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/

Weekend Happenings: Up, up and away...

The 41th Annual Forest Park Balloon Race is this weekend! Fun, fun, fun! Hands down, this is my boys' favorite St Louis event.  Visually stunning and over-the-top. Wow.

The schedule goes as follows...

Friday, September 20, 2012 - BALLOON GLOW

Central Field-- 7:00pm to 9:15pm

The Balloon Glow offers spectators a breathtaking view of inflated balloons lighted by their burners. Get up close and walk around the balloons. Refreshments and Food are available. The event will conclude with a fireworks display beginning at approximately 9pm.  This evening benefits the Humane Society.

Saturday, September 21, 2012 - BALLOON RACE

Central Field-- 12:00pm to 6:30pm

Spend your day in beautiful Forest Park and help celebrate the 20th Birthday of the Energizer Bunny. The Purina Children's Entertainment area is filled with pony rides, games, and other activities for kids. The Entertainment Stage features a variety of local talent. During the Photo contest, the public can enter the balloon field and take pictures of their favorite balloons. Prizes will be awarded for the best photographs. The Skydiving Team performs and lands in the center of the launch field.

Per the race, it begins when the Energizer Bunny Balloon takes off ahead of the pack. 70 "hound" balloons then launch in pursuit. The balloon dropping a birdseed baggie closest to the Energizer Bunny Balloon will be declared the winner.

Sunday, September 22, 2009 - WEATHER DATE

In case the race is weathered out on Saturday, September 21, it will be rescheduled for Sunday, September 22.

More info...

Web: http://greatforestparkballoonrace.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatForestParkBalloonRace
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GFPBalloonRace

 

Weekend Happening...

A lot going on this weekend, St. Louis! If looking for something fun and affordable to do, below are a couple of my local family- friendly favorites happening this weekend...

Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race

Energizer presents the 38th annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race 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 17-18 - Full schedule HERE.

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

FREE

FOR MORE INFO:
Visit their website HERE


Old Webster Jazz and Blues Festival

One of the most family-friendly jazz festivals on the planet, the Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival promises non-stop jazz and blues from two stages. This event showcases St. Louis' most talented performers plus food and drink from area restaurants. Street entertainers also amuse spectators with face-painting, juggling and balloons. Bring your kids, strollers and lawn chairs.

September 18 : 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.

170 W. Lockwood
Webster Groves, MO 63119

FREE

FOR MORE INFO and music line-up:
Visit their website HERE.