BY: GENEVA LEE
News Editor
In the Summer, there’s a party every day in Saint Louis—usually free, always fun, from art festivals to block parties to carnivals. Here is a synopsis of some of the planned events that are lined up.
Cherokee Cinco De Mayo—May 7, 2022. Cherokee Street. Free.
Cherokee Street always throws the best block parties, and this event is no exception. Cinco De Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, and it celebrates Mexican culture. There will be authentic food, drinks, music, and entertainment, and over 50,000 people attend each year.
Laumeier Art Fair—May 6-8, 2022. $10 per person.
The Laumeier Art Fair is a juried art festival with up to 150 featured artists, and it takes place in the greenery of Laumeier Sculpture Park, which combines nature and sculpture art.
Haitian Flag Day Festival—May 21, 2022. Tower Grove Park. Free.
This festival celebrates Haitian culture and features traditional food, music, and art.
Annie Malone Parade—May 13-15, 2022. 2340 Market Street. Free.
The Annie Malone Parade is the oldest and second largest Black parade in the country, and is a fundraiser for the Annie Malone Children and Family Services, which has been helping St. Louis families since 1888. It is named after Annie Malone, who was one of the first Black women to become a millionaire and was a dedicated philanthropist in St. Louis.
Taste of Maplewood—May 20-2, 20221. Sutton Blvd., just South of Manchester. Free.
The Taste of Maplewood is the annual celebration of Maplewood and Richmond Heights restaurants and local businesses and features live entertainment, food, and activities.
Chinese Culture Days—May 21-22, 2022. Missouri Botanical Gardens. $16 nonmembers; $8 members.
Chinese Culture Days is a celebration of Chinese culture, replete with authentic Chinese food, dancing, and t’ai chi against the background of the Missouri Botanical Gardens florals. The Chinese Lion Dance is a must-see!
Greek Festival. May 27-30, 2022. 1755 Des Peres Rd., Town and Country, MO. Free.
This celebration of Greek culture features authentic Greek food, vendors, dress, and dance. The baklava at Greekfest is is divine.
St. Louis African Arts Festival—May 28-30, 2022. Forest Park. Free.
The African Arts Festival celebrates the people of Africa and the Africa Diaspora, and its goal is to raise awareness of the contributions of people of African descent. Art, food, and cultural entertainment will be present.
Freedom Festival—May 28, 2022. Tower Grove Park. Free.
Freedom Festival is a social justice festival that is meant to unify people for nonhuman and human rights, organized by Project Animal Freedom. There will be vegan offerings!
Kimmswick Strawberry Festival—June 4-5, 2022. Downtown Kimmswick. Free.
The Kimmswick Strawberry Festival is located in the heart of the historic Kimmswick downtown and features food and ventures, many of whom sell strawberries or strawberry-themed goods! And any trip to Kimmswick is not complete until stopping at the Blue Owl Café.
St. Louis Pagan Picnic—June 4-5, 2022. Tower Grove Park. Free.
The Pagan picnic is an event that is meant to educate the public about Paganism and its spiritual tradition and is a two day festival of music and food with thousands of attendees.
Juneteenth in the Delmar Loop—June 11, 2022. Delmar Loop. Free.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States. There will be art, including live art, music, food, and performances that include African Spirit Dance, DJ KP, and African mascaraed-Mask to Stilts. Support Black culture and history by attending a Juneteenth celebration!
Pridefest—June 25-June 26, 2022. Tucker Blvd., between Market and Olive.
Pridefest celebrates LGBTQIA+ pride, political and social progress, and acceptance. There will be a parade, vendors, food, music, performances, and thousands of attendees. There are few events as colorful and accepting as Pride, so wear rainbow and attend! And there is a night celebration June 25 in The Grove.
Webster Groves Community Days —July 4, 2022. Free.
The Community Days are Webster Groves’ American Independence Day celebration, replete with a parade, and at night, fireworks.
Taste of North St. Louis—July 16, 2022. 2323 N. 14th Street, St. Louis, MO. Free.
Taste of North St. Louis is a chance to try some of the best restaurants in the St. Louis region in the beautiful neighborhood of North St. Louis.
Culture Fest Weekend—August 11-14, 2022. Location: TBA.
Culture Fest is a celebration of Black culture, healing, food, yoga, and community service. It is hosted by the organization, For the Culture, which uplifts Black culture in St. Louis.
Moonlight Ramble—August 13, 2022. 10:00pm. $35. Benefits Trailnet.
The Moonlight Ramble is an annual night bike ride that benefits Trailnet, an organization that advocates for biking, walking, and public transit. It’s a casual-speed bike ride that travels around downtown and through Forest Park, and participants are welcome to trick out their bikes with colorful lights and speakers to play music! There is a celebration afterward with music and vendors.
