September
A weekend of plein air shopping awaits at the Best of Missouri Market, where more than 120 purveyors and crafters will sell their goods. There’s also a kids’ corner with crafts and activities. Sept. 30–Oct. 2. 6–9 p.m. Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat and Sun. $12 adults, $5 children and members, free for members’ children ages 3–12. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw, 314-577-5100, missouribotanicalgarden.org.
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October
Enter an enchanting world as the Beast falls in love with Belle in the Touhill’s Beauty and the Beast. Oct. 21–23. $15–$45. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University, 314-516-4949, touhill.org.
See the Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and The Hare in a new light with Lightwire Theater’s unconventional production. The puppets, covered in glowing wire, illuminate an otherwise dark stage. Oct. 22–23. $16–$20. Founders’ Theatre at COCA, 524 Trinity, 314-725-6555, cocastl.org.
Fill your pantry with apple butter from Kimmswick’s annual Apple Butter Festival, and watch as the Kimmswick Historical Society makes the classic autumn preserve at the event. Oct. 29–30. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. visitkimmswick.com.
November
The stars of PBS’ Wild Kratts come to St. Louis for an educational quest that will teach kids about the wonders of nature and entertain the audience with the performers’ silly antics. Nov. 13. $22–$42. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market, 314-499-7600, peabodyoperahouse.com.
Union Station transforms into North Pole Village, with thousands of twinkling lights and decorations. Children can wear wear pajamas during a holiday train ride, themed “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” And riders can enjoy hot chocolate and gingerbread at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. Nov. 18-Dec. 30. $39-$89. 877-8927-785, holidaysatunionstation.com.
Gasp in awe at the floats, balloons, and displays of the Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade. Nov. 24. Parade starts at 8:45 a.m. at 7th and Market and ends at Union Station. Free. christmasinstlouis.org.
Tis the season to celebrate a classic holiday tale. The Nutcracker weaves the story of young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle the Mouse King and dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy on Christmas Eve. The Saint Louis Ballet performs a fresh take on the annual tradition, December 16–23 at Touhill Performing Arts Center (touhill.org), with new choreography and special effects, including glitter, smoke, and pyrotechnics. Or check out two earlier performances, from the St. Louis Symphony (Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker December 2-4, Powell Hall, stlsymphony.org) and Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker (November 30, Fox Theatre, fabulousfox.com).
December
The Greatest Show on Earth gets a modern twist: Freestyle BMX riders fly through the air, acrobats rappel high above the ground, and Mongolian strongmen build a fantastic five-man pyramid in The Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus Xtreme. October 16–18. $20–$90. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark, scottradecenter.com.
Journey through some of Disney’s best musical moments with the St. Louis Symphony, joined by Broadway-caliber singers who recreate the music of Frozen, The Lion King, and more. Dec. 30. 7 p.m. $35-$50. 314-534-1700, stlsymphony.org.
