Among the US's most genuine four-season destinations, St. Louis' best transformation occurs when summer's heat gives way to the crisp vibrance of fall. From historical tours through brilliant foliage to winter festivals beneath the Gateway Arch, the city offers a variety of fall events designed to delight residents and visitors. Whether you're seeking family-friendly festivities, high-end cultural performances, or immersive experiences with local flavor, these standout events in the Gateway City offer an unmistakable warmth amid the year-end autumn air.
Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum Fall History Tours
Select Dates in September, October, and November, Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum
There's something hauntingly elegant about strolling through Bellefontaine Cemetery in the fall. In October, the historic 314-acre grounds, boasting close to 10,000 trees, are a canvas of color, with rich oranges, golds, and deep burgundies surrounding the ornate headstones and mausoleums. These docent-led, two-hour walking tours explore the grounds as a Level III Arboretum and introduce visitors to the influential figures laid to rest here, including explorer William Clark and Adolphus Busch, of Anheuser-Busch fame. For lovers of history, architecture, and autumn foliage, this is a can't-miss seasonal ritual.
For those who want to traverse the nearly two-century-old grounds at a quicker pace, be sure to register for the Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum's Coyote Crawl 5K and Head for the Hills 10K, which takes place on November 1, 2025.
There's something hauntingly elegant about strolling through Bellefontaine Cemetery in the fall. In October, the historic 314-acre grounds, boasting close to 10,000 trees, are a canvas of color, with rich oranges, golds, and deep burgundies surrounding the ornate headstones and mausoleums. These docent-led, two-hour walking tours explore the grounds as a Level III Arboretum and introduce visitors to the influential figures laid to rest here, including explorer William Clark and Adolphus Busch, of Anheuser-Busch fame. For lovers of history, architecture, and autumn foliage, this is a can't-miss seasonal ritual.
For those who want to traverse the nearly two-century-old grounds at a quicker pace, be sure to register for the Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum's Coyote Crawl 5K and Head for the Hills 10K, which takes place on November 1, 2025.
St. Louis Renaissance Festival
September 13 to October 26, Rotary Park, Wentzville
Each fall, the St. Louis Renaissance Festival whisks visitors back to a 16th-century village, complete with armored jousting, roaming minstrels, artisanal merchants, and hearty medieval fare. This immersive experience combines history, performance, and fantasy across themed weekends. Whether you're here for the craft mead, aerial acrobatics, or fine leatherwork, the Renaissance Festival makes for a spirited outing for all ages—and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.
Each fall, the St. Louis Renaissance Festival whisks visitors back to a 16th-century village, complete with armored jousting, roaming minstrels, artisanal merchants, and hearty medieval fare. This immersive experience combines history, performance, and fantasy across themed weekends. Whether you're here for the craft mead, aerial acrobatics, or fine leatherwork, the Renaissance Festival makes for a spirited outing for all ages—and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.
Fright at the Museum
October 1 to 26, St. Louis City Museum
Equal parts bizarre and brilliant, Fright at the Museum at St. Louis's iconic City Museum offers a spine-tingling twist on the traditional haunted house. Expect avant-garde performances, twisted exhibits, and unforgettable cocktails at the Vampire Bar and the witchy Coven & Cauldron. A favorite among art lovers and thrill-seekers alike, this month-long celebration of the macabre turns the museum into an after-dark spectacle of sound, light, and lore.
Equal parts bizarre and brilliant, Fright at the Museum at St. Louis's iconic City Museum offers a spine-tingling twist on the traditional haunted house. Expect avant-garde performances, twisted exhibits, and unforgettable cocktails at the Vampire Bar and the witchy Coven & Cauldron. A favorite among art lovers and thrill-seekers alike, this month-long celebration of the macabre turns the museum into an after-dark spectacle of sound, light, and lore.
Halloween Nights and Fall Fest at Grant's Farm
Halloween Nights: every Thursday through Sunday, October 2 to 30
Fall Fest: every Saturday and Sunday, October 4 to November 9
Halloween Nights and Fall Fest at Grant's Farm are beloved traditions with rustic, upscale flair. The former starts with a haunted tram ride and concludes at the festively transformed Tier Garten, featuring Halloween-themed areas and shows, a haunted scare zone, and a monster mash dance party. The latter celebrates the farm's brilliant changing of colors with seasonal treats, themed photo spots, and the Fall Fest kids zone at the Clydesdale pastures, including the storied Budweiser Clydesdales themselves. It's a charming, immersive, family-friendly escape in the heart of the fall season.
Fall Fest: every Saturday and Sunday, October 4 to November 9
Halloween Nights and Fall Fest at Grant's Farm are beloved traditions with rustic, upscale flair. The former starts with a haunted tram ride and concludes at the festively transformed Tier Garten, featuring Halloween-themed areas and shows, a haunted scare zone, and a monster mash dance party. The latter celebrates the farm's brilliant changing of colors with seasonal treats, themed photo spots, and the Fall Fest kids zone at the Clydesdale pastures, including the storied Budweiser Clydesdales themselves. It's a charming, immersive, family-friendly escape in the heart of the fall season.
Boo at the Zoo
October 16 to 30, Saint Louis Zoo
From families with young children to animal lovers of all ages, Boo at the Zoo offers a gentle, non-scary take on Halloween. Set amid whimsical lighting and fall-themed decor, guests enjoy interactive zones, zoo attractions, and first looks at special exhibits—this year including the Komodo dragon in his new habitat. Costumes, entertainers, themed food and drink, and the general festive atmosphere make this one of the zoo's most anticipated seasonal highlights.
From families with young children to animal lovers of all ages, Boo at the Zoo offers a gentle, non-scary take on Halloween. Set amid whimsical lighting and fall-themed decor, guests enjoy interactive zones, zoo attractions, and first looks at special exhibits—this year including the Komodo dragon in his new habitat. Costumes, entertainers, themed food and drink, and the general festive atmosphere make this one of the zoo's most anticipated seasonal highlights.
Gateway Arch National Park 60th Anniversary Celebration
October 25 to 28, Gateway Arch National Park
This year marks 60 years since completion of the Gateway Arch, one of America's most iconic monuments. The 60th Anniversary Celebration includes family-friendly events, educational exhibits, photo ops, and interactive games. Enjoy a tram ride to the top or take a scenic riverboat cruise—there's something for everyone during this commemorative weekend. It's an ideal moment to rediscover the architectural marvel at the heart of St. Louis.
This year marks 60 years since completion of the Gateway Arch, one of America's most iconic monuments. The 60th Anniversary Celebration includes family-friendly events, educational exhibits, photo ops, and interactive games. Enjoy a tram ride to the top or take a scenic riverboat cruise—there's something for everyone during this commemorative weekend. It's an ideal moment to rediscover the architectural marvel at the heart of St. Louis.
Flyover Comedy Festival
November 13 to 16, Multiple Venues Across the City
For adults seeking a laugh-filled distraction before the holiday season kicks into full gear, St. Louis's comedy scene takes center stage during the Flyover Comedy Festival, a four-day event featuring 150+ comedians at venues like The Sheldon, Stifel Theatre, and City Winery. From national headliners to the best of the Midwest's rising stars, this comedy takeover infuses the city with laughter and levity, including storytelling sessions, improv acts, and late-night showcases.
For adults seeking a laugh-filled distraction before the holiday season kicks into full gear, St. Louis's comedy scene takes center stage during the Flyover Comedy Festival, a four-day event featuring 150+ comedians at venues like The Sheldon, Stifel Theatre, and City Winery. From national headliners to the best of the Midwest's rising stars, this comedy takeover infuses the city with laughter and levity, including storytelling sessions, improv acts, and late-night showcases.
Saint Louis Dance Theatre Fall Series
November 14 to 16, Catherine B. Berges Theatre at the Center of Creative Arts
For a more refined artistic experience, the Saint Louis Dance Theatre's Love Languages Fall Series offers world-class contemporary dance. This season opens with a compelling new work by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and features a world premiere by artistic director Kirven Douthit-Boyd. With its blend of innovation and technical mastery, this is a cultural highlight for the city's dance and performing arts community.
Anyone seeking a deeper immersion into St. Louis' dance community should plan to attend the Saint Louis Dance Theatre's Movers & Shakers Ball: Cristal Anniversary, also being held at the Catherine B. Berges Theatre on November 15.
For a more refined artistic experience, the Saint Louis Dance Theatre's Love Languages Fall Series offers world-class contemporary dance. This season opens with a compelling new work by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and features a world premiere by artistic director Kirven Douthit-Boyd. With its blend of innovation and technical mastery, this is a cultural highlight for the city's dance and performing arts community.
Anyone seeking a deeper immersion into St. Louis' dance community should plan to attend the Saint Louis Dance Theatre's Movers & Shakers Ball: Cristal Anniversary, also being held at the Catherine B. Berges Theatre on November 15.
St. Louis Turkey Trot
November 27 (Thanksgiving Morning) in Downtown St. Louis
For those who like to earn their pumpkin pie, the St. Louis Turkey Trot offers a festive 5K and 8K run/walk through scenic downtown. Participants enjoy themed gear, a celebratory vibe, and the chance to give back—race proceeds benefit local charities. It's a fun and energetic way to kick off Thanksgiving Day in a city that knows how to move.
For those who like to earn their pumpkin pie, the St. Louis Turkey Trot offers a festive 5K and 8K run/walk through scenic downtown. Participants enjoy themed gear, a celebratory vibe, and the chance to give back—race proceeds benefit local charities. It's a fun and energetic way to kick off Thanksgiving Day in a city that knows how to move.
Winterfest at the Gateway Arch
From late November to early January, Kiener Plaza at Gateway Arch National Park
Winterfest transforms the base of the Gateway Arch into a glittering wonderland of ice skating, heated igloos, s'mores stations, and festive lights. Signature events include the Winterfest 5K, princess and superhero visits, and a kid-friendly New Year's Eve fireworks show. With luxury igloo rentals and panoramic views of downtown St. Louis, it's an exquisite way to celebrate the season in the city's most iconic setting.
Winterfest transforms the base of the Gateway Arch into a glittering wonderland of ice skating, heated igloos, s'mores stations, and festive lights. Signature events include the Winterfest 5K, princess and superhero visits, and a kid-friendly New Year's Eve fireworks show. With luxury igloo rentals and panoramic views of downtown St. Louis, it's an exquisite way to celebrate the season in the city's most iconic setting.
Discover More of St. Louis with a Trusted Real Estate Partner
From the golden hues of Bellefontaine's walking paths to the shimmering lights beneath the Arch, fall in St. Louis offers experiences that blend history, culture, and seasonal cheer. Whether you're sipping an enchanted cocktail at City Museum or catching a world-premiere ballet, this city has mastered the art of memorable events with wide-ranging appeal.
If you're seeking further insight on a St. Louis area home or investment property—or considering a sale of a luxury Kirkwood, Webster Groves, or St. Louis home—contact DeMaggio Partners today to begin your St. Louis real estate journey.
If you're seeking further insight on a St. Louis area home or investment property—or considering a sale of a luxury Kirkwood, Webster Groves, or St. Louis home—contact DeMaggio Partners today to begin your St. Louis real estate journey.
