Weekend Planner
Giggle
What: Barnyard Olympics
Why: Bring on the chicken plop bingo.
When: Sat., Sept. 4 to Mon., Sept. 6 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Eckert's Country Store and Farm, 951 S. Greenmount Road, Belleville
Cost: Free
Info: 618.233.0513 or eckerts.com
Listen
What: Big Muddy Blues Festival
Why: Both local faves and national acts demand our presence.
When: Sat. and Sun., Sept. 4 and 5 – 1 to 11 p.m.
Where: Laclede's Landing, St. Louis
Cost: Free
Info: lacledeslanding.com
Play and learn
What: Japanese Festival
Why: Tea ceremonies, a little anime, and sumo to boot.
When: Sat. and Sun., Sept. 4 and 5 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mon., Sept. 6 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis
Cost: $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 members and children ages 3 to 12 (free for members’ children)
Info: 314.577.9400 or mobot.org
Spectate
What: Gateway Cup
Why: Explore St. Louis neighborhoods as athletes whiz by.
When and Where: Fri., Sept. 3 – Lafayette Square; Sat., Sept. 4 – St. Louis Hills; Sun., Sept. 5 – The Hill; Mon., Sept. 6 – Benton Park (Visit gatewaycup.com for specific times and routes.)
Cost: Free for spectators
Info: gatewaycup.com
Watch
What: Stages St. Louis presents State Fair
Why: The Iowa State Fair travels to Kirkwood.
When: Sat., Sept. 3 – 8 p.m., Sat., Sept. 4 – 4 and 8 p.m., Sun., Sept. 5 – 2 and 7:30 p.m. (The show runs through Oct. 3.)
Where: Robert G. Reim Theatre, Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Road, Kirkwood
Cost: $49 for adults, $46 for seniors, $28 for children
Info: 314.821.2407 or stagesstlouis.org