In October, St. Louis is buzzing with outdoor activity. With pleasant weather, ample sunshine, and exciting events, October is a great time to explore St. Louis. Whether you’re looking to get in the fall spirit with a festival or enjoy some local food and drink, residents and visitors in the Gateway City have plenty of options. Here are some of the top events to mark on your calendar this month:

Grove Fest

Date: Saturday, October 6th, 2018

Time: 2:00PM - 11:00PM

Location: Manchester Road (Between Vandeventer And Kingshighway)

This year marks the 13th Annual Grove Fest in one of the most lively neighborhoods in St. Louis. It’s run by the Grove Community Improvement District of St. Louis. This free event is an eclectic street celebration of diversity and community. You can expect live music, fashion shows, and street performances. It’s family-friendly, with a kids zone for the younger members of your family to explore. One tradition at Grove Fest is to help paint the annual paint-by-numbers wall mural. There will also be many local vendors selling handmade arts and crafts. You’ll find some great food and drink options from local Grove businesses as well.

Historic Shaw Art Fair

Date: October 6th - October 7th, 2018

Time: Saturday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM, Sunday: 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: Shaw neighborhood, 4100 & 4200 blocks of Flora Place

If you’re looking to explore the art of St. Louis, plan to drop by the Historic Shaw Art Fair. Located in the Shaw neighborhood and hosted by the Shaw Neighborhood Improvement Association (SNIA), this popular festival draws a crowd. It’s held on a beautiful tree-lined parkway, making for a lovely day outside. Expect over 130 fine artists and craftsmen from all over the nation whose work has been professionally juried. There will also be a food court serving local food, a children’s art area, and live music throughout the weekend.

Best Of Missouri Market

Date: October 5th - October 7th, 2018

Time: Friday: 6:00PM - 9:00PM, Saturday and Sunday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard

On the same weekend, you can explore the Best of Missouri Market at the Missouri Botanical Garden. This three-day outdoor market is held Friday through Sunday. They gather over 120 Missouri crafters and food producers selling their art and produce. You may go home with delicious baked goods, herbs, fresh produce, or even a handmade piece of art. This is a kid-friendly event with barnyard animals, cow milking, and pumpkin decorating. With tent coverings over the market, this event takes place rain or shine. Tickets are required, so check out their website for more information.

Soulard Oktoberfest

Date: October 12th - 13th, 2018

Time: Friday: 4:00 - 11:00PM, Saturday: 11:00AM - 10:00PM

Location: Soulard Farmers’ Market Plaza

October means Oktoberfest for beer aficionados and those who enjoy German food and culture. One of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in St. Louis takes place on the second weekend of the month in the Soulard neighborhood. Right at the Soulard Farmers’ Market, visitors can enjoy a bier hall, wine garden, authentic German food, and live music.

Brew in the Lou

Date: Saturday, October 13th, 2018

Time: 1:00 - 5:00PM

Location: The Lilypond at Francis Park, 5399 Donovan

In its sixth year running, this year’s “Brew in the Lou” is sure to be full of St. Louis’ best brews, as well as wine, spirits, and local food. Catch the “People’s Choice” Home Brew Competition and the Bratwurst and Chili Contest to see who will leave victorious. There will be all kinds of craft and food vendors to explore and product samples to try. This family-friendly event is rain or shine, and pets are welcome. Make sure to purchase your all-inclusive wristband at a discounted rate before the event, or you can purchase one upon arrival. The proceeds go to the Lutheran Elementary School Association’s 35 member schools serving 8,800 students.

Harvest Festival

Date: Sunday, October 14th, 2018

Time: 11:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: Tower Grove Park

The Harvest Festival is put on by Sauce Magazine and will also take place on the second weekend of October. Make the most of the harvest season by taking home some fresh local produce from the vendors at their farmers’ market. They’ll have plenty of local artists and artisan vendors, as well as local wine and craft brews from Missouri producers. On top of that, there will be bluegrass bands and other musicians playing all day. The Harvest Festival will be held in Laumeier Sculpture Park, the open-air museum and sculpture park.

As the summer heat winds down in St. Louis, October makes for the perfect time to spend your weekends outside. With plenty of events packed into each weekend this month, you’ll have many choices of how to enjoy the Gateway City.