A guide to fall and winter arts in St. Louis

September

8th Annual Tennessee Williams Festival | September 7–17

“A World of Light and Shadow” is the guiding theme for the eighth annual Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, which will include panels on Williams’ University City years, a late-night Blueberry Hill jam sesh, discussions, tours, and more. The highlight of the festival is always the mainstage performance, this year hosted at COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre. The 2023 selection is Suddenly Last Summer, a Southern Gothic drama full of passion, madness, and heartache. University City.

Music at the Intersection | September 9 & 10

Now in its third year, Music at the Intersection brings together some of the industry’s biggest names alongside local favorites for a festival that celebrates St. Louis’ place in the cultural landscape. This year, catch some of the city’s best performers—The Mighty Pines, Mai Lee, and Maxi Glamour, to name a few—as well as headliners including Smino, Herbie Hancock, Thundercat, and Masego. Be sure to also  check out all the local eats and arts vendors around the festival footprint. Grand Center Arts District.

Dominic Chambers: Birthplace | September 8–February 11, 2024

A new collection of work by St. Louis–born painter Dominic Chambers is coming to the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis. Dominic Chambers: Birthplace is the first major hometown exhibition for the artist, who’s known for his colorful, thoughtful depictions of Black subjects with rich interior lives. In Birthplace, Chambers reflects instead on spaces that have shaped his artistic life and imagination, including classrooms, libraries, and parks. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington.

Soccer in St. Louis | September 14–16

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival is going global with this year’s Shakespeare in the Streets production. Instead of focusing on a single neighborhood, St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports columnist Ben Hochman has turned his eye toward soccer’s regional and worldwide impact as the inspiration for a new play. Based on Shakespeare’s Henriad, the play will weave local stories and memories together into a world-premiere production that examines soccer’s unique place in our city’s history. Olive and 22nd streets.

Aso Oke: Prestige Cloth from Nigeria | September 29–March 10, 2024

Pieces from the Saint Louis Art Museum’s permanent collection will be joined by recent acquisitions in Aso Oke: Prestige Cloth from Nigeria, an exploration of Yoruba celebratory and ceremonial textiles on view in the museum’s Carolyn C. and William A. McDonnell Gallery. The free exhibition includes examples of the three elemental types of aso oke textiles—anyan (undyed raw silk), alaari (magenta-dyed silk), and etu (indigo)—from the early 19th to the late 20th century. Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts.

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More to See in September

September 9: Hozier at Saint Louis Music Park

September 9: Guns N’ Roses at Busch Stadium

Editor's note: This concert has been postponed due to illness. Ticket holders are advised to hold on to their tickets and await further details about a new show date.

September 9: Noah Cyrus at Delmar Hall

September 10: Ozark Mountain Daredevils at The Factory

September 11: Margo Price at Delmar Hall

September 12: Eric Clapton at Enterprise Center

September 13: Noah Kahan at Saint Louis Music Park

September 13: Janelle Monáe at Stifel Theatre

September 15: Jason Aldean at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

September 15: Diana Ross at The Fox Theatre

September 15: Turnpike Troubadours at Enterprise Center

September 17: Jeff Rosenstock at Delmar Hall

September 23: The Gaslight Anthem at The Factory

September 23: Tash Sultana at The Pageant

September 23: Ringo Starr at The Fox Theatre

September 24: All Time Low at The Factory

September 26: Squeeze & The Psychedelic Furs at Stifel Theatre

September 29: $uicideboy$ at Enterprise Center

September 29: Bishop Briggs & MisterWives at The Pageant

October

Twisted Melodies | October 4–22

Experience the life of the St. Louis soul musician Donny Hathaway, as told by Kelvin Roston Jr. during the performance of his self-written one-man show, Twisted Melodies, at COCA. The play highlights the captivating internal clash between Hathaway’s inspirations and mental health struggles while giving the audience insight into the mind of the composer, singer, and icon. Catherine B. Berges Theatre, 6880 Washington.

St. Louis Speakers Series: Jane Fonda | October 5

Jane Fonda will take the Factory stage as part of The 2023 St. Louis Speakers Series. Known for roles from Barbarella to Book Club, Fonda has won numerous awards for her work, including two Academy Awards, an Emmy, and eight Golden Globes. In addition to her onscreen work, Fonda is also a longtime (and controversial) political activist who recently founded the Jane Fonda Climate PAC to combat the fossil fuel industry. The Factory, 17105 N. Outer 40.

The Lion in Winter | October 5–21

Christmas will come a little early this year as The Midnight Company presents The Lion in Winter as part of its 2023 theater lineup. Written by James Goldman and directed by Tom Kopp, The Lion in Winter tells the comedic story of King Henry II and his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, as they navigate their family’s complicated past and present conflicts over the course of a fraught holiday season. .ZACK, 3224 Locust.

Being Jewish in St. Charles | October 5–November 18

The Foundry Art Centre is gearing up to host a new collaborative project with Humans of St. Louis and the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County. Titled Being Jewish in St. Charles, the exhibition is a visual, creative depiction of St. Charles’ Jewish residents. Using storytelling media such as photographic portraits and first-person stories, this exhibition allows viewers to step outside of themselves and experience life through others. Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Center.

Metro Theatre Company’s Fall Family Festival | October 21–22

A celebration of Metro Theatre Company’s 50th anniversary, the Fall Family Festival is a weekend filled with free theatrical performances, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, food, and more. Festivalgoers will even have the opportunity to create a unique public art piece, which may be permanently displayed in the Grand Center Arts District. The event is open to families and community members of all ages and will span multiple venues, including The Grandel, Grand Center Arts Academy, Sun Theatre, and Grandel Square. Grand Center Arts District.

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More to See in October

October 1: Todrick Hall at Delmar Hall

October 1: Black Veil Brides & VV at The Factory

October 4: Bob Dylan at Stifel Theatre

October 6: The Temptations and The Four Tops at Fox Theatre

October 7: The Tallest Man on Earth at The Pageant

October 11: SZA at Enterprise Center

October 12: G Flip at Delmar Hall

October 14: Owl City at The Pageant

October 19: Ben Rector at The Factory

October 23: The 1975 at Enterprise Center

October 25: KISS at Enterprise Center

October 26: Wilco at Stifel Theatre

October 26: Aerosmith at Enterprise Center

October 27: The National Parks at Delmar Hall

October 29: Here Come the Mummies at Delmar Hall

October 31: Lil Yachty at The Pageant

November

Flyover Comedy Festival | November 9–11

Flyover Comedy Festival will commence its annual “comedy takeover” of St. Louis at several venues throughout The Grove this fall. The nonprofit organization showcases more than 100 comedic acts during the three-day event, including stand-up comedy shows, improv workshops, storytelling and sketch shows, and more. The Grove.

St. Louis International Film Festival | November 9–19

Each year, Cinema St. Louis brings some of the best in film to the city for the St. Louis International Film Festival. For its 32nd fest, SLIFF will offer a packed slate of full-length features, documentaries, and short films, including special guest Alexander Payne’s new comedy, The Holdovers, and winners from the annual St. Louis Filmmakers’ Showcase. Various locations.

Don Giovanni | November 17 & 19

Experience Mozart’s classic opera buffa Don Giovanni with Winter Opera St. Louis. For two nights, the celebrated local company will bring to life the notorious young pleasure seeker, Giovanni, as he causes chaos and outrage all around him during this two-act dramedy. Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Monroe.

Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You | November 30–December 16

Come for the disquisition on the joys and fiery perils of Catholicism; stay for the gunplay. Christopher Durang’s Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You, brought to life by Stray Dog Theatre, is a sharp, funny look at religion and human nature as the good sister attempts to follow the right path. Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee.

Into the Woods | November 30–December 17

Discover what comes after happily ever after for your favorite fairy tale characters at the New Jewish Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. The Tony Award–winning musical follows characters including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and others as they navigate plot twists—and encounter some familiar faces along their way. Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus.

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More to See in November

November 3 & 5: Metallica at The Dome at America’s Center

November 4: Foxing at The Pageant

November 4: Kathleen Madigan at Stifel Theatre

November 5: Derek Hough at Stifel Theatre

November 7: My Morning Jacket at Stifel Theatre

November 8: Craig Ferguson at The Factory

November 11: Joe Bonamassa at The Fox Theatre

November 11: Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan at Enterprise Center

November 17: Stephen Pearcy & Quiet Riot at River City Casino

November 18: Michael Rapaport at City Winery

November 18: Old Dominion at Enterprise Center

December

Home Alone in Concert | December 9

Bring the whole family to see the Christmas standard Home Alone in concert, performed by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. While the hilarious, heartwarming holiday classic plays on the big screen, the SLSO will perform John Williams’ score live with conductor Jason Seber. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market.

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey | December 9 & 10

Head downtown for a thrill at The Greatest Show on Earth. Audiences will feel closer to the action than ever with the show’s 360-degree environment and new technology. Watch performers from around the world push the limits in daring, never-before-seen acts. The spectacle of superhuman feats is sure to be a fun time for the whole family. Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave.

Samara Joy: A Joyful Holiday | December 12

Enjoy some Christmas jazz as Jazz Cruises and Jazz St. Louis present Samara Joy: A Joyful Holiday. The Grammy-nominated singer will perform alongside her musical family, the McLendons, and the night will include several Christmas favorites, such as “O Holy Night” and Joy’s rendition of “Warm in December.” The Factory, 17105 N. Outer 40.

Disney’s Aladdin | December 12–17

Based on Disney’s 1992 animated movie, Aladdin is filled with music, magic, and comedy. The Broadway hit is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw and incorporates new music from legendary artists such as Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin. With its extravagant special effects, sets, and costumes, the musical is a magical ride. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand.

The Nutcracker | December 16–23

The Saint Louis Ballet welcomes the return of Gen Horiuchi’s The Nutcracker. Horiuchi’s rendition of this classic is one of the region’s most popular, with thousands of families attending each holiday season. The performance will feature Tchaikovsky’s iconic composition alongside captivating sets and colorful costumes. Returning attendees can look forward to a larger cast and new choreography. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 Touhill.

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More to See in December

December 1: Fortune Feimster at The Factory

December 1: Yvie Oddly at Red Flag

December 4: Chris Tucker at Stifel Theatre

December 8: Jenny Oaks Baker at Ferrara Theatre at America’s Center

December 10: Jon McLaughlin at City Winery

December 10: Jim Brickman at City Winery

December 10: Luann de Lesseps at The Factory

December 13: Kenny G at The Factory

December 19: Karlous Miller at The Factory

December 19: Straight No Chaser at The Fox Theatre

December 20: Mannheim Steamroller at The Fox Theatre

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Ch-ch-changes

Get to know a handful of the new faces and places changing up the city’s art scene this fall.

At Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Dean Daderko began as the Ferring Foundation chief curator, after a decade as curator at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.

Hana Sharif stepped down as the Augustin Family artistic director of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis after five years to serve as artistic director at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Managing director Danny Williams will oversee this season during the search for her replacement.

At the Saint Louis Art Museum, Melissa Venator moved into the role of assistant curator of modern art, bringing a strong background in German Expressionism and several years as the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellow for Modern Art at SLAM.

Kalaija Mallery stepped into the newly expanded role of artistic and executive director at The Luminary, adding strategic and operational responsibilities to her previous positions as gallery manager and artistic director.

New assistant curator of modern art at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum Dana Ostrander arrived from MoMA and brings a global post-colonial focus to the museum.

The International Photography Hall of Fame moved operations from Grand Center to its Fenton collections facility and is focusing on a wider, virtual reach.

While Powell Hall is undergoing a Snøhetta-designed facelift—including a new education and learning center, a new lobby, and comfy new seats—catch the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra’s next seasons at a variety of spaces across the city, primarily Touhill Performing Arts Center and Stifel Theatre.

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Growing On

Roots N Blues makes the transition to Treeline Music Fest.

UPDATE: As of August 31, the 2023 Treeline Music Fest has been cancelled. 

Starting this year, Columbia, Missouri’s annual Roots N Blues Festival will be known as Treeline Music Fest. It’s not that the festival is switching its direction entirely—American roots music is still at its heart. The name change simply reflects the organizers’ efforts to broaden the scope of those roots. According to the festival, “We honor not just one tree, but all of the trees that make up our story.” This entails striving for something more inclusive that encompasses a wider range of sounds and faces.

In recent years, the American roots music community as a whole has started to reckon with its largely homogenous nature. To that end, Treeline Music Fest will not only feature a more diverse lineup—with more representation of women and people of color—but also a more inclusive selection of musical styles, including pop and hip-hop. Salt-N-Pepa, Ethel Cain, Chapel Hart, and Japanese Breakfast are just a few artists on the bill. Plenty of Missouri-based acts will be featured as well, including folk group Lonesome Companions and The Quorus, Columbia’s LGBTQ+ community choir.

Fans who’ve grown to love a weekend trip to Roots N Blues can think of Treeline Music Fest, held this year September 29–October 1, as an enhanced, more inclusive version of the original concept.