The St. Louis Weekend Events Guide for Thursday, August 11th through Sunday, August 14th, 2016.

Downtown

Blues at the Arch: The National Blues Museum and CityArchRiver Foundation are teaming up to bring a free concert series to a newly renovated section of the Gateway Arch grounds. The three week series kicks-off Friday, August 12, in Luther Ely Smith Square with the Arch and the Old Courthouse as beautiful backdrops with Phi & Vasti Jackson. Vasti, a world renowned guitarist and vocalist, Mississippi living blues legend, Cultural ambassador, 2012 Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame inductee, and 2015 Albert King Lifetime Guitar Award recipient, is known for sweat-drenched, soul-ripping live performances marked by some of the most stunning, and innovative guitar playing. Don’t miss this exceptional show.

Date: Friday, August 12
Time: 5-8:30pm
Place: 4th and Market

Soulard Founder’s Day: Let’s all celebrate Soulard Founder’s Day and Julia Soulard’s birthday. We will have free watermelon slices and popcorn, plus 2 Live Bluegrass bands, face painting and other activities for the kids. The festival celebrates Julia Cerre Soulard, who secured the rights to the land that is now Soulard Market when her husband, Antoine Soulard passed away in 1825. Upon her death, she bequeathed 2 blocks to the city to remain as a permanent market – what is now Soulard Market. So let’s enjoy this special day of remembrance together.

Date: Saturday, August 13
Time: 10am-3pm
Place: Soulard Market Park-9th & Lafayette

#BeerFest: Old Rock House is celebrating #beer with 6 local breweries: Schlafly, Civil Life, Urban Chestnut, Old Bakery, 4 Hands, and Modern Brewery. Come enjoy unlimited tastings and live music. Ticket is $25 and includes unlimited beer samples from the 6 participating breweries.

Date: Saturday, August 13
Time: 2pm
Place: Old Rock House-1200 S 7th St

Ride the Rivers Century and Share the Street Festival: One of Trailnet’s biggest fundraisers of the year held alongside their most famous bicycle ride. There will be the 100 mile ride but also a 64 and 25 mile route. The Ride the Rivers Century and Share the Street Party are an opportunity for the dynamic St. Louis population to come together downtown and celebrate art, music, food, craft beer, and active living. After the bike ride, head over to Old Post Office Plaza from 1 to 6pm for live music, dancing, a high-energy #DanceWalk through the streets of downtown, and numerous food, beverage, and craft vendors. We’ll also have activities for kids and a community ride with one of our favorite guides, Harold Karabell. Registration is $75. You’ll receive your choice of commemorative socks or a patch. You also get a delicious, customized lunch. The route features five rest stops–each with their own unique snacks. Don’t miss out on the best ride of the year.

Date: Saturday, August 13
Time: 6:30am
Place: Old Post Office Plaza

Paul McCartney: Sir James Paul McCartney, English singer-songwriter and member of one of the most influential bands in history, The Beatles, is coming to St. Louis – to Busch Stadium – to perform on is One on One Tour. In addition to the 12 Grammys he won with the Beatles, he has also won 6 Grammys as a solo artist. He will be performing with a band: Paul Wickens, Rusty Anderson, Brian Ray, and Abe Laboriel, Jr. You can still find tickets on StubHub starting at around $80.

Date: Saturday, August 13
Time: 8pm
Place: Busch Stadium

Cars & Coffee: A fun, free, informal gathering of car enthusiasts in St. Louis. From 10am until noon, Ballpark Village will welcome everyone to downtown St. Louis to show their cars (and trucks) or to just stop by to meet new and old friends and admire the vehicles on display. These free events will feature all types of cars and trucks (i.e. classic, modern, exotic, hotrod, muscle, domestic, and imports). All participants and spectators will receive a validation for 3 hours of free parking in the gated and secured lot. All show cars will be able to participate in a special, organized, free professional photo opportunity in this unique setting. In addition to the cars, enjoy coffee and discounts at select Ballpark Village restaurants.

Date: Saturday, August 13
Time: 10am-12pm
Place: Ballpark Village – 601 Clark

ReSlidrate Festival: The World’s Largest Inflatable Water Slide is coming to St. Louis for ReSlidrate. This 2-day festival features an amazing line-up of DJs. Saturday features headliners Duelle and Michael Woods along with support from ETB, HODJ, JWIN, and MBA. Sunday features Speaker of the House and Scotty Boy with St. Louis favorites ArtyJ, Lou Diesel, Maximus & Nezian, Kaizen, and PRU. The event will also feature a wide array of water events including dunk tanks, water balloon wars, splash zone, and some other surprises. Get ready for a truly unique event in St. Louis. Must be 21+. Tickets start at $25.

Date: August 13 & 14
Time: 12-8pm
Place: Paddy O’s parking lot- 800 Cerre St

Central

St. Louis Wing Ding: UCP Heartland, a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to supporting individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities including Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, physical and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury, hosts their 6th annual fundraiser event this weekend. Participating wing competitors include: Wheelhouse, Walnut Grill, Three Kings Public House, Southern, Highway 61 Roadhouse, Frailey’s, Big Chief Roadhouse, The Beerhouse, Balentine’s, Edgewild Bistro & Tap, The Kitchen Sink, St. Louis Wing Co, Sugarfire Smokehouse, Barrister’s, and more. Guest judges include: Rizzuto and Patrico from 105.7 The Point, Guy Phillips from 98.1 FM, STLwinegirl Angela Ortmann, Scott & Greg Thomas, Stephanie Tolle aka IronStef, Trish Gazall with 102.5 KEZK, Chris Reimer, Troika Brodsky, and more. The Trilogy Band will be performing and Nothing Bundt Cakes will be serving buntinis. GA – $25 in advance or $30 at the door – includes wings, open seating and 2 drink tickets; Or buy your VIP tickets for $45.00 in advance – includes reserved VIP section seating, wings and unlimited beverages.

Date: Thursday, August 11
Time: 6-9pm
Place: Queeny Park

Food Truck Friday: Come out to Tower Grove Park and enjoy delicious food from 20+ food trucks ranging from burgers to tacos to pizza, cupcakes, sandwiches, and so much more. Bring some blankets, chairs, beverages (can also be purchased) and relax and while enjoying live music from Bottoms Up Blues Gang in the park. Don’t forget the bug spray.

Date: Friday, August 12
Time: 4-8pm
Place: Tower Grove Park

SuperJam: As part of the Sounds of Summer Concert Series in Chesterfield, one of St. Louis’ top cover bands will be performing at this free event. Superjam is an awesome rock cover band who feature re-creations by artists such as: Boston, STYX, Journey, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, The Who, Toto, Supertramp, .38 Special, Eddie Money, Night Ranger, Steve Miller Band, and many more. The concert will feature a live art demonstration from a local art organization or artist in an effort to showcase art and increase interest within the local community. Concessions will be available for purchase, however concert-goers are welcome to bring their own food and beverage as well.

Date: Saturday, August 13
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Chesterfield Amphitheater

Grub & Groove: A free annual concert event in Francis Park brought to you by Friends of Francis Park. The event showcases live music and food and drink from exceptional local restaurants. While Grub and Groove is primarily an opportunity to celebrate the neighborhood, any proceeds from the event are used to benefit Francis Park in order to support the significant ongoing maintenance needs. Live music from John Henry, Kim Massie, Jack Grelle, and Emily Wallace. Events include: YogaBuzz, APA PetReach, the Bubble Bus, and Beer.

Date: Saturday, August 13
Time: 4-10pm
Place: Francis Park – 5400 Donovan Ave

12th Annual Tomato Fest: A fun annual event to benefit Lift For Life Gym. Celebrate community and all things tomato. There will be live music from Pat Liston & Sins of the Pioneers, plus food and drinks, local produce, Heirloom tomatoes, craft vendors and booths, raffles, games, tomato art, and more. Bring your family and friends and get ready to make new ones as we have a street party in front of Iron Barley on Virginia Ave.

Date: Sunday, August 14
Time: 12-6pm
Place: Iron Barley-5510 Virginia Ave

Hafla for Humanity: A Belly Dance Fundaiser: Come enjoy some of the best belly dancers in the city and help us raise funds for a worthwhile cause. Hafla for Humanity brings together dancers all over the world to support our dance sisters in the Arab world. This year, Lauren Zehara is in STL and will be organizing the local event with Ami Amoré (and our donation organizer, Inaya Skye). Hafla for Humanity is benefitting the AMAR Foundation and their campaign to help the Yazidi women and girls escaping ISIS. These women have been tortured, raped, and traded as slaves on the open market. AMAR Foundation is training therapists and doctors to help heal them as they escape. ALL proceeds go directly to the charity. We’ll have dancing, silent auctions, and more. Afterparty at Earthbound Beer (10% of proceeds will also be donated). Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Date: Sunday, August 14
Time: 2-4pm
Place: 2720 Cherokee St

Show Off Auto Show:Auto enthusiasts unite from all over the midwest to show off their classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. In addition to the auto show, we host a pin up model contest, a vendor marketplace, food trucks, a blood drive, a school supply giveaway, attendance prizes every hour and a fundraiser for a pre-selected charity. There will be a ladies indoor shopping extravaganza and a blood drive for American Red Cross. Come on out for a fun filled day. Spectator admission is free.

Date: Sunday, August 14
Time: 9am
Place: Machinist Hall-12365 St. Charles Rock Rd, Bridgeton

St. Charles

2nd Thursdays: This unique, family-friendly community arts series is open to the public and is free of charge, with nominal fees for the food vendors and the refreshments. This week’s food is provided by Hot Dog Vendor. Music and artist line-up tba.

Date: Thursday, August 11
Time: 5:30-8pm
Place: Foundry Art Centre- 520 N Main

Foundry Music Showcase: Foundry Art Centre is hosting a music showcase to support local talent. Enjoy performances from popular St. Louis area bands and refreshing beverages from the cash bar throughout the evening. The Foundry Music Showcase will feature The Mixed Nuts of St. Louis, The Weekend Routine, and Hobo Empire. The Mixed Nuts of St. Louis will be serving up classic rock and blues songs to begin the showcase. Known for their original takes on popular songs, Hobo Empire is one of St. Charles’ favorite cover bands and The Weekend Routine is a high-energy pop punk group whose infectious hooks will have you up and dancing. Support local musicians and enjoy the latest art exhibitions at the Foundry Art Centre. Tickets are $12 or only $10 for FAC Members.

Date: Saturday, August 13
Time: 7pm
Place: 520 N Main St

Illinois

Ceramic & Fired Arts Show: This show features a group of manufacturers, vendors, artists, and teachers who bring the world of Ceramic Fired Arts to many locations across the United States. Exhibitor Association shows are where the action is so come and join us for demonstrations, education, new ideas, new molds, new color lines and so much more. Parking is free.

Date: August 12 & 13
Time: 10am-4pm
Place: Belle Clair Fairgrounds-200 S Belt East

Mills Apartments