Places to Go, Things to Do

Lots of early October things, then Halloween

Early this month there will be a flurry of activities and events for you and your families' enjoyment. And, then toward the end of the month, Halloween will give you plenty of other Places to Go; Things to Do.

The Magic House has its 30th anniversary celebration on Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16-18. For those who want to check out this kids' hotspot, this is a good opportunity because admission is free all weekend.

Another event of special note is the first campout at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers in extreme northeast St. Louis County. (Check the full story on this issue's home page.)

(Each Month, YSL.com looks at lots of event calendars and picks activities and events we think you and your families might like to attend. Always, our suggestions emphasize things that are free or have low admission charges.)

Magic House 30th Anniversary

The Magic House will celebrate its 30 years in business entertaining kids and their families. The Celebrate 30 Years weekend will be Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16-18.

With generous support of Target Stores, the Magic House will be offering free admission the whole weekend. This is a special opportunity for families that want to check out the Magic House programs for the first time without paying an admission fee.

In addition to regular attractions, there will be birthday cupcakes and ice cream.

For directions and information, call (314) 822-8000 or visit www.magichouse.org.

A website for Halloween events

A host of neat Halloween "haunted houses" and other attractions have grown up in the St. Louis area in recent years. There's a comprehensive list of the St. Louis venues on an internet website.

For information, check www.scarefest.com.

There is detailed information on the various sites, including location, hours of operation and something of the program for each. You get to check those near you before you go out to attend.

St. Louis Route 66 Festival

Music fans will get some special entertainment during the Route 66 Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River.

The hours of the festival are 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Among the musical groups playing are Gene Dobbs Bradford and the Blues Inquisition, The Second Half, Trip Daddy's and Kim Massie.

At intermissions between acts, there will be seasonal "horror stories." One of the storytellers is Barnes Bradshaw of the Missouri History Museum at 2:30 p.m.

In addition, there will be a display of vintage autos, including a "drive-off" parade at 4:30 p.m.

For information, call either (314) 436-1324 Ext. 108 or (314) 416-9930 Ext. 111.

Or you can visit www.confluencegreenway.org/route66festival.php.

Big Read Festival

The 4th annual Big Read Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 10, on the campus of Clayton High School. The hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free.

There will be an interactive area for kids. Festival activities include appearances by publishers, book sellers and authors along with workshops and demonstrations.

This is one of the largest festivals devoted to reading, with lots for kids.

For information, call (314) 863-0278 or visit www.bigread.net.

Black Powder Shoot/Reenactment

St. Louis County is offering a unique historical event on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4, at Sioux Passage Park: The Black Powder Shoot and Historical Reenactment.

The hours on Saturday are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You take a hay-wagon ride through a "mountain man" encampment. There are re-enactors in period dress, black powder shooting, archery, knife and hawk throwing contests and artisans with things for sale.

You can call for directions and information at (314) 615-8840. Cost $2 per car.

Queeny Park Ice Skating Lessons

Public ice skating sessions will start at Queeny Park Saturday, Oct. 10, and continue through Feb. 26, 2010.

The rink at Queeny also offers lessons in speed skating, ice aerobics and a skate camp. The skate camp is Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 26-30.

For information and schedules, call (314) 615-8472 or (314) 615-7568.

Loop in Motion Festival

The Loop in Motion Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, in University City's loop area. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This all-day festival will have arts, crafts, kids' area, food, music and entertainment.

For information call (314) 727-8000 or visit http://visittheloop.com/.

Taste of St. Louis

The three-day Taste of St. Louis will be Friday through Sunday, Oct. 2-4, at the Soldier's Memorial at 12th and Market in downtown St. Louis. Admission is free.

The event has foods from 40 restaurants, an "Iron Chef" competition, artists' village and a kids' zone. Works of local and national artists will be shown.

For information, call (314) 306-1162 or visit www.tastestl.com.

Ottertoberfest

The St. Louis Zoo will have Ottertoberfest for two weekends in October. The events will be Oct. 3-4 and Oct. 10-11 with hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Admission is free.

This is an Octoberfest for families with an otter theme. There are otter-related activities for kids.

For information, call (314) 781-0900 or visit www.stlzoo.org.

Mo History Twilight Tuesday Concert

The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park will hold another of its Twilight Tuesday concerts on Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The music is provided by Boggie Chyld. Admission is free.

Make-and-take activities for kids start at 6 p.m.

For information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Waves of Grass Prairie Hike

Here's a chance to take a hike and learn something about the outdoors.

The Green Center will sponsor a Waves of Grass Prairie Hike on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery.

Hikers will be looking for animal activity as well as practicing ecological restoration techniques, such as collection and preparing native seeds.

For information as well as pre-registration, call (314) 725-8314.