Set in the heart of St. Louis, The Grove is one of the most eclectic and electric neighborhoods in the city - where a vibrant art scene, nationally-famous restaurants, and unique retail shops mingle together in one diverse and welcoming community.
Every autumn, the businesses and residents of The Grove celebrate their one-of-a-kind district with their annual Grove Fest event, a free, funky and often outrageous street festival that welcomed more than 12,000 fans last year. And to celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2015, they’re going bigger than ever before – by opening the doors to a brand new Grove Kids Zone.
While families have long flocked to Grove Fest for the festivities, event organizers wanted a way to truly embrace the future leaders of this vibrant community.
Said Jessie Mueller, co-owner of Rise Coffee in The Grove and chair of Grove Fest 10, “We decided to add a Grove Kids area this year because the parents who frequent Rise Coffee’s family-friendly area expressed a desire to have Grove Fest be more interactive for our little urban kiddos. When our neighborhood bank, Reliance Bank, offered to sponsor, it was a no-brainer. We think it’s going to be pretty rad.”
This year, kids will have access to an impressive lineup of entertainment and activities dedicated to their enjoyment.
The children’s stage will feature a sign-along dance party led by Celia Shackattack as well as performances by School of Rock. Throughout the day, a puppeteer, karaoke performances and a variety of other acts will grace the stage.
In addition, Grove Fest features a variety of traditional farm fall festival activities for kids right in the city. Little ones can hunt through the pumpkin patch to find the perfect gourd to paint and navigate their way through a hay bale maze. They can also jump the day away in a bounce house, get their faces painted and leave their impression on the giant paint-by-numbers community mural.
Of course, the children’s zone isn’t the only attraction at Grove Fest – it still caters to guests looking for a fresh twist on street fairs. Get your shopping fix as you journey through the artist area featuring crafts, fashion and décor and fill your culinary craving with grub from the incredible array of Grove restaurants. Throughout the event, you’ll be entertained by local street performers and treated to an incredible musical lineup on the main stage, which includes Saint Motel and Chali 2na. And of course, once the sun goes down and the kids head home, the event spotlight is on The Grove’s premier nightlife and party scene.
Take in the sights and sounds of one of the biggest parties of the year! Grove Fest 10 “A Decade of Debauchery” will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and admission is free to all guests. For more information visit thegrovestl.org or check out their Facebook page.
Image: facebook.com/grovefeststl
Metro East mom Nicole Plegge has written for STL Parent for more than 12 years. Besides working as a freelance writer & public relations specialist, and raising two daughters and a husband, Nicole's greatest achievements are finding her misplaced car keys each day and managing to leave the house in a stain-free shirt. Her biggest regret is never being accepted to the Eastland School for Girls. Follow Nicole on Twitter @STLWriterinIL
The Preschool Science Series is an open exploration learning lab for young scientists - ages 18 months to 5 years - and their families. Activities are designed around research that shows children learn best through play, inquiry and shared experiences with their parents and caregivers.
Free outdoor concerts are back at the Missouri History Museum. The May series of concerts features favorite bands, food trucks, and exhibits inside the museum that are open to the public on concert nights. Concerts are held from 6-8 p.m.
Is it time to potty train your toddler? The St. Louis County Library is offering Potty Training 101 to parents of children ages 2-3. This free workshop for parent and child includes a potty-themed storytime, and parents & caregivers will receive information to get them started on the potty training process. Attendees will also receive a potty seat, step stool, training pants and a potty-themed board book.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Take part in a free yoga session just for kids! Children's yoga, presented by Complete Harmony, is held at the Brentwood Public Library on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Classes include stories, movement and mindfulness and are geared for children up to age 5. Bring a yoga mat or towel.