St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Forest Park Concert | September 16
Bring a blanket and settle in on Art Hill for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s annual free Forest Park concert. Stéphane Denève leads the orchestra through works by Beethoven, Bernstein, Gershwin, Copland, John Williams, and more, with a family fun zone featuring a musical scavenger hunt and conducting station before the show. Stick around for fireworks over the Grand Basin to end the night. Family activities, 6–7 p.m.; concert, 7 p.m. Art Hill, Forest Park. Free.
Sense of Play Sensory & Art Playdate | September 16
Let someone else handle the cleanup during this sensory-focused morning at TotSpot Social. A certified early childhood educator will lead children through sensory play and process-art invitations, followed by time to stay and play. Registration covers one child per family; additional siblings can join for $8 each. 9:30–11:30 a.m. TotSpot Social, 6451 Clayton. $18.
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Read and Roll at Barron Gymnastics | September 16
Little ones can get their wiggles out during a morning of books, songs, and open gym play with local speech therapist, mom, and author Brittany Musholt. While kids play, parents can also ask Musholt questions about storytime and get tips for making reading a regular part of their routine at home. Best for ages 1–5. 10 a.m. Barron Gymnastics, 15425 Clayton, Ballwin. $5 per person; registration required.
Pirates and Pumpkins | September 18–November 2
Arrr you ready for Halloween? The St. Louis Aquarium goes under Pirate Command with roaming pirates, working cannons, pirate crafts and games, carved pumpkins, photo ops, and an underwater battle for the Golden Pumpkin, where divers carve pumpkins in Shark Canyon and visitors vote for their favorite. Select October evenings also bring trick-or-treating throughout the Aquarium and Union Station. September 18–November 2. St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, 201 S. 18th. Included with general admission.
Great Forest Park Balloon Race | September 18–19
One of St. Louis’ biggest family traditions returns for its 54th year with two days of hot-air-balloon fun. Friday’s festivities include the Balloon Glow, games, inflatables, live entertainment, the U.S. Army Golden Knights, a new post-Glow dance party, and fireworks. On Saturday, families can watch 50 balloon pilots take to the skies during the signature race, plus catch children’s entertainment, performances, food, and activities throughout the afternoon.
September 18, festivities begin at 5 p.m.; September 19, festivities begin at 1 p.m. Emerson Central Fields, Forest Park. Free.
Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival | September 18–20
Celebrate Hispanic heritage with a weekend of live Latin music, authentic Latin American food, folkloric dance performances, a mercado filled with handmade goods, cultural exhibits, and community resources. Kids can head to the Los Niños Kids Corner for games and activities. September 18–19, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; September 20, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Soulard Park, S. Eighth and Lafayette. Free.
St. Louis Lebanese Festival | September 18–20
Come hungry to the 59th annual St. Louis Lebanese Festival, where families can experience Lebanese culture through homemade favorites including hummus, falafel, shawarma, meat and spinach pies, stuffed grape leaves, and plenty of desserts. The weekend also features live music and traditional dabke performances by St. Raymond’s youth dancers. Admission and parking are free. September 18, 6–9 p.m.; September 19, noon–9 p.m.; September 20, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. St. Raymond’s Maronite Cathedral, 931 Lebanon. Free.
Frizz Fest | September 19
Celebrate natural beauty, community, and culture at this free, family-friendly festival in Tower Grove Park. The day includes live performances, a DJ and dancing, food trucks, a hair show, farmers market, local vendors, art installations, health and wellness programming, and a dedicated youth zone.
Noon–7 p.m. Tower Grove Park, 4256 Magnolia. Free.
Jack’s Lighted Trail Low Sensory Night | September 19
Families looking for a quieter fall experience can explore Jack’s Lighted Trail during its new Low Sensory Night. The special hour reduces sensory stimulation while still giving guests a chance to experience the illuminated trail through Eckert’s cornfields in a calmer environment. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Eckert’s Belleville Farm, 951 S Green Mount. $22 per person.
OxFest Music Festival | September 19
Catch 14 bands across three stages while supporting organizations that serve children and families throughout the region. Parents can enjoy live rock, blues, and country music while kids hit a free zone with a petting zoo, balloon art, face painting, bounce houses, giant bubbles, and more. Viral food creator Sarah Kraffty will also host a meet-and-greet and serve special dishes benefiting OxFest charities. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.; music noon–10:15 p.m. Washington Fairgrounds, 201 Grand.
Cooking for Kids and Caregivers lottery | Through September 30
Young cooks ages 10–15 can enter a lottery for an October cooking class presented by Operation Food Search and St. Louis County Library. Selected kids and their caregivers will learn to make creamy tomato pasta using an accessible, shelf-stable substitute for fresh cream. The class takes place October 22 at Operation Food Search. Lottery entries accepted September 1–30. Class October 22, 6–7 p.m. Operation Food Search, 1644 Lotsie.
Puttshack fall specials | Through the season
Need an indoor family outing as fall schedules get busier? Puttshack is rolling out several seasonal deals, including unlimited mini golf on weekdays and $9 rounds after 9 p.m. on Saturdays. Families can also try new “dirty soda” flavors including Peaches and Cream, Island Creamsicle, Strawberry Fields, and Milk Bar Cookie Monster. Puttshack St. Louis, City Foundry STL, 3730 Foundry Way.
