14 Top Things to Do in September in St. Louis

September is prime apple-picking season, so head over to Eckert's Orchards for the best. Eckert's is celebrating with Apple Fest at all three locations (Belleville, Millstadt, and Grafton) on September weekends. The festival features apple treats and live music.

Labor Day may mark the end of summer, but it's one of the biggest parties in St. Louis. The long holiday weekend is filled with events like the Japanese Festival at the Botanical Garden, the Big Muddy Blues Festival on Laclede's Landing, Midwest Wingfest, and more.

The Great Godfrey Maze is a fall tradition in the Metro East. Visitors head to Glazebrook Park to wander through the giant maze cut into seven acres of cornfield. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children. Kids younger than five get in free. The corn maze is open from the beginning of September through the end of October.

Twilight Tuesdays is a free outdoor concert series put on by the Missouri History Museum. Grab a spot in Forest Park, and spread out your picnic blankets and lawn chairs for a night of music by artists like Starlifter, The U.S Air Force Band of Mid-America, First Call Band and Queens Blvd. The performances start at dusk.

If you want to see one of the best art fairs in the country, head to Clayton for the annual St. Louis Art Fair, which has been ranked fifth in the nation. On September 7-9, 2018, hundreds of artists from around the country will show off their talents in painting, sculpture, photography, and crafts. There's also live music and food served up by some of the area's best restaurants.

Sample the best dishes from St. Louis' most popular food trucks, including Destination Desserts, Brazil Express, K-Bop, Steak Louie, Mission Taco Truck, and more. Over 20 trucks take part in an evening of food, craft beer, and music in Tower Grove Park. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m on September 14, 2018.

LouFest is an indie music festival that brings dozens of nationally known acts to Forest Park. Headliners for 2018 include Robert Plant (yes, of Led Zeppelin fame), Modest Mouse, Head and the Heart, and Kacey Musgraves. A one-day general admission pass is $60. Two-day passes are $95. The festival will run the weekend of September 8-9, 2018.

Learn what it was really like to live on the Missouri frontier by visiting Pioneer Days at the Daniel Boone Home near Defiance, Missouri. The historic encampment recreates life as it was before 1840. Children can attend a one-room school or play period games. Historical interpreters will show visitors how to cook on a hearth and make household items from gourds. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race (September 14-15, 2018) is one of the biggest events of the year. It all begins with the Balloon Glow (where they're all lit up at night) and fireworks on Friday. Then, crowds return to Forest Park on Saturday for the big race and live entertainment.

The Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival celebrates the food, music, and cultures of Latin America. On September 21-23, 2018, the annual event will be held at Soulard Park just south of downtown St. Louis. The three-day festival is truly a feast for the senses, with Mexican salsa bands, folk dancers, and popular Hispanic food.

The best restaurants in town will be showing off their finest dishes (think: Thai BBQ pork mac n'cheese) at Taste of St. Louis. The free three-day event features food, art, music, cooking demonstrations, and more. Taste of St. Louis will be held at the Chesterfield Amphitheater on September 14-16, 2018.

Saint Charles, an affluent town due west of the city center, hosts its annual Oktoberfest celebration on September 28-30, 2018. The free three-day festival is filled with activities for visitors of all ages. There's German music, beer, and food, plus a parade, a bratwurst-eating contest, a wiener dog derby, root beer fun runs, and an antique car show.

Bar-b-que lovers can go to hog heaven at Q in the Lou. It will be held on September 21-23, 2018, at Soldiers Memorial in downtown St. Louis. The three-day festival features top BBQ chefs from all over the country smoking over 18,000 pounds of meat. There will also be a BBQ school with cooking demonstrations, wine and beer tastings, and live bands.

Schlafly knows how to throw a party for beer lovers. On September 15, 2018, head over to HOP in the City for unlimited samples of more than 40 Schalfly brews, plus food and live music from noon to 5 p.m., at the Tap Room. Tickets are $30 in advance, and $35 the day of the festival.