Intersect Arts Center Fall Festival returns Nov. 9
The free event is a celebration of culinary creativity and community
South City is gearing up for a vibrant celebration as Intersect Arts Center opens its doors at 3636 Texas Ave. for a free public Fall Festival on Nov. 9, bringing the community together in a lively showcase of creativity and flavor. This event will highlight local artisans, live music and a diverse array of culinary delights, shining a spotlight on the burgeoning independent chef scene in St. Louis.
The Fall Festival promises a lively atmosphere with a bustling craft fair, live musical performances, art-making activities, and even a petting zoo, offering a delightful environment for families and friends to connect and celebrate together. Visitors can also explore open studios within the center, immersing themselves in the creative process while engaging with local artists. As executive director of Intersect Arts Center, Sarah Bernhardt shares, accessibility to art is a core value for the organization, which is why vendors are intentionally encouraged to maintain a price range that is affordable for the community ensuring that there’s truly something for everyone.
A highlight of the festival will be an exciting soup cook-off competition featuring talented independent chefs, providing them with a platform to showcase their culinary skills and gain well-deserved recognition for their creativity and dedication. Attendees can expect a unique culinary adventure as they explore a three-story building filled with artistic showcases and delicious soup tastings. The third floor is home to artists with private studio spaces, while chefs will be strategically located throughout the venue, creating a scavenger hunt-like experience for festival-goers. Each chef will present a featured soup and guests will have the chance to sample the offerings and cast their votes for their favorite, culminating in a People’s Choice Award, as well as recognition for the top choices selected by critics.
Intersect Arts Center is more than just an arts space; it serves as a nurturing ground for emerging culinary talents. With a mission to provide employment opportunities for aspiring chefs and culinary education for underserved youth, the center is dedicated to enriching the community through the arts, and this festival exemplifies that commitment. Bernhardt emphasizes the importance of the festival as a means of bringing exceptional culinary experiences to the neighborhood. “We love celebrating the independent chef scene here in St. Louis,” she explains. “Our goal is to connect people throughout the city with the artistry of hospitality…this is [an] opportunity to really bring up an emerging artist and help them plug in and have a chance to make their work.”
Join Intersect Arts Center for a day of creativity, connection and culinary exploration at Intersects Art Center on Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about the Fall Festival and details on how to get involved, visit the Intersect Arts Center website.