Cultural Events

Greater St. Louis is a region whose artistic events and attractions regularly impress even its most cultured residents. Numerous venues for theatrical, musical, dance and other artistic performances abound, driving many of the world’s most talented artists — including those who call St. Louis home — to perform here.

The nationally acclaimed Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, which performs at Powell Symphony Hall, is in its 127th season. Having toured Europe, the Far East and beyond, the orchestra has been nominated for Grammy Awards every year since 1977, earning a total of six Grammies and 56 nominations. Led by David Robertson since 2005, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra continues to attract national attention. The New York Times recently praised the music director citing that , "St. Louis audiences are streaming into his concerts, and the orchestra sounded terrific during the typically invigorating Robertson program..." in the article "Passing the Baton: Be Bold, New York" on April 15, 2007.

In addition, several exciting venues, including the Fabulous Fox Theater and the acoustically superb Sheldon Concert Hall, regularly feature world-famous musicians. And dozens of other theaters and clubs keep St. Louis moving to a beat all its own every night of the week.

The St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, the largest African-American cultural performing arts organization in Missouri, performs in the heart of Grand Center, St. Louis’ arts and entertainment district. The troupe produces six productions each season by both established and emerging playwrights.

In addition to the Black Rep and Powell Hall, Grand Center is also home to Dance St. Louis — which brings to the region national and international professional dance companies from American Ballet Theater to STOMP.  Grand Center is also the site of the Fabulous Fox Theater — which for more than 75 years has attracted the world’s most popular Broadway musicals and musical performers.

Broadway performances can also be seen at the Muny, the country’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, in beautiful Forest Park. In addition to 12,000 reserved seats, the Muny has almost 1,500 free seats available to the public each night.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, one of the country’s premier opera companies, has been offering innovative performances of standard and unusual repertory for more than 20 years, and presents a spring festival with four rotating productions every May and June.

And of course, St. Louis is one of the best places in the world to hear the blues, with live performances every night of the week in dozens of clubs throughout the Soulard neighborhood and elsewhere in the area.