Photograph courtesy of Macy's
Start off this holiday season with some big events in St. Louis, from the St. Louis International Film Festival to the Thanksgiving Day Parade and more. Here's our list of the top 10 things not to miss from the SLM calendar (in chronological order):
1. November 3: An Evening with John Hodgman at Mad Art Gallery
Humorist John Hodgman is perhaps best known for playing the part of the PC in Apple’s advertising campaigns, as well as his “You’re Welcome” segments on The Daily Show with John Stewart. He’s written several books, including The Areas of My Expertise. Here he performs stand-up and discusses That Is All, the final installment in his trilogy of “Complete World Knowledge.” $25. Time: 7 p.m. Event held at Mad Art Gallery, 2727 S. 12th, presented by Subterranean Books, 6275 Delmar, 314-862-6100, subbooks.com.
2. November 4–20: Palmer Park
Five couples, some white, some black, living in Detroit’s Palmer Park neighborhood deal with the aftermath of the 1967 race riots. Presented by St. Louis Actors’ Studio and The Black Rep. $18–$25. Times: 8 p.m. Thu–Sat, 2 p.m. Sun. Missouri History Museum, Lee Auditorium, 5700 Lindell, Forest Park, 314-746-4599, mohistory.org.
3. November 5: George Lopez
The comedian and late-night talk-show host often cracks jokes about his heritage, as in his HBO comedy special George Lopez: Tall, Dark & Chicano. $46.50–$56.50. Time: 8 p.m. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market, 800-745-3000, peabodyoperahouse.com.
4. November 6–16: St. Louis Jewish Book Festival
This event regularly attracts more than 30,000 people over the course of its 11-day run. More than 30 authors speak about their books in panels and Q&A sessions, including Dr. Arthur Agatston author of The South Beach Diet and Myla Goldberg, author of Bee Season and The False Friend. This year, tweens get an event of their own featuring vampire novelist Ellen Schreiber on October 27. Call for ticket prices and individual event times. St. Louis Jewish Community Center, Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus, 314-442-3299, stljewishbookfestival.org.
5. November 10–20: St. Louis International Film Festival
During its first year, in 1992, the St. Louis International Film Festival showed 25 films. Two years later, it was up to 10 days of films, and Cinema St. Louis was formed. This year, for its 20th anniversary, the festival hosts 300-plus movies—documentaries, shorts, and more, like The Artist with John Goodman—at a string of theaters across the region. Call or go online for details. 314-289-4150, cinemastlouis.org.
6. November 11: Poetry Scores
Artists here started with a poem set to music, becoming a “poetry score,” which then inspired works of art telling the story of the poem. The final step is to make a silent film featuring the artwork, poem, and music. This exhibit features pieces that are in various stages of this multiyear process. Time: 7–11 p.m. Mad Art Gallery, 2727 S. 12th, 314-771-3202, madart.com. Free. Times: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Tue–Fri, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sat.
7. November 18: Holiday Festival of Lights
Downtown St. Louis transforms into a twinkling tract of radiance during the Holiday Festival of Lights. Beyond the luminaries, the event promises live music, cookies, hot chocolate, fireworks, and even a cameo by ol’ St. Nick himself, who will ride down Seventh Street in a horse-drawn carriage. Free. Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m. Downtown St. Louis, christmasinstlouis.org/festival-of-lights.
8. November 19: Jim Gaffigan
Long before starring in the Broadway musical That Championship Season alongside Kiefer Sutherland, comedian Jim Gaffigan was best known for his talent of making all things food funny. Don’t believe us? Go to YouTube, and type in “Hot Pocket.” $39.75–$49.75. Time: 8 p.m. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand, 314-534-1111, fabulousfox.com.
9. November 24: Thanksgiving Day Parade
This parade traditionally kicks off the holiday season in St. Louis with floats, giant balloons, and of course, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The procession begins at Fourth and Washington and proceeds south on Fourth to Market, then continues west along Market to 14th. Free. Time: 8:45 a.m. Downtown St. Louis, christmasinstlouis.org.
10. November 25–26: MSHSAA Show-Me Bowl
The state’s high-school football season kicks off with nearly 350 teams across six divisions. In the end, it boils down to a handful of games played inside the Edward Jones Dome during the MSHSAA Show-Me Bowl. Last year, St. Louis County high schools Hazelwood Central, Maplewood Richmond Heights, Webster Groves, and John Burroughs came up just short. Will St. Louis get revenge this year? For details, call or go online. Edward Jones Dome, 901 N. Broadway, 314-342-5201, mshsaa.org.
By Rosalind Early and Nancy McMullen
