Labor Day Criteriums, Riverfront Murals & Golden Canopy Days: Your St. Louis Weekend Preview

Day/Time: Friday, September 4 | 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Pro races start at 6:30 PM)

Venue: Lafayette Square Historic District, St. Louis, MO

What to Expect: Experience high-speed professional and amateur road cycling as the 4-day Bommarito Audi Gateway Cup kicks off around Lafayette Park. Spectators line the historic Victorian streetscapes with lawn chairs and picnics while cyclists navigate tight 90-degree turns under the evening lights. Local food pop-ups, craft beer stands, and neighborhood cheering sections make for an electric holiday kickoff.

Link: View race schedules and course maps via gatewaycup.com.

Day/Time: Friday, September 4 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Venue: Mississippi River Floodwall (Wharf Street south of Chouteau), Downtown Riverfront, St. Louis, MO

What to Expect: Watch over 500 visual artists, muralists, and calligraphers from around the globe transform a two-mile stretch of the floodwall into the world's largest open-air street art gallery. Live DJ sets, breakdancing showcases, and local food trucks line Wharf Street as artists construct new works in real time against the backdrop of the Gateway Arch and the river.

Link: Check artist lineups and visitor maps at paint-louis.com.

Day/Time: Friday, September 4 | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Venue: Saint Louis Art Museum (Forest Park / Art Hill), St. Louis, MO

What to Expect: Take advantage of extended late-night gallery hours to view featured exhibitions like Aymara Weavings: The Indigenous Andes and Visions of Antiquity. Relax with acoustic pop-up performances in the Sculpture Hall, followed by a sunset walk down Art Hill overlooking the Grand Basin.

Link: Explore current gallery listings and free reservation passes at slam.org.

Day/Time: Friday, September 4 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Venue: The Dark Room at The Grandel (Grand Center Arts District), St. Louis, MO

What to Expect: Settle into Midtown’s premier listening room for an intimate evening featuring top-tier St. Louis jazz instrumentalists. Pair craft cocktails and seasonal small plates with world-class acoustics while surrounded by fine art photography exhibits.

Link: View music rosters on kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Day/Time: Saturday, September 5 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Venue: Francis Park, St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Hills)

What to Expect: The racing action shifts to South City for a full day of fast-paced laps surrounding Francis Park. Neighbors set up canopy tents and tailgates along the perimeter tree line while kids participate in junior fun races between professional heats. Grab a lemonade or local frozen treat and ring your cowbells along the stretch.

Link: Access race details on gatewaycup.com.

Day/Time: Saturday, September 5 | 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Venue: Tower Grove Park (West Pool Pavilion Lawn), St. Louis, MO

What to Expect: Start your Saturday under the shady oak canopy of Tower Grove Park. Browse over 60 regional farmers, artisan bakers, cold-brew roasters, and local makers offering peak late-summer melons, tomatoes, and hand-crafted goods while acoustic buskers perform along paved pathways.

Link: Explore vendor maps at tgfarmersmarket.com.

Day/Time: Saturday, September 5 | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Venue: Mississippi River Floodwall (Wharf Street), Downtown Riverfront, St. Louis, MO

What to Expect: Peak festival energy hits the riverfront as murals reach completion along the floodwall. Saturday features live hip-hop performances, skate competitions, pop-up apparel vendors, and street food courts along the Mississippi.

Link: Find event maps and performance times at paint-louis.com.

Day/Time: Saturday, September 5 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Venue: Intersect Arts Center (Gravois Park / Cherokee Street Corridor), St. Louis, MO

What to Expect: Explore working resident artist studios, woodshops, and ceramics spaces across three floors of this community arts hub. Visitors can chat with local painters, sculptors, and woodworkers about their active projects, view gallery exhibitions, and enjoy hands-on art demonstrations.

Link: Discover upcoming community workshops via intersectstl.org.

Day/Time: Sunday, September 6 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Venue: The Hill Neighborhood (Marconi & Daggett Avenues), St. Louis, MO

What to Expect: One of the most celebrated race days of the year takes over the historic Italian neighborhood of The Hill. High-octane cycling combines with neighborhood street festivals as outdoor patios, gelaterias, and Italian bakeries stay packed all afternoon. Spectators crowd the corners along Marconi and Daggett to cheer on racers.

Link: View turn maps and schedules at gatewaycup.com.

Day/Time: Sunday, September 6 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Venue: Missouri Botanical Garden (Shaw Neighborhood), St. Louis, MO

What to Expect: Celebrate Japanese culture, art, and traditions across 79 acres of stunning garden grounds. Experience taiko drumming ensembles, tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, bon odori dancing, and traditional food vendors surrounding the Seiwa-en Japanese Garden.

Link: Reserve timed admission tickets via missouribotanicalgarden.org.

Day/Time: Sunday, September 6 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Venue: Cherokee Street Historic District (Benton Park / Gravois Park), St. Louis, MO

What to Expect: Spend a casual Sunday browsing vintage apparel shops, antique stores, printmaking studios, and community art spaces along Cherokee Street. Grab authentic street tacos or a craft espresso as you stroll the historic commercial strip.

Link: Discover neighborhood spots via cherokeestreet.com.

Day/Time: Sunday, September 6 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Venue: World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park, St. Louis, MO

What to Expect: Wrap up your holiday weekend atop one of the highest scenic overlooks in Forest Park. Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs, and enjoy acoustic acoustic guitar and brass pop-up performances while watching the sun set over the city skyline.

Link: Check park pavilion details at forestparkforever.org.