Gateway Cup | September 4–7
Zoom through some of the city’s coolest neighborhoods on two wheels, or cheer from the sidelines as your favorites show off their need for speed. The Gateway Cup closes out summer every year, bringing the finest pro and amateur cyclists in the country to St. Louis. Daylong programs, including races for kids and amateurs, build up to the women’s and men’s professional races. There’s a lot to see, so plan your weekend ahead of time. Friday is the Tour de Lafayette, Saturday is Tour de Francis Park, Sunday is the Giro Della Montagna, and Monday is the Tour de Florissant. See website for details.
Stay up-to-date with the local arts scene
Subscribe to the weekly St. Louis Arts+Culture newsletter to discover must-attend art exhibits, performances, festivals, and more.
Queeny Art Fair | September 4–6
The Greater St. Louis Artists Organization brings together more than 120 artists at a juried fair. For almost 50 years, the fair has funded scholarships for young artists and fostered kids’ curiosity through activities and conversations; this year, kids can try their hands at a make and take activity at the Claymazing station. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door, with no ticket needs for ages 18 and under. 4 p.m.–8 p.m. Fri, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sun. Greensfelder Rec Center, 550 Weidman.
Paint Louis | September 4–6
Billed as “The World’s Largest Graffiti Festival,” and recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest graffiti wall in the world, Paint Louis takes over the flood wall south of the Gateway Arch every Labor Day weekend. This year, more than 400 graffiti writers from around the world plan to converge to put up new work. The festival always brings local and national hip-hop acts: Rah Digga headlines this year. And get hyped for the fest at an art show and pre-party Friday from 7–11 p.m. at Fifteen Windows Gallery (3155 Cherokee), featuring new and old work by members of the LD Crew. 8 a.m.–8 p.m. 100 S. Wharf.
Japanese Festival | September 5–7
What do sumo wrestlers and orchids have in common? They’re both at the Missouri Botanical Garden on Labor Day weekend. The annual Japanese Festival brings the best of Japanese culture together. Come hungry, enjoy music and martial arts demonstrations, and don’t miss Masayo Ishigure, playing traditional Japanese music with the Miyabi Koto Shamisen Ensemble. The festival is always jam-packed with fun, so peruse the program before your visit. 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Sat and Sun, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw.
St. Nicholas Greek Festival | September 5–7
Opa! St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church hosts festivals throughout the year to share Greek food and drink, such as fish fries and a holiday open house, but the Labor Day weekend festival is the biggest one. It’s been at it for more than a century, so it’s fair to call the festival a classic. There’s music and dancing, tours of the historic church and Greek souvenirs, as well as incredible food and drink, such as gyros, spanakopita, pilaf, Greek beer, and fabulous pastries. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sat and Sun, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 4967 Forest Park Avenue; free parking at the Laclede Garage.
