ST. LOUIS, MO / August 24, 2023 – Shift Films and the Haunted Garage Podcast are back with their 3rd Annual Haunted Garage Horror Festival taking place October 5-7 at the historic Hi-Pointe Theatre, located at 1005 McCausland Avenue in St. Louis.
Tickets range from $10 Pit Stop Passes for specific events to an all-access weekend pass for $100. Find ticket details and prices at FilmFreeway or at the Hi-Pointe box office.
The event kicks off Thursday, October 5 with a horror-themed cocktail meet-and-greet with festival guests and a classic car Trunk-or-Treat event for families benefitting Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
Producers and festival creators Franki Cambeletta, Jeremy King, Travis Brown and Lily Schenck are excited to bring both local and national filmmakers together in the third year of the acclaimed Haunted Garage Horror Festival. “We are excited to work with the Hi-Pointe Theatre this year on bringing a world-class horror fest to St. Louis,” says Cambeletta. “We will be awarding Golden Piston Awards for categories such as Best Short, Best Feature Film, Best of Fest, Best Student Film, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay and the Film with Most Grit.”
In addition to the horror micro-shorts, shorts, and features, horror experts in the field will participate in “Dead Talks” over the three-day festival such as Professor Athena Aktipis, founder of Zombie Media; last year’s “Best of Fest” winners Aaron Irons and Josh Croft; and Director Patrick Rea will talk about how to get your film distributed. Dr. Coltan Scrivner, a leading expert on the psychology of horror and morbid curiosity, will also present over the weekend with more guests to be announced.
WHAT: It’s opening week for the newest attraction at St. Louis Union Station, St. Louis’ family entertainment destination. Called Selfie Express, this is an interactive train-themed selfie experience filled with photo illusions.
The new attraction is train themed to honor the historic 1894 terminal at Union Station, once the biggest and busiest in the nation with 32 tracks serving 22 railroads. Visitors should bring their phones or cameras to capture all the fun. This walk-through experience may delight, amuse or go right off the rails.
WHERE: Located indoors at St. Louis Union Station, 201 S. 18th Street. St. Louis, MO 63103, Selfie Express is on the first floor near the St. Louis Aquarium entrance. Parking is available in the south lot, entered from 18th Street at Poplar Street.
HOW: How does this work? Guests enter an old-fashioned train ticket lobby and move into the first of a series of 11 rooms filled with sets designed to create illusions in selfies and other cell phone/camera pictures.
Rooms range from a mirrored infinity view with flashing rail crossing lights to a train caboose that turns passengers into giant and small figures. Another scene transports visitors from real-life color to old-time black and white. A train dining car’s guests appear to hang flipped upside down from their seats.
Visitors can run from an oncoming train engine over a rickety trompe l’oeil painted bridge. Scenes filled with giant passenger luggage, optically fascinating clocks and even the Gateway Arch are part of the experience. Visitors can leave their shadows on the wall in one of the sets and make cute rainbow-colored shadow figures in another. Railroad fans will enjoy a room filled with model train engines and cars.
DETAILS: Admission to Selfie Express is $10. Tickets may be purchased in money-saving combinations with admission to the Aquarium, St. Louis Wheel, Carousel, Mirror Maze, Mini Golf, and the St. Louis Ropes Course for a full day of fun at Union Station’s attractions.
Selfie Express is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Welcome to St. Louis! If you’re here for the summer you might as well enjoy the humidity and find something cool to do. Living here all of my life I find that there are still things that I have never done in my own neighborhood. St. Louis and its surrounding areas offer a variety of exciting summer activities.
Things to Do in The Lou
Here are some of the best options that are always at the top of every recommendation list:
Gateway Arch: Begin your summer adventure by visiting the iconic Gateway Arch. Take a tram ride to the top for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Forest Park: Explore Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride through the park’s trails, visit the St. Louis Zoo, or rent a paddleboat on the park’s Grand Basin.
City Museum: Experience the City Museum, a unique attraction that combines an interactive art installation, playground, and architectural marvel. Climb through tunnels, slide down slides, and explore hidden passageways—it’s fun for all ages.
Missouri Botanical Garden: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, visit the Climatron tropical rainforest conservatory, and admire the stunning Japanese Garden.
Grant’s Farm: Take a trip to Grant’s Farm, a family-friendly attraction featuring animal encounters, tram rides, and a petting zoo. Don’t forget to sample the Anheuser-Busch beer brewed on-site.
The Muny: Catch a show at The Muny, an outdoor amphitheater in Forest Park. The Muny is known for its Broadway-quality productions and offers a unique open-air theater experience.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour: Learn about the brewing process and the history of Anheuser-Busch on a brewery tour. Discover the famous Budweiser Clydesdales and enjoy a complimentary tasting at the end.
St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Game: Cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Catching a baseball game is a quintessential summer activity in St. Louis, and the atmosphere at the stadium is electric.
The Magic House: If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to visit The Magic House. This interactive children’s museum offers hands-on exhibits and activities that are both educational and entertaining.
Day trip to the Ozarks: Take a day trip to the nearby Ozark Mountains, where you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. There are several scenic spots, including the Lake of the Ozarks and Elephant Rocks State Park.
These are just a few of the many fantastic summer activities you can enjoy in St. Louis and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or family-friendly attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Gateway City.
More Things to Do This Summer in St. Louis
If that’s not enough, here are 10 more ideas of things to do in the lou!
Laumeier Sculpture Park: Explore the outdoor sculpture park, featuring large-scale contemporary artworks amidst nature trails and picturesque landscapes.
St. Louis Science Center: Engage in interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and educational programs at the Science Center. It’s a great place for kids and adults alike.
Six Flags St. Louis: Enjoy a thrilling day of roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment at Six Flags St. Louis amusement park.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site: Step back in time at Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the remains of an ancient Native American city. Take a guided tour and learn about the fascinating history of the Mississippian culture.
The Delmar Loop: Explore the vibrant Delmar Loop neighborhood, known for its eclectic shops, unique boutiques, art galleries, and delicious restaurants. Catch a live music performance at The Pageant or Blueberry Hill.
Missouri History Museum: Discover the rich history of Missouri at the Missouri History Museum. Explore engaging exhibits that cover topics ranging from Lewis and Clark’s expedition to the Civil Rights movement.
Grant’s Trail: Go for a bike ride or a leisurely walk along Grant’s Trail, a 9-mile paved path that winds through scenic parks, neighborhoods, and wooded areas.
Meramec Caverns: Venture into the depths of Meramec Caverns, a fascinating underground cave system located near St. Louis. Take a guided tour to see stunning rock formations and learn about the cave’s history.
The Butterfly House: Visit the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House in Chesterfield. Walk through a tropical conservatory filled with beautiful butterflies and learn about their life cycle and conservation efforts.
Katy Trail State Park: Embark on a biking or hiking adventure along the Katy Trail, a 240-mile long trail that follows the path of the Missouri River. Enjoy scenic views, historic landmarks, and charming small towns along the way.
These additional ideas should provide you with a diverse range of options to enjoy during your summer in St. Louis. Any questions, post a comment or message me on social media and I can provide even more recommendations based on budget or interest!
St. Louis — City Museum has Valentine’s celebrations ready for families and sweethearts. Bring the kids or bring your boo on a City Museum date for amazing photo ops in the Tunnel of Love and many other heart-related activities, free with admission. Valentine’s activities take place from February 1 through February 19.
The historic cabin inside City Museum is transformed into Cupid’s Cuddle Cabin for the celebrations. Valentine décor, themed cocktails, and a love songs playlist are just some of the cabin’s highlights. The Tunnel of Love light exhibit will brighten up the Vault during the entire month of February. Don’t miss the live Elvis show and an extravagant Gal-entine’s Day.
Fierce and fun love month activities include:
February 3-5 and Friday, February 10:
Valentine craft in Art City from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cupid’s Cuddle Cabin with specialty cocktails
Tunnel of Love light exhibit in the Vault
Saturday, February 11:
Valentine craft in Art City from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pinatas in the Vault Room (kids only) from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cupid’s Cuddle Cabin with specialty cocktails
Tunnel of Love light exhibit in the Vault from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Special 21+ Event: Live Elvis Presley Show from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Separate ticket required; all day entrance to the museum included.)
Sunday, February 12:
Valentine craft in Art City from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pinatas in the Vault Room (kids only) from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cupid’s Cuddle Cabin with specialty cocktails
Tunnel of Love light exhibit in Vault from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Special 21+ Event: Galentine’s Day in the Vault Room from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Smooth jazz, waffle bar, mimosas, heart pinatas for smashing, Valentine box-making contest and Valentine exchange, Bestie Photo Booth. (Separate ticket required; all day entrance to the museum included.)
DETAILS
Admission to City Museum is $20. Children under 2 are free. Special rates are available for groups of 12 or more. City Museum is located at 750 N. 16th St., St. Louis, MO 63103. The attraction is open Thursdays through Sundays and select holidays. www.citymuseum.org; 314-231-2489; @citymuseum on social media.
