Friday (Dec. 21):
Outlook Not So Good Party @ The Fortune Teller Bar Go out in style while sipping on specially prepared doomsday cocktails and full-flavored gravity pours of 4 Hands Brewing Company's Cast Iron Oatmeal Brown, with extra cocoa nibs added straight to the cask. Come dressed up any way you like, and visit with an in-house fortune teller to see what's really in store. Admission is free.
Holiday Event @ Gentleman's Emporium Partake in complimentary beer, bourbon, bacon and gift wrapping while shopping through a carefully curated selection of handmade and locally sourced goods. Vendors include Devil City Genuine Borneo Spicy Black Pepper Sauce, Apop Records, Miss Ohio Vintage and more. Consider donating $3 or five non-perishable food items at the door to benefit Operation Food Search. 5 to 11 p.m.
Third Friday Free Party @ Third Degree Glass Factory Warm up with adult coffee or hot chocolate, order small plates from Chef Heidi such as penne carbonara and chicken spedini, and partake in all the usual fun and games. Entertainment includes an ugly Christmas sweater contest, live glass blowing, a trunk show and sale, and more. Admission is free. 6 to 10 p.m.
Around the World Wine Dinner @ Missouri Botanical Garden Enjoy a four course dinner of English holiday fare paired with favorite wines from around the world. Components include curried potato kale soup, almond-crusted perch, plum pudding and more. $58 per person. Call 314-577-0200 for reservations. 6:30 p.m.
Mayan Apocalypse Party @ Atomic Cowboy Celebrate the so-called end of the world in style with the Zombie Squad and plenty of games, music and drinks to go around. Tickets cost $10, with proceeds to benefit Operation Homefront Missouri. 8 p.m.
Saturday (Dec. 22):
Holiday Fair and Winter Farmers' Market @ Schlafly Bottleworks Score groceries and gifts just in time for the holidays. Choose from local farm fresh eggs, mushrooms, bread loaves and chocolate, and shop special craft and artisan vendor booths. Admission is free. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sugar Plum Fairy Tea @ Kitchen Conservatory Sip a variety of teas while observing a demo of almond-custard brioche with apple jam, fresh mozzerella and Caeser salad cups, chocolate candied cranberry tarts and more. $45 per person. Register online via the Kitchen Conservatory website. 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday (Dec. 23):
Christmas Eve Eve Brunch @ Black Bear Bakery Enjoy live music by Sadie Hawkins Day along with a vegeterian and vegan brunch spread brimming with fresh bread and baked goods. $10-20. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sloup @ The Upcycle Exchange This month's soup slurping arts get-together takes place on South Grand. $10 pays for a bowl of soup and homemade kombucha made by William Pauley of Blood & Sand, as well as a chance to vote on a collection of proposals from local artists who are all after the pot. 5 to 7 p.m.
Winter Solstice Sunday Supper @ Claverach Farm & Vineyard Chefs at Claverach prepare a multi-course, family-style meal out of goods grown in their own backyard. Call 636-938-7353 for reservations. The meal costs $60 per guest and includes a wine aperitif accompanied by hors d'oeuvres at 5 p.m.
