Whether you’re here for summer doing research, interning, working or just chillin because you couldn’t get enough of St. Louis during the year, you should add these fun events packed with interesting food to your summer bucket list. We all talk about wanting to explore STL more, and the summer is the perfect time to do it – and of course eat lots of delicious food in the process.
1. Pridefest STL
Photo courtesy of townplannerstl.com
When: Friday, June 26 4:30pm – 11:30pm; Saturday, June 27 11:00am – 9:30pm; Sunday June 28 11:00am – 7:30pm
Where: Soldier’s Memorial, 1315 Chestnut Street; the Parade will go down Market Street starting at 8th and ending at 18th
What: Annual Gay pride event honoring the LGBT community with a parade and a full lineup of musical entertainment. This year, for the first time, on Friday night, there will be a Craft Brewfest and Dance Party sponsored by MasterCard. This includes beer tasting (Stella Artois, Goose Island and Shock Top), food trucks (Vincent Van Doughnut, Rise and Shine, Brazil Express and more) and DJ Hot House sessions on the Bud Light Entertainment Stage.
2. Vintage Bliss Market
Photo courtesy of westportstl.com
When: Saturday, June 20 10am – 6pm; Sunday, June 21 10am – 3pm
Where: Westport Plaza, 111 Westport Plaza Drive
What: 60+ vintage artisans and retro retailers selling everything from jewelry, art and clothing to decorative items for the home and fabrics. There will be live music, prize giveaways (the first 150 people get a free tote bag from Westport Plaza), face painting, balloon art and of course, tons of food and drinks from local establishments and the restaurants within the plaza. Admission to the market is free.
3. Saucy Soirée
Photo courtesy of saucemagazine.com
When: Sunday, June 28 5pm – 10pm
Where: St. Louis Union Station Hotel, 1820 Market Street
What: 9th annual reader’s choice celebration highlighting restaurants and eateries voted best in the St. Louis food scene. There will be food and wine tastings from over 40 winning restaurants and bars and live 40s style music until 7:30pm. Tickets cost $35 in advance and $45 at the door and include one signature cocktail or beer and a copy of the July 2015 Reader’s Choice issue of Sauce Magazine. The after party will go from 7:30pm – 10pm with live music from Dawn Weber and the Electro Funk Assembly.
4. Tower Grove Farmer’s Market 10th Anniversary Festival
Photo courtesy of runonsunshine.com
When: Saturday, June 20 from 8am – 5pm
Where: Tower Grove Park
What: After ten years of supporting local farmers and artisans, the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market is celebrating its anniversary with a massive 100+ vendor event. In addition to the usual vendors, guests like Pie Oh My! and Ices Plain & Fancy will be in attendance and live music will be playing all day.
5. The Loop is Open
Photo courtesy of nextstopstl.org
When: Saturday, June 27 (first block party) – dates for block parties TBD throughout the summer!
Where: TBD, check here for updated info
What: A party including live music and drinks as part of a larger effort to keep the Loop a fun destination throughout trolley construction. “The Loop is Open” also includes giveaways of two $50 gift certificates each week of summer from participating businesses including Three Kings, Noodles and Company, Froyo and Blueberry Hill.
6. 35th Annual Fair STL
Photo courtesy of forestparkforever.com
When: July 2 – 4, 5pm – 10:30pm
Where: Forest Park
What: The Fair St. Louis Foundation is hosting its annual Fourth of July weekend festival in Forest Park, featuring live music, local food vendors, air shows, fireworks and even a Zip line.
7. Parties in the Park – July
Photo courtesy of Parties in the Park
When: July 8, 5pm – 8:30pm
Where: Central Avenue in downtown Clayton
What: According to the website, this monthly event is really just a “classy block party” with booze and live music, but we think it’s worth checking out.
8. St. Louis Magazine A-List Party
Photo courtesy of stlmag.com
When: Thursday, July 9, 7 – 10:30pm
Where: 26 – 52 Maryland Plaza in Central West End
What: Celebration recognizing A-list winners – editors’ and readers’ picks for extraordinary restaurants, bars, clothing stores, gyms and media outlets in the St. Louis area. Tickets cost $40 for general admission ($45 after July 1), and include samples of cuisine, cocktails and beers from 20+ A-List winners. There will also be live music by My Friend Mike and DJ Jwin throughout the evening. VIP tickets cost $75 and include entry into a private courtyard lounge with the St. Louis Rams. All tickets include entry to the after party at Mandarin Lounge.
9. Sauce Food Truck Friday
Photo courtesy of greendiningalliance.org
When: Friday, July 10 4pm – 8pm. Future dates: August 14, September 11 and October 2
Where: Tower Grove Park. The trucks line up along Southwest Drive between Kingshighway Boulevard and Center Cross Drive.
What: Since 2011, Sauce Magazine has been sponsoring Food Truck Friday nights, where more than 20 local food trucks serve their best items to the hungry crowds. Show up as early as possible to avoid dealing with long lines and sold-out items.
Looking for more foodie things to do this summer? Check out these: