From archeological digs to the Washington Town and Country Fair, some of the St. Louis' best events of the summer take place in August. While tourist crowds are expected to be at their highest toward the end of July and beginning of August, you can expect relatively less packed attractions and venues as the month progresses. The weather will also be slightly cooler in August than in July, although some days can reach as high as 96 degrees Fahrenheit. You should prepare for your trip by packing light.
Many of these events may be canceled or will be held virtually in 2020, so be sure check for the latest details on the official organizer's website.
Final Weeks at the Municipal Theatre
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David O'Brien
The 2020 season at the theatre has been canceled.
The Municipal Theatre of St. Louis in Forest Park, also known as The Muny, is America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater venue, and August is your last chance this summer to see a performance on its stage. Established in 1919, the theatre has been entertaining St. Louisans for over a hundred years. Past shows have included Matilda, Guys and Dolls, Jersey Boys, and more.
Washington Town and Country Fair
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David O'Brien
The fair has been canceled for 2020.
About 50 miles west of St. Louis, the small town of Washington, Missouri traditionally hosts its annual Town and Country Fair during the first week of August. This five-day event has plenty of traditional fair activities like carnival rides, fried food, and livestock shows, but there's also big-time entertainment as well as featured exhibits in glass blowing, chainsaw carving, stunt performance, and a family fun center.
Sauce Food Truck Friday
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After being closed in May and June, Sauce Food Truck Friday will return to Tower Grove Park on August 7, 2020, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Each month during the summer, Food Truck Friday features over 20 trucks, live music, and drinks from Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, 4 Hands Brewing Company, Brick River Cider, and Noboleis Vineyards. Here, you can get a nice sampling of the city's favorite food trucks like Angie Burger, Seoul Taco, and Pi Stick, which sells gourmet pizza on a stick.
Birds in Concert
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David O'Brien
In 2020, the sanctuary is open for drive-thru visitors, but the concert series has been canceled.
The World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park hosts a unique free concert series on Thursday nights in August. Each concert begins with children's music from the Sanctuary's in-house band, "The Raptor Project" while birds fly just overhead. Then, local favorites like Javier Mendoza, Fowl Play, and others take the stage.
Festival of the Little Hills
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Wikimedia Commons
The festival has been canceled for 2020.
One of the best craft fairs in the St. Louis area is the Festival of the Little Hills in St. Charles. Historic Main Street and Frontier Park are filled with booths selling everything from jewelry and art to kids' clothes and holiday decorations. More than 300 vendors from 30 states set up shop during this three-day event. Shopping isn't the only attraction though; there's also live music, kids' activities, and some of the best festival food around.
St. Louis World's Fare Heritage Festival
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While this festival usually takes place in August, in 2020 it has been postponed to Labor Day weekend.
The World's Fare Heritage Festival is a three-day celebration in Forest Park that pays tribute to the 1904 World's Fair held in St. Louis. The festival includes live music, food vendors, an artist's village, kids area, and business expo at the World's Fair Pavillion. Events include performances by local and international musicians playing blues, rock, hip-hop, ragtime, jazz, funk, and soul.
St. Louis YMCA Book Fair
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The book fair has been canceled for 2020.
For thousands of book lovers, August means it's time for the St. Louis YMCA Book Fair, one of the largest used book sales in the area. With more than 60 categories of books, as well as magazines, records, and CDs, you're sure to find something to take home during this yearly event, which typically takes place at the Greensfelder Recreation Center in St. Louis' Queeny Park.
Festival of Nations
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The festival will be held virtually in 2020 with more details to be announced on the official website at the beginning of August.
The Festival of Nations is your chance to experience the beauty of dozens of different world cultures without leaving St. Louis; the two-day event is filled with food, music, and entertainment from around the globe. There are dozens of food booths featuring iconic dishes from countries like Bosnia, Brazil, and Ethiopia, among others and shopaholics will love finding items like Indian saris, Mexican glassware, and Israeli jewelry.
Archeology Day at Cahokia Mounds
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Archeology Day has been canceled for 2020.
You can uncover the indigenous history and learn about the history of the Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville during Archeology Day. This free event includes demonstrations on basket making, fire building, artifact processing, and ancient crafts. There are also spear-throwing contests and other historic games, as well as food and beverages to purchase.
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