Some of the best family-friendly events in Ellisville happen every year. From top-notch festivals for mom and dad to holiday extravaganzas, there’s a gala going on every month, be it a rocking music festival or scrumptious culinary show. Grab the kids and head out to one of these best places for fun, food, and entertainment in Missouri, courtesy of Crème de la Crème in Ellisville, MO!
Adult Egg Hunt and Kids Easter Egg Scramble
Easter Egg Hunt used with permission via CC BY 2.0 through Flickr by Barney Moss
Welcome springtime with a holiday event. The Adult Egg Hunt and Kids Easter Egg Scramble takes place every year on the Saturday before Easter. Follow the Easter Bunny’s trail of eggs all the way to Bluebird Park on Kiefer Creek Road.
Children nine and under should have their baskets ready to head over to the Lion’s Pavilion at their scheduled time. They’ll hunt for colorful eggs filled with candy and prizes. Parents will want to have their cameras handy to catch this memorable occasion. Look online prior to the holiday for more information about this free event.
St. Louis Earth Day Festival
Give back to planet earth at this awesome free annual fiesta. St. Louis Earth Day is hosted in Forest Park near the end of April. It gives environmentally conscious residents the opportunity to learn about eco-friendly resources, products, and services that you can use every day. Expect to see about 200 vendors, live entertainment on three stages, booths from local restaurants, and loads of hands-on activities for everyone in the family, from preschoolers to teens.
Art Fair at Laumeier
For 34 years, the Laumeier Sculpture Park has played host to an annual art fair. This four-day event kicks off in early May and is going virtual for 2021. This highly acclaimed fine art fair features national artists representing a range of mediums, including clay, painting, and sculpture. Traditionally, this event offers everything you expect from a fair, like live music, entertainment, demonstrations, food, a beer and wine garden, and a kid’s play station.
Chalkfest: Sidewalk Chalk Competition
The Ellisville Parks and Recreation department members invite you and your family to the city’s annual sidewalk chalk contest. Artists of all ages and skill levels are needed to help decorate the lower parking lot. Plan to join in on this creative endeavor that takes place in May. Participants will have up to two hours to draw their temporary masterpieces. Preregistration is required.
Summer Concert Series
Grab the whole family from Grandma and Grandpa to your littlest kiddos for a merry evening of music, food, and fun in beautiful Bluebird Park. This city’s annual summer concert series is a wonderful way to spend a balmy evening. Each free, live performance is held on the Amphitheater stage. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the show.
Independence Day Festivities
Celebrate Independence Day at Bluebird Park. There’s always a variety of food and beverage vendors and free entertainment for the kids. Expect to find a giant slide, climbing wall, bounce house, and an obstacle course. Check out live performances, followed by the best fireworks show in the area. Please no parking or pets at the event. There will be shuttle buses to and from the designated parking areas.
Annual St. Louis Greek Festival
Spend Labor Day feasting on delicious Greek food. This annual festival has tempted guests with scrumptious traditional Mediterranean dishes since 1984. Sample favorites such as baklava, spanakopita, and moussaka at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis. Experience live music, tours, and folk dancing performances.
Big Muddy Blues Festival
The local blues jamboree is one of the largest and longest-running annual events of its kind. Every Labor Day weekend, the nearby city of St. Louis hosts thousands of people attending the Big Muddy Blues Festival. This popular outdoor affair provides a platform for more than 50 bands and musicians.
Celebrate the area’s rich Blues history along the cobblestone streets of the Laclede’s Landing’s riverfront district. Experience a wide range of music from Delta to Rock performed on three stages and at three indoor clubs. The National Blues Museum will also host two events.
Great American Backyard Campout
Send off summer with a family campout this September. Get back to nature at Ellisville’s popular Bluebird Park with this annual event that’s held in conjunction with the National Wildlife Federation. It’s a terrific way to spend some family time before the kids head back to school. Tent camping sites are $35 for a family of four, including dinner and breakfast. Just plan on bringing your own camping gear.
Hot Dog It’s Chili – Chili Cook-Off
Hot dog lovers can’t miss the annual Hot Dog It’s Chili – Chili Cook-Off. Another Bluebird Park event, this spicy day, takes place every October and features free kids entertainment and activities, food vendors, chili tasting, a pet costume contest, and live music.
If you’ve got a budding chef in the family, enter the cook-off. Everyone will have the chance to cast their vote for their favorite chili. Don’t forget to bring Fido along, dressed in his best costume. Your dog could go home with a win in one of several categories, including best costume, spookiest, and most original.
Donut Fest St. Louis
What’s the sweetest festival in town? The Donut Fest St. Louis, of course. If you love donuts (and who doesn’t?), join your friends and neighbors at this annual event in October. Who can gobble up this sugary treat without some coffee to wash it down? If a cup of Joe doesn’t sound good, opt for a beer or other non-alcoholic beverage. There are usually up to 10 vendors, and kids are always welcome at this event.
This list of the best annual festivals was brought to you by the folks at Crème de la Crème. You and your kiddos must attend these gala celebrations around Ellisville this year. What are some of your family’s favorite events? Drop us a line so we can add them to our directory. Other Missouri parents are looking for new ways to have fun, too.