Here are some great things to do in the St. Louis area the second half of May.
Missouri Botanical Garden’s Chihuly Nights | May 13–August 27 | Thursday–Sunday nights, 6–10 p.m.
During Chihuly Nights, view Chihuly’s dramatically illuminated works of art with live music, cocktails, and pop-up offerings all summer long. Advance purchase recommended to guarantee admission; sellouts are expected.
Missouri History Museum’s Twighlight Thursdays | May 18, 25, and June 1
May ushers in another fantastic season of Twilight Thursdays at the Missouri History Museum! This popular, free outdoor concert series takes place on the North Lawn and brings a lineup of spectacular shows from local musicians and bands. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your picnic basket, and listen to music under a beautiful Forest Park sunset. Some of the area’s best food trucks will also be on hand each week.
Bring family, friends, and food, and revel in the music as the sun sets. Museum galleries are open late, and some of the area’s best food trucks will be on hand. Concerts take place from 6 to 8pm.
Taste of Maplewood | May 19-20, 2023
The festival is a culmination of Maplewood and Richmond Heights’ most renowned restaurants, beloved boutiques, and unique specialty stores. In its 15th year the event’s vibe is distinct and unmistakable, radiating the culture and character of the businesses in the area. In addition to the food and libations, visitors will enjoy live entertainment on two stages.
In 2023, things kick off on Friday evening, May 19th with a pre-party (think of it as a sneak peak) to the Taste of Maplewood Street Festival including with live entertainment, food vendors and more! The event continues the next day, on Saturday, May 20th with a full roster of vendors on the street offering their signature bites, libations, demonstrations, and unique items!
St. Louis African Arts Festival | May 27-29, 2023
The mission of the festival is to increase the awareness of the global contributions of African people and people of African descent have made through art, cultural, and educational programs.
The St. Louis African Arts Festival is held in beautiful Forest Park. Each year the festival attracts a diverse audience of thousands of local residents and out-of-town visitors during the Memorial Day weekend.
Shakespeare in the Park: Twelfth Night | May 31 – June 25, 2023
For the 23rd Annual free production in Forest park, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents “Twelfth Night.” Twelfth Night is bursting with romance, music and high times. The tale of Viola and her shipwrecked twin brother – separated and finding their way in a strange new world – this year’s Shakespeare in the Park sets them in glamorous, celebrity-filled Miami. In a world of appearances, not everyone is who they seem, but love is love in this glorious Latin-inflected story of longing and reinvention.
Missouri Botanical Garden’s Whitaker Music Festival | Wednesdays, May 31–August 2
The open-air Whitaker Music Festival presents free Wednesday evening concerts under the stars every summer. To date, than one million people have participated in this cherished St. Louis summer tradition.
The festival is funded by the Whitaker Foundation, which supports St. Louis arts and parks to promote common heritage, celebrate diversity and encourage vitality within the community.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic supper, baskets or coolers. Glass is prohibited. Picnic fare, beer, wine, soda and sno-cones are also available for purchase on-site.