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 R. Stern & Waterway Carwash; Hermannhof Winery and Inn, Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co., & Traube Tent Company.
Friday, October 9–Sunday, October 11 | 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 157 of the region’s best vendors selling artisan goods, delicious food, spirits, native plants and more.
New this year, the market expands into the Bayer Event Center to host even more local businesses.
Enjoy family-friendly fall activities and treats like exploring a mini pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, face painting, balloon animal art and cake pops.
2. Dress Up and Drink at Spirits in the Garden
Friday, October 23 | 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.
Guests can get a custome tarot reading and aura drawing, meet paranormal investigators, and explore the haunted history of the Garden.
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, outdoor nature play areas, and the Whitmire Wildflower Garden.
5. Discover Local artists at the Annual Art Show
Saturday & Sunday, November 7–8 | 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.
6. 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.
The BOOterfly House will also feature animal encounters every Saturday and Sunday in October, 1–2 p.m., and an opportunity to learn about carnivorous plants every Sunday, 11–11:30 a.m.
7. Enjoy a Unique Fall happy hour at wicked Wings and wine
Friday, October 16 | 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 Bug Chef.
8. 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 Edward Jones
November 14, 2026–January 2, 2027
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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