One of the region’s coolest neighborhoods celebrates what makes it so much fun this weekend with the Taste of Maplewood Street Festival, May 15 and 16.
It’s the 18th year for the free outdoor party, which showcases the independent boutiques, quirky shops, and delectable food and drink options in Maplewood and Richmond Heights.
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.
“I love it because we not only showcase the best food and shopping in Maplewood and Richmond Heights, but it really is the taste of everything we have,” says Jeannine Beck, executive director of the Mid County Chamber of Commerce. That includes arts, nonprofits, schools, and other community organizations.
Artists from neighborhood organizations such as the St. Louis Irish Arts and Shock City School of Music will have a presence on the community stage, and a student from Giant Steps will once again perform a rap. Far Out Smoke Shop’s live glassblowing demonstration is one to watch for. Favorites like The Crow’s Nest, The Blue Duck, Side Project Brewing, Sabroso Cocina Mexicana and Kakao Chocolate will offer specials and one-off menu items. The old-school dunk tank is sure to be a soggy laugh.
The small businesses set the tone for the day, which is part of what makes the event and neighborhood so special, Beck says. They choose what to offer and how to support each other, in addition to connecting with neighbors and visitors.
Music and dance are spread across the Main Stage and the Community Stage. Rock out to the MRH Stage Band, The Chris Sheperd Band, The Perfect Strangers, Hudson and the Hoo Doo Cats, and headliners The Grooveliner.
Beck says folks can check out new or forthcoming businesses such as The Sports Bra, Greenwell Goods, and Gamlin’s Maplewood. They may not be fully participating in the festival just yet, she says, but the weekend can serve as an introduction for people who haven’t been by in a while.
“As people come in, we hope that they walk through Maplewood and rediscover it,” Beck says.
The 18th annual Taste of Maplewood starts Friday with a pre-party from 6–10 p.m. The event then kicks into full gear on Saturday morning at 11 a.m., and the party goes through 8 p.m. (Parking might be tight, so consider carpooling or taking transit or rideshares.)
