What's New in The Lou: March 19th

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK:
SqWires Restaurant & Market

Nestled in the Lafayette Square neighborhood, SqWires Restaurant & Market has been a cornerstone of the St. Louis dining scene since 2001. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century Victorian era factory, it blends history with modern hospitality. Between the restaurant, market, and event space, SqWires has something for everyone.

SqWires Restaurant is celebrated for its seasonal, modern American menu that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. On Friday and Saturday nights, the dining experience is elevated by live jazz and blues performances. Sunday brunch is a local favorite that is known for its “famous bloody mary and mimosa bar”. SqWires is particularly well-known for its specials. Throughout lent, the restaurant hosts a popular Friday Fish Fry starting at 4:30 PM. Major holidays often feature grand buffets in the Annex, such as the upcoming Easter Brunch, which includes omelet stations, carving stations, and an extensive dessert display.

Beyond the main dining room, the business extends into the SqWires Market. The market stocks a curated selection of locally produced jams, sauces, snacks, and unique gift items, making it an easy stop for those looking to support regional small businesses. Even better, freshly made grab-and-go restaurant-made meals are available daily as well.

SqWires also houses The Annex. This dedicated event space accommodates up to 200 guests and is a premier St. Louis venue for weddings, corporate gatherings, and community celebrations. It maintains the factory's original charm while offering full-service catering and coordination.

🏀 March Madness

The road to the Final Four kicks off in St. Louis as the Enterprise Center hosts the first and second rounds of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. For one weekend, the heart of downtown will be the center of the college basketball universe, featuring eight of the nation's top teams battling for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen.

Event Schedule

Friday, March 20: The First Round

The tournament kicks off with a full day of "survive and advance" basketball. Friday is split into two sessions, each featuring a doubleheader.

• Session 1 at 11:15 AM

• Session 2 at 6:15 PM

Sunday, March 22: The Second Round

The weekend concludes with Session 3 for the glory of moving on to the Sweet Sixteen. The four winning teams from Friday face off in two final games. The two winners of this session will officially advance to the Sweet Sixteen and continue their journey toward the National Championship.

• Session 3- Start Time TBA (Typically early to mid-afternoon)

What’s Happenin’ in St. Louis 👀

Friday, March 20th

• 18th Annual Gateway Blues Festival (Chaifetz Arena)- This soulful evening, part of "The Blues is Alright Tour," features a lineup of blues legends including King George, Tucka, and West Love. 8 pm.

• Cowboy Junkies (The Sheldon Concert Hall)- This Canadian alt-country band has been going strong since the 80s, having reached 29 albums. Don’t miss their stop through town. 8 pm.

• John Williams & Kevin Puts: A Cosmic Journey (Powell Hall)- The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performs iconic film scores from Star Wars and E.T. alongside contemporary works exploring the human need for contact. An additional performance is on Sunday. Friday’s performance is at 10:30 am.

Saturday, March 21st

• Easter Egg-Citement (Eckert’s Belleville)- Families can enjoy a tractor ride around the farm, a petting zoo, and a planting activity as part of this spring celebration. Children have the chance to hunt for eggs and take photos with the Easter Bunny, with the first hunt beginning promptly at 10 am and the last at 3 pm.

• Hoppy Together: World Frog Day (Laumeier Sculpture Park)- This creative workshop invites participants of all ages to celebrate World Frog Day by learning clay sculpting and hand-building techniques from a local ceramic artist. Attendees will create their own unique ceramic amphibian friends while exploring the importance of these creatures in the local ecosystem. 10 am.

• St. Louis Beer Fest (Saint Louis Science Center)- Sample over 120 craft beers from 40 different breweries while exploring the Science Center’s interactive exhibits during this unique 21+ after-hours event. 8 pm (7pm for VIP).

• City SC Game (Energizer Park)- St. Louis City SC will face off against the New England Revolution at Energizer Park. 7:30 pm.

Sunday, March 22nd

• Shen Yun (Stifel Theatre)- Experience the beauty of five millennia of traditional Chinese culture brought to life through classical dance, vibrant costumes, and a live orchestra. 2 pm and 7 pm.

• Soul Brunch: Women of Neo Soul (City Winery)- This soulful brunch tribute celebrates the legendary "queens of neo-soul" who redefined the R&B genre. Enjoy the music while taking advantage of the venue's signature brunch buffet and wine selections. 12 pm.

• Wicked Sing-Along Drag Brunch (Helium Comedy Club)- Hosted by RuPaul's Drag Race star The Widow Von'Du, this high-energy brunch invites fans to belt out their favorite Broadway hits from the Land of Oz. 12 pm.

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ST. LOUIS NEWS + UPDATES 📰 

Gateway Arch National Park Expansion: A proposed federal bill seeks to expand Gateway Arch National Park across the Mississippi River into East St. Louis, incorporating the 50-acre Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park and surrounding vacant land. This expansion aims to fulfill the original 1947 architectural vision for the park while serving as a catalyst for economic revitalization and environmental restoration on the Illinois riverfront.

WEATHER FORECAST 🌡️ 

Friday
87° 🌤️ | 7% precipitation | 🌬 11 mph

Saturday
86° 🌤️ | 8% precipitation | 🌬 7 mph

Sunday
88° 🌤️ | 3% precipitation | 🌬 18 mph