Paint Louis (September 4 – 6)

Paint Louis, the largest graffiti festival in the world, began in 1997 and continued through 2001. It was revived in 2013 and is now world-renowned. In the shadow of The Gateway Arch along the Mississipi River, over 400 writers gather every Labor Day weekend, coming from across the U.S, and most recently Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Australia.

Showcasing the four elements of hip hop, the festival has also recently hosted free performances by KRS-One, Souls of Mischief, DJ Qbert, Rakim, and many St. Louis-based and Midwest MCs and DJs.

The Paint Louis wall is year-round attraction for locals and tourists alike.