St. Louis Weekend Happenings: September 16 - 18, 2016

Rain, rain go away... the weekend is here and it is time to PLAY!  There is a lot going on this weekend, St. Louis! If seeking fun and affordable family-friendly events, below are a handful of my local favorites happening this weekend...

Taste of St. Louis 2016
The 12th annual award-winning Taste of St. Louis is a celebration of the best food, art, music, and culture that our great city has to offer. Reel Big Fish and Jerrod Niemann play this year, while notable local chefs battle it out in high-pressure cooking competitions.   There is something for everyone at the event, as the array of activities and participants continues to grow each year. 300,000 patrons enjoyed Taste last year.


Friday, September 16 from 4:00pm - 10pm
Saturday, September 17 from 11am - 10pm
Sunday, September 18 from 11am - 7:00 pm

FREE Admission

Chesterfield Amphitheater in Central Park and Chesterfield Village

For more info:
http://tastestl.com/ or 314.534.2100

Event map and directions here: http://www.tastestl.com/map-and-rules/


44nd Annual Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race

The oldest and most well-attended free hot-air balloon event in the WORLD is this weekend! The Balloon Glow will be on Friday evening on Central Field (the site of the Race) and will be a walk through event only -- not a drive through event. The Balloon Race will take place on Central Field by the Jewel Box in Forest Park, on Saturday afternoon. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is free, open to the public, and welcomes over 130,000 visitors every year.

September 16th and 17th 

Print/view the full 2016 program here: 
http://greatforestparkballoonrace.com/about/2016-program/

Forest Park- Central Field
5595 Grand Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63112

FREE Admission

For more info: 
http://greatforestparkballoonrace.com/  


Collinsville Italian Fest

For over 25 years, Collinsville IL has been celebrating the Italian culture and heritage that the city was built on. Dance, stomp grapes, Bocce, and "mangia bene" during their annual Italian Fest in downtown Collinsville, Illinois.  Plenty of parking is available throughout downtown Collinsville, but please note that the festival closes the streets from Morrison (IL-159) to Seminary.

September 16-17

Full weekend schedule here: http://www.italianfest.net/schedule.html 

FREE Admission

For more info:
http://www.italianfest.net/