St. Louis, MO

No state celebrates Mardi Gras harder than Missouri, and the St. Louis Mardi Gras is second only to New Orleans. The party begins on Twelfth Night in January and continues daily (and nightly) until the festivities culminate on Fat Tuesday.

Address: In the Soulard neighborhood 9th and Geyer/Chesterfield - MAP
Phone: (314) 771-5110
Web: www.stlmardigras.org

If you love the water, come to the St. Louis Boat Show and check out every type of boat you can imagine. Powerboats, sailboats, jet boats, pedal boats, canoes, inflatable boats, and the list goes on and on. Don't forget to sign up for the contests and giveaways while you're there!

Address: 701 Convention Center Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101 - MAP
Phone: (314) 821-5400
Web: www.stlouisboatshow.com

Food. Art. Music. Culture. Taste of St. Louis at the Soldiers Memorial Park has it all. Especially the food. Get in on the celebration, and sink your teeth into some genuine St. Louis culture.

Address: 227 S. Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103 - MAP
Phone: (314) 534-2100 x22
Web: www.tastestl.com

Enjoy free multicultural entertainment at the Festival of Nations at Tower Grove Park. Four stage areas feature traditional music, dancing, storytelling, and puppetry from different countries. Test your own dancing skills at the Village Green with free, informal lessons.

Address: 2853 S. Grand, St. Louis, MO 63118 - MAP
Phone: (314) 773-9090 x189
Web: www.festivalofnationsstl.org

Watch performing artists, shop, and learn through cultural demonstrations at the St. Louis African Arts Festival, held in Forest Park during the last four days of May. There is even a Children's Village, full of fun and educational activities for the young and young at heart.

Address: 5595 Grand Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112 - MAP
Phone: (314) 935-9676
Web: www.stlafricanartsfest.org

Dust off your armor, don your eye patch, and come out to the St. Louis Renaissance Faire and Pirate Festival! It's a real Midsummer Night's Dream come true for fans of either Shakespeare or swashbuckling.

Address: Rotary Park, Wentzville, MO - MAP
Phone: (636) 928-4141
Web: www.renstl.org

Blues are an important part of Missouri heritage, and this 10-day event celebrates that connection. Experience the unique sounds and styles of both local and national blues artists during St. Louis Bluesweek.

Address: 1400 Market Street. St. Louis MO 63103 - MAP
Phone: (314) 324-8567
Web: www.stlbluesweek.com

Grand Center, located Midtown St. Louis Historic District, is home to 14 different galleries and museums. ArtWalk in May gives residents and visitors the chance to view over 25 free exhibitions at these locations, as well as enjoy local vendors, street performers, live music and even an outdoor movie along Grand Center's walkways.

Address: 3526 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, St. Louis, MO 63103 - MAP
Phone: (314) 289-1500
Web: www.grandcenter.org

Catch a flick from overseas (or from across the street) at the Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in the Midwest. More than 300 international and independent films are screened during this festival, many of which simultaneously make their first and final Missouri theatrical appearances.

Address: Various - Hi-Pointe Theatre, Tivoli Theatre, Plaza Frontenac Cinema, & Webster University's Winifred Moore Auditorium
Phone: (314) 289-4151
Web: www.cinemastlouis.org

Fans of stories don't want to miss out on the Storytelling Festival, an annual event in St. Louis for over 30 years. Over 40 regional storytellers spread throughout the city for this festival, taking their tales to audiences.

Address: Various
Phone: (314) 516-6590
Web: www.stlstorytellingfestival.org

Pull up your lederhosen and brace yourself for a weekend of food, music, dancing, contests, and lots of beer at the Soulard Oktoberfest in Lyon Park, right across from Anheuser-Busch. Listed as one of the top ten Oktoberfests in the USA by AOL, this festival is not one you want to miss.

Address: 3259 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63118 - MAP
Phone: (314) 368-3419
Web: www.soulardoktoberfest.com

Whether you're celebrating your heritage or just there for the green beer, the St. Patrick's Day Parade has something for everyone. One of the longest-running St. Patrick's Day Parades in the country, this St. Louis event offers marching bands and floats to celebrate this favorite Irish holiday.

Address: Starts at 18th & Market Street, Ends at Broadway & Market Street - MAP
Phone: (314) 241-PATS
Web: www.irishparade.org

St. Louis is home to numerous beautiful parks and nature habitats, so the St. Louis Earth Day Festival tends to draw in hoards of nature lovers with its eco-friendly entertainment. Show your green side and have some fun!

Address: Muny Grounds in Forest Park - MAP
Phone: (314) 289-4151
Web: www.stlouisearthday.org