, the piece will be temporarily replaced as a new exhibition explores the German painter and sculptor’s esteemed career in his first American exhibition in more than two decades. Becoming the Sea, which features works by Kiefer dedicated to the flow of water and time, will be SLAM’s largest single exhibition by square footage in decades; it’s free to all patrons. Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts.
St. Louis Independent Comics Expo
OCTOBER 18
Comics enthusiasts from across the city come together for this can’t-miss exposition of comics, prints, zines, and more. While a lineup of vendors is still in the works, previous years have brought ample opportunity to expand your collection and hear presentations from industry professionals. Whether you are an avid collector or just passionate about drawing, there’s something for all at this year’s St. Louis Independent Comics Expo. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington.
The Convening: Circus of Life
OCTOBER 24–26
Join local art exhibitors during Counterpublic’s first convening event, Circus of Life. The free festival seeks to unite like-minded creatives in a program to broaden imaginations and engage participants. The weekend-long event features a blend of live performances, discussions, and educational opportunities, which together ensures wide-ranging exposure to all areas in the arts. Visitors are encouraged to come with an open mind as they choose their own adventure through the convening. The Big Top and Counterpublic House, 3401 Washington.
Can’t-miss shows in October
- 10/1 A.J. Croche at The Factory
- 10/3 Dummy at The Sinkhole
- 10/3 Gary Numan at The Sovereign
- 10/4 The Liston Brothers at The Pageant
- 10/4 The Witcher in Concert at The Fox Theatre
- 10/5 Wilderado at Delmar Hall
- 10/6 Japanese Breakfast at The Pageant
- 10/6 Modest Mouse at The Factory
- 10/7 Aly & AJ at The Factory
- 10/9 Lorde at Chaifetz Arena
- 10/10 Molly Tuttle at The Hawthorn
- 10/15 Neko Case at The Pageant
- 10/16 Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons at The Factory
- 10/18 Destroyer at Off Broadway
- 10/24 Lord Huron at Chaifetz Arena
- 10/24-26 LUDO at The Pageant
November
The Notebook: The Musical
NOVEMBER 4–16
The Southern charm and heady romance that author Nicholas Sparks is best known for makes its way to St. Louis this November at the Fabulous Fox. While Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams made The Notebook iconic on the big screen, stage directors Michael Greif of Dear Evan Hansen and Schele Williams of The Wiz do a wonderful stage rendition. Make sure to bring your tissues as you walk down memory lane with Noah, Allie, and their moving love story. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand.
St. Louis International Film Festival
NOVEMBER 6–16
The 34th annual St. Louis International Film Festival—themed “Film Without Borders”—allows guests to transport themselves far and wide. The fest is spearheaded by organizers Emmett Williams and Bree Maniscalco and features creative projects by filmmakers from around the world. With a program of 250–300 films and pieces from independent creators to major studios, SLIFF is a perennial favorite that takes over multiple screening locations across the metro area. Various locations, including the Hi-Pointe Theatre, 1005 McCausland.
The Sorcerer
NOVEMBER 7 & 9
Love at first sight knows no bounds in Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Sorcerer, a comedic opera where love potions and magical realism run rampant. Although it was first produced in 1877, the production is timeless, thanks to its whimsy, satire, and an ever-important ensemble. The Winter Opera St. Louis knows that as the colder months settle in, we’ll need warming up, but be warned—by the end of Act 2, it may be you who is melting for this underrated score. Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Monroe.
Mill Creek: Black Metropolis
NOVEMBER 15–JULY 12, 2026
The Missouri Historical Society will honor Mill Creek Valley with a new exhibition this fall. St. Louis’ once-bustling, historically Black neighborhood thrived until it was demolished in 1959 in the name of urban renewal. This Missouri History Museum exhibit is free and open to all, giving St. Louisans every reason to learn about and embrace the public memory of Mill Creek. For more information and real-life recollections, check out Vivian Gibson’s memoir, The Last Children of Mill Creek, to enhance your visit. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell.
Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Madcap Mystery
NOVEMBER 20–DECEMBER 7
Some say a pup is man’s best friend, but we think Sherlock Holmes would concede that Dr. Watson deserved the title. The iconic detective and his companion are back at St. Louis Jewish Community Center for director Ken Ludwig’s lighthearted take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s chilling mystery novel The Hound of the Baskervilles. Five brave actors assume the roles of more than 40 characters in this fast-paced comedy. Please leave all tobacco pipes at the door. Wool Studio Theatre at The J, 2 Millstone Campus.
Can’t-miss shows in November
- 11/1 Dylan Gossett at The Factory
- 11/4 Boz Scaggs at The Factory
- 11/6 Viagra Boys at The Pageant
- 11/7 Riley Green at Chaifetz Arena
- 11/9 Rachael & Vilray at Delmar Hall
- 11/10 King Princess at The Pageant
- 11/13 KC & the Sunshine Band at The Factory
- 11/15 Chase Rice at The Factory
- 11/17 John Legend at The Factory
- 11/18 José González at The Hawthorn
- 11/25 The Happy Fits at Delmar Hall
- 11/26 Joe Bonamassa at Stifel Theatre
- 11/28 Whitechapel at Delmar Hall
December
Emma
DECEMBER 3–21
Mistletoe may be a matchmaker’s greatest helper during the holiday season, and it’s certainly a tool that Miss Emma Woodhouse would have in her arsenal. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis will bring her jovial, mischievous spirit to the stage all month long with its rendition of Emma. There are plenty of opportunities to see the genius of Jane Austen come alive, as The Rep offers varying showtimes and accessibility options, including select nights with audio descriptions and captioning. There are even two chances to engage in a post-show talkback with the actors: These take place following the December 14 and 17 performances. Loretto-Hilton Center at Webster University, 130 Edgar.
A Christmas Story
DECEMBER 12–14
A red-ribboned puppy dog, a brand-new Nintendo, a mom’s plea for a day of peace: These are among the wish list items that reappear season after season. Of course, for legendary Ralphie Parker, it’s a Red Ryder BB gun. Told from an older Ralphie’s point of view, A Christmas Story entices the audience to relive the nostalgia of their younger days and reflect on what actually makes the season magical. Before becoming overwhelmed by the holidays’ hustle and bustle, take the time to enjoy a night out at the always-elegant Fox Theatre—triple-dog-dare you. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand.
Illuminated Echoes
DECEMBER 12–14
An epic collaboration between dancer and choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans and sound designer Uwazi Zamani is ready to enthrall COCA audiences this December with an artful composition of dance, light, and sound. The shape of the stage in Illuminated Echoes is continually shifting, whether via the performers’ physical bodies or the way the light hits them. The essence of the performance is inspired by renowned light artist James Turrell. This event is appropriate for ages 6 and up, and would make a great family outing—after all, there is no age limit on wonder. Catherine B. Berges Theatre at COCA, 6880 Washington.
The Nutcracker & The World’s Fair
DECEMBER 12–14
Directors Robert Poe and Rachel Bodi are stepping boldly into their seventh season with local nonprofit ballet company Ballet 314: They’re reimagining a Christmas classic by infusing the choreography with significant local history. Parasols and bowler caps may be donned by all dancers, but it remains to be seen whether a Ferris wheel will be used in any stage lifts. Enjoy a festive night set in 1904, brought to you by an entirely local cast. Edison Theatre at Washington University, 1 Brookings.
Gaslight Dreams
DECEMBER 19 & 20
Travel back in time with Saint Louis Dance Theatre and Jazz St. Louis and become immersed in all of the glitz and glamour of a 1950s nightclub. Gaslight Dreams is set to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s The Nutcracker Suite, a brass-infused interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This live dance and jazz concert combination pays homage to the Gaslight Square entertainment district. Remember what was and celebrate what can be as you prepare to ring in the new year. Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade, 425 S. Lindbergh.
Can’t-miss shows in December
- 12/5 Avatar at The Pageant
- 12/6 Blue October at Stifel Theatre
- 12/6 Chris Lake at The Factory
- 12/8 Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith & CeCe Winans at the Fox Theatre
- 12/9+10 Anita Jackson at The Sheldon
- 12/11 Allen Stone at The Pageant
- 12/12 Pavlov’s Dog at Delmar Hall
- 12/14 The Petersens at The Sheldon
- 12/14 Bert Kreischer at Enterprise Center
- 12/16 The Lemonheads at Delmar Hall
Trading Spaces
A primer on renovations, new digs, and big plans for cultural spaces across the region
Jack C. Taylor Music Center (Powell Hall)
After a few nomadic seasons at venues across the region, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is headed home. Audiences who join the orchestra for its opening weekend Fanfare for Powell Hall concert will enter the new, Snøhetta-designed Jack C. Taylor Music Center, which encompasses Powell Hall. The light, airy space is reminiscent of the flowing curves of classical string instruments and then leads into a restored Powell Hall. Those who loved the original building will be pleased to see its elements have been refreshed, not replaced. With its dangling chandeliers, the former box office has been reimagined as one of six café and concessions areas, and the concert hall’s fresh red carpet brings historic style. Beyond the performance spaces, a new education and learning center—plus a backstage area—expand the capabilities of the organization and its artists to continue growing, creating, and engaging with the community.
The Sheldon Concert Hall & Galleries
When The Sheldon’s doors reopen this October, patrons will finally see the results of an $11 million renovation that closed the Grand Center art space for the summer. A big, bright marquee will announce The Sheldon’s presence on Washington Avenue, while a new entryway, bar, and bathrooms will ease the historic building’s flow and comfort issues. Visitors to The Sheldon’s art exhibitions will notice refurbished gallery spaces, and donors can enjoy a new lounge area. Itching to see the improvements for yourself? Grab tickets to An Evening with Roger McGuinn at The Sheldon Concert Hall on October 1.
Atomic Pavilion
In April, Atomic by Jamo announced the return of Atomic Pavilion, the venue’s outdoor performance space. The updated layout—which consists of custom-designed, repurposed shipping containers featuring work by local artists—facilitates a flexible, block-party atmosphere that can accommodate up to 2,000 attendees. This month the Pavilion stage will host bands including Voodoo Prince, Yheti X Lespecial, STS9, TopHouse, Lettuce, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Marc Rebillet, and Keller Williams, and on October 18, the venue will play host to the fourth annual Pines Fest.
Mercantile Library
The St. Louis Mercantile Library is the country’s oldest library west of the Mississippi River, and work is underway to make sure it’s around for generations to come. The $15 million renovation project aims to create a more cohesive, functional space and includes such updates as a new grand staircase, gallery spaces, meeting rooms, and more. The first exhibition in the new art gallery space, Frederick Oakes Sylvester & His Circle, is slated for October.
Old Courthouse
Downtown’s historic Old Courthouse reopened to much fanfare in May after five years of renovations. The multimillion-dollar project included accessibility improvements, new exhibits, and modern conveniences such as heating, cooling, and an elevator. It’s now a comfortable space where visitors can learn about the building’s storied history by viewing exhibits—which cover such topics as Dred and Harriet Scott, women’s suffrage, and the nation’s first Jewish Supreme Court justice—or participating in an updated version of the site’s popular mock trial experience.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
This past spring, the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis inked a deal to purchase 6.7 acres of the former Caleres headquarters in the hope of making major strides toward a long-held ambition: its own performance space. “We’ve been talking about the need for a new performing arts center for 49 of our 50 years,” OTSL general director Andrew Jorgensen told SLM in March. “Webster has been a great partner, but the truth is, that space was never designed to do what an opera company asks it to do. The orchestra pit is inadequate. The wing space, the backstage space, the fly tower, the acoustics have famously never been strong in that space.” To that end, OTSL has plans to raze the main Caleres building and construct a performing arts center that can be used by both the festival and other arts organizations for years to come. It’s still early days—if all due diligence goes well, it will still be years before the project is completed—but Jorgensen tells us that the upcoming fundraising campaign for the project will be the biggest the organization has ever undertaken.
