The Missouri Historical Society is launching a new annual tradition this winter, inviting St. Louisans to celebrate the city’s founding with a three-day St. Louis Birthday Bash at the Missouri History Museum.
Running Feb. 13-15, the inaugural event blends history with hands-on fun, featuring talks, storytelling, live music, trivia, crafts and vintage yard games throughout the museum. Each day will culminate in a communal “Biggest Birthday Bash Sing-Along,” scheduled for 11:25 a.m. Saturday and 2:25 p.m. Sunday, with appearances by local celebrity guests.
The celebration formally stakes a claim on Feb. 14 as St. Louis’ birthday, while also framing the city’s history as something still unfolding, according to Missouri Historical Society President and CEO Jody Sowell. “This is about celebrating St. Louis as a living story,” Sowell said. “Our history shapes who we are now and how we imagine the future.”
That forward-looking lens comes as the region approaches several high-profile milestones, including the nation’s 250th anniversary, the centennial of Route 66, and the 100th birthdays of music legends Miles Davis and Chuck Berry. Organizers see the Birthday Bash as a way to reconnect local audiences with the city’s national and global influence, past and present.
Mayor Cara Spencer echoed that sentiment, calling the weekend an open invitation to residents old and new. “St. Louis’ history isn’t something we simply remember,” she said. “It’s something we continue to build every day.”
The festivities kick off Friday night with the Great Big T-Rav Remix, a ticketed, 21-and-older event honoring one of the city’s most iconic foods: toasted ravioli. Local chefs will serve their own takes on the dish, including Stephanie Arnzen of Knead Bakehouse + Provisions, Andrew Cisneros of Brasas, Adjo Honsou of FUFU n’ Sauce, Haley Riley of Salt + Smoke, Michael Risk of O + O Pizza, Josh Smith of Neon Greens and Nick Bognar of Indo and Sado. Tickets are $45 in advance and include tastings from each chef, plus one beer or wine, along with music from DJ Lamar Harris and history-themed programming.
Board Chair Peter Kastor called the event a fitting culinary kickoff. “Toasted ravioli is as synonymous with St. Louis as the Arch,” he said, encouraging guests to secure tickets early.
Saturday and Sunday programming is free and open to all ages, with food available for purchase from Salt + Smoke and Amighetti’s, plus desserts from Hank’s Cheesecakes. Highlights include live performances by Red & Black Brass Band, the Dennis Stroughmatt Trio and Barrelhouse Sinners, bilingual storytelling, pop-up trivia, film screenings and presentations exploring everything from local music history to the 1904 World’s Fair.
Hourly “I Am STL” pop-up talks will run throughout the weekend, tying the celebration to the Missouri Historical Society’s ongoing I Am St. Louis initiative, launched in 2025 to collect and share personal stories from across the region through exhibitions and community programs.
“We want this weekend to bring people together across neighborhoods and generations,” Sowell said. “It’s about shared history and shared pride.”Tickets for the Great Big T-Rav Remix are on sale now. All other St. Louis Birthday Bash activities are free. More information is available at mohistory.org/museum.