Not totally satisfied with your weekend itinerary? Never fear, Go! is here! This regular feature highlights everything from rock shows to art openings, from delicious dishes to hidden-gem hangouts.
Friday, 9/21
Smells Like Green Spirit: If you're downtown and see someone laying sod on the asphalt near the last available meter on Chestnut Street today, do not be alarmed. This person is not on meth; he or she is merely celebrating National PARK(ing) Day. On this day, tree huggers and artists alike across the world adopt parking spots, and turn them into temporary public parks. St. Louis' official PARK(ing) area is on Chestnut between Tucker and 17th Street.
That's Amore: Forget going to the Hill today -- celebrate your love for that peninsula across the sea at the Italian Fest from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Collinsville (221 West Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois; 618-344-2884). Paul Friswold tells you all you need to know right here.
Have a Mall: It's been five years since Westfield West County (80 West County Centre, 314-288-2020) was reshaped to become a mecca for eleven-year-olds toting Coach bags. They're kicking off the anniversary celebration weekend by hosting a free fashion show and wine tasting tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 in the food court. J. Buck's will provide the wines and mall retailers, the fashion.
Saturday, 9/22
Such Great Heights: Discover the meaning of cornhole tournaments, bounce houses and many other enigmatic festival activities at CELEBRATE Richmond Heights at The Heights Community Center (8001 Dale Avenue; 314-645-1476) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This free event will feature a talent show, booths for food and businesses, contests and (later in the evening) music from That 80's Band.
Gateway Gluttony: You will never go hungry again -- at least not for the next 24 hours -- if you head to Taste of St. Louis, which runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today. Amy George fills you up with all the info here.
Rated G(rove): After you've stuffed your belly, head to the Whitaker Theater in Tower Grove Park (4256 Magnolia Avenue; 314-771-2679) for Tower Grove Movie Nights. To Kill a Mockingbird will start at dusk or around 8:30 p.m., whichever comes first. Bring a blanket, but not a wallet -- the screening is free.
Sunday, 9/23
Tour de Home: Even if you sleep in today, you can still stop by The Hyde Park Festival and House Tour. As befits the name, there will be free house tours starting at Salisbury and Blair Avenues -- not to mention musical performers, a three-on-three basketball tournament and activities for the kids from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
An Affair of the Heart: Spend the afternoon listening to beautiful music at Powell Symphony Hall (718 N. Grand Center; 314-534-1700). The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra presents Heart Songs, a program featuring Stravinsky's Petrushka, with internationally acclaimed violinist Vadim Repin at 3 p.m.; ticket prices range from $15.50 to $105.
Huge Success: James Weber already previewed it. Paul Friswold already reviewed it. But before the run of Fat Pig comes waddling to a halt at the ArtLoft Theatre (1529 Washington Avenue; 314-241-1517), you've got one chance to check out the very last performance: tonight at 7 p.m.
