We know Memorial Day isn't actually the official first day of summer, but it sure feels like it. Pools are opening, pork steaks are grilling and there are lots and lots of patios. Don't feel overwhelemed, though -- we've hand picked the best food-related events this weekend and for your day off on Monday.
See also: 7 Outdoor Dinners You Can't Miss This Summer
Friday (May 23):
Ribfest @ Soldiers Memorial Plaza
Memorial Weekend just has to be full of barbecue. It's the inaugural Budweiser St. Louis Ribfest. Running all weekend, the festival will showcase plenty of barbecue, beer and live music. The best part? Admission is free. Friday, from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Greek Fest @ Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
You don't have to be Greek to love all the great parts of its culture. Come out for St. Louis' biggest Greek festival and enjoy a huge menu of Greek treats, including gyros and baklava. There will also be live Greek music and traditional Greek folk dancers. You can also check out the Greek Market (a.k.a. the Agora) and get a church tour. Friday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free
Saturday (May 24):
Crawfish Boil & Festival @ Broadway Oyster Bar
There's really nothing quite like the festivals at Broadway Oyster Bar. For the annual crawfish fest, the restaurant is bringing in over 1,000 pounds of live Louisiana crawfish. Enjoy crawfish-inspired dishes as well as a boil; the regular menu will also be available. There will be live music, as always. Saturday and Sunday all day. Admission is free.
The subtitle for Schlafly's Pork Shop is "A Downtown BBQ and Garage Sale." More than 50 local residents are setting up for a one-day downtown yard sale and pig roast, with plenty of Schlafly beer. Goodwill/Mers will also be collecting donations. All you have to do to be a part of it is submit a vendor agreement here. There will be live music from Rough Shop, Trigger 5 and Dock Ellis Band. Admission is free. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Flicks & Foodies @ Gateway Arch Grounds
Here's your weekend date idea. Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and coolers and head down to the Arch to watch the Clint Eastwood classic The Outlaw Josey Wales. There will be food trucks around as well, and you can bring your own canned beer as long as it's in a cooler. The National Parks Service will also be selling water, soda, ice cream and popcorn. From 7 to 10:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Continue on for the rest of the weekend
