5 Things to Do in St. Louis This Weekend | May 1 to 4

Explorers of all ages will find something of interest on our list of 5 things to do in St. Louis this weekend, which includes Cinco de Mayo celebrations, world-renowned Irish dancing, Chinese cultural performances, road trip photography and the highly anticipated reopening of the Old Courthouse.

If you’re looking for more activities to fill your itinerary, check out our events calendar.

Riverdance: The New Generation

May 2 to 4

Part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, Riverdance will jig across the stage of The Fabulous Fox. Since Riverdance emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions. With Grammy Award-winning music, mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances full of infectious energy, Riverdance leaves audiences in awe. Its upcoming tour will feature a rejuvenated show with innovative choreography, brilliant costumes, state-of-the-art lighting and a new generation of performers who weren’t born when Riverdance began 30 years ago.

In Search of America: Photography and the Road Trip

May 2 to November 2

Intertwined since the very beginning, the camera and the car revolutionized modern life in America. This photography exhibition at the Saint Louis Art Museum displays artistic work shaped primarily by car travel in the 20th century, exploring how the automobile and the road mediated what the photographers discovered. Themes include Depression-era documentary work, roadside culture, utopian impulses of escape and fascination with the desert Southwest. Significant figures include Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Edward Weston, Robert Frank and Lee Friedlander. Vernacular photographs as well as books will also be on view, and the exhibition will include a significant display of work by Emil Otto Hoppé, whose 1926 travels generated the first comprehensive survey of the American landscape.

Old Courthouse Grand Reopening

May 3

One of the most important historic sites in the U.S., the Old Courthouse reopens this Saturday after a two-year, multimillion-dollar renovation focused on increased accessibility, structural improvements and new exhibitory. The reimagined galleries allow visitors to dive deeper into stories of the past, and upcoming exhibits will spotlight the building’s architecture, craftsmanship and artistry; explain the importance of courts in our society; and explore the legacy of enslaved individuals seeking freedom in St. Louis. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the grand reopening will include historical reflections and live music. You can also join a fountain-side chat with Lynne Jackson, the great-great-granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott, at 11:45 a.m.; Cbabi Bayoc, an internationally recognized visual artist, at 12:30 p.m.; and Jenifer Lewis, an award-winning actress and a St. Louis native, at 1:30 p.m. If you don’t make it to the grand reopening, find another time to visit the Old Courthouse and stand where history happened.

Cinco de Mayo Festival

May 3

Over the years, the Cinco de Mayo Festival on Cherokee Street has evolved into one of the largest and most diverse festivals in the St. Louis region, bringing together more than 30,000 attendees to celebrate the rich, multicultural, spirited and eclectic community living in and around the area. Expect six blocks of festivities, including two stages and a lucha libre wrestling ring!

Chinese Culture Days

May 3 and 4

Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring Chinese cultural performances, music, art and history while enjoying authentic cuisine. Since 1996, the Missouri Botanical Garden has collaborated with the Chinese Culture Education and Services Foundation to produce an event to celebrate Chinese culture. New this year, you can enjoy the Changchun Acrobatic Troupe, a nine-person group that presents a wide array of performances, including Chinese yo-yo, jar spinning, ground hoop and face changing (a traditional Sichuan opera performance art).

While you’re out and about in the area, make sure to share your photos with us using #ExploreStLouis, and you could be featured on our social pages.