Music has been a part of St. Louis Labor Day traditions from the bands at the union parade, to the Osuwa Taiko drummers at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Japanese Festival to the Big Muddy Blues Festival. But, except for the parade (starting at 9 a.m., Olive Street to Tucker Boulevard, to Market Street to 15th Street), these aren’t free.
A couple of weekend festivals have no admission charge — but do have plenty of ways to spend money on food and drink.
The 98th annual St. Louis Greek Festival will take place at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The map may say Forest Park Avenue at Kingshighway, but for festival purposes this area is now “Athens on the Street.” Greek food, beverages and music will be available from 5-9 p.m. Sept. 4, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sept. 5 and 6, and 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Sept. 7.
A drive out west on Saturday Sept. 5 will get you to the Stone Hill Winery Harvest Festival at Hermann, Mo. Music starts at 1 p.m. with the Shiloh Country Band. The event includes pumpkin painting and grape stomping.
The regular list follows.