Show-Me State Times

Downtown St. Louis will welcome back its annual spring festival, City Social, on May 16, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is set to take place on Washington Avenue and 14th Street and promises an evening of live music, food, and drinks. This year marks the fourth installment of the free gathering which aims to unite residents and support local businesses.

Chief Downtown Officer of Greater St. Louis, Inc., Kurt Weigle, shared his insights on the event's significance, saying, “A vibrant Downtown is the heartbeat of any great city. Events like City Social bring people together, showcase local businesses, and demonstrate the extraordinary energy that Downtown St. Louis has to offer the entire region.” Weigle also emphasized the economic and communal benefits of such events, adding, “These moments of connection fuel economic growth and civic pride. We look forward to hosting another successful City Social street festival Downtown.”

The event is sponsored by Greater St. Louis, Inc. and aligns with ongoing efforts to enliven the downtown area and support local commerce. Ashley Morgan, the owner of Whip It Goods Skincare located on Washington Avenue, echoed the importance of the festival. “I started my business selling products at community festivals, so being a storefront owner on Washington Avenue feels like a full-circle moment,” she stated. “This is exactly why we chose to open Downtown — to be part of the energy, the culture, and the community events that make St. Louis special."

City Social will feature live performances by bands such as Dr. Zhivegas, The HeyDays, Shorty aka Reggie Son, and Faith Miller. Event organizers have also promised further announcements of entertainment and vendors in the upcoming weeks. Updates can be accessed through citysocialstl.com and downtownstl.org.

For media inquiries, Kristen Otto can be contacted at kristen@greaterstlinc.com.