The Best Things to do in St. Louis: May 1-4, 2025

Hey Lou-fam,

It’s officially May, and St. Louis is showing off. We've got Derby Day hats, Cinco de Mayo eats, live music on lawns, and even a punk-rock Disney tribute. Whether you're into brunch with the Beatles, Star Wars cosplay, or a taco-fueled bar crawl, this weekend is stacked. Let’s get into it:

🇲🇽 Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

STL Cinco de Mayo on Cherokee Street 🕒 Sat, May 3, 11:00am–10:00pm 📍 Cherokee Street — The city’s biggest Cinco party: 2 stages, lucha libre, margaritas, local vendors, and more.

Taco & Margarita Bar Crawl 🕒 Sat, May 3, 2:00pm–8:00pm 📍 The Grove — Self-guided crawl with taco & drink deals at multiple stops.

STL Taco Fest 🕒 Sun, May 4, 11:00am–7:00pm 📍 St. Charles Riverfront — Dozens of taco vendors, tequila tastings, and a mariachi band or two.

Cinco at Molly’s in Soulard 🕒 Sat, May 3, 11:00am–1:30am 📍 Molly’s in Soulard — Backyard bash with DJs, drink specials, and a rooftop vibe.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Ballpark Village 🕒 Sat, May 3, 2:00pm–7:00pm 📍 Ballpark Village — Street tacos, tequila flights, games, and live Latin beats.

🐎 Derby Day Highlights

Royale Kentucky Derby Party (Sat, May 3 @ 2–8pm) — Fancy hats, cocktails, live music from Dawn Weber, a hat contest, and race viewing on the big screen.

Kentucky Derby Party @ Winnie’s Wine Bar (Sat, May 3 @ 3-6pm) — Saddle up for the most stylish soirée of the season

Kentucky Derby at Westport Plaza (Sat, @ 1-6pm) — Grab your hats & hold your horses — it’s Derby Day at Westport Plaza!

Derby Day at Four Seasons (Sat, May 3 @ 2–6:30pm) — Elegant fashion, signature cocktails, and a high-society race day experience.

💃 Live Music & Dance

My Morning Jacket at The Factory (Fri, May 2 @ 7:30pm) — Indie rock giants bring soaring anthems and their new album is to Chesterfield’s premier venue.

Keith Urban at Chaifetz Arena (Sat, May 3 @ 8pm) — Country superstar brings his tour to SLU.

Pallbearer with Fister & The Gorge (Fri, May 2 @ 8pm) — Heavy riffs and doom metal energy at Off Broadway.

Twilight Thursdays: Dirty Muggs (Thu, May 1 @ 6–8pm) — Free outdoor concert in Forest Park featuring high-energy hits.

Mattie Schell Album Release Party (Thu, May 1 @ 8pm) — Celebrate her new album with Hunter Peebles & The Moonlighters at Atomic Pavilion.

Can You Feel The Punk Tonight (Sat, May 3 @ 3pm & 8pm) — Punk & ska tributes to Disney hits featuring STL musicians.

Disco Sh!t at Tim's Chrome Bar (Fri, May 2 @ 9pm) — First Friday vinyl party with DJ Makossa.

Matt Hansen at Old Rock House (Fri, May 2 @ 7pm) — Intimate solo set from singer-songwriter Matt Hansen in one of STL’s best listening rooms.Bluesy rock and folk vibes in a chill setting.

Sunset DJ Sessions at Four Seasons (Thu, May 1 @ 6pm) — Rooftop DJ set with skyline views and cocktails at the Four Seasons.Rooftop views and sunset grooves from DJ Agile One.

Rello @ Tschüss (Fri, May 2 @ 9pm) — Local rap and R&B at this boutique bar and performance space.

🌌 May the 4th Events

May the 4th Celebration at Steve’s Hot Dogs (Sun, May 4) — Space saga stickers, themed eats, and galaxy-wide good vibes across three locations.

Tenacious Eats Presents "Spaceballs" (Sun, May 4 @ 11am) — Brunch, cosplay, trivia, and more at this interactive sci-fi-themed experience.

🛍️ Markets & Pop Ups

SOHA Market (Sat, May 3 @ 10am–2pm) — Local makers, music, and food in the Bishop DuBourg parking lot.

Tim's Chrome Bar Retro Market (Sat, May 3 @ 12–4pm) — Vintage vendors, groovy art, and tunes alongside the Das Bevo VW Bus show.

Bookish Gift Market (Sun, May 4 @ 3–7pm) — Over 30 vendors and The Novel Neighbor pop-up at City Foundry.

Thursdays at Rockwell Beer Garden Farmers Market (Thu, May 1 @ 4–8pm) — Produce, beer, and neighborhood vibes at Francis Park.

✨ Other Highlights

Chinese Culture Days at Missouri Botanical Garden (Sat & Sun, May 3–4) — Acrobats, cultural performances, food, and art in full bloom.

People’s Joy Parade (Sat, May 3 @ 1:11pm) — Art cars, dance troupes, and community spirit in the Fountain Park neighborhood.

Preserving Wright’s Legacy Lecture (Sun, May 4 @ 2pm) — Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

Benton Park Historic Walking Tour (Sun, May 4 @ 2pm) — Explore the rich architecture and history of Benton Park on foot.

Nate Jackson at The Pageant (Fri, May 2 @ 7:30pm & 10:45pm) — The Super Funny World Tour hits the Loop for two shows.

Up All Night: A One Direction Party (Sat, May 3 @ 9pm) — A dance party for Directioners of all ages at Off Broadway.

Grateful Dead Tribute Night at Busch Stadium (Fri, May 2 @ 5:45pm) — Game night with live pre-show from Jake’s Leg.

Buses at Das Bevo 2025 (Sat, May 3 @ 10am–4pm) — VW bus fest with music, food, trophies, and flair.

MAIFEST at Blue Jay Brewing (Sun, May 4 @ 12–8pm) — Spring celebration with German music, food, and beer.

Thursday, May 1

• Thursdays at Rockwell Beer Garden Farmers Market (4–8pm)

• Twilight Thursdays: Dirty Muggs (6–8pm)

• Sunset DJ Sessions at Four Seasons (6–10pm)

• Mattie Schell Album Release Party (8pm)

Friday, May 2

• Grateful Dead Tribute Night at Busch Stadium (5:45pm)

• Matt Hansen at Old Rock House (7pm)

• My Morning Jacket at The Factory (7:30pm)

• Nate Jackson at The Pageant (7:30pm & 10:45pm)

• Pallbearer with Fister & The Gorge (8pm)

• Disco Sh!t at Tim's Chrome Bar (9pm)

• Rello @ Tschüss (9pm)

Saturday, May 3

• SOHA Market (10am–2pm)

• Buses at Das Bevo 2025 (10am–4pm)

• STL Cinco de Mayo on Cherokee Street (11am–10pm)

• Cinco at Molly’s in Soulard (11am–1:30am)

• Tim's Chrome Bar Retro Market (12–4pm)

• Chinese Culture Days at Missouri Botanical Garden (9am–5pm)

• People’s Joy Parade (1:11pm)

• Gateway City Derby Experience (TBD)

• Royale Kentucky Derby Party (2–8pm)

• Derby Day at Four Seasons (2–6:30pm)

• Taco & Margarita Bar Crawl (2–8pm)

• Can You Feel The Punk Tonight (3pm & 8pm)

• Keith Urban at Chaifetz Arena (8pm)

• Up All Night: A One Direction Party (9pm)

Sunday, May 4

• STL Taco Fest (11am–7pm)

• La Festa on The Hill (11am–8pm)

• May the 4th Celebration at Steve’s Hot Dogs (All Day)

• Tenacious Eats Presents "Spaceballs" (11am)

• MAIFEST at Blue Jay Brewing (12–8pm)

• Preserving Wright’s Legacy Lecture (2pm)

• Benton Park Historic Walking Tour (2pm)

• Bookish Gift Market (3–7pm)

• Chinese Culture Days at Missouri Botanical Garden (9am–5pm)

See you out there — and don’t forget to hydrate between tacos and dance breaks 🌮🕺💦