Welcome to your ultimate guide to Labor Day weekend in the St. Louis area, where the Gateway City comes alive with a symphony of live music, cultural festivals, and family-friendly activities. As we bid farewell to summer and (for some) embrace the new school year, there’s no shortage of exciting events to celebrate with friends and family.
Whether you’re seeking the heart-pounding beats of the Big Muddy Blues Festival in downtown St. Louis or the tranquil beauty of the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Japanese Festival, this Labor Day is poised to be the main event of the season. Explore the rich history of St. Louis at the St. Louis World’s Fare Heritage Festival in Forest Park, or savor the flavors of Greece at the St. Nicholas Greek Festival hosted by the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. From the lively atmosphere of downtown St. Louis to the serene wagon rides at Queeny Park, you’re in for a great time.
As you explore all of the fun things to do in the St. Louis area and find the best ways to spend your long weekend, get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant entertainment, free concerts, and a treasure trove of experiences as we kick off this Labor Day weekend.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
The Art Fair at Queeny Park
One of the longest-running art fairs in the region, The Art Fair at Queeny Park has been hosting hundreds of artists from all over the country at this annual event for over 40 years. This is, without a doubt, the best local festival for art lovers this Labor Day Weekend.
WHEN: Fri, 9/1 (5 pm-9 pm) | Sat, 9/2 (11 am-6 pm) | Sun 9/3 (11 am-4 pm)
WHERE: Greensfelder Recreation Center | 550 Weidman Rd, Manchester, MO
Japanese Festival
Experience Japanese tradition and culture in the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden. This unique festival features traditional Japanese art, dance, food and entertainment, including taiko drums and samurai sword performances.
WHEN: Sat, 9/2 (10 am-8 pm) | Sun 9/3 (10 am-8 pm) | Mon 9/4 (10 am-5 pm)
WHERE: Missouri Botanical Garden | 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Paint Louis
Returning for its 26th year, Paint Louis is a live grafitti festival that hosts over 500 artists and musicians from all over the world. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch as a portion of the flood wall is repainted at this free event.
WHEN: Fri, 9/1 | Sat, 9/2 | Sun 9/3
WHERE: 1000 S. Wharf St. 63104
St. Nicholas Greek Festival
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is hosting the 106th annual Greek Festival. Guests will enjoy free admission and parking to this festival offering authentic Greek food, live music, dance performances, entertainment and more. Church tours and a gift shop are also available for anyone interested. This event has free admission and free parking.
WHEN: Sat, 9/2 (11 am-8 pm) | Sun 9/3 (11 am-8 pm) | Mon 9/4 (11am-6 pm)
WHERE: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church | 4967 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO
St. Louis World’s Fare Heritage Festival
Visitors will discover the history of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair through exhibits, discussions and memorabilia from the actual World’s Fair from 1904. This event boasts a diverse offering of live entertainment, including dance, music, and cultural performances. Food Trucks will be at the event, providing a diverse food offering from many of St. Louis’s most popular restaurants. This is a family-friendly event with plenty of children’s activities, yard games and entertainment as well.
WHEN: Sat, 9/2 (11 am-11 pm) | Sun 9/3 (11 am-11 pm)
WHERE: Forest Park- Upper Muny Lot
Big Muddy Blues Festival
Featuring six different local artists, this annual Blues Music Festival showcases the rich history St. Louis tradition of the blues music scene west of the Mississippi River.
Tip: Bring a lawn chair with you! There will also be chairs available to rent.
WHEN: Sun 9/3 (2 pm-8 pm)
WHERE: Historic Laclede’s Landing | 612 N 1st St St. Louis, MO
Labor Day on the Frontier at Historic Daniel Boone Home
This free event is perfect for families looking to experience a bit of history this Labor Day weekend. Visitors can take a guided tour the historic Daniel Boone House or experience the live, ongoing interpretations at multiple of the sites on the property.
WHEN: Sun 9/3 (10 am-4 pm)
WHERE: 1868 Hwy F, Defiance, MO
Midwest Wingfest
This annual event has it all, from delicious food (sourced both locally and nationally) and a plethora of vendors, to live music and entertainment. Whether you come for the delicious food or the free concert, this event is sure to please. The mission of this event is to raise money in order to support Disabled Veterans’ causes.
WHEN: Fri 9/1 (5 pm-12 am) | Sat 9/2 (12 pm-12 am)
WHERE: St. Clair Square Mall | 134 St Clair Square, Fairview Heights, IL
OTHER WAYS TO CELEBRATE
Visit the Saint Louis Zoo
Catch a Cardinals Game at Busch Stadium
Enjoy Craft Brews at Rockwell Beer Garden
Paddle Boat at the Boathouse at Forest Park
Pet the Farm Animals at Grant’s Farm
Experience the St. Louis History Museum
Explore the City Museum
As we conclude this guide to the Labor Day weekend in the St. Louis area, get ready for an unforgettable “end of summer” weekend filled with activities that cater to the whole family. From exploring the rich culture of the St. Louis Greek Festival to immersing yourself in the vibrant arts scene at the Art Fair at Queeny Park, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to groove to the soulful rhythms at the Big Muddy Blues Festival, witness stunning graffiti art at Paint Louis, and experience Japanese traditions at the Japanese Festival in the Missouri Botanical Garden.
For a taste of history, visit the Historic Daniel Boone Home or indulge in delicious food and live music at the Midwest Wingfest. Whether you choose to relax in Forest Park, join the festivities at St. Nicholas Greek Festival, or take in the rich blues music scene downtown, your Labor Day weekend in the St. Louis area promises a memorable time.
So, gather your family and friends and make the most of this long weekend with exciting adventures and fun-filled moments. Enjoy the celebrations, and here’s to an incredible Labor Day weekend in the St. Louis area, filled with live music, cultural experiences, and the best local traditions!