Whether you’re exploring the wonders of nature, enjoying local festivals or rocking out at a concert, fall is a season that has something for everyone, especially for St. Louis seniors. The Lou and surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy autumn.
anchors away
“Senior prom” has a whole new meaning in St. Charles this autumn. The Anchors Away Affair is a dance party for people 55 and older. The event is Oct. 1 at the Foundry Art Centre, and the evening includes hors d’oeuvres and the music of Captain Bulkhead and the Portholes, who play classic yacht rock tunes. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit stcharlescitymo.gov.
day tripper
Mix things up this fall with a day trip. Heading out of the metro you can find a wide spectrum of autumnal adventures. In Kimmswick, Missouri, on Oct. 28 and 29, the Apple Butter Festival invites guests to take in the small town charm, while exploring more than 500 food, drink and craft vendors and enjoying live entertainment. Bring the grandchildren along for the miniature train, petting zoo and pony rides. Make sure to visit Eureka, Missouri, throughout October for the Eureka Scarecrow Festival, which features artfully designed scarecrows posed in front of businesses, churches, schools and private homes. Across the river in Belleville, Illinois, Eckert’s Farm is hosting Ecktoberfest weekends throughout October. Guests can look forward to wagon rides, live entertainment, festival foods, children’s activities, German music and more.
good brews
They say St. Louis is a beer city, and there is no doubt that fall is a beer season. You’ll find lots of great events celebrating brews, both local and international. The last weekend in September brings the St. Charles Oktoberfest, and early October offers other options to celebrate the German folk festival in Soulard and at Urban Chestnut Brewery in The Grove. The St. Louis Beer Festival is Oct. 21 at the Saint Louis Science Center, Brew in the Lou is Oct. 14 in Francis Park, and Fest-of-Ale is Oct. 20 at Missouri Botanical Gardens.
rock on
Don’t miss out on the great concerts coming to the StL next month! Classic rock is on the docket at several venues around town. KISS and Aersosmith are set to rock with the Enterprise Center on Oct. 25 and 26 respectively. At Stifel Theatre, legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan will perform on Oct. 4, and fans of more contemporary alternative rock may want to check out Wilco Oct. 26. Out in Chesterfield, The Factory will host Three Dog Night on Oct. 8, Little River Band on Oct. 21 and YES on Oct. 23. Check each venue’s website for more exciting upcoming events.
colors of autumn
One of the highlights of the season is, of course, the changing of the leaves. While you can’t go wrong with planning a visit to Forest Park or even a drive outside of the city, you can make your fall color viewing experience something extra special this year. One of the best places for viewing is along rivers, so a boat ride is the perfect opportunity to take in the seasonal ambience, so book a river cruise with Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. You also can head to Grafton in Illinois to visit the Grafton SkyTour, which offers aerial views of the autumn foliage at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers Check out the Missouri Department of Conservation for resources and tips to determine the best time to view fall color at its peak.