5 Things to Do in St. Louis This Weekend: October 8–11, 2026

October has officially entered its “there is too much happening and I need a calendar” era. From Missouri-made treasures and a new Rep production to a festival weekend and a matcha stop with a purpose, here are five ways to make October 8–11 feel like your kind of St. Louis weekend.

1. Shop Local at the Best of Missouri Market

Make a day of browsing more than 150 Missouri makers, artists and food producers at the Missouri Botanical Garden. It’s a lovely excuse to shop small, sample something delicious and enjoy the Garden in fall. The market runs Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.) at 4344 Shaw Boulevard. Admission is $18 for adults 13+, $9 for children ages 3–12, and $9 for Garden members ages 13+; children 2 and under are free. Festival-level members and above receive free adult admission for up to six adults, plus member children 12 and under. Check the official page for details and tickets.

2. Opening Night at The Rep: 2 Pianos 4 Hands

If you love a night at the theater with a little music and a lot of humor, save Friday for The Rep. 2 Pianos 4 Hands follows two aspiring concert pianists through lessons, competitions and the long road toward a dream. Opening night is Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves. The show is approximately two hours, including a 15-minute intermission, and is recommended for ages 12 and up. Ticket prices vary; see current availability and pricing when booking.

3. Raise a Stein at Soulard Oktoberfest

Soulard knows how to turn a weekend into a gathering. Oktoberfest brings live music, German food and plenty of festive energy to the Soulard Farmers Market Plaza. It’s open Friday, October 9, 4–11 p.m., and Saturday, October 10, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. General admission is free; food and drinks are available for purchase. A commemorative stein is $14, and the optional 21+ Budweiser VIP tent is $30 (alcohol not included).

4. Sip, Taste and Celebrate at Wine & Food Holiday Festival

The Wine & Food Holiday Festival is Saturday, October 10, noon–8 p.m. at Cortex Commons, 4270 Duncan Avenue. This event supports local charity.

5. Make Sunday a VegFest Day

Spend Sunday exploring plant-based food, products, speakers, entertainment, yoga and kids’ activities at St. Louis VegFest. It’s Sunday, October 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park, 1904 Concourse Drive. Admission is free, so you can wander, try something new and keep the afternoon easy on the budget.

Hidden Gem: Greenway Matcha at Upshot Coffee

Here’s a delicious little reason to take the scenic route: Greenway Matcha is a collaboration between Upshot Coffee and Great Rivers Greenway. It features Moments First Harvest Horiguchi Matcha with house-made elderberry and sassafras syrup, finished with mole bitters, and a portion of each sale supports local greenways. Find it at participating Upshot locations near the Tower Grove Connector, Centennial Greenway, Boschert Greenway and Dardenne Greenway. Check the collaboration details and participating spots before heading out.

STL Tour Guide Lady's Personal Pick

My pick this weekend is opening night at The Rep. A live performance has a way of making a Friday feel special, and 2 Pianos 4 Hands sounds like the right mix of heart, music and laughs. Pair it with dinner nearby and call it a proper night out.

Make Your Weekend Plans

Choose your experience, check the linked event page for the latest details and make your plan before the weekend fills up. Which one are you claiming?