If you live in St. Louis, it’s time to start planning your calendar for May! Maybe you are planning to visit St. Louis in May? Keep reading for our tips and list of the best things to do in St. Louis in May.
With the arrival of May, I can’t wait for the weather to keep warming up, those gorgeous spring flowers blooming, and a lineup of fantastic events in store. From beer and wine festivals to Mother’s Day celebrations, Chinese festivals, and other uniquely St. Louis activities, there’s plenty to keep our calendars jam-packed and our spirits high!
No matter what you are into, the city of St. Louis, MO has several fun things for you and your family to check out this May.
Most Popular Tours in St. Louis This May
- Private Beer & Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: Join Wayne on a tour of St. Louis’s food and drink history. Visit three to four local breweries and enjoy beer and barbecue pairings. From the boutique charm of Side Project Brewing to the iconic Anheuser-Busch campus, guests will immerse themselves in brewery heritage, flavorful brews, and mouthwatering St. Louis barbecue.
- Saint Louis Walking & History Tour: Experience a private tour of St. Louis, where you’ll have a dedicated guide all to yourself. Explore the city’s highlights and uncover hidden gems you wouldn’t discover on a self-guided tour. Visit iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch, Basilica of St. Louis, and the Wainwright Building, among others. Customize your itinerary as this tour is exclusively for you and your private group.
Super Fun Things to do in St. Louis in May
Welcome to May in the Midwest! From outdoor events like art festivals, Spring events, and festive activities at our iconic parks or brewers, to family-friendly things to do, May in St. Louis is known for its entertainment.
Not to mention the fun activities designed around themes and holidays like Mother’s Day, Cinco De Mayo, and even Star Wars Day!
Are you ready for these awesome things to do in St. Louis, MO this May?
1. Q Fest | May 3-5, 2024
QFest St. Louis is an annual event that uses contemporary gay cinema to celebrate the lives and culture of LGBTQ people. The festival features 35 films from 13 countries, including narrative and documentary features, shorts, and films that wouldn’t otherwise be screened in St. Louis.
The event is presented by Cinema St. Louis, the organizers of the St. Louis International Film Festival, and this year marks the 15th anniversary of QFest. The festival will take place in person at the Galleria 6 Cinemas, with a virtual component also available through a partnership with Eventive for ticketing and presentation. The QFest promises to entertain, enlighten, and excite audiences of all identities.
Location: Hi-Pointe Theatre, 1005 McCausland Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63117
2. Cinco de Mayo Festival | May 4, 2024
Spend the day celebrating Mexican culture at the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival. Enjoy musical performances throughout the day at three different stages. There will be Mexican food and beverages, live art demonstrations, the People’s Joy Parade, and street performers.
Do not forget about the Lucha Libra Wrestling and Mechanical Bull Riding. Plus, there will be a Kid’s Zone!
This event takes place from 11 am to 8 pm and is free to attend.
Location: 3407 South Jefferson AvenueSt. Louis, MO, 63118
3. Grapes in the Garden | May 10, 2024
Keep the wine tasting going with Grapes in the Garden at the beautiful Missouri Botanical Gardens. There will be 250 wines available for tasting, with both international and domestic options.
Enjoy live musical performances while sipping on wine and taking in the stunning scenery of the gardens. Plus, you will receive a souvenir tasting glass and program with details about the evenings’ wine offerings. Tickets for members are $40, and they are $50 for non-members.
May 6th, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110 Missouri Botanical Gardens
4. 36th Annual Art Fair | May 10-12, 2024 (Mother’s Day Weekend)
The 36th Annual Art Fair is a perfect Mother’s Day event with 150 artist exhibits from around the country, local food, and beverage vendors, live musical performances, kid-friendly activities, and more! Admission to this event is $10 for everyone over 10 and free for kids under 10.
Friday, May 10 / 6–10 p.m.
Saturday, May 11 / 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday, May 12 / 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Laumeier Sculpture Park; 12580 Rott Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63127
5. St. Louis Microfest Beer Festival | May 11, 2024
Calling all craft beer lovers. Come to the Muny in beautiful Forest Park to enjoy craft beer tastings at the St. Louis Microfest Beer Festival. Your general admission tickets will give you access to taste more than 600 craft beers from 125 different breweries, both national and international, and a commemorative tasting glass.
The VIP ticket will allow you to enjoy culinary foods from local restaurants, a collectible pub glass, and access to the VIP tent. There will be live music and food available for purchase at this event as well. Ticket prices range from $10.00 – $65.00 and the event takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tasting Session I – 12:00-4:00 pm
Tasting Session II – 5:30 – 9:30 pm
Location: 1 Theatre Dr, St. Louis, 63112
6. Mother’s Day Tea — The London Tea Room | May 12, 2024
Don’t forget that Sunday, May 12th is Mother’s Day! What better way to spend it than a day in the Mayfair Room at the London Tea Room!
There will be live a musical performance from harpist Sonja Westberg. Afternoon tea includes 3 savory items, a scone with clotted cream and jam, 4 desserts, pots of tea, and a special Mother’s Day mocktail.
You’ll also receive a bag of loose leaf tea to take home. Tables will be dressed with linens, flowers, and our famous Laura Ashley china.
Seatings are at 11am and 2pm.
Location: 1900 Locust StreetSt. Louis, MO, 63103
7. The 12th Annual Show Me Burlesque Festival | May 16, 2024
This festival is for those of you who have a bit of an adventurous side. The Show Me Burlesque Festival is a three-day festival dedicated to glitz, glam, and breathtaking talent, featuring spectacular burlesque, vaudeville, circus, and variety entertainment from every gender and from around the world!
Tickets range from $15 for one-night general admission tickets to $135 for VIP three-day passes.
Location: 2720 Cherokee, St. Louis, MO 63166
8. Chinese Culture Days | May 18-19, 2024
Spend the day strolling through the Missouri Botanical Gardens while enjoying the annual Chinese Culture Days. There is a Grand Parade that includes a traditional 70-foot dancing dragon, t’ai chi, and a martial arts display.
Try some yummy authentic Chinese cuisine while taking in the sights, during special guided tours of the Chinese Gardens. Tickets to this event are $8 for members and $16 for non-members.
Location: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110 Missouri Botanical Gardens
9. Geekway to the 7 Seas | May 16-19, 2024
This is the event for board game lovers. Geekway to the 7 Seas brings together over three thousand people for a weekend of tournament board gameplay. Come to compete in this four-day play to win event.
Play for trophies, prizes, and just the love of playing board games. There will also be exhibits and vendors to explore in-between gameplay. Tickets range from $75-$160.
Location: 1 Convention Center Plz, St. Charles, MO
10. Uncorked Wine Tasting | May 18, 2024
Sip & savor over 100 wines and bubblies at Uncorked from across the globe plus some “outside the bottle” beverages. Also enjoy full, after- hours access to the museum with interactive exhibits, a DJ, photo booth and more!
May 18th, 7-11 PM.
Location: Saint Louis Science Center; 5050 Oakland Ave. St. Louis, Missouri 63110
11. Missouri River Irish Fest | May 24-26, 202
Celebrate all the amazing things about Irish culture at the Missouri River Irish Fest. Enjoy authentic Irish dishes and entertainment and dancers, while exploring dozens of vendors and exhibits.
This festival is perfect for families, as there will be a Children’s Village with activities and crafts designed for the kiddos. The best part is that this three-day festival is free to attend.
Location: 500 S. Riverside Dr., St. Charles. MO 63301
12. St. Louis Shakespeare Festival | May 29 – June 23, 2024
This years production is “As You Like It.” The brilliant and resourceful heroine, Rosalind, and her friends, exiled from the confines of city life to the Forest of Arden, are free to explore new identities, friendships, and (of course) love.
Nancy Bell’s production is romantic, lusty, funny and full of heart and longing for a sweeter life. Featuring live music and new songs from St. Louis indie singer-songwriter Beth Bombara, with a lavish gilded age setting.
Performance schedule: Tuesday-Sunday, nightly at 8 p.m. at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park
Location: Forest Park; Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO
We also have our favorite things to do in St. Louis for every month. Just click on any month to plan your next STL adventure! January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Still wondering what to do in May? Check out our list of top things to do in Missouri in May! Where will your next trip or excursion be in Missouri?
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