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September 5: First Fridays in Grand Center
Celebrate the opening of a new fall arts season with First Fridays in Grand Center. Once a month, the neighborhood’s galleries open their doors, often debuting new exhibits. Venues include Bruno David Gallery, Craft Alliance, the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Duet, Portfolio Gallery & Education Center, The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, The Sheldon Art Galleries, and Saint Louis University Museum of Art and Museum of Contemporary Religious Art. Free. 5–9 p.m. Grand Center, 314-289-1500, grandcenter.org.
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David Kloeckener
September 5, 6 & 7: Saint Louis Art Fair
The Saint Louis Art Fair returns for its 21st year with hundreds of exhibiting artists, including painters, sculptors, and photographers from all over the world. The event also features live music, food, and kids’ activities. Free. 5–10 p.m. Fri, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun. Downtown Clayton, 314-863-0278, culturalfestivals.com.
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Schlafly
September 5, 6 & 7: Schlafly Art Outside
First held in 2003, Schlafly Art Outside features more than 50 artists who live and work within a 125-mile radius of St. Louis. The art tends to be edgy—and affordable. Free. 5–10 p.m. Fri, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Sat, noon–4 p.m. Sun. Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest, 314-241-2337, schlafly.com/bottleworks.
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Courtney Zahner
September 6 & 7: LouFest
LouFest is one of the most eagerly anticipated music events of 2014. This year’s internationally famed headliners include Outkast, Arctic Monkeys, and Cake. There are locals on the bill, too: Old Salt Union, Pretty Little Empire, and Big Brother Thunder & the MasterBlasters. $95. Noon–11 p.m. Sat & Sun. Central Field, Forest Park, loufest.com.
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The Black Rep
September 10 through 21: Purlie
The Black Rep embarks on its 38th season with the energetic musical Purlie, the story of a preacher who returns to the city of his birth and rallies the town to save a community church. Ron Himes directs. Call for times and prices. Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth, 314-935-6543, edison.wustl.edu.
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The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
September 10 through October 5: One Man, Two Guvnors
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis opens its 2014–15 season with One Man, Two Guvnors, an adaption of Carlo Goldoni’s 18th-century commedia dell’arte play, Servant of Two Masters, set in Brighton, England in 1963. Call for times and prices. Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, Webster University, 130 Edgar, 314-968-4925, repstl.org.
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September 13: Eric Church
After country star Eric Church released his fifth album, The Outsiders, earlier this year, it immediately raced up the charts. He hits town with supporting acts Dwight Yoakam and Brothers Osborne. $22–$56.50. 7 p.m. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark, 314-622-5435, scottradecenter.com.
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Diane Anderson
September 19 & 20: The Great Forest Park Balloon Race & Balloon Glow
The highly anticipated annual event begins Friday with the Balloon Glow, then continues the next day with skydivers, fireworks, a kids’ area, a photo contest, and the launch of the “hare and hound” balloons at 4:30 p.m. Free. 7 p.m. Fri glow, noon–6:30 p.m. Sat race. Central Field, Forest Park, Union & Jefferson, greatforestparkballoonrace.com.
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Peter Newcomb
September 19, 20 & 21: Taste of St. Louis
This year, Taste of St. Louis moves to Chesterfield. Though the music shows are now ticketed, the event kept several of its traditional elements, including Restaurant Row, Kid City, and the Chef Battle Royale. Free. 4–10 p.m. Fri, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun. Chesterfield Central Park & Amphitheater, 631 Veterans’ Place, Chesterfield, 314-534-2100, tastestl.com.
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Feld Entertainment
September 25–28: Disney on Ice: Princesses & Heroes
Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, Cinderella, Tiana, and Belle are the stars of Disney on Ice: Princesses & Heroes. $15–$67. 7 p.m. Thu & Fri, 11 a.m., 3 & 7 p.m. Sat, 1 & 5 p.m. Sun. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton, 314-977-5000, thechaifetzarena.com.
This September, take in a performance, sample savory dishes, and enjoy the season’s many outdoor festivals.