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Fun, Free Events

Listings by AREA:
St. Louis, MO~STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
Events in Illinois and rural Missouri are marked in burgundy
MORE METRO EVENTS HERE
Email us to receive this e-newsletter weekly: stchascounty@recreationcouncil.org

A message from our friends at MPACT: November is National Gratitude Month and it is time to show some gratitude! Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as gratitude can give new meaning to life? Research states that people who practice gratitude every day are not only happier but also healthier. So if you were looking for reasons to be thankful, then these benefits should be just the motivation you need. Click HERE to learn more.

Recreation Council News…

Winter Bird Walk: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10 a.m.—12 noon at the Audubon Center, West Alton, MO. The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis invite you to take a winter’s walk to see the amazing eagles, trumpeter swans, pelicans, duck and geese found at the Audubon Center in West Alton, MO. We will meet at the visitor’s center and the walk will be led by Missouri Conservation Department volunteers who will provide information about the various waterfowl and other creatures found in the area. Bring your binoculars, and dress according to the weather. The paved trail is accessible to everyone. Register Here by November 30th by calling the Recreation Council at (314)726-6044, ext.101. Information

See’s Candies Fundraiser: During this season of giving, please check out our fundraiser with See’s Candies.  These sweet items will be a sure hit with your friends, family, neighbors, your child’s teachers, co-workers, etc., during the holiday season. Treat yourself and others to the yummiest candy on earth AND support our organization at the same time!  Ordering your items is easy!  Go to ORDER HERE to help us reach our fundraising goals. Here’s to achieving sweet success! SHARE OUR FLYER WITH YOUR FRIENDS. 

CALL FOR PERFORMERS for our annual Evening of Entertainment: A Competitive Spotlight on Abilities: Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 7-9:30pm at Ladue Horton Watkins High School 1201 South Warson Drive, St. Louis, MO 63124. If you have a disability and want to perform your talent in singing, dancing, cheer, comedy, playing an instrument, or whatever your talent, sign up to compete. Cash prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Proceeds benefit the Recreation Council. Performers MUST register for their performance by February 28, 2025. For more information and/or a performance application call Katie Banister at 314-481-0633. Talent application is at this link: www.recreationcouncil.org/event/annual-evening-of-entertainment

Events for People with Disabilities…

Sensory Friendly Science Time (STL), November 17, 24 and every Sunday from 11am-1pm at the Saint Louis Science Center. The Science Center is known for its hands-on STEM learning experiences, but we know that some of our exhibits can be overwhelming for those with special sensory needs. The T-Rex roar will be turned off and the ball machine in the main lobby will be off until 1:00 PM. The 12:00 PM OMNIMAX® show will feature sensory-friendly adjustments, such as reduced volume and enhanced lighting. The Energy Stage Show at 12:15 PM will be much quieter and across the entire Science Center. Throughout the Center, guests will experience noise-reduction practices and modified lighting. Contact:  Doug Bolnick, Public Relations Manager at 314-289-4461 or douglas.bolnick@slsc.org  ~ Accessibility Information

Thanksgiving Day Parade Accessible Viewing: Thursday, November 28 from 9am-12 noon. Holidays in St. Louis is hosting an accessible viewing area located at 8th and Market Streets at the Spire Headquarters. Park on 8th street between Walnut and Market Streets. Parade begins at 9am, so allow yourself time to park and get to the viewing area. Contact Bill Meehan at billm@wkmeehanpc.com for questions and information.

Different Dynamics Sensory Friendly Caroling at the St. Louis Zoo’s Wild Lights (STL), Monday, December 9 with arrival at 4:45pm and caroling from 5pm-6pm at the St. Louis Zoo. Enjoy a fun, lighthearted evening of singing, joy, and community spirit. Feel free to enjoy the Wild Lights after caroling. Only 20 slots left! Reserve your slot here

Autism Support Now Winter Wonderland Event (STL), Registration is open now: Event is Friday, December 20 from at ASN office, 3533 Dunn Rd, Florissant, MO, 63033. Join us for sensory-friendly activities, Santa photos, cookies, cocoa, and holiday music. RSVP Here for a chance to win a Christmas Present. Information about ASN at www.autismsupportnow.com or email Lexi at mailto:lbryant@autismsupportnow.com

Fun, Free Community Events for Everyone…

Saint Louis Storytelling Festival (STL), final weekend – November 21–23. St. Louis County Library is hosting the 45th annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival featuring a diverse lineup of nationally renowned storytellers at a variety of venues throughout the St. Louis region, as well as programs for all ages. Venues include St. Louis County Library branch locations, the Missouri History Museum, Work & Leisure, and the Mirowitz Center. All events are free and open to the public. Information

Movie Night at The Hub: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (STL), Thursday, November 21, activities begin at 5:30pm, movie begins: 6:30pm. Enjoy a family-friendly movie viewed on the outdoor large LED screen of The Hub. Admission is FREE, but no outside food and drink is allowed. Information

Outdoor Expo and Summit (SCC), November 23-24 at The St Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Saint Charles, MO 63303. Hours: Saturday 10AM-5PM, Sunday 10AM-4PM. The Expo includes more than 200 exhibit booths promoting running, biking, hiking, camping, rock climbing, paddling and other outdoor activities. Entry and parking for the Outdoor Expo is free and open to the public. Information

Ranger Guided Bird Walks (SCC), Saturday, November 23 from8:00-9:30am at Boone Home Historic Site, 1868 Highway F, Defiance, MO, 63341. Find out how many birds you can spot and identify in the park at this 1-mile guided walk with Park Rangers. All ages are welcome. Wear weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, a water bottle, and a set of binoculars or a field guide if you have those. Event repeats Thursday, December 5. Free but pre-registration is required: Register Here

All-Star Chorus at the Sheldon Concert Hall (STL), Sunday, November 24 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Sheldon, 3648 Washington Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63108. Join us for an inspiring evening of music that explores themes of resilience, justice, and unity. Admission is FREE. Information

Holiday Lights and Events…

O’Fallon, MO Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Market (SCC), Wednesday, November 20 from 6-8PM at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 N Main St, O Fallon, MO 63366. Join Mayor Bill Hennessy to light O’Fallon’s tree and enjoy a variety of family-friendly holiday activities including train rides, pictures with Santa, holiday games, and more. This event is free to attend, while festive drinks and snacks will be available for purchase along with holiday gifts from local vendors. Information

Way of Lights Opening Night (ILL), Friday, November 22 from 5-9pm at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, ILL. The annual Christmas Way of Lights display runs from November 22 through December 31. Along with driving through the holiday lights display, visitors can also enjoy a donkey, pony or camel ride, the petting zoo, kettle corn and other refreshments, the Christmas wreath auction and quilt raffle, the Christmas Lego display and more. (There is a fee for some activities) Military Mondays and Family Night Tuesdays with special discounts for activities. Food and drink will be available in the Visitors Center, Tuesday-Sunday, 5-9pm. Admission to the display is FREE, but donations are appreciated. Information

Festive Fridays at the Saint Louis Art Museum (STL), Friday, November 22 at the Art Museum in Forest Park. Enjoy celebrating the holiday season with FREE concerts, tours, gallery activations, and art-making activities every Friday from November 22-December 27. SLAM will also have a pop-up bar in the Sculpture Hall for visitors to purchase seasonal drinks and snacks. The current ticketed exhibitions are FREE and the Museum has extended hours. Information

Festival of Lights in Kiener Plaza (STL),  Saturday, November 23 from 12:00 noon-8:30 pm in Kiener Plaza, downtown St. Louis, MO. This annual event ushers in the annual Winterfest holiday season with live holiday themed entertainment, lighting of the Salvation Army Tree of Lights, vendor booths, exhibits, photo opportunities with St. Louis Mascots, live reindeer, and a fireworks finale.FREE ice skating if you bring your own skates, and free skate rental on November 23 only courtesy of Ameren. . Information

Brewery Lights Drive Thru Nights at Anheuser Busch Brewery (STL), Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, November 25, 26, 27 & December 2, 16, 17, 18 from 5-10pm. On these select nights only, enjoy driving through the Brewery with its historic buildings all dressed up for Christmas in half a million twinkling lights. Admission is FREE on these nights only. No Brewery Lights activities are held during Drive Thru Nights. Enter and exit Pestalozzi Street at the main gate located at Busch Place and Arsenal.  Information

Holiday Toy Train Display (SCC), Wednesdays-Sundays, November 30, 2024-January 5, 2025 from 10am-5pm at St. Charles County Heritage Museum, 1630 Heritage Landing, St. Peters, MO, 63376 (map). Bring your family and friends to see this small but whimsical portrayal of St. Charles County’s landmark buildings in a snowy model train display. Information

Christkindlmarkt (ILL), Thursdays-Sundays, November 29-December 23 in Belleville, Illinois at IL Route 159 and Main Street. ​Enjoy an authentic, outdoor German Christmas Market on the Public Square featuring unique European and handcrafted gift vendors, German food & beverages, music, dancing, a Santa parade, reindeer, a petting zoo, and FREE horse-drawn trolley rides. www.bellevillechristkindlmarkt.com

Native American Holiday Market (ILL), Friday & Saturday, November 29 & 30 from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Collinsville VFW Post 5691 at Collinsville VFW Post, 1234 Vandalia Street, Collinsville, IL 62234. his two day event will feature Native American artists and vendors from all over the country and from many tribes, displaying and selling their crafts, artwork, jewelry, clothing and more. This event is FREE to attend. Information

Olde Fashioned Christmas Market (MO), Sunday, December 1 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Farmers Market in Historic Washington, MO just west of Six Flags (map). This FREE family event will feature carriage rides, photos with LIVE reindeer, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live holiday music, cookie decorating and Christmas crafts, hot chocolate and MORE. Information

Events that Repeat Weekly or Monthly…

  • Grateful Mondays at Schlafly’s Maplewood Tap Room (STL): Every Monday: Information
  • Thursday Nights at the History Museum (STL), Every Thursday: Information
  • FREE Fridays at the Saint Louis Art Museum (STL): Every Friday: Information
  • Broemmelsiek Park Stargazing (SCC), Every Friday weather permitting. Information
  • Live Music at the STL City Foundry (STL), Every Friday and Saturday: Information
  • Family Nights at The Magic House (STL), Every third Friday: Reservation Required
  • Country Line Dancing at Frankie Martins Garden (SCC), Every Sunday: Information
  • Family Sundays at the Saint Louis Art Museum (STL), Two Sundays per Month: Calendar
  • Planetarium Star Party (STL), First Friday of every month: Information
  • Solar Days at the Planetarium (STL), Third Sunday of every month: Information
  • Fall History and Tree Walks at Bellefontaine Cemetery (STL), Several times per month on various days: Information

Find more FREE activities Here: www.stlouiscalendar.com/events/free

Reminders…

LAST CALL: Arya Foundation Holiday Adaptive Giveaway – APPLICATIONS DUE BY DECEMBER 1:  We give special toys to children with special needs in Greater St. Louis for the holidays. Apply Here to receive a toy

Freddie Ford Family Foundation Events (STL): The Freddie Ford Family Foundation is dedicated to supporting under-served families impacted by autism and raising awareness and acceptance of autism. Holiday Party: December 15 at the Maryland Heights Community Center, Holiday Party Registration and Winter Break Camp Ausome (STL): Jan 2-3, 2025 for children with autism ages 6-11 at the Affton Community Center. Contact Felicia Ford, Founder & Executive Director, at (314) 282-5003 or felicia@freddiefordfamilyfoundation.org

Search for more Activities in your part of town…

Here are a few links to continue your search for fun in the metro area. Some places charge entry fees, so check on costs before you go.

Resources…

Click HERE to see fee-based programs for people with disabilities
Click Here to see Community Resources for People with Disabilities
Click Here for the Recreation Council Regional Fall 2024 Newsletter
Like and Follow us at www.facebook.com/reccouncilstl

View this newsletter as a web page HERE

Need Funding for a Recreation Program? Click here for information about our voucher programs for people with developmental disabilities in St. Louis and St. Charles.
Event information is updated weekly.  www.recreationcouncil.org/anytime-activities

If you want to receive this newsletter weekly to your inbox, send your email address to stchascounty@recreationcouncil.org