The Delmar Maker District is gearing up for its second annual Delish on Delmar festival: a lively celebration of food, art and community resilience taking place Friday, Oct. 17, from 5 to 10 p.m.
What began as a showcase for the district’s growing culinary and creative scene now carries special meaning. Earlier this year, an EF3 tornado tore through the area, leaving behind significant damage. This fall’s festival stands as a symbol of the neighborhood’s recovery and determination to rebuild stronger than ever.
“Delish on Delmar is more than just a fun night out – it’s a celebration of what’s possible when we’re all in for St. Louis,” said Maxine Clark, founder of Delmar DivINe and Build-A-Bear Workshop, and board member of Delmar Main Street. “It’s an introduction to the economic expansion happening in the new Delmar Maker District and a way for everyone to see the positive changes that have been made since the storm.”
Stretching along Delmar Boulevard between Union and Kingshighway boulevards, the block party-style event will feature dishes and drinks from some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants and eateries, including Nixta, Esca, Florentin, Deli Divine, AO&Co, Fountain on Delmar, Steve’s Hot Dogs, Too Much Sauce, and Cellar Cigar Lounge. Food trucks such as Guys with the Fries, Honey Bee Tea, and Crooked Boot will also join the mix.
Live music will fill the street from 5 to 9:30 p.m., with performances by Anita Jackson from 5-6 p.m., Groove Junkies from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and the Fabulous Motown Revue from 8-9:30 p.m. The festival will also host a Makers Market highlighting local vendors and artists, coinciding with Third Degree Glass Factory’s Third Friday 23rd anniversary celebration, honoring one of the district’s original anchors.
Delmar Boulevard will be closed between Academy and Lake avenues for the event. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to register for updates at delishondelmar.com.
Major sponsors include Ameren, U.S. Bank, WashU, Edward Jones, Gershman Investment Corp, Advantage Capital, St. Louis Community Credit Union, Clark-Fox Family Foundation, Clayco, and CI Select, with partners such as Delmar DivINe, Delmar Main Street, Delmar Maker District, and Third Degree Glass.