What's New In The Lou: January 29th

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK:
Little’s Loft Play Café

Little’s Loft Play Café was born from a deeply personal need: in 2022, as a new mom of two-under-two, owner Hannah Campbell struggled to find a place where her kids could play safely while she could relax and connect with other adults. Inspired to create what she couldn’t find, she opened Little’s Loft in downtown Kirkwood as a community-centered play café designed entirely with families in mind. The thoughtfully designed, treehouse-themed play space allows parents to see their children from anywhere, limits capacity for comfort and safety, and includes sensory-friendly areas and practical amenities. Along with play, the café offers a carefully crafted menu with elevated options for adults, locally sourced coffee, and accommodations for food sensitivities. With private event rentals, future family programming, and an inviting atmosphere, Little’s Loft is a place where families can slow down, feel supported, and enjoy this fleeting season together.

❄️ Winter Escapes: Three Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss

• The Loop Ice Festival (RESCHEDULE)- Last week, we featured the Loop Ice Carnival. The weekend weather ended up cancelling the event, and luckily they were able to reschedule to this Saturday January 31. Refer to last week’s newsletter, or the link above, for information on this exciting event!

• 2026 STL RV Travel Show (America’s Center)- The STL RV Travel Show is an annual recreational vehicle showcase presented by the Midwest Gateway RV Dealers Association. It’s designed for anyone interested in the RV lifestyle whether shopping for a new 2026 model, upgrading their current RV, or simply discovering the freedom and fun of RV travel. Attendees can explore over 300 RVs of nearly every type, view the latest technology, accessories, and travel destinations, and connect with dealers and service providers. Informational seminars run throughout each day. Tickets are available for a fee, with discounts for children and seniors, and children under 5 enter free. Friday and Saturday 8 am-8 pm. Sunday 8 am-5 pm.

• The Orchid Show (Missouri Botanical Garden)- The annual Orchid Show offers a once-a-year chance to experience hundreds of orchids in bloom, drawn from the Garden’s extensive collection of more than 5,000 plants representing nearly 700 unique species. Opening day is Saturday January 31. The show runs through March 1 and is included with garden admission. In addition to daily viewing, the Garden offers special accessibility-focused tours, including American Sign Language, audio description, and memory-care–friendly experiences, providing inclusive ways for all visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Orchid Show.

What’s Happenin’ in St. Louis 👀

Friday, January 30th

• The Wizard of Oz in Concert (SLSO at Powell Hall): Experience the 1939 classic on the big screen while the St. Louis Symphony performs the iconic score live. Shows run Friday (7 pm), Saturday (7 pm), Sunday (2 pm).

• Jim Gaffigan (The Factory in Chesterfield): The king of "clean" comedy (and Hot Pockets fame) brings his Barely Alive tour to the county. Shows Friday at 7 pm and Saturday at 4 pm/7pm.

• Hell’s Kitchen (The Fabulous Fox): Alicia Keys' Tony-winning musical has arrived in St. Louis this week. It’s a high-energy, soulful journey through NYC that feels right at home on the Fox stage. Shows run various times through February 8. Catch a show this weekend Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2/7:30 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm.

• Donnell Rawlings (Helium Comedy Club): You know him from Chappelle’s Show. He brings his legendary stand-up to town for a night of laughs. Shows run Friday 7/9:15 pm, Saturday 7/9:30 pm.

• Wynton Marsalis & Jazz at Lincoln Center (The Sheldon): For a more intimate experience, head to Grand Center. Marsalis is presenting "Duke in Africa," a beautiful tribute to Duke Ellington in one of the city's best acoustic halls. Show at 8:00 pm.

Saturday, January 31st

• The Cajun Cook-Off (Anheuser-Busch Biergarten): Mardi Gras season in Soulard is officially heating up! At the Cajun Cook-Off, bold flavors, live music, and friendly competition take center stage. Guests can enjoy a 2½-hour Cajun lunch buffet and an open bar featuring A-B products while cheering on amateur chefs in a Cajun cooking competition. 12-4 pm.

• Crab & Oyster Festival (Broadway Oyster Bar): Enjoy a special crab and oyster focused menu this weekend while enjoying live music at one of the city’s most fun and unique restaurants. Get into the Mardi Gras spirit early this weekend! Friday 4-11 pm and Saturday 12-11 pm.

• “Gosh Yarn It!” (The Golden Record): MO Variety hosts another fun variety show. This lively, yarn-themed event brings together local professional circus and performing artists for a playful, high-energy show. Guests can enjoy prizes, explore fiber-inspired art installations, shop from local fiber artists, browse vintage yarn and pattern books, and check out cozy sweaters from City Mouse. Stay after the show for a dance party! Show at 8 pm.

• St. Louis Blues vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (Enterprise Center): Help the boys in blue secure a home-ice win. Let’s go Blues! Puck drops at 7pm.

• Grace Kelly (Jazz St. Louis): The world-renowned saxophonist and vocalist celebrates 20 years of music-making in the heart of Grand Center. Shows run Friday through Sunday. Catch Saturday’s shows at 7:30 & 9:30 pm.

Sunday, February 1st

• Misterioso (City Museum): Each year, Circus Harmony performs a full-length show at their performance space in the City Museum. This year’s show Misterioso follows the story of solving an exciting mystery. Tickets are $20 and include admission to the City Museum beginning at noon on the day of the show. Shows run every Saturday and Sunday in February at 2 pm. Opening Day Sunday February 1st!

• The Serpents Tour (Delmar Hall): Drag superstars Nymphia Wind and Plastique Tiara bring a high-fashion, high-energy folktale-inspired show to the Loop. Show at 8 pm.

• Denise Thimes: The Nina Simone & Billie Holiday Experience (City Winery): Wrap up your weekend with one of St. Louis’s own jazz treasures. Denise Thimes is a powerhouse vocalist, and her tribute to these two icons is a legendary local set. Show at 7 pm.

• Aymara Weavings: The Indigenous Andes (Saint Louis Art Museum): A new textile exhibit at SLAM is a stunning, colorful escape into the history and artistry of the Andean people. The exhibit opens this weekend and will remain until September 13. Museum is open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Brought to you by:
Your Business? 🫵 

Are you struggling to get your business, service, or event in front of St. Louis locals?

We can help!

ST. LOUIS NEWS + UPDATES 📰 

SLPS on Notice: The State Board of Education has dropped St. Louis Public Schools from full to provisional accreditation due to not submitting a financial audit on time. The district is working to improving and restoring their status in the future.

Northside Rebuild: St. Louis officially adopted the "Stronger Northside" plan to rebuild neighborhoods hit by the 2025 tornadoes. The initiative focuses on restoring historic homes and debris removal to kickstart construction.

Landfill Progress: Cleanup of the radioactive West Lake Landfill has entered a "fast-track" phase thanks to new federal funding. This week marks the start of major site preparations, ending decades of bureaucratic delays.

WEATHER FORECAST 🌡️ 

Friday
21° 🌤 | 6% snow | 🌬 12 mph

Saturday
23° 🌤 | 6% snow | 🌬 13 mph

Sunday
34° 🌤 | 16% precip | 🌬 8 mph