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Fun, Free Events Newsletter

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St. Louis, MO ~ STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
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New Feature! Spotlight on Recreation in our Community…

Choo choo parents, this one’s for you: The historic Kirkwood Amtrak station has reopened after its big renovation! The 133-year-old depot now has a restored 1940s-style platform, a new courtyard, and a tiny museum filled with local railroad history. Translation: You now have an actual destination for the kid who considers watching trains a legitimate weekend activity.

Kids Club St. Louis Gym opens in St. Peters (SCC): If your child has recently decided every couch cushion is a climbing wall and every piece of furniture should be jumped off of, Kids Club St. Louis would like to offer an alternative. The new concept from Cheer St. Louis gives kids ages 0–10 a place to climb, balance, tumble, run, play, and generally burn off some of that seemingly endless energy, all inside the cheerleading facility’s padded gym. The program offers toddler movement classes, athletic-development sessions, and ninja obstacle courses, along with open gym, birthday parties, camps, and Parents Night Out events. Open gym: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m., for ages 0–8. Admission is $10 per child or $15 per family with two or more children. Children younger than 1 are free with another paid child. Parent involvement is required for children age 3 and younger. Advance registration isn’t required, although registering ahead can make check-in faster. Read more in Read More in this STL Magazine Article.

Past Spotlights HERE

Recreation Council News…

Focus on Friendship: A Photo Hike for People with Disabilities and their Caregivers
DATE: Saturday, October 3, 2026
TIME: 1 – 3 pm ~ FLYER
LOCATION: Busch Greenway, Duckett Creek Trailhead (more information)
WHO: Children and adults with disabilities and their support providers to assist if needed
BRING: full water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, jacket, camera or cell phone (for pictures only), snacks
WEAR: dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes good for walking
Please RSVP: www.recreationcouncil.org/nature-photo-hike-fall-2026/
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Recreation Council want everyone to discover the joy of friendship, nature, and nature photography. First, we will get to know each other with some games and activities. Then our group will take a leisurely stroll down a beautiful paved path that is easy for all hikers and wheelchair users. The hike is less than 2 miles and is flat, paved, and shaded with a lovely stream flowing alongside the path. Come enjoy the chirping birds, gently bubbling water, fall colors on the trees, and the warmth of the sunshine peeking through the forest canopy. We will stop many times along the path to take photos and just immerse our senses in the peaceful glow of nature. LEAVE YOUR HEADPHONES, & MEDIA AT HOME so you can fully experience the beauty of this natural trail. There is ample parking and a “johnny on the spot” but no running water toilets or drinking fountains. Please note that the trail is a little difficult to find if this is your first visit. Google does not clearly take you to the trailhead.Make sure to look at the maps before you come so you know how to get here.

Events For People with Disabilities…

The Next Chapter: Independence for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum (STL): The Next Chapter is a series of programs designed to help young adults on the Autism Spectrum build practical life skills while promoting civic awareness and community engagement to support greater independence. This series is supported by the Urban Libraries Council Civic Makers Lab for Adults (18-24) grant Join us for these next 2 free events:

  • The Next Chapter: Public Transit 101: Saturday, September 26, 12:00 p.m. at the Clark Family Branch of the St. Louis Library: Build confidence using Metro Transit by learning how to navigate the St. Louis bus and Metrolink system. Participants will also discuss transportation accessibility and share ideas for improving community access. Attendees will have the chance to win a free 30-day Metro Transit pass. This program is supported by the Urban Libraries Council Civic Makers Lab for Adults grant. For adults ages 18-24. Registration required.
  • The Next Chapter: Cooking for Independence, Wednesday, September 30, 6:00 p.m. at Operation Food Search, 1644 Lotsie Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132. Build practical cooking skills by preparing a simple recipe alongside Chef Jason at Operation Food Search, then explore community access to healthy food through a guided discussion. This program is supported by the Urban Libraries Council Civic Makers Lab for Adults (18-24) grant. For adults. Registration required.

Tri My Best Adaptive Triathlon Fun Zone (STL), Sunday, September 27 from 8:30 am – 12 noon at Washington University Danforth Campus. St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s Tri My Best, hosted at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), is an adaptive triathlon for children with cerebral palsy and similar movement disorders. Stop by the Recreation Council vendor table at the TMB Fun Zone to say hi and enjoy activities including games for kids, face painting, food trucks, and more. www.trimybest.com

SPARK & CONNECT Speed Dating Event for People with Disabilities (STL), Friday, October 2, 2026 AT 5:30PM at 11828 Lackland Rd, St. Louis, MO 63146. You are invited to find new friends or find a romantic match. This is an IDD Community Event Only. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door. Dinner and refreshments will be provided. Please Bring: a support person if needed. Email questions: sparknconnect@gmail.com, or call (636) 284-0614. This event is hosted by D’Angelo Johnson and Jennifer Brimer. Register here or Use the QR code on the Flyer

Open Caption Movie Night at 9 Mile Garden: The Fall Guy (STL), Friday, October 2 from 7-9:30pm at 9445 Gravois Road, Affton, MO, 63123. Join 9 Mile Garden and SignBridge for a special Open Caption Movie Nights featuring full sound and captions displayed directly on the screen. Movie starts at 7:00 PM. It’s free to attend, and donations are encouraged. Grab dinner or a snack, enjoy a drink, and settle in for the movie. Bring a chair or blanket for comfortable seating. Sponsored by SignBridge and STL Deaf Sport and Social Club. Information

Saturday Explorers: Kinetic Tapestry Jugglers (STL), Saturday, October 3  from 2-3 pm at the Weber Road Library branch, 4444 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 (map). Saturday Explorers is program designed specifically for adults with disabilities. Caregivers are welcome. Contact Lauren Budde at 314-994-3300 or lbudde@slcl.org at the library with questions. Repeats on the first Saturday of each month. Information ~ Flyer

Fun, Free Events for Everyone…

Romeo & Zooliet (STL), Thursdays-Sundays from September 24-October 11 with afternoon and eventing showings. Location: Shakespeare Glen in front of the Art Museum in Forest Park. Romeo & Zooliet is a family-friendly outdoor production will tell the story of zoo animals who put on their own version of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet.” Information

Movie Nights at Westport Plaza: The Rookie (STL), Friday, September 25 from 6-9 PM at Rawlings Green Space at Westport, 111 Westport Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 (map). Enjoy an outdoor showing of this baseball themes movie based on the true story of Jim Morris who debuted in Major League Baseball at age 35. Activities begin at 5:30pm and movie begins at 7pm. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Admission is FREE. More events are scheduled for Oct.Information

STL Zoo: Pajama Party (STL), Saturday, September 26 from 5-8pm at the St. Louis ZOO. Put the kids in their PJs and head to the Zoo for a bedtime-themed night with extended hours. Families can journey around the Zoo for storybook readings at 10 animal habitats, then wrap up the evening at Schnuck Family Plaza with a special “Zootime” story and milk and cookies available for purchase. Parking in the Zoo lots is free after 4 p.m. Information

Macklind Days (STL), Saturday, September 26 from 12-8pm on Macklind Avenue between Devonshire and Nottingham. Macklind Avenue turns into a South City block party for this annual neighborhood festival. Along with live music, food, drinks, and local vendors, families can stop by the Kid Zone for activities from Macklind Make & Play, free face painting, and balloon art. Free. Information

Little Readers Festival (STL), Saturday, September 26 from 10am-1pm at St. Louis County Library Florissant Valley Branch, 195 S. New Florissant. Little bookworms can spend the morning with stories, music, bubbles, mascots, and plenty of hands-on fun at St. Louis County Library’s annual festival for families with children ages 5 and younger. The free event includes performances from Miss Libby, Llama Llama story times, visits from Fredbird and Louie, shaved ice, free books, and activities from local family organizations. Free. Information

Pajama Party at the Saint Louis Zoo | September 26
Put the kids in their PJs and head to the Zoo for a bedtime-themed night with extended hours. Families can journey around the Zoo for storybook readings at 10 animal habitats, then wrap up the evening at Schnuck Family Plaza with a special “Zootime” story and milk and cookies available for purchase. Bonus for parents: Parking in the Zoo lots is free after 4 p.m. 5–8 p.m. Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government. Free; no reservations required.

Community Day | September 26
Holland Law Firm’s fourth annual Community Day brings a morning of free family fun to The Hub. Kids can enjoy face painting, balloon art, caricatures, live entertainment, and giveaways, while families can connect with more than 15 local businesses and nonprofits, grab free food, and access resources including children’s dental screenings. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. The Hub, 3000 E. Prairie. Free.

Route 66 Street Fest | September 26
Maplewood celebrates Route 66 with an afternoon of classic cars and neighborhood fun. Families can check out a car show and vintage row, stop by kids’ activities, and explore the shops and restaurants throughout downtown Maplewood. 3–8 p.m. Downtown Maplewood. Free.

Dolly-themed Sundaze show with Laren Loveless Music | September 27
Break out the rhinestones, boots, and big hair for a family-friendly tribute to Dolly Parton. Laren Loveless Music will lead an interactive morning of live music, storytelling, puppets, movement, and play, featuring some of Dolly’s best-known songs and stories inspired by her kindness, imagination, confidence, and big dreams. The free performance is designed for little ones and their grown-ups. 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest. Free.

Oktoberfest in Historic St. Charles (SCC),September 25-27 daily in Frontier Park, 500 S. Riverside Drive, 63301. Raise your steins and grab your pretzels! It’s the 40th year of Oktoberfest in Historic St. Charles. Every fall, Main Street and Frontier Park come alive with the sounds of oompah bands, the aroma of bratwurst and funnel cakes, and the cheers of friends old and new. Information ~ Facebook

Dardenne Prairie Day 2026 (SCC), Saturday, September 26 from 12 noon-10pm at Dardenne Prairie City Hall Park, 2032 Hanley Rd, Dardenne Prairie MO 63368. Vendor fair and demos in the afternoon, music by School of Rock at 4:30 and Well Hungarians at 6pm, followed by fireworks at 9:00pm (weather dependent).  Information

Maplewood Route 66 Celebration (STL), Saturday, September 26 from 3-8pm in Historic Maplewood, 7601 Manchester Road, 63143 (map). Spend the afternoon soaking up nostalgic charm and good old-fashioned fun along the historic Mother Road. Explore Vintage Row featuring retro vendors and throwback finds, check out the car show, and enjoy live music, tasty food & drinks, and shopping with Maplewood’s local businesses. Information

National Hispanic Heritage Month, Free Fishing Day (STL), Saturday, September 26 from 10am-1pm at Carondelet Park Boathouse Lake, 3900 Holly Hills Drive. The MO Department of Conservation celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with a free fishing day. Fishing permits will also be waived for the day. MDC will provide bait and fishing equipment, but participants are also welcome to bring their own. MDC staff will help beginners learn the basics of fishing, fishing locations, permits, equipment, parks, conservation programs, and outdoor recreation opportunities that are available for free. Enjoy educational touch tables featuring mammal furs and facts about common animals in the area plus free snow cones while they last. The event is open to all ages and all abilities. Information

St. Louis Hills Art in the Park (STL), Sunday, September 27 at Francis Park, Eichelberger Street & Donovan Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109 (map). The St. Louis Hills neighborhood is rich in architecture and home to beautiful Francis Park, provides the backdrop for Art in the Park. Family, friends and neighbors enjoy art, music and food surrounding the majestic lily pond at the center of the park. Information

Oktoberfest Antique Car Show (SCC), Sunday, September 27 from 9am-4pm on South Main Street in Historic St. Charles, MO, 63301. While you are enjoying everything at the St Charles Octoberfest, take a walk down South Main Street Sunday and check out an incredible lineup of vintage vehicles at the Oktoberfest Car Show hosted by Facebook Post ~ Information

Advertising this super cool October event because it might fill up: FAMILY CAMP OUT NIGHT & STARGAZING EVENT (SCC), October 24-25 from 3pm (Oct 23)-10am (Oct 25) at Kochanski Multi Sport Field in Legacy Park in Cottleville, MO. Pull out your camping gear, join a group campfire, gaze at the stars through telescopes, and spend the night on the field. Tom’s Coffee Truck will be there and the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri will have telescopes set up. Plan to take guided group walks in the park. Cost: FREE! Register here ~ Flyer

St. Charles County Parks: Where the Wild Things Play, Parent-Child Nature Days (SCC), Saturday, October 4 from 10 am–1 pm at Broemmelsiek  Park. Children ages 6–11 head outdoors to explore natural spaces alongside their peers, supported by light-touch supervision that encourages independence and discovery. While kids are off adventuring, parents and guardians can join a ranger-led hike to slow down, explore the trails, and reconnect with the natural world. This is a FREE program, but Registration is Required.

Paw Parade (SCC), Saturday, October 3 from 10:30am-12 noon in Frenchtown, 2nd Street, St. Charles, MO 63301. Parade begins at 2nd street and Randolph and travels north to the newest outdoor gathering space, Bench Racers (featured here). Join us for fun and vendors for you and your pets. Information

Movie Night at 9 Mile Garden: The Fall Guy (STL), Friday, October 2 from 7-9:30pm at 9445 Gravois Road, Affton, MO, 63123. Join 9 Mile Garden and SignBridge for a special Open Caption Movie Nights featuring full sound and captions displayed directly on the screen. Movie starts at 7:00 PM. It’s free to attend, and donations are encouraged. Grab dinner or a snack, enjoy a drink, and settle in for the movie. Bring a chair or blanket for comfortable seating. Sponsored by SignBridge and STL Deaf Sport and Social Club. Information

St. Charles County Parks Fall Harvest Festival (SCC), Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Broemmelsiek Park, Agriculture Educational Garden, 1615 Schwede Rd., Wentzville, MO 63385. This year’s theme is Harvest, Heritage, and Handmade. Enjoy children’s activities such as pumpkin painting, egg toss competitions, and more. Browse vendor booths, take a hayride, make a holiday wreath, explore historical demonstrations, find your way through a corn maze, and discover antique engines with the IL-MO Tractor and Engine Club. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Hayride and wreath-making tickets can be purchased at the registration table. Information

Bash at the Boulevard in Lake St. Louis, MO (SCC), Saturday, October 3, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Boulevard Park, 2550 Lake Saint Louis Blvd. 
We’re anticipating good weather, live music, shopping, an exciting kids’ zone & interactive play area, delicious food and refreshing drinks from our local businesses, and so much more to keep the party rocking all day and night long. Music from 2-5pm by Rough Ryders, then stay for an evening concert by Steve Ewing. Information
Movie Nights at Westport Plaza: The Devil Wears Prada (STL), Friday, October 2 from 6-9 PM at Rawlings Green Space at Westport, 111 Westport Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 (map). Enjoy an outdoor movie with activities begin at 5:30pm and movie begins at 7pm. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Admission is FREE. Check out all the October events at Westport: Information

St. Louis at Bat Opening Weekend (STL), October 3 & 4 from daily at MO History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. Celebrate the opening of St. Louis at Bat with a weekend honoring the players, fans, and unforgettable moments with music, crafts, and meet-and-greets with the players themselves. On Saturday, October 3, meet baseball legend Ozzie Smith, try your hand at cork ball, and explore a special collection of St. Louis Browns memorabilia. On Sunday, October 4, keep the fun going with more baseball-inspired games, an adaptive game of beep ball, and meet-n-greets with some famous St. Louisans. Information

Chicken N Pickle Kids Crew: Pumpkin Party (SCC), Sunday, October 4 from 10am-12noon at CNP 1500 South Main, St. Charles, MO 63303. Free Kids brunch, free Pumpkin craft, free bingo, face painter. Fun for the whole family. FREE Tickets needed for kids ages 12 & under only. Repeats on Nov 8 with new themes. Sign up here

 

Outdoor Concerts….

St Charles Area…

Weldon Spring Concerts & Food Truck Nights (SCC), Wednesday, September 23 at 6pm at Weldon Spring City Park at 5401 Independence Rd, Weldon Spring MO, 63304. Join for the final concerts of the season with Live Music by Trixie Delight. Bring your family, friends, and a lawn chair and enjoy some great live music. Last concert of the season. Information

The Meadows at Lake St. Louis Summerfest Music Series (SCC), Thursday, September 24 from 6:30-8:30pm at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, 20 Meadows Circle Drive, Lake Saint Louis, MO, 63367. FREE admission for humans, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your dancing shoes. More concerts on Oct 8, 15, & Nov 1, 2026. Information

Bench Racers (SCC), September 25, 26, 27 – Live music at the newest outdoor social venue in the city of St. Charles, located at 1801 N. 2nd Street, St. Charles, MO 63301. Food and beverages available for purchase. Information ~ Facebook

Live Music Nights at Chicken N Pickle (SCC), Friday, September 25 from 7–10 PM at CNP, 1500 South Main Street, St. Charles, 63303. Whether you’re stopping by for dinner, meeting friends for happy hour, or making a night of it with pickleball and yard games, live music is the perfect soundtrack to your evening. Repeats in October. Information

New Town Concerts (SCC), Saturday, September 26 from 7-10pm at the New Town Amphitheater, 3312 Rue Royale, Saint Charles, MO 63301. Enjoy dance, pop, and hip hop hits by “Just in Time.” Bring your lawn chair and picnic dinner. Information ~  New Town Events Listing

Dardenne Prairie Summer Concert (SCC), Saturday September 26 from 6:30 – 9:30 PM at City Hall Park, at 2032 Hanley Road, Dardenne Prairie, 63368. These free outdoor concerts provide a great way to enjoy the summer with family and friends. Music this month by ”Well Hungarians.” Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase. Final concert of season is Sept 26. Information

St. Louis Area…

Thursdays Concerts at the History Museum (STL),  Thursdays, September 24 & October 1 from 6-8pm at MO History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. Join us for the fall concert season at the Missouri History Museum! This popular, free outdoor concert series on the Imo Family Plaza brings a lineup of spectacular shows from local musicians. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and listen to music under a beautiful Forest Park sunset. Some of the area’s best food trucks will also be on hand each week. Information

Downtown St. Louis City Lunchtime Live Outdoor Concerts (STL), Wednesday, September 30 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Old Post Office Plaza in Downtown St. Louis, 800 Locust, between 8th and 9th Streets. Lunchtime Live brings you outdoor activities, live music, and food trucks during lunchtime, PLUS it is FREE to attend. Purchase food from the food trucks or brown bag it. No dates published for October yet. Information

2026: Tower Grove Park, Sauce on the Side Food Truck & Music Friday (STL), Friday, October 2 from 4-8 PM at Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63110.(map).  Bring a picnic dinner or buy an entrée from one of our food truck vendors and enjoy an evening at the park with friends, fun, live music and over 20 food truck options. Final event of the season is Oct. 2. Information

Done??? 2026: Bridgeton Concert in the Park (STL), Thursday, September 3 from 7-9pm at Gentry Park, 4201 Fee Fee Rd, Bridgeton, MO, 63044. Join us for an outdoor concert with music by That 80’s Band (80’s Hits). Bring your own chair or blanket. Outside food and beverages are welcome, but no glass containers. For more information, call (314) 739-5599 or Information

Recreation Council & Partner Reminders…

Missouri Department of Conservation FREE nature classes:  Visit these links to find all the class listings: MDC’s Free Classes & Programs Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events here: Sign Up for MDC News.

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.

Footnotes…