Frida Libre

Inspired by the childhood of legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Frida Libre is the uplifting story of young Frida who plans to become a doctor and her new friend Alex who secretly wishes to be a wrestler.
When:  Touring schools Sep. 25 – Nov. 2
Where:  Locations vary
$$  Free
Website:  metroplays.org

Memory and Desire

Laumeier Sculpture Park’s 2018 exhibition will feature neon artist and sign historian David Hutson. It will showcase two large scale outdoor neon works along with his extensive collection of vintage neon signs alongside about 15 neon sculptures from Hutson’s current body of work.
When: Sept. 28 – Jan. 13, 2019
Where:  Laumeier Sculpture Park
$$  Free
Website: laumeiersculpturepark.org

Ralph Nagel: Being There

Bruno David Gallery continues its 13th season with a solo exhibition by Denver-based plein air artist Ralph Nagel. The exhibition, Being There, Nagel’s first show with the gallery, will feature an overview of his 15 years of practice and travels from around the world.
When:  Oct. 4 – Nov. 17
Where:  Bruno David Gallery
$$  Free
Website: brunodavidgallery.com

Best of Missouri Market

The Best of Missouri Market showcases more than 120 outstanding food producers and artisans. Enjoy live music, a food court, wine and beer samples, a Kids’ Corner with barnyard animals, crafts, pumpkin decorating, and more!
When: Oct. 5, noon – 8 p.m. Oct. 6 & 7, 9 a.m. 5 p.m.
Where:  Missouri Botanical Garden
$$  $7 for members, $15 for non members
Website:  missouribotanicalgarden.org

Historic Shaw Art Fair

Located on the tree-lined parkway of beautiful Flora Place at Tower Grove Avenue, the Historic Shaw Art Fair is one of the premier fine art and fine craft fairs in the St. Louis area. Roughly 135 top caliber artists and craftspeople from around the country are selected each year to participate in the professionally juried event.
When:  Oct. 6, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Oct. 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where:  4100 & 4200 blocks of Flora Place
$$  Free
Website:  shawstlouis.org

GlobalHack VII

GlobalHack – in partnership with Casa de Salud, The International Institute, The St. Louis Mosaic Project and the Immigrant Service Providers Network (ISPN), among others – will host a hackathon to reshape the experiences of foreign-born individuals and communities. During the hackathon, participating teams of all levels will work collaboratively with industry experts to build tools, apps and platforms to improve experiences for foreign-born individuals in St. Louis and beyond. Technologists, students and creatives from around the world are invited to participate! GlobalHack VII will be held October 12-14, 2018 at Chaifetz Arena, on the Saint Louis University campus.
When:  Oct. 12 – 14
Where: Chaifetz Arena
Website: globalhack.org/globalhack7/

Brew in the Lou

“Brew in the Lou” will showcase St. Louis’ best beer, wine, spirits, coffee, and good eats. Proceeds benefit the Lutheran Elementary School Association’s 35 member schools serving 8,800 students. Festivities include live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, the “People’s Choice” Home Brew Competition, Bratwurst and Chili Contest, and special food exhibits. Vendors will be on-site conducting product sampling and selling their wares.
When:  Oct. 13, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where:  Francis Park
$$  Free
Website: lesastl.org/home/6th-annual-brew-lou/

ZootoberFest

Enjoy a new take on Oktoberfest with some Saint Louis Zoo flair! This is a family-friendly Oktoberfest that you can’t find anywhere else. After you’re all “oompah-ed” out, enjoy a walk around the Zoo and see some of your favorite animals!
When:  Oct. 13 – 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where:  Saint Louis Zoo
$$  Free
Website: stlzoo.org/events/zootoberfest

Harvest Festival

Join Sauce Magazine along with top local artists, musicians, restaurants, breweries and wineries for the 11th annual Harvest Festival in Tower Grove Park.
When:  Oct. 14, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where:  Tower Grove Park
$$  Free
Website: harvestfeststl.com/

Boo at the Zoo

Bring your little ghouls and goblins for a non-scary, kid-friendly Halloween experience. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Children 12 and under will receive a treat bag upon exiting. Boo at the Zoo Nights is not a trick-or-treating experience.
When: Oct. 16 – 30, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where:  St. Louis Zoo
$$  $7 for members, $8 for  non members, $1 off if in costume
Website:  stlzoo.org

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

We invite you to join us under the sea for Variety Theatre’s 2018 production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Sing, dance and swim along as we follow Ariel’s journey to walk on land and find true love.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Variety Theatre is the country’s only production of its kind. Featuring an inclusive children’s ensemble performing alongside a professional adult cast, this Broadway classic is a must-see event. In 2018, Variety Theatre was awarded the “Special Award for a Body of Work” by the St. Louis Theater Circle, an honor only presented when it is felt it is truly deserved.
When: Oct. 18 – Oct. 21
Where:  Touhill Performing Arts Center
$$  $50, $42, $37, $28, $18
Website:  touhill.org/events/detail/disneys-the-little-mermaid-1

Kehinde Wiley

Kehinde Wiley creates large-scale oil paintings of contemporary African American subjects in poses that recall grand traditions of European and American portraiture. His models—real people dressed in their own clothing—assume poses adapted from historic paintings. In 2018 Wiley became the first African-American artist to paint an official U.S. Presidential portrait for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Former U.S. President Barack Obama selected Wiley for this honor.
When: Oct. 19 – Feb. 10, 2019. Museum closed Mondays.
Where:  Saint Louis Art Museum
$$  Free
Website:  slam.org

Purina Farms Trunk or Treat

Face-painting Fun Games Balloon Animals Canine Obstacle Course Inflatable Slide, candy for kids and treats for dogs! Kids 10 and under, and of course, any age dog.
When:  Oct.21, 11 am. -11:45 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Where:  Purina Farms
$$ $10
Website: purina.com/sites/g/files/auxxlc196/files/2018-09/2018_Trunk-or-Treat_Flyer_r01_Flyer%201%20.pdf

The Capitol Steps

The Capitol Steps is a troupe of current and former Congressional staffers who monitor events and personalities on Capitol Hill, in the Oval Office, and in other centers of power and prestige around the world, taking a humorous look at serious issues while providing a nationwide laugh for millions.
When:  Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Where:  The Sheldon
$$ $45, $50
Website: thesheldon.org/concert-detail.php?id=715

Science Spooktacular

Join us for spooky fun science! Bring your young ghouls, goblins, astronauts and dinosaurs to our Halloween celebration and get hands-on with spell-binding science at this family-friendly event. The whole family is encouraged to come in costume. (Visitors over the age of 12 are asked not to wear masks.)
When:  Oct. 25, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where:  Saint Louis Science Center
$$  Free
Website: slsc.org/event-overviews/science-spooktacular/

Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival

Hundreds of vendor booths will fill the city park and line the streets of Kimmswick selling a variety of crafts and food items. Live entertainment will also be provided by the city of Kimmswick and the Kimmswick Merchants.
When:  Oct. 27 & 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where:  Kimmswick, MO
$$  Free
Website: visitkimmswick.com