The work week is winding down, and the spring energy in This Town is officially picking up. Whether you’re looking to catch the madness of the tournament or find a quiet corner to recharge, here is your roadmap for the weekend ahead.
1. March Madness Hits the Enterprise Center The big dance is officially here. St. Louis is a host city for the opening rounds, and the atmosphere downtown is electric. Even if you don’t have tickets, the bars around the Enterprise Center and Ballpark Village will be the place to be for tip-off. Expect heavy foot traffic and plenty of high-fives as fans from across the country converge on the Gateway City.
2. The Orchid Show’s Final Days If you haven’t made it to the Missouri Botanical Garden for the annual Orchid Show, this is one of your last chances. It’s the ultimate "Metro Forest" experience—thousands of blooming orchids in a climate-controlled tropical escape. It’s the perfect Saturday morning reset. The vibrant colors and humid air provide a much-needed sensory break from the standard gray of mid-March.
3. Purina Pawsitive Spring For a family-friendly (and pet-friendly) Saturday, head out to Purina Farms. They are hosting spring activities including incredible dog diving performances and farm animal meet-and-greets. It’s a bit of a drive, but the open space and fresh air are worth the trip. It's an ideal spot to let the kids burn off some energy while getting a first-hand look at world-class canine athletes in action.
4. The Sunday "Hidden Gem" Recharge Before the Monday morning hustle starts again, take a drive out to Lone Elk Park. It’s a wildlife management area where you can drive through and see elk and bison from your car. It’s quiet, majestic, and a great way to center yourself before the new week begins. There is something profoundly calming about watching a thousand-pound bison graze peacefully just a few feet from your window.
5. Vintage Vinyl and Soulard Vibes Sunday afternoon is the perfect time to head down to Soulard for some low-stakes wandering. Grab a coffee at Protagonist and then head over to the local shops to dig through some crates. Browsing through stacks of old records while the sunlight hits the historic red brick is the most "St. Louis" way to spend a quiet afternoon.