3 excuses to grab a drink this weekend in St. Louis
Weekends call for beer, cider and cocktails
Schlafly Art Outside Festival
Sept. 6 – 5 to 9 p.m., Sept. 7 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sept. 8 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, 314.241.2337, schlafly.com
Over 60 local artists working in a wide variety of mediums fill the streets with their artwork, with plenty of food and a selection of Schlafly beer that will include Kolsch in a limited edition can designed by artists with disabilities from nonprofit Artists First. Bands include Grooveliner, Rich McDonough and the Rhythm Renegades, and Dawn Weber and the Boogaloo Crew. Artists First will be on hand to help you create your own spray-painted or tie-dyed T-shirt, and there will be tarot card readings, henna artists, live painting, glass blowing and more. Free admission.
Oktoberfest Kickoff Party
Sept. 7 – 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Old Bakery Beer Co., 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, 618.463.1470, oldbakerybeer.com
This all-day party kicks off Oktoberfest celebrations at Old Bakery, with specials and events running through the rest of the month. Guests can enjoy German-inspired dishes and drink from limited edition Old Bakery steins designed by pottery artist Jim Linksvayer. Test your strength and endurance by taking part in an Oktoberfest stein-holding contest on Sept. 7, 11, 18 or 25. Tickets are required to participate in the contest: Entry includes a 1-liter stein filled with the Old Bakery beer of your choice. Admission is free.
Hard-Pressed Cider Fest
Sept. 7 – noon to 4 p.m., Eckert’s Belleville Farm, 951 S. Green Mount Road, 800.745.0513, eckerts.com
Eckert’s is kicking off the fall season with more than just cider. Pick a few apples, shop handcrafted goods from artisan vendors and enjoy the live music – whatever you think is right to start the season. Participating food trucks include Bipps BBQ, Seoul Mama and Bravo Tacos, and additional food is available from Eckert’s Cider Shed. General admission includes nine 3-ounce pours of cider from a selection of over 40, while VIP tickets include early access starting 11 a.m., with 13 3-ounce cider pours. Tickets available online.
