Memorial Day in the Lou
We all know Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer – and to sunshine, pool days, and STL adventures. And we can’t wait! Check out some of the fun activities to do in St. Louis this Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-27.
Extended Hours at the Gateway Arch
Summer hours at the Gateway Arch begin Saturday, May 25 and run through Labor Day weekend. While the park grounds are open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. year round, during summer hours the Gateway Arch will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Trust us – viewing downtown St. Louis at night from the top of the Arch is a must-do!
Eckert’s Memorial Weekend Festival
Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Eckert’s in Belleville, Illinois
Enjoy outdoor festival foods and live entertainment at this old-fashioned, all-American festival. Activities for kids include pony rides, children’s play area, petting farm, carnival rides, and inflatables (there is a fee charged for some activities). Memorial Day also marks the start of the Eckert’s Summer Concert Series on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. On Friday night, catch the band Whiskey Morning, and on Saturday, jam to some tunes by Falling Fences.
St. Louis African Arts Festival
Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m; Sunday, May 26, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Monday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park
Held every year on Memorial Day Weekend, the St. Louis African Arts Festival celebrates the rich and diverse cultures of African and African American people. This year’s festival will feature live music, African tribal face painting, films, an African marketplace, cultural demonstrations and activities, children’s activities, plenty of food, and more. Admission is free.
Memorial Day Flag and Remembrance Ceremony
Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m. at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in downtown St. Louis
Be a part of this ceremony as Soldiers Memorial Military Museum pays tribute to St. Louis military service members and honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in South St. Louis County, Missouri
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) will host Memorial Day ceremonies at VA national cemeteries across the country, including Jefferson Barracks – one of the NCA’s oldest interment sites – on Monday at 10 a.m. In addition, each year around Memorial Day, local boy scouts place small flags at each of the headstones on the cemetery grounds.
Memorial Day Concert at Tower Grove Park
Monday, May 27 at 3 p.m. at Tower Grove Park
The Compton Heights Concert Band annual Memorial Day concert is back! Bring your lawn chair and picnic basket and settle in for a patriotic concert in beautiful Tower Grove Park. Admission is free.