The STL Tour Guide: 5 Things to Do This Week | September 16–20, 2026

Hey, St. Louis!

This week feels like the unofficial start of fall. We have music under the stars, glowing hot-air balloons, incredible art, a celebration of natural beauty and one fiery hidden gem. Here’s where I’d go in St. Louis this week.

1. St. Louis Symphony Orchestra on Art Hill

Wednesday, September 16 | 7 p.m. | Art Hill in Forest Park | Free

Pack your lawn chairs, snacks and favorite people for one of St. Louis’ most beautiful traditions. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will open its season with a free concert led by Music Director Stéphane Denève. The evening ends with fireworks over the Grand Basin. Free shuttles will operate within Forest Park from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Details: https://www.forestparkforever.org/calendar/2026/slso-concert-on-art-hill

2. Twilight Thursdays: Queens of Neo Soul

Thursday, September 17 | 6–8 p.m. | Missouri History Museum | Free

Get ready for an evening celebrating the music of Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu and other neo-soul favorites. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music outside the Missouri History Museum.

Details: https://mohistory.org/

3. Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race

Friday, September 18 | Glow: 5–9:30 p.m. | Saturday, September 19 | Race festivities: 1–7 p.m. |

Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park | Free

Friday night, watch colorful hot-air balloons light up Forest Park during the Balloon Glow. Return Saturday for the full race celebration, entertainment and balloon launch. Parking will be limited, so arrive early and prepare to walk.

Details: https://www.forestparkforever.org/

4. Saint Louis Art Fair

Friday–Sunday, September 18–20 | Downtown Clayton | Free admission

Downtown Clayton transforms into an outdoor gallery filled with artists, live entertainment, food and interactive experiences. This is a great choice for a date, girls’ outing or solo afternoon exploring something new.

Details: https://explorestlouis.com/

5. Frizz Fest 2026

Saturday, September 19 | Noon–7 p.m. | Tower Grove Park | Free

Celebrate natural beauty, Black culture, creativity and community at the region’s largest natural beauty festival. Frizz Fest features live performances, a hair show and demonstrations, local businesses, food trucks, a farmers market, wellness programming, art installations and a youth zone. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Registration is requested, but no ticket purchase is required. Artist: Kirby will be the headliner.

Details and registration: https://frizzybynature.com/

Hidden Gem of the Week

Tucked away in Maplewood, Cheryl’s Herbs is a wellness lover’s hidden gem that has served the community for more than 30 years. Step inside and explore an extensive collection of dried herbs, custom tea blends, essential oils, liquid extracts, natural skincare and bath-and-body products. Whether you’re building a new self-care routine or simply curious about plant-based products, this locally rooted shop offers a peaceful, sensory experience—and plenty of knowledgeable guidance along the way. Add this stop to your next weekend tour. Explore Cheryl’s Herbs

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This Week

This week, I’m sharing the Fall 2026 Date Night Guide. Subscribe if you'd like to know where to take your date this Fall.