Fall in St. Louis isn’t complete without attending an outdoor market, taking in the colorful foliage, and getting into the spirit of Halloween.
The Missouri Botanical Garden, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, and Shaw Nature Reserve are offering events and experiences throughout the entire season that will check off every item on your 2024 fall bucket list.
1. Shop Local Artisans at Best of Missouri Market®
Sponsored by Missouri Life Magazine, Nora Stern, Waterway Carwash, Buy Missouri ,Hermannhof, Kaldi’s Coffee and Traube.
Friday, October 4 | 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, October 5–6 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Members-only Shopping Hour: Saturday, October 5 | 8–9 a.m.
A local favorite for outdoor fall market lovers, Best of Missouri Market® has 149 of the region’s best vendors selling artisan goods, delicious food, spirits, native plants and more.
Enjoy family-friendly fall activities and treats like exploring a mini pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, face painting, balloon animal art and cake pops. Plus learn about plants and bugs from experts of the Botanical Garden, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and Shaw Nature Reserve.
2. Dress Up and Drink at Spirits in the Garden
Friday, October 25 | 6–8:30 p.m.
This 21+ event is perfect for those who want to trick or trick with a boozy twist. Dress up for the costume contest (or just for fun) and sample some of the area’s best distilleries, wineries, and breweries.
You can also dance the night away to spooky tunes spun by Rockstar DJs, talk with paranormal investigators, learn about the Garden’s spirited history, have your fortune told, and witness the jaw-dropping fire performer and stilt-walking Frankenstein’s monster.
3. Enjoy the Fall foliage Across the Garden
While signature events are a highlight of fall at the Missouri Botanical Garden, regular daytime admission itself is a treat to lovers of fall foliage. Here are some of the best spots in the Garden to enjoy the changing colors.
English Woodland Garden
Featuring a canopy of trees, hidden stone pathways, and the relaxing sounds of a small creek, the English Woodland Garden is great for those who love the falling autumn leaves.
Japanese Garden
You can take in the serene beauty of fall in the Japanese Garden. As a bonus, you can find cascade mums here during the season.
Kemper Center
Each fall the Kemper Center for Home Gardening treats guests with another amazing central display. Mum lovers need to add this stop to their fall bucket list.
4. Take a Hike at Shaw Nature Reserve
The beautiful views aren’t limited to our main campus in St. Louis. Outdoor lovers seeking a complete emersion in the natural beauty of fall in Missouri should take a day trip to Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit.
This branch of the Missouri Botanical Garden features 19 miles of hiking trails through a variety of native habitats, an outdoor nature play areas, and the Whitmire Wildflower Garden.
5. Explore Outdoor Recreation at the New Wild About Nature Festival
Hosted in partnership with Missouri Department of Conservation
Saturday, September 28 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Spend the day learning about Missouri’s habitats, plants, and wildlife while enjoy trying fun outdoor activities like outdoor yoga, archery, and hiking. You can also meet local gardening and conservation experts.
Additional activities such as archery, yoga, fishing, and kayaking will be available as add on experiences to the event.
6. Discover Local artists at the Annual Art Show
Saturday & Sunday, November 2–3 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admire the nature-inspired work of St. Louis area artists while enjoying the beauty of Shaw Nature Reserve at this annual boutique art show.
Featured artwork includes glass, ceramic, wood and metal sculpture, painting, folk art, paper, photography, jewelry, basketry, fibers, and more on display and available for purchase throughout the rustic cabins at the Dana Brown Overnight Center.
7. Learn about “creepy” crawlers at the BOOtterfly House
October 1–31 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Closed Mondays)
Throughout October, come face-to-face with some fantastic bugs as the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House in Chesterfield becomes the BOOterfly House.
Learn how animals, like scorpions and tarantulas, are not so creepy after all and check out the carnivorous plants and owl butterflies inside the Tropical Conservatory. This fall treat is included in daytime admission to the Butterfly House.
8. Enjoy a Unique Fall happy hour at wicked Wings and wine
Friday, October 18 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
This 21+ event is one of the more unique happy hours happening in St. Louis this fall. As twilight approaches, sample local brews, wines, and spirits while you learn about owl butterflies, which are mostly active at dusk.
You can also enjoy some food samplings and live music as you take a stroll through the torch-lit Native Butterfly Garden.
Those wishing to face their fears this Halloween season can munch on custom snacks cooked by the The Bug Chef.
9. Take a Class or go on Guided tour This Fall
The Missouri Botanical Garden offers classes and special, guided tours all year long at the main Garden campus in St. Louis, Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, and the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House in Chesterfield.
We offer classes for all interests and ages levels including art, yoga, hiking, photography, gardening and more.
Bonus Activity: Get Your Tickets to Garden Glow
Presented by Wells Fargo
November 16, 2024–January 4, 2025
As you’re enjoying the comfortable fall weather, don’t forget that the holiday season is right around the corner. Reserve your Garden Glow tickets today!
Jessika Eidson | Public Information Officer
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