September kicks off Oktoberfest festivities around the St. Louis area, with the celebrations continuing during the month of October. Don your lederhosen and dirndl and get ready to enter stein hoisting competitions, enjoy the German cuisine, beer, music and revelry happening throughout the area.

Das Bevo Oktoberfest
Sept. 12-14 – 4749 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, dasbevo.com
Enjoy free admission to Das Bevo’s Oktoberfest, a weekend-long event featuring food, beer, music, and prizes for best-dressed attendees, including dogs, all weekend. Live music will be performed by So Grand Polka Band, Die Spitzbuam, Beer Choir, Deutschmeister Brass Band, Wurst Bavarian Band and Nebraska-based Bolzen Beer Band. Find out more details online.

Belleville Oktoberfest
Sept. 19-21 – Belleville Public Square, bellevilleoktoberfest.com
The 44th Annual Belleville Oktoberfest will feature authentic German food, brews and live music. Happening on the Belleville Public Square at the intersection of East & West Main Streets and North & South Illinois Streets, the festivities include a weiner dog race and costume contest, stein holding contest, cornhole and washer tossing tournaments, kids activities and more.

9 Mile Garden OktoBEER Fest
Sept. 19 – 5-9 p.m., 9 Mile Garden, 9375 Gravois Road, 9milegarden.com
OktoBEER Fest at 9 Mile Garden, sponsored by Urban Chestnut Brewing Co., will feature live music from So Grand Polka Band, local brewery beer samples, stein holding competitions, delicious eats from food trucks and guests can shop from 30 local vendors. Attendees can grab souvenir steins for $25 and the first fill stein is free, with $5 refills during the festivities. Reserve your souvenir stein online.

Saint Charles Oktoberfest
Sept. 26-28 – Frontier Park, St. Charles
Happening the last weekend in September, Saint Charles Oktoberfest is a three-day event full of food, music, fun and of course, beer. Celebrating all things German, the festival includes light-hearted activities like weiner dog races, a stein holding contest, brat eating contest, plus activities for kids and much more. Admission is free. Find out more, including event schedules, online.

Urban Chestnut Brewing Co.
Sept. 26-28 – Grove Brewery & Bierhall, 4465 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, urbanchestnut.com
Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. is hosting three full days of live music, traditional German fare and beer at this family friendly, indoor and outdoor Bavarian festival. Spanning two locations, attendees can head to the Grove Bierhall on Friday and Saturday, then the party moves to the Midtown Brewery & Biergarten for a family-friendly Bavarian Brunch celebration on Sunday. This year’s festivities will include old traditions and new events. Expect several genres of live music, including traditional and polka style, plus stein holding competitions, a silent disco, Oktoberfest theme craft vendors and more. Get more details online.

Zootoberfest
Oct. 4-5 & 10-12, Saint Louis Zoo, stlzoo.org/events
Enjoy a daytime, family-friendly Oktoberfest at the Zoo from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Take advantage of the cooler weather and visit the Zoo’s animals, exhibits and attractions. Kids can participate in fun activities, including an obstacle course and arts and crafts. German-inspired food, including beer brats, giant Bavarian pretzels, turkey legs and more, is available for purchase, along with apple cider, root beer and other soft drinks. For the first time ever this year, enjoy the Zoo’s family-friendly Oktoberfest at night. For one night only, on Friday, Oct. 10, from 5-8 p.m., guests can participate in fall activities, purchase German-inspired food, sip on local brews, or warm up with non-alcoholic seasonal drinks, plus so much more.

Hermann Oktoberfest
Weekends in October – Hermann, visithermann.com/oktoberfest-in-hermann
Every October the charming river town of Hermann hosts Oktoberfest. Happening every weekend throughout the month, attendees can find a celebration of the town’s German heritage, through good food, wine, beer, music and more.

Stubbornfest
Oct. 3-4 – Stubborn German Brewing, 121 S. Main St., Waterloo, stubborngermanbrewing.com/events
In Waterloo, the Oktoberfest festivities are known as Stubbornfest, the annual celebration put on by Stubborn German Brewing. The event happens outdoors on Main Street and features live German music by bands such as Bolzen Beer Band from Lincoln, Nebraska, Waterloo German Band and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and sit back and enjoy the German brews, music and food available for purchase from food vendors, or area restaurants located near Main Street.

Ektoberfest
Oct. 5 – Eckert’s Farm, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville, eckerts.com
Experience a family-friendly Oktoberfest event at Eckert’s Belleville Farm. Take a wagon ride through the orchard, enjoy seasonal favorites like warm kettle corn, cider donuts and fresh-pressed cider. There’s plenty of farm-based activities for the littles in the kid’s corral, and sip on hard cider from the Cider Shed while taking in the sounds of live German-style music, including performances by local favorites like the Waterloo German Band. Find more information online.

Oktoberfest in Soulard
Oct. 10 & 11, soulard-oktoberfest.com
Oktoberfest is perfectly at home in the historic neighborhood of Soulard. The neighborhood’s annual celebration pays tribute to the city’s rich brewing heritage, featuring a variety of beer – from traditional German styles to local brews. Guests can also enjoy authentic German cuisine, stein holding competitions, family-friendly activities and live music throughout the event.

Old Town Eureka Oktoberfest
Oct. 12 – 1-6 p.m., South Central Ave., Eureka, eureka.mo.us
Mark your calendars for Oktoberfest in Eureka, as Old Town transforms into a festive hub of food, fun and fall celebration at the Second Annual Oktoberfest. This year promises to be even bigger and better, featuring mouthwatering local fare, crisp craft beers and one-of-a-kind treasures from local shops. Families can enjoy a dedicated Kid’s Corner, while adults join in on games, enjoy live music from local bands and take in lively performances from traditional German dancers.

Oktoberfest at Westport Plaza
Oct. 17 & 18 – 111 Westport Plaza Drive, westportstl.com
Oktoberfest at Westport Plaza brings Bavarian flair and festive energy with lively performances by Russo & Co Band, Die Spitzbuam, The Wurst Bavarian Band and Übercool, along with traditional German dancers. Find German eats like bratwursts and pretzels that will be perfectly paired with the German brews available at the event.

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After federal funding cuts earlier this year left the fate of Festival of Nations in question, the region’s largest multicultural celebration will return to Tower Grove Park on Saturday, Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug. 24. Powered by the International Institute of St. Louis, the venerable event invites guests to experience the traditions, flavors and stories of immigrant communities that help shape the city’s identity.

Welcoming more than 100,000 attendees annually, the festival will retain its generous footprint while offering a more intimate format focused on local vendors, performers and families for its 2025 installment. This year’s two-day celebration includes more than 180 food and retail vendors representing cultures from Ghana, Thailand, Mexico, Bhutan, Egypt and beyond. Festivalgoers can expect dishes from local favorites like Majeed Mediterranean Restaurant, Himalayan Yeti, FUFU n’ Sauce and La Colombianita. Retail vendors include Gitzell Fairtrade’s African goods, Amerinkas Native Art’s Indigenous jewelry, and traditional Afghan clothing from Silk Road Boutique.

Live entertainment will showcase local artists and cultural performance groups. The full performance lineup will be announced in mid-August at festofnations.com and on Instagram at @festofnations.

“Festival of Nations is a cherished St. Louis tradition that celebrates the heritage, traditions and resilience of the many cultures that call our city home,” said Blake Hamilton, the newly appointed president and CEO of the International Institute. “It’s more than an event; it’s a vibrant expression of our city’s shared stories and connections.”

Founded in 1919, the International Institute of St. Louis supports immigrants and refugees through resettlement, workforce development, education, and social services. Since 2010, the Institute has helped more than 14,000 people begin new lives in St. Louis and continues to serve thousands annually.

“St. Louis is deeply enriched by the cultures, traditions and talents that have become part of its identity,” Hamilton added. “This event is a meaningful reminder of how these traditions strengthen our community, and it’s a privilege to come together each year to honor them.”

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This month we’re recommending a range of experiences, from a cozy comeback steeped in family tradition on South Grand to a prix-fixe tasting menu from a local chef who’s just debuted his first brick-and-mortar in Maplewood. There’s also one spot that’s a little different from our normal recommendations: a high-tech, high-energy golf hangout in Clayton that’s all about games and good vibes with a food and drink component as an added bonus. Scroll through the slideshow below to see our picks for July.

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What’s better than drinking outside? Drinking outside with a sweeping view, whether you’re taking in the immediate neighborhood from the second floor or admiring the city’s skyline from greater heights.

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There’s no better time to grab your favorite people and check out some of the summer dinner series popping up all over town. From farm-to-table experiences to upscale paired dinners, there’s a wide range of unique culinary events sure to please every palate. While not every event follows the farm-to-table model, each one highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients at their peak.

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July typically means we experience hot, sunny and often humid days, but no matter if you’re the outdoorsy type or you prefer the comfort of air-conditioning, this month there’s plenty of things happening both indoors and outside. The events range from Fourth of July festivities to a Sauce Food Truck Friday event at Tower Grove Park, an Italian-inspired tea, dog-friendly ice cream event and a 1920s-themed garden party at SLAM Jam, plus a lot more.

Plus, don’t miss our coverage on the Blazed & Infused BBQ Royale culinary cannabis competition taking place on Sunday, July 6, along with the tiki takeover serving vacation vibes at Robust Bistro and Wine Bar all month long.

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STL’s Pot Chef is bringing the heat once again with the return of the Blazed & Infused BBQ Royale, St. Louis’ premier cannabis-infused barbecue competition. The second annual event takes place Sunday, July 6, from 1 to 6 p.m. at The Handlebar in the Grove.

This indoor-outdoor celebration of culinary creativity and cannabis culture will feature smoked wings from Magnum Opus, St. Louis-style ribs from the Pot Chef & Family, brisket from Chef Bailey & Co., and more, all elevated with cannabis infusions and bold flavors. Guests can enjoy the 420-friendly rooftop and patio, music by DJ Kimmy Nu, a live podcast taping by MyCityMyMusic, a photo booth from Beam Photos & Production, and a dab bar sponsored by the St. Louis Cannabis Club. There will also be hourly raffles including Mighty Kind drinks, gift cards, a pair of tickets to Wiz Khalifa concert and more.

Attendees will vote on winners across four categories: Best BBQ (Sauce Boss), Best Side Dish (Side Piece), Best Dessert (Sweet Goodies), and Best Vegan Dish (Plant Life). Sauce executive editor Lauren Healey will be judging the competition once more. Additional highlights include more than eight competing vendors, infused and non-infused food options, games, giveaways, and trophies for the top contenders.

Three ticket tiers are available. The Chill Ticket ($25) includes general entry at 2 p.m., access to vendors, and a raffle ticket. The Tasting Ticket ($75 or 2 for $112) adds infused food samples, voting rights, photo booth access, and more. The VIP Experience ($120) grants early entry at 1 p.m., first access to all food vendors, exclusive samples, pre-rolls, unlimited drinks, a VIP goodie bag, and two raffle tickets. Tickets are available at www.stlpotchefs.com.

Sponsors for the Blazed & Infused BBQ Royale include Beam Photos & Production, Lifted Lodging, MyCityMyMusic/Overtime Studios, Blazy Susan, Old Vienna, Archway Engraving & Trophies, Handlebar, and St. Louis Cannabis Club.

Future STL’s Pot Chef events include Munchie Market on Aug. 31 and Danksgiving on Nov. 23, both at Little Bevo. Early bird tickets for both are available now.

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Editor’s note: Due to the rain on June 13, this event has been canceled. Our makeup date is Oct. 3.

Sauce Food Truck Friday is back in action on June 13! Taking place from 4 to 8 p.m. in the southwest area of Tower Grove Park, the free event features more than 20 food trucks, along with local drinks, live music by The Blue Sparks, who have a high-energy rockabilly vibe, and new vendors.

Our newest vendors are CBD Kratom and Leaf Guard Gutter Protection. On the beverage side of things, look for our event sponsor 4 Hands Brewing Co. with a wide variety of beers, along with cocktails from STL Barkeep and an assortment of frozen drinks from Narwhal’s Crafted, which just debuted a new summer menu. 

Food trucks slated to attend this week’s event include: Fufu N’ Sauce, Mr. Noodle, Duchess Rose, Angie Burger, G Burrito, Fire & Ice Cream, Wok-O Taco, Doughboys, Widdy’s Cheesesteaks, Scoops & More, Bougie Bites, Wok & Roll, Beast Craft BBQ Co., Grace Chicken + Fish, Destination Desserts, Tuk Tuk Thai, Buzz’s Hawaiian Grill, Go Gyro Go, Farmtruk, Seoul Taco, Scoops of Joy and Honeybee Tea.

If you can’t join us this week, we’ll be back on June 27, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12 and Sept. 26. See you at the park!

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If you’ve ever wished summer camp came with better cocktails and fewer mosquito bites, Adult Summer Camp at Work & Leisure is your dream come to life. Back for its second year and running June 11-28, this immersive pop-up transforms Midtown into a kitschy, joy-filled, nostalgia-fueled wonderland where grown-ups can play like kids with a drink in hand and a cause in their hearts.

The brainchild of a local creative who brought us the wildly successful Avalanche winter pop-up, Adult Summer Camp was inspired by a love for Wet Hot American Summer, vintage camp chaos and a desire to give St. Louis artists and chefs a platform to shine. “I wanted to build a space where STL creatives could take center stage,”said creative events producer and beverage director, Raven Wienrich, “It’s part fever dream, part variety show, part community love letter – with a beer in hand.”

The space itself is a visual playground. Picture a faux forest made of 60+ fake trees, photo-ready canoe installations, a kiddie pool lounge, a balloon wall by Fête Booth and even kayaks and lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Around every corner, there’s a punchline or a photo op just waiting to happen. 

Food and drink are just as over-the-top, in the best way. Chef Liz Schuster of Tenacious Eats is slinging a core menu of camp-inspired comfort food with a gourmet twist. The Nutty Nest Salad offers a fresh, unexpected mix of local baby greens and microgreens from Itty Bitty Farms, topped with crunchy sunflower and pepita seeds, candied Missouri pecans and bursts of sweetness from fresh blackberries. For something heartier, the Bunkhaus Dawg Bahn Mi Dog gives an all-beef Hebrew National hot dog a bold camp-style upgrade that’s equal parts playful and satisfying. And don’t sleep on the Smoke Signal Nachos piled high with mesquite-smoked chicken, queso fresco, black beans and pickled jalapeños. Bring your appetite, and maybe a calendar, because this loaded menu is sticking around all month.

Drinks range from thoughtful to theatrical. There are cocktails served in Capri Sun-style pouches (like the Get’n’Hikey With It), mocktails from Mighty Kind for sober campers and creative concoctions like the Glampagne Problems featuring tequila, sauvignon blanc and passionfruit-Dijon syrup, garnished with a few elegant drops of olive oil. “I tried to hit all the notes on the drink menu, sweet, salty, herbal, savory, so there’s something for every camper,” shared Weinrich.

And yes, there are crafts, games and team events. Tie-dye night, birdhouse painting, and friendship bracelet stations channel your inner camp kid, while high-stakes rock-paper-scissors and DIY relay races keep the vibe delightfully unhinged. The Improv Shop Takeover, where comedians play over-the-top camp counselors in an interactive performance that blurs the line between dinner and theater.

Opening night kicks things off with nostalgic beats from DJ So’n’So and a fundraiser for the Diaper Bank of Greater St. Louis. Throughout the run, the event supports multiple local organizations, including Uhuru House, Gateway to Hope and the STL Food Bank – proving that playtime can have real impact.

Whether you’re in it for the crafts, the chaos or the cocktails, Adult Summer Camp is pure summer magic – and it’s just the beginning. In 2026, the team plans to take it to the woods with a weekend retreat at Woodchuck Farms in Bourbon, Missouri.

Until then? Grab your tickets online and pack your (emotional) bug spray, grab your camp crush and get ready to make memories. Because this isn’t just summer camp for adults – it’s St. Louis at its most playful, creative and community-driven.

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The Central West End will once again channel its storied past with the return of the annual Central West End Cocktail Party from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. The free, open-to-the-public event honors what is widely believed to be the first cocktail party, a 1917 gathering hosted by Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr. at her Lindell Boulevard home.

Now in its eighth year, the celebration is expected to draw thousands for an evening of live music, food, cocktails and community. Highlights include a spirited cocktail competition featuring top St. Louis bartenders and judged by Sauce Magazine executive editor Lauren Healey, food and drink for purchase from CWE favorites like Maryland House, El Burro Loco, Edera and Saigon Café, plus aerialists, fire performers, dancing, cotton candy and more.

“This event is a tribute to the spirit and diversity of the Central West End,” said Kate Haher, executive director of the CWE Business Community Improvement District. “It’s a great way to showcase our neighborhood and bring people together.”

Live entertainment will feature sets by The Playadors, The Mighty Pines, Hard Bop Messengers and Ish Ensemble, along with pop-up performances throughout the evening. 

This year’s event also supports a good cause, $1 from every signature cocktail sold will be donated to Operation Food Search to assist with tornado relief efforts. QR codes for additional donations will be available throughout the event.

“While we celebrate the Central West End’s spirit and diversity, this year’s event is also about supporting our neighbors who continue to recover in the wake of the tornado,” Haher said. “We’re thrilled to partner with Operation Food Search to make a tangible impact while enjoying a fantastic evening of drinks, music and fun.”  

Kristen Wild, president and CEO of Operation Food Search, also chimed in. “We are excited to team up with the CWE Cocktail Party to respond to tornado relief in St. Louis,” she said. “We are grateful to be included in this huge community event. The money will go directly to providing food and personal care items to people in St. Louis who have suffered due to the tornado.” 

Scroll through the slideshow below for photos of last year’s event. For more details and the live music schedule, visit cwecocktailparty.com.

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