Storytelling in the Galleries--Nov 29

The Missouri History Museum presents Storytelling in the Galleries, programs to engage the younger museum visitors in historic paintings and objects through stories. The 45-minute sessions are FREE and include a hands-on craft.

The story this week will focus on real and imaginary inventions and will be at 1pm on Saturday (note there is no story on Friday this week!). In addition to the story, from noon to 2pm on Saturday you can play with puppets, build a puzzle, or read stories on your own!

Clayton Holiday Champagne Stroll--Nov 23

Stroll along Clayton Road from Brentwood Boulevard to Hanley Road and experience warm holiday greetings, refreshments, and special activities--all for FREE! The champagne stroll will start at noon and go until 5pm. Visit the many unique, beautifully decorated shops and boutiques along Clayton Road.

For more information, call 314-725-2622.

SLSO Brass Band--Nov 23

John McClure of the St Louis Symphony Orchestra will perform with friends and present arrangments for brass band as part of Classic99's "From the Garden-LIVE" series. The concert will be at noon on Nov 23 in the Shoenberg Theater at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information.

Kirkwood Holiday Walk--Nov 22

Holiday Walk
Saturday, November 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

There will be fun for the entire family at Downtown Kirkwood's Holiday Walk in downtown Kirkwood Saturday, November 22 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Preview fabulous finds for the holidays and share some holiday cheer too! If you need fresh decorating, gift giving and entertaining inspiration this season, Downtown Kirkwood has everything you need. Whether it's a special holiday theme for your table, a new twist on trimming your tree or great food for your party-you'll find it here. Plus, you'll also find lots of ideas to help you look and feel your best this season. Visit our Holiday Happenings page to view sales and specials at Downtown shops and Restaurants this holiday season.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will entertain the children. Adults will want to get their first look at holiday gifts offered by Downtown Kirkwood's specialty stores-many of which will feature free refreshments and special offers. A holiday wreath on the door is a sign a merchant is offering something special for the event. Connecting the activities will be the Holiday Trolley which will offer free rides around historic Downtown Kirkwood from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are several trolley pick-up and drop-off locations throughout downtown Kirkwood including the Kirkwood Train Station, Kirkwood Farmers' Market, E. Jefferson and Woodbine Center.

Headquarters for children's activities will be the Kirkwood Train Station, 110 E. Argonne where Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in downtown Kirkwood at 10 a.m. Santa will greet his admirers and letters to Santa will be accepted from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mrs. Claus will captivate young listeners with her holiday stories beginning at 11:00 a.m. If parents desire a photo souvenir, Santa will pose for photos with children taken by members of the Kirkwood Police Explorer Scouts for a $5.00 donation to the Scouts. The Lucille Rapp Tumblers and Dancers, Kirkwood Children's Chorale and The Statesmen Singers will also perform during the event.

During the Downtown Kirkwood Holiday Walk, Youth in Action (YIA) a nonprofit community service organization, will be accepting donations for Nurses for Newborns and Make-A-Wish Foundation at the train station. Canned food, baby food and cash donations will be collected. Free coffee, from Kaldi's Coffeehouse, cookies from McArthur's Bakery and hot chocolate will also be available. Kirkwood Kiwanis will also be offering free grilled hot dogs near the historic Kirkwood Train Station.

For parking, download a Kirkwood parking map here.

The Holiday Walk is coordinated by Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District with support from Argonne Gallery, The Bug Store, Kaldi's Coffeehouse, Lace Photography, McArthur's Bakery and the Shannon Shop. The downtown Kirkwood organization serves business and property owners in downtown Kirkwood through marketing, public area enhancements and administration of Kirkwood Farmers' Market.

Way of Lights--Nov 21-Jan 4

The Lady of our Snows annual light display opens this evening, Nov 21, and will continue until Jan 4, 2009. From the website:

"Drive through 1 1/2 miles of breathtaking displays of over one million lights which focuses on the birth of Christ, the one true light of the world. Through sparkling lights, electro-art sculptures and creative displays, the Shrine celebrates the birth of our Savior.

Petting Zoo
Make a truly unique memory at the petting zoo (free admission).

Heavenly Photos
Visitors of all ages can don angel attire and have a picture taken amidst a shimmery cloud background.

Advent Concert
Our Advent Concert begins with Matthew Baute a "music missionary" and features the choir of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows along with professional instrumentalists from the St. Louis area performing, Haydn's Missa Brevis Sancti Foannis de Deo. Click here for more information.

Community Choir Stage
Nightly, area choirs and musical ensembles take the stage to provide beautiful sounds of the season. Click here for a schedule of choir performances.

Christmas Tree Room
Decorators and designers from the St. Louis/Metro East display their best creations showcasing Christmas around the world.

Interactive Children’s Village And Puppet Show
Children of all ages will delight in learning about the most special Christmas gift, Jesus, in this sparkling Lil’ Angels’ Classroom filled with an interactive puppet show and a variety of free, hands-on activities.

Christmas Wreath Display/Silent Auction
A variety of wreaths created by florists and designers from the St. Louis/Metro East area will be on display throughout the Visitors Center. Silent Auction bids will be taken throughout the season with proceeds assisting in the on-going work of the Missionary Oblates throughout the world.

Trolley Rides
Departing from the Visitors Center, the trolley takes visitors on a journey throughout the lights."

I have included activities that I believe to be free and excluded ones that I know incur a cost. Indoor activities run from 5-9pm and the outdoor lights are open from 5-10pm. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve/Day, the activities will be closed but the lights will still be open.

The Shrine is located in Belleville, IL. Directions to the Shrine can be found here.

Anheuser-Busch brewery lights--Nov 21-Jan 2

The Anheuser-Busch Brewery Christmas Lights display opens on Friday, Nov. 21, and runs through January 2, 2009. Over 800,000 lights give a festive glow to the brewery on Pestalozzi St.

In fact, nearly all of the spectacular lights are placed on the grounds along Pestalozzi Street. The atmosphere is private, and under the cover of darkness, this area provides fertile ground for anyone planning a romantic evening.

The buildings along Pestalozzi are lined with a single strand of lights, making them look more primitive than they really are. The simplicity of this design allows for the complexity of the tree designs to shine through, literally. Each of the trees appears to have been caught in a perfectly woven spider web. Though the web is made of red or white Christmas lights, instead of a spider's silk, the symmetry and complexity of the designs are still mesmerizing.

To get to the brewery, take Grand south to Interstate 44 east, merge onto Interstate 55 south, take exit 206C, turn left onto Arsenal, left onto 12th Street, right onto Lynch, and right onto 9th Street. That runs into Pestalozzi Street.

Macy's Festival of Lights--Nov 21

Sorry for the late notice on this one!

"The Christmas season officially kicks off with the Macy's Holiday Festival of Lights at the May Amphitheatre in Kiener Plaza, downtown Saint Louis. The event runs from 4:30 p.m – 6:30 p.m Friday, November 21st. We'll flip the magic switch that will bring Downtown Saint Louis alive with lights, followed by a dazzling fireworks display to light up the night sky. Following the official program, Santa – in a horse-drawn carriage down 7th Street lined with luminaries – will lead a procession from Keiner Plaza to Macy's for photo opportunities, more music and entertainment, cookies, hot chocolate and coffee. Your Master of Ceremonies is 103.3 KLOU Morning Man Smash.

The event will feature:
Clowns & Face Painters
Fred Bird
Snerdlich from Children’s Hospital
Choir and Solo Musical Performances
A reading of ’Twas The Night Before Christmas by Robin Smith"

Storytelling in the Galleries--Nov 21 and 22

The Missouri History Museum presents Storytelling in the Galleries, programs to engage the younger museum visitors in historic paintings and objects through stories. The 45-minute sessions are FREE and include a hands-on craft.

The story this week will focus on turkeys and will be at 10:30am on Friday and 1pm on Saturday. In addition to the story, from noon to 2pm on Saturday you can play with puppets, build a puzzle, or read stories on your own!

Classical guitarist John McClellan--Nov 16

Guitarist John McClellan will solo and be joined by guests for duets with classical guitar as part of Classic99's "From the Garden-LIVE" series. The concert will be at noon on Nov 16 in the Shoenberg Theater at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information.

Storytelling in the Galleries--Nov 14 and 15

The Missouri History Museum presents Storytelling in the Galleries, programs to engage the younger museum visitors in historic paintings and objects through stories. The 45-minute sessions are FREE and include a hands-on craft.

The story this week will focus on music and musical instruments and will be at 10:30am on Friday and 1pm on Saturday. In addition to the story, from noon to 2pm on Saturday you can play with puppets, build a puzzle, or read stories on your own!

CFL light bulb sale--Nov 14 and 15

I try to keep my posts focused on things that are free but for those of you interested in cutting your utility bills and helping the environment, EarthWays Center will be hosting a light bulb sale on Nov 14 and 15 at the Ridgway Visitor Center of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Bulbs will be on sale for $2 each in the lower level of the visitor center from 10am-3pm both days and proceeds will benefit EarthWays Center public education programming.

Health Fest--Nov 15

On Saturday, Nov 15, the St Louis Science Center will be hosting a FREE HealthFest, featuring health-related exhibitors from the St. Louis metro-area including the American Red Cross, St. Louis Society for the Blind, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Mid-America Transplant Services and many more. All of the exhibitors will offer information on healthy lifestyles and health-related services, provide free health screenings for all ages, great giveaways and more. A program guide listing events and activity times will be available at the door.

St Louis International Film Festival--Nov 13-23

The 17th Annual St Louis International Film Festival will be happening at the Tivoli Theatre as well as several other locations. Normally I wouldn't post about an event like this since most of the screenings require tickets, however there are several events which are free and may be of interest. The following events are free and open to the public--no ticket is required.

Micro-Budget Filmmaking Seminar on Nov. 15 at Tivoli 3
NFF Coffee With the Filmmakers on Nov. 16 at Tivoli 3
Sinner Come Home on Nov. 17 at Tivoli 3
Pixar Shorts on Nov. 21 at SLAM
Matchmaker Mary on Nov. 22 at Brown
The Flyboys on Nov. 22 at Brown
The Making of 'WALL-E' on Nov. 22 at Brown
King of the Hill on Nov. 22 at Brown
The Prowler and The Grand Inquisitor on Nov. 22 at Webster
Dark Days: Panel on the Hollywood Blacklist and Film Noir on Nov. 22 at Webster
Indie-Fest Short and Feature Winners on Nov. 23 at Webster
Closing-Night Party and Award Presentation on Nov. 23 at Blueberry Hill's Duck Room (cash bar)

Art class at COCA--Nov 16

Location: COCA (524 Trinity Ave, off of the Delmar loop)
Event Time(s):Nov 16, 2008 (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Details: Age: 6 - 12. Three-dimensional drawings will be created using mixed media in this dynamic, geometrically challenging class. Held in connection with the Millstone Gallery exhibition Brandon Anschultz: Transmission/Destination. Sponsored by Artmart Say Yes to Art.

Please pre-register by emailing freeat3@cocastl.org - include the names and addresses of those attending, and we’ll see you then!

The Practicing Physicians--Nov 9

The Practicing Physicians feature area physicians demonstrating their musical talents as part of Classic99's "From the Garden-LIVE" series. The concert will be at noon on Nov 9 in the Shoenberg Theater at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information.

Walking tour of Southwest Garden Neighborhood--Nov 8

On November 8, Landmarks Association sponsors a FREE walking tour of the Southwest Garden neighborhood, one of south city's best-kept secrets. Edna Campos Gravenhorst, author of the new pictorial history Southwest Garden, will lead people down charming residential streets, robust commercial districts andthe scene of the famous Great St. Louis Bank Robbery.

The tour starts at 10:30 am at the office of the ever-busy Southwest Garden Neighborhood Association (4950 Southwest Avenue), where President Floyd Wright will welcome the crowd and discuss current projects in the neighborhood. Then the tour moves to the Southwest bank where former bank president Ed Berra will provide a tour and tell people about the famous 1953 robbery that was immortalized in the Steve McQueen film The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery. After the bank, Edna will narrate a walk to houses ranging from 20th century Craftsmans to 19th century revival-style beauties. The tour will include Gurney and Heger Courts as well as the storefront commercial architecture of the area. Visitors will see all sides of a beautiful neighborhood near the garden.

For more information, contact Landmarks Association at 314-421-6474.

Veterans' Day Parade--Nov 8

The annual Veterans' Day Parade will start at 14th and Olive at noon, but the pre-parade ceremonies start at 11am. The parade will go south on 14th, east on Chestnut, south on Tucker, and west on Market to Union Station. For more information, call 314-589-6613.

Come on out and support the men and women who have worked so hard to support and defend your freedom!

St Louis Symphony--Nov 8

The SLSO occasionally hosts chamber concerts in various churches around the St Louis metro area. Tomorrow night is a FREE concert at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (33 N. Clay) in Ferguson, MO. The concert will start at 7pm. For more information, call 314-286-4432.

Storytelling in the Galleries--Nov 7 and 8

The Missouri History Museum presents Storytelling in the Galleries, programs to engage the younger museum visitors in historic paintings and objects through stories. The 45-minute sessions are FREE and include a hands-on craft.

The story this week will focus on dancing--shuffling, shaking, swirling, and twirling!--and will be at 10:30am on Friday and 1pm on Saturday. In addition to the story, from noon to 2pm on Saturday you can play with puppets, build a puzzle, or read stories on your own!

Sheldon Chorale--Nov 2

Conducted by Dr. Alan Larson, the Sheldon Chorale with supporting strings perform choral music of Vienna as part of Classic99's "From the Garden-LIVE" series. The concert will be at noon on Nov 2 in the Shoenberg Theater at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information.