What's New in The Lou: September 18th

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT:
🎈Great Forest Park Balloon Race & Glow

For 50 years, St. Louis has watched more than fifty giant balloons paint the Forest Park sky. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race & Balloon Glow (Sept 19–20) is billed as the oldest and largest free balloon event in the U.S., and there is no cost for admission. The party kicks off Friday evening with a DJ and food trucks at Emerson Central Fields; at dusk the balloons “glow” like fireflies and spectators may wander among them. Saturday’s race day starts at 1 p.m. and features family activities, picnic zones and the main event. Plan to arrive early—official guidance encourages guests to pack a cooler and snag a spot before the fields open.

LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT REMINDER:
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

Don’t forget! The Schafer sisters — STL residents and TheLou.com newsletter subscribers — are running for Team Reeve in the Chicago Marathon to raise $10,000 for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation!

Show your hometown support by coming out to local staple Colombo's Cafe & Tavern this Thursday (Sept. 18th) from 6pm - midnight. Colombo's is generously donating a portion of their proceeds from food and drinks that night towards the $10K goal… so come hungry and bring friends! 

And if you can’t make it, you can also support them by donating direct to their page.

What’s Happenin’ in St. Louis 👀

Friday, September 19th

• 🎈 Balloon Glow at Forest Park – Forest Park. The Glow opens 5 pm with food trucks & DJ, balloons light up at dusk, fireworks at 9:15 pm.

• 💃 Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival (Day 1) – Soulard. Features Latin music, folk dancing, crafts and a children’s pavilion; admission is FREE.

• 🍻 Blues & Brews – 4–9 p.m. at St. Louis Music Park; kickoff hockey season with live music, local breweries, & player appearances; ticketed.

• 🌟 Jack’s Lighted Trail – Eckert's Belleville Farm. Opens for the season; stroll thru a brand-new illuminated walking trail with themed light displays.

• 🍺 OctoBEER Fest – Sept 21 at 9 Mile Garden; celebrate with craft beer, food trucks, games, and live music all day; admission is FREE.

Saturday, September 20th

• 🎈 Balloon Race Day at Forest Park – Forest Park. Watch 50+ balloons launch; activities start at 1 p.m. and the race is scheduled to lift off 4:30 p.m.

• 🚛 Monster Jam – The Dome at America's Center; experience high-flying stunts & massive trucks in this adrenaline-packed show; tickets required.

• 🌸 Frizz Fest – Tower Grove Park. 8th Annual celebration of natural beauty, self-love, and empowerment with music, vendors, and community vibes.

• 🎷 Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival – Webster Groves. A day of live jazz and blues across multiple outdoor stages with local food and drinks.

• 🍂 South Grand Fall and Music Fest – South Grand Boulevard. Free festival with live music, kids’ activities, street performers, and local vendors

• 🍎 Brick River’s Ciderfest 2025 – Brick River Cider. Sample seasonal ciders, enjoy live music, and celebrate fall flavors at this annual free event.

• 🍹 Twist of Tequila: A Walking Cocktail Crawl – Central West End. Sip creative tequila cocktails while strolling the CWE scene. Tickets required.

• 🌟 Family Glow Party – St. Louis Zoo. Dance under the lights with glowing décor, music, and family fun after dark; tickets required.

Sunday, September 21st

• 🎶 PorchFestSTL 2025 – Skinker DeBaliviere. Stroll the neighborhood as local musicians perform on porches and lawns throughout the afternoon.

• 🛍️ Sunday Maker’s Market – Delmar Maker District. Browse handmade goods, art, & crafts from local creators at this monthly open-air market.

• 🌕 Family Sunday: Korean Harvest Festival – Saint Louis Art Museum. Celebrate Chuseok with hands-on art activities, performances, and cultural programs for families; free admission.

ST. LOUIS NEWS + UPDATES 📰

Upshot Coffee Flyby: Just opened on September 12, this new concept from Upshot Coffee takes flight on Manchester with a sleek drive-thru and walk-up bar — the perfect pit stop for top-notch coffee on the go ☕️

Mom’s Deli: The beloved sandwich shop is back! After months away, Mom’s has officially reopened its doors — welcoming fans old and new with their legendary stacked sandwiches 🥪

Brought to you by:
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WEATHER FORECAST 🌡️ 

Friday
86° | 24% rain | 🌬 5 mph

Saturday
86° | 15% rain | 🌬 7 mph

Sunday
82° | 51% rain | 🌬 8 mph

Monday
79° | 37% rain | 🌬 8 mph