...you aren't living in the St. Louis area. This is one of those weekends when the choices are almost too many, forcing people to pick and choose among terrific events. People in this area turn out in huge numbers for these affairs so be prepared to leave early and encounter some jams.
Here is a one stop check list:
Scott Air Force Base-Air Show on Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 and admission is free. Besides the performances in the air there will be on the ground demonstrations and displays.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race-Friday and Saturday. The coolest thing ever. Free. The Balloon Glow will begin on Friday night at 7 and run until 8:30. The actual race will lift off Saturday afternoon. Tens of thousands of people come to the park for this event so plan for traffic, get there early, plan to do some walking. You can take Metro Link to Barnes and walk over.
Collinsville Italian Fest-Friday and Saturday 11 to 10. Food, music, parade on Saturday at 4, things for kids. Approximately 150,000 people attend each year so if you want a closer look at the vendor offerings I'd suggest you get there in the afternoon or late afternoon. Parking will be tough but there are shuttles.
Strassenfest-Friday 5-11, Saturday noon to 11 and Sunday noon to 6 in St. Charles. The German cousin of the Italian Fest featuring German food, music and activities.
Cubs at Cardinals-Friday through Sunday. Tickets sold out.
Grove Fest-Saturday 4 to 10. Music, break dancing on roller skates, food. Manchester Road between Sarah and Boyle.
Antiques Show-Queeny Park Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-5.
HOP in the City-Schlafly Tap Room noon to 5 Saturday. 40 beer styles to sample plus food. Tickets $30 dollars purchased online ahead of time, $35 the day of the event.
Apple picking-Eckert's Orchards. Belleville, Millstadt and Grafton.
Staying home?
You won't be able to watch the Missouri Tigers for the second week in a row, their game will not be televised locally unless you want to pay a $30 dollar pay for view fee. Meanwhile 6 other Big 12 teams will have their games televised in St. Louis along with umpteen Big Ten games. It's simply appalling. End of rant.
Just want to sit and read? Dan Brown's new book is out. The author of the beyond popular Da Vinci Code now offers The Lost Symbol which features some Washington DC sites this time.