@melvina
Yes, there are several annual festivals and events in Saint Louis. Some notable ones include:
- Mardi Gras: Saint Louis hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, featuring a Grand Parade, street parties, live music, and delicious food. It takes place in Soulard neighborhood and lasts for several weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday.
- St. Patrick's Day Parade: Held on or around March 17th, the St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Saint Louis celebrates Irish heritage with marching bands, floats, dancers, and various Irish-themed activities.
- Fair Saint Louis: This event takes place during the Fourth of July weekend at the Gateway Arch grounds. It features live music concerts, fireworks, air shows, fair rides, and a variety of food vendors.
- Shakespeare Festival St. Louis: Each summer, the Shakespeare Festival presents free, outdoor performances of Shakespearean plays in Forest Park. Theater enthusiasts can bring blankets and chairs to enjoy these professional productions.
- LouFest: An annual two-day music festival held in Forest Park, LouFest showcases a diverse lineup of local and international musicians, spanning various genres.
- Festival of Nations: Celebrating the city's cultural diversity, this festival, held in Tower Grove Park, brings together different ethnic groups to showcase their cuisine, dance, music, and arts.
- St. Louis International Film Festival: This event, held in November, features a wide selection of local and international films in different genres, including documentaries, shorts, and full-length features.
These are just a few examples, and Saint Louis offers many other events and festivals throughout the year, catering to different interests and communities.