Grove Fest returns for 13th annual free street festival on Oct. 6

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The 13th annual Grove Fest is takin’ it to the streets from 2 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, when about 20,000 people are expected to fill Manchester Avenue between Sarah Street and Arco Avenue.

The eclectic event aims to showcase not only the best of The Grove, but also some exceptional businesses and organizations throughout the greater St. Louis area.

“The Grove is really about local business, local entertainment and local attractions, so the event is very St. Louis because it brings so much of St. Louis to such a concentrated area,” said Ashley Johnson, director of special taxing districts for Park Central Development.

Plenty of food and drink for purchase will be on offer from purveyors like Urban Chestnut Brewing Co., Layla, Parlor, Rise Coffee, Sauce on the Side, Firecracker Pizza & Beer, Tropical Liqueurs and more.

“There’s a wide array of different types of food,” Johnson said. “From comfort food to Mediterranean, you name it, it’s here. We also have informational booths like Planned Parenthood, Pride [St. Louis] and the Better Together group that promotes St. Louis city and county working together.”

Other entertainment includes street performers like hula hoopers, a fashion show, arts and crafts for purchase, a kids’ zone with a bounce house, bubble machine and more, along with a large paint-by-the-numbers outdoor mural.

“These murals have never been vandalized because the community respects the fact that they helped create it,” Johnson said.

Attendees can also groove to live music from artists like Aaron Carter, Mvstermind, Hounds, Boomtown United and more.

“This event markets The Grove and the district, but we also want to celebrate St. Louis and its local businesses and the uniqueness of the city as a whole,” Johnson said.

Lauren Healey is associate editor at Sauce Magazine.