St. Louis MO 2024-25

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1 The Science of Laughter 4 Good Eats 6 Event Calendar 14 Street Food Delights 18 Community Resources 20 Service Directory

The The Science Science of of Laughter: Laughter: Why Why We We Love Love to to Chuckle Chuckle Laughter is often called the best medicine, and for good reason. It’s a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, bringing joy and connection to people worldwide. But have you ever wondered why we love to chuckle so much?

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating science of laughter, the benefits it brings, and why it’s such a fundamental part of the human experience.

The Biology of Laughter: A Brainy Affair When you laugh, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, flood your system, creating a sense of euphoria and reducing stress. Laughter also triggers the release of dopamine, a continued on page 10

neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This chemical rush is why we often feel so good after a hearty laugh.

The Social Glue: Connecting Through Chuckles Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it’s also a powerful social tool.

Evolutionary scientists believe that laughter evolved as a way for early humans to bond and strengthen social bonds.

When we laugh with others, it signals trust and positive interaction, reinforcing social connections.

The Laughter Contagion: Yawns Are Out, Laughter Is In You’ve probably experienced ST LOUIS | MO | 2024 |

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Restaurants Sugarfire Smoke House Southern-style, local BBQ chain serving ribs, salmon, brisket cheesesteaks, spiked shakes & more.

605 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63101 Phone: (314) 797-8485 | Web: sugarfiresmokehouse.com

Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill Longtime Italian spot with pizzas & toasted ravioli delivered in an oldworld, elegant atmosphere.

5226 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 Phone: (314) 772-8898 | Web: www.charliegittos.com

Broadway Oyster Bar Down-home hangout featuring Cajun classics plus nightly live music & a hopping outdoor patio.

736 S Broadway St, St. Louis, MO 63102 Phone: (314) 621-8811 | Web: www.broadwayoysterbar.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

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Stacked STL

Eleven Eleven Mississippi

Build-your-own burgers pair with beer & specialty drinks.

7637 Ivory St., St. Louis, MO

Celebrated bistro for Californian cuisine with a wine emphasis in a stylish renovated-factory space.

1111 Mississippi Ave, St. Louis, MO

Zia’s Restaurant Long-standing option pairs Italian classics with imported wine in a casual, comfy setting.

5256 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO

Brasserie by Niche

The Schlafly Tap Room Convivial microbrewery pairing hearty pub grub with its signature beers, plus outdoor seating.

2100 Locust St., St. Louis, MO

French brasserie fare at dinner/ weekend brunch in classic digs with a wall of windows to the street.

4580 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO

Salt + Smoke

The Fountain on Locust

Landry’s Seafood House

Former Stutz auto showroom with classic American eats, specialty ice cream drinks & art deco murals.

3037 Locust St., St. Louis, MO

Family-friendly chain eatery offering steaks & Gulf Coast seafood in laid-back surroundings.

1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO

Lombardo’s Trattoria Longstanding, family-owned Italian eatery serving steaks, signature pasta & seafood.

201 S 20th St., St. Louis, MO

Relaxed Texas-style BBQ joint with lots of bourbons, artisan cocktails & craft beer.

6525 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO

Fitz’s Delmar Lively root beer factory & restaurant offering American grub, floats & views of its bottling line.

6605 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO

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EVENTS 2024 Feb 3 Mardi Gras Nights For two nights only, join us for the most authentic Mardi Gras celebration in STL featuring: A bona fide NOLA inspired menu Premium signature cocktails, multiple selfie stations and photo opportunities professionally provided by Fete Booth and Eye Candy Rentals, the electrifying Red Jackets providing a Second line entrance and 8-piece live dance band with Spin Society DJs closing out each night and so much more! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Feb 7 St. Louis Food and Wine Show Spend your evening sampling exceptional vintages from prominent domestic and international vintners and feasting on gourmet food in the beautifully designed Grand Hall at St. Louis Union Station. A commemorative wine glass is included. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Feb 10 Jokes & Notes: Valentine Vibes Join us for our inaugural valentine-inspired fundraising event of comedy, cuisine and concert at The Caramel Room Presented by Pure! Together, let’s elevate our impact and extend our support to even more community members facing various needs. Your participation will make a significant difference in helping our village thrive. We will also raffle off gifts throughout

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the evening. This in-person event will be filled with laughter, good vibes, and plenty of humor. Don’t miss out on the fun! Visit eventbrite.com.

Feb 13 LGBTQ Speed Dating Come join us for an exciting evening of LGBTQ speed dating! Whether you’re looking for love, friendship, or just a fun night out, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded individuals in a relaxed and inclusive environment. Our speed dating sessions are designed to help you connect with multiple potential matches in a short amount of time. With each interaction lasting just a few minutes, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful connection and see if sparks fly. Don’t worry if you’re new to speed dating – our friendly hosts will guide you through the process and ensure everyone has a great time. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Mar 1 Cats N’ Mats Yoga Night Cats n’ Mats Yoga at Tenth Life is a friendly, non-judgmental environment where anyone at any level can join in to relax and balance your passions with your human need for self-care, down-time, laughter, friendship and a sense of community. Wear what you want. Work at your own pace. Just breathe. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Mar 17 2024 Pat Connolly’s St. Patrick’s Day Party The Pat Connolly Tavern is the oldest Irish bar in St. Louis and ground zero for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival! Enjoy the ultimate St. Pat’s experience at our upstairs VIP Party or Main Floor Private Booths. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Mar 23 Festival of Color Festival of Colors, celebration in greater St. Louis area. Come celebrate with us the most colorful event of the year. Colors, foods, drinks and Holi merch available for purchase at the venue! Learn more at eventbrite.com. continued on page 8

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EVENTS 2024 Apr 2 9:00am-9:00pm Loose Threads, an exhibition by Douglas Dale A single thread out of place can distort the illusion of perfect embroidery or reduce the perception of the quality of a smooth hand of fabric. Each of their sculptures and shadowboxes contains the spectrum between rigidity and looseness as an invitation to reflect on other polarities enforced by society: roughness and tenderness, normativity and queerness, masculine and feminine. Learn more at explorestlouis.com.

Apr 2 The Science of Guinness World Records Be amazed. Be amazing! The Science of Guinness World Records, a new exhibition at City Museum, spotlights the world’s greatest record holders and what it took for them to cement their names in the history books.

Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Apr 3 Animals Aglow Lantern Festival The first-ever Animals Aglow lantern festival will bring a dazzling spectacle of lights to the Saint Louis Zoo. More than 60 larger-than-life Chinese lanterns, along with interactive light displays in the shape of plants and animals, will illuminate paths throughout the Zoo in this nighttime event. Guests can stroll through the colorful Chinese Dragon Corridor, pose with giant glowing animals and play with interactive displays such as the Moonlight Swings and the Star Stepping Pads. Learn more at explorestlouis.com.

May 1 Moulin Rouge! The Musical The winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, draws you into a world of splendor and romance, a world of eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur and glory. In this world, bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! Learn more at explorestlouis.com.

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May 19 RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles is an electrifying concert experience that celebrates the timeless music of the legendary foursome. With note-fornote precision, this mind-blowing performance transports you back to the iconic eras of Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour, along with all your favorite hits. From energetic classics to reflective favorites, the band delivers an unforgettable performance that appeals to fans old and new.

With vibrant costumes and psychedelic visuals, RAIN creates a concert full of nostalgia and good vibes. Learn more at eplorestlouis.com.

May 25 The Barber of Seville Figaro, a razor-sharp barber, might be a master mischief-maker, but his favorite role is that of matchmaker. When he meets Count Almaviva, a dashing but naïve nobleman, he promises to help him win the heart of the beautiful Rosina. A comedy of mistaken identities, cunning disguises and laugh-out-loud antics ensues as the love-struck Almaviva attempts to outwit Rosina’s guardian. From unforgettable arias to uproarious ensembles, The Barber of Seville is a hilarious symphony of laughter and love. Come for the romance, stay for the slapstick — this is one show you won’t want to miss! Learn more at explorestlouis.com.

Jun 1 Illusions The Drag Queen Show St. Louis Illusions the Drag Queen Show St. Louis is the perfect combination of spectacular burlesque style and comedy performances by the industry’s best celebrity impersonators and the funniest St. Louis drag queen hosts you’ll ever have the pleasure of encountering. Visit eventbrite.com.

Jun 1 7:00pm Brad Williams Brad Williams is an American stand-up comedian and actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows. You won’t want to miss continued on page 12

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the phenomenon of contagious laughter. When someone near you starts laughing, you can’t help but join in, even if you’re not sure what’s so funny.

This contagious nature of laughter is thought to be linked to our mirror neuron system, which activates when we observe someone else’s actions or emotions. In essence, when we see or hear laughter, our brains mimic it, compelling us to laugh along.

The Health Benefits: A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it also offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of the ways laughter can boost your well-being: Stress Reduction: Laughter reduces the production of stress hormones like

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cortisol, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Pain Relief: Laughing triggers the release of endorphins, which can temporarily alleviate pain and discomfort.

Improved Immunity: Regular laughter has been linked to enhanced immune function, helping the body fight off illnesses.

Better Mood: Laughter can elevate mood and combat feelings of depression by increasing the release of dopamine.

Strengthened Relationships: Sharing laughs with friends and loved ones fosters stronger social

bonds and increases feelings of connectedness.

The Laughter Prescription: Make Time for Chuckles Incorporating laughter into your daily life is a simple yet effective way to improve your well-being. Here are some tips to get your daily dose of giggles: Watch Comedy: Enjoy a funny movie, stand-up comedy show, or your favorite sitcom to trigger laughter.

Spend Time with Funny Friends: Surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor and enjoy sharing laughter.

Laughter Yoga: Join a laughter yoga class or practice laughter exercises at home to reap the benefits of intentional laughter.

Find Humor in Everyday Life: Seek out the humor in everyday situations and don’t take life too seriously.

Share Funny Stories: Share funny anecdotes and jokes with friends and family to create laughter-filled moments.

Embrace the Chuckles Laughter is a powerful and joyful force in our lives. It connects us, reduces stress, and brings a myriad of health benefits.

So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of hearty laughter, remember that you’re not just having fun—you’re also giving your brain and body a much-needed boost.

Embrace the chuckles, share a joke, and let laughter light up your life. After all, as the saying goes, laughter truly is the best medicine!

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EVENTS 2024 out on this hilarious show! Learn more at explorestlouis.com.

Jun 9 Julius Caesar Experience George Frideric Handel’s captivating love story of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, whose audacious affair rewrote the course of history. As sparks fly between these two rulers, love becomes a battlefield, where the most important conquest is that of the heart. With pretenders to the throne lurking on all sides, however, desire can sometimes be a doublesided weapon. Learn more at explorestlouis.com.

Jun 17 Les Misérables Les Misérables returns to The Muny to make glorious history again. Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, with its extraordinary score and epic stagecraft, this powerful and moving story of love, passion, sacrifice and redemption will move you to your core. One of the most celebrated mega-musicals in Broadway history, it remains the world’s longest running and most popular production. Learn more at explorestlouis.com.

Jul 1 Dreamgirls Dreamgirls, the smash hit Broadway musical that became an Oscarnominated film, takes its audience through the thrilling and invigorating changes in American pop music that exploded in the 1960s. Follow the moving and inspirational tale of an all-girl singing trio from Chicago that rises from obscurity to superstardom. As they ascend to their dreams, they must question the price of their success and the meaning of their own family. Learn more at explorestlouis.com.

Jul 20 6th Annual Heroes For Autism 5K And Mile Embrace the spirit of unity and make a positive impact by participating in this empowering event. Lace up your running shoes or take a leisurely stroll – there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just

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want to show your support, this event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Jul 26 Skepticon 16 One of the most interesting (and FREE to attend) conferences you’ll ever attend in your lifetime, come hang out with us at Skepticon! Our mainstage speakers and workshops cover topics ranging from LSD’s effects on the brain to Werewolf Mythology. We don’t have it all yet, but we come close. Want to learn how to knit? There’s a workshop for that! Did we also mention that we have a prom on Saturday night to boogie down? Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Aug 3 Illusions The Drag Brunch St. Louis St. Louis drag has become more and more mainstream in recent years due in part to reality television show RuPaul’s Drag Race. Our Drag queen show in St. Louis has put an amazing twist on drag in St. Louis by bringing you the very best in celebrity impersonation drag queen entertainment for all your celebration needs! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Aug 9 In The Heights Lin-Manuel Miranda’s joyous and electric Tony Award-winning musical makes its long-awaited Muny debut! Lush with songs that will fill your heart, In the Heights shares the story of Usnavi as he dreams of moving from the neighborhood and friends who have given him his story. Filled with thrilling choreography and fantastic songs, you will be swept away by this powerful and beautiful show. Learn more at explorestlouis.com.

Aug 10 Shimmering Silks: Traditional Japanese Textiles Japanese people have used silk to create items of clothing and decorative works of art for hundreds of years, ever since the cultivation of silkworms was introduced to Japan from China during the third and fourth centuries. continued on page 15

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Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.

It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions: 1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~ In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy.

2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~ Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, continued on page 16

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EVENTS 2024 Shimmering Silks: Traditional Japanese Textiles celebrates 18th- and 19th-century silk pieces from the collection of the Saint Louis Art Museum, which has been collecting fine Japanese textiles for more than a century.

Some were purchased by the museum while others were generously given by patrons and donors over decades. Learn more at explorestlouis.com.

Apr 26 Anime St. Louis 2024 The largest anime convention in the St. Louis, MO region returns for its 19th annual event on April 26-28, 2024 at the St. Charles Convention Center and Embassy Suites. Pre-register to save money on your pass, and join thousands of attendees for another fantastic year! While the event focuses on Japanese animation and programming, fans of all genres of pop culture are welcome. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Sep 1 Snapshot Quest Photo Scavenger Hunt Game Snapshot Quest™ is a fun, creative and challenging activity for all ages.

This unique activity is a cross between a scavenger hunt, a photography competition, and a party game! All you need to participate is some creativity and your mobile device with a data connection. Interpret simple clues such as “Balancing Rocks”. Perhaps head to the beach to create a tower of pebbles. Alternatively, capture a team member on a balance board rocking out with a guitar. Caption your photo with a witty comment and maybe you’ll be ranked number one by the other teams! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Sep 10 Trivia Night Every Tuesday at Steve’s Hot Dogs Stop in every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 for Trivia Night with Mack and Mace at Steve’s Hot Dogs. Stop at the table to sign up. Come back every week, enjoy drink specials while you and your team answer 25 questions of general trivia ranging from 80’s TV to modern day events anything is game! Highest scoring team takes the crown! Learn more at explorestlouis.com. continued on page 19

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cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite.

3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try.

4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience.

Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs.

5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork.

6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.

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7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple.

8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition.

Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget!

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ST. LOUIS QUEER+ SUPPORT HELPLINE SQSH’s Peer Support Helpline offers free, confidential, and identity-affirming emotional support and resource referrals, by and for the St. Louis LGBTQIA+ community.

Local: 314-380-7774 | Toll-Free: 844-785-7774 | Web: www.thesqsh.org METRO TRANS UMBRELLA GROUP We are a grassroots nonprofit organization that is diligently working to create a more inclusive and supportive community here in Saint Louis. We lift each other up, empowering each other as we work towards equality. Web: www.stlmetrotrans.org PROMO MISSOURI PROMO confronts systemic inequities to liberate the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination and oppression. Web: promoonline.org PFLAG ST. LOUIS PFLAG Greater St. Louis envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Through our core values of meeting people where they are and collaborating with others, PFLAG seeks to realize our vision through support, education, and advocacy. Phone: (314) 328-9432 | Web: www.pflagstl.org MILLENNIUM IOP Services to those in the LGBTQ+ community facing challenges with their mental health, which are affecting their daily life in a negative way. Intensive outpatient treatment takes place in a group setting, led by a therapist who is also a member of the gay community. Phone: 314-322-2048 | Web: www.millenniumiop.com PRIDE ST. LOUIS Resources, events, advocacy. Mission is to foster an understanding and tolerance of the LGBTQIA+ community by raising awareness through educational programs and events leading up to the annual PrideFest in St. Louis. Web: www.pridestl.org

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EVENTS 2024 Sep 28 Tower Grove Pride Launched in 2012 as a small gathering on a south city side street, Tower Grove Pride has grown into one of the largest and most beloved festivals in St. Louis. This people-powered production now covers a full weekend with a footprint that spans much of the Southeast section of Tower Grove Park! The festival will be jam-packed with all of the drag and musical performances, hundreds of booths, and local food you’ve come to love over the years for both days. Learn more at towergrovepark.org.

Oct 19 Boos & Brews Bar Crawl Don’t be scared! The Boos & Brews Bar Crawl is coming to Soulard St. Louis on Saturday October 19th, 2024! It’ll be a spooky good time! Don’t miss out on the most thrilling Halloween event of the year – get your tickets now before they vanish into thin air! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Oct 23 Art & Emotion of Color Tour Take a curated arts tour with Arts Relations Manager and Curator, Vanessa Rudloff. She will give you the insider’s tour to the current exhibits, our colorful rooms, eclectic public spaces and end your tour with the rooftop skyline views of the ART Bar on the rooftop. Learn the history of the building and the exciting exhibitions currently on display by local artists in this Grand Center Arts District destination. Visit eventbrite.com.

Nov 7 Monday Industry Night in Twilight Room at Moonrise Hotel Get ready to party with the coolest crowd in town. Shake off those Monday blues and enjoy great drinks, awesome music, and an inviting atmosphere. This is the perfect event to unwind, meet new friends, and have a fantastic time. Don’t miss out on the fun! See you there! Learn more at eventbrite.com. continued on back inside cover

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EDUCATION Special School District........................................................... 3 FAMILY LAW Family Ally.............................................................................. 3 HAIR CARE Rose Quartz Hair Company.................................................. 6 NON PROFIT Salvation Army...................................................................... 2

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EVENTS 2024-25 Nov 22 Murder at the Kringel’s Holiday Party- Murder Mystery Night Get in the holiday spirit with your best Christmas party attire for this holiday evening to-die-for! Ticket includes entry, your character role, some props and appetizer buffet. Learn more eventbrite.com.

Dec 7 4th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl Put on your best holiday onesies, Santa suits, ugly sweaters, and elf costumes! It’s the most wonderful crawl of the year! You’ll receive your 16oz Santa Stadium Cup, Santa hat and wristband. If you can’t make it by 2pm have a friend pick everything up for you and they will need to have your ticket.- Santa Hat while supplies last! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Dec 19 Dinner and a Movie Our monthly event, will feature a 3-course dinner crafted by Executive Chef, Heather Roberts with optional cocktail pairings themed after an iconic film, each dinner is better than the next, so be ready for a spectacular night. LEarn more at eventbrite.com.

Jan 2025 Bolts of Color: Printed Textiles after WWII With a focus on Britain, Italy and the U.S., Bolts of Color highlights the Saint Louis Art Museum’s recent acquisitions of post-WWII textiles, all made during the height of the experimental screen-printing era of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Featuring works by well-known artists such as Rockwell Kent and Lucio Fontana and trailblazing designers such as Althea McNish and Joel Robinson, this exhibition considers the surprising role of the textile industry in whetting the public’s appetite for contemporary art. Learn more explorestlouis.com.