The arrival of autumn signals cooler temperatures, colorful leaves and a brand new arts season. This year is no different, though judging from our 2018 Fall Arts & Eats Guide, there’s even more performance and entertainment opportunities for every taste and interest. Don’t believe us? Well, then, read on . . . 

Labor Day weekend

The 23^rd Annual Big Muddy Blues Festival takes place in historic LACLEDE’S LANDING, celebrating the rich St. Louis history of “the Blues.” More than 50 acts, all homegrown, will perform Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, with a free Friday night show, featuring Big George Brock and Barbara Carr, kicking off the festivities. Performers throughout the weekend include Marquise Knox, Kim Massie, Marcell Strong, Renee Smith, Al Holliday and the East Side Rhythm Band, Papa Ray and the Soul Selectors, Soulard Blues Band and Ptah Williams, among others. Tickets are $15 for one day and $25 for both. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.bigmuddybluesfestival.com.

The annual art fair at QUEENY PARK from Aug. 31-Sept. 2 features more than 130 artists from 20 states showing works in various media including painting, sculpture and jewelry making. In addition to the fair held at Greensfelder Recreation Complex, the event includes children’s activities and wine tastings. Admission is $5. For hours and more information, go to artfairatqueenypark.com.

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band visit the newly named STIFEL THEATRE (formerly Peabody Opera House) at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1. Tickets range from $36.50 to $126.50 and are available at the Stifel box office, by phone at 800-745-3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com.

Celebrating the history, culture and people of Japan, the Japanese Festival at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDENS is one of the largest and oldest festivals of its kind in the United States. It offers Japanese-influenced art, dance, food and entertainment for thousands of visitors each year and takes place from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 1-2 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 3. Admission ranges from $7 to $15. Find out more at www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.

September 

The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical masterpiece “Evita” kicks off the Main Stage season at the REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS, Sept. 5-30. Based on the incredible true story, Eva (Evita) Peron, starts out life as a poor girl who goes on to become an actress and then the wife of the president of Argentina, Juan Peron. The musical interweaves love and politics, and features the iconic anthem, “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” Evening and matinee performances are at the Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves. For ticket prices, call 314-968-4925 or go to repstl.org.

THE BLACK REP opens its season with Regina Taylor’s “Crowns,” which uses hats as a springboard for an exploration of black history and identity as seen through the eyes of a young black woman who has come down South to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed in Brooklyn. The show runs Sept. 5-23, with evening and matinee performances at Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For ticket prices and performance times, call 314-534-3810 or go to www.theblackrep.org. 

Grammy-award winner Ed Sheeran will perform at BUSCH STADIUM at 7 p.m. Sept. 6, with special guests Snow Patrol and Anne-Marie. The show marks Sheeran’s first concert in St. Louis since 2015 and the fourth stop on his 2018 North American stadium tour. Tickets, ranging in price from $39.50 to $119.50, are available at www.cardinals.com/edsheeran.

The ST. LOUIS ART FAIR brings more than 200 nationally renowned artists to downtown Clayton Sept. 7-9 for the annual free exhibition of juried fine art and crafts. (For a list of artists, see www.saintlouisartfair.com) Also expect live performances, activities for children and booths staffed by top local chefs. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Ringo Starr and his All-Star Band – including Colin Hay of Men At Work (“Who Can It be Now,” “Land Down Under”), Steve Lukather of Toto (“Africa,” “Hold The Line,” “Roseanna”), Gregg Rolie of Santana (“Black Magic Woman,” “Evil Ways”) and Graham Gouldman of 10cc (“I’m Not In Love,” “Things We Do For Love”) bring their notable brand of classic rock to the FOX THEATRE Sept. 7. Tickets are available through MetroTix, and range from $40 to $195. Call 314-534-1111 or see www.fabulousfox.com. 

Oh, what a beautiful musical! The award-winning “Oklahoma,” by Rodgers and Hammerstein, runs Sept. 7 through Oct. 7 at STAGES ST. LOUIS.  Featuring such iconic classics as “People Will Say We’re In Love,” “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top,” “I Cain’t Say No,” and the pulsating title tune, “Oklahoma!” the show tells the story of two pairs of lovers set just before Oklahoma became a state. Matinee and evening performances are at the Robert G. Reim Theatre, 111 S. Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For ticket prices, see www.stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

“Basquiat Before Basquiat: East 12th Street, 1979–1980” at the CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUMincludes the entire cache of works made by Jean-Michel Basquiat during the year he lived in a small apartment in the East Village. The art and archival material provides rare insight into the artist’s life before he achieved fame in the early 1980s. The exhibit runs from Sept. 7 to Dec. 30, and features a conversation with the artist at 11 a.m. Sept. 8. For more information, go to www.camstl.org.

The Temptations and The Four Tops join forces for an evening of music that will celebrate over 50 years of Motown classics at 8 p.m. Sept. 8 at the J. SCHEIDEGGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS on the Lindenwood University campus in St. Charles. Some of their combined hits include: “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself,” “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch,” “My Girl” and “The Way You Do The Things You Do.” Tickets cost $49.50-$89.50. Call 636-949-4433 or see www.lindenwood.edu/j-scheidegger- center-for-the- arts. 

Touring behind their fifth and latest album, “All Ashore,” the Punch Brothers will bring their cutting-edge bluegrass to the TOUHILL CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS on the campus of University of Missouri-St. Louis. The show is at 8 p.m. Sept. 8 with special guest Madison Cunningham. Tickets range from $37 to $79. Call 314-516-4949 or see www.touhill.org.

LOUFEST returns to Forest Park Sept. 8-9 with a line-up that includes Robert Plant, Modest Mouse, the Head and the Heart, Margo Price, Michael McDonald, Gary Clark Jr., Kacey Musgraves, Anderson East and much more. The two-day festival offers plenty of food and drink options in addition to several stages of live music. General admission tickets are $60 a day; $95 for both days, with VIP options starting at $200. For tickets and more information, go to www.loufest.com.

The legendary Chick Corea and his band come to JAZZ AT THE BISTRO in Grand Center Sept. 11-12 for a total of four shows (7:30 and 9:30 p.m. each night) with tickets starting at $75. To purchase them and for more information, go to www.jazzstl.org.

The ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY will present a free concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 12 in Forest Park and then, two days later, give Hogwarts fans a treat when the orchestra performs “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” over the Sept. 14-16 weekend. So grab a broom and enjoy some sweeping symphonic music at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd.  For ticket prices and information on the full season, go to www.slso.org or call 314-534-1700. 

Maroon 5 brings their “Red Pill Blues Tour” to the ENTERPRISE CENTER (formerly Scottrade) at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13. Tickets start at $45.50 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.

The 46th annual BALLOON GLOW starts at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 on Art Hill in Forest Park, ending with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. The GREAT FOREST PARK BALLOON RACE takes place at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 15, with festive events for all ages, including inflatables for the kids, various dance performances and skydivers, starting at noon. Both events are free. If it rains Saturday, the race will be held on Sunday. For details, see www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com.

Expect the Brothers Lazaroff to bring a wide range of inspirations — from Americana to psych-rock to jazz to world music, and everything in between — when they perform with their band at JAZZ AT THE BISTRO Sept. 14-15. Joining them will be renowed pianist Peter Martin. Tickets are $26.50 and can be ordered at www.jazzstl.org.

Jazz, blues and plenty of food and drink – that’s the 2018 OLD WEBSTER JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 15 in downtown Webster Groves. More than a dozen musical groups, including Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers and Marquise Knox and Barbara Carr, will perform on two stages at this annual free event. Plenty of food and drink will be available for purchase but remember to bring your own chair. See www.oldwebsterjazzfest.com.

Experience a fusion of hip-hop, breakdancing, contemporary dance and contortion when renowned choreographers RubberLegz and James Gregg and seasoned dancers join forces to create Wewolf, a company focused on creating and working on different projects that brings their methods of dance and visual arts together. Presented by DANCE ST. LOUIS, the company will perform “Henry and Edward” at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square.  Tickets available through MetroTix at 314-534-111 or see dancestlouis.org.

Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” tour comes to the DOME AT AMERICA’S CENTER at 7 p.m. Sept. 18, with Camila Cabello and Charli XCX opening. It comes on the heels of her sixth studio album by the same name, which debuted at the top of the charts and sold 1.2 million copies its first week. Tickets, at www.ticketmaster.com, start at $46.50, but be prepared to pay hundreds if you actually want to get close to the action.

“Love Never Dies,” Andrew Lloyd Weber’s sequel to “Phantom of the Opera” comes to the FOX THEATRE Sept. 18-30. Set 10 years later, The Phantom is now in New York where he lives amongst the joy rides and freak shows on Coney Island.  Still yearning for his one true love and musical protégée Christine Daae, he lures her, Raoul and their son Gustave to the Island, setting up a thrilling rollercoaster ride of intrigue, obsession and romance. Tickets are available through MetroTix, and range from $35 to $99. Call 314-534-1111 or see www.fabulousfox.com. 

If you’re a fan of crime and police dramas, the MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM in Forest Park has something even better. Its new exhibit, “Captured and Exposed: The First Police Rogues’ Gallery in America,” by Shayne Davidson, features rare portraits, taken between 1857 and 1867 that were displayed at the time at St. Louis area police stations. The exhibit begins Sept. 22 and runs through March 10. The images and the stories behind these images provide a singular glimpse of life and crime in mid-19th century St. Louis. For more information, see www.mohistory.org or call 314-746-4599. 

Resident Conductor Gemma New leads Opening Weekend Sept. 22-23 at the ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY with the musical puzzle, Elgar’s “Enigma Variations,” and Grieg’s Piano Concerto featuring pianist Behzod Abduraimov in his SLSO debut. Attendees are invited to the Wightman Grand Foyer at intermission for a champagne toast to the new season. For ticket single prices and information on the full season, go to www.slso.org or call 314-534-1700. 

Leave it to NEW LINE THEATRE to find Gilbert & Sullivan’s long-lost draft of “The Zombies of Penzance” and then stage it Sept. 27-Oct. 20 at the MARCELLE THEATRE, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive in Grand Center. According to New Line, “Gilbert and Sullivan finished work on ‘The Zombies of Penzance’ in early 1879, but their producer refused to produce it, calling it vulgar and impolitic and in one letter, “an operatic abomination.” Sounds enticing, huh? Tickets, available through MetroTix, cost $20-$30. Call 314-534-1111 or see www.newlinetheatre.com.

The St. Louis Actor’s Studio presents Lillian Hellman’s “The Little Foxes,” Sept. 28-Oct. 14 at THE GASLIGHT THEATER, 358 N. Boyle Ave. Set in a small town in Alabama in 1900, it focuses on the struggle for control of a family business. Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com

October 

NEW JEWISH THEATRE will get its 22nd season off to a hot start on Oct. 4 with “Raging Skillet, the Play,” an adaptation of a book by Chef Rossi, the first lesbian, punk-rock, Jewish caterer in New York. The play lets you see Rossi’s mother discover the wonders of the microwave; as a result, the home-cooked meals disappear. Rossi rebels against her Orthodox parents and chauvinism in the kitchen and ends up becoming the city’s top punk-rock caterer. For performance dates and ticket prices, call 314-442-3283 or visit www.newjewishtheatre.org. 

The ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS will pay tribute on Oct. 7 to THE MUNY’s 100-year-run with a show featuring songs from the outdoor venue’s first quarter-century. The show at Powell Symphony Hall will include selections from “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Girl Crazy,” “Show Boat,” and “The Pirates of Penzance.” For ticket prices and information, go to www.slso.org or call 314-534-1700. 

See The Illusionists before they disappear from St. Louis, from Oct. 5-7 at FOX THEATRE at 527 North Grand Blvd. Described as “five of the most incredible illusionists on earth,” the show draws from legends such as Harry Houdini but uses modern set and costume designs. Evening and matinee performances; tickets range from $29 to $95. To order, visit www.fabulousfox.com or call 314-534-1111. 

It’s been 20 years since Lauryn Hill shook up the hip-hop and R&B genres with the debut of her first solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” The rapper and singer is touring in honor of the anniversary and will be joined by fellow hip-hop luminary Nas, among others, on Oct. 5 at CHAIFETZ ARENA, 1 South Compton Ave. Tickets range from $49.50 to $199.50. To order call 314-977-5000 or see www.thechaifetzarena.com.

The “Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience” brings the world of Westeros to the ENTERPRISE CENTER Oct. 5. Fans will have the opportunity to watch in wonder as composer Ramin Djawadi leads an orchestra and choir performing music from all seven seasons of the iconic, Emmy Award-winning HBO series. Tickets are $36.50 to $96.50 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

The Goo Goo Dolls are celebrating the 20^th anniversary of their hit album “Dizzying Up the Girl,” with a show at 8 p.m. show at THE PAGEANT, 6161 Delmar Blvd., Oct. 5. Songs from the album included “Slide,” “Dizzy,” “Broadway,” and “Black Balloon,” which was also nominated for a Grammy. General admission tickets for the 8 p.m. show are still available and range from $49.50 to $59.50 at www.ticketmaster.com.

The SHAW ART FAIR returns Oct. 6-7 to the 4100 and 4200 blocks of Flora Avenue. About 135 artists from around the country will display their work in a professionally juried event. Admission is $7 for adults and free for children 14 and under. Bring a non-perishable food item for Isaiah 58 Ministries and receive $1 off.  For details, visit http://bit.ly/Shaw-Art-Fair.  

Make sure to check out the BEST OF MISSOURI MARKET at the Missouri Botanical Gardens that same weekend (and Friday night). See www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.

Come listen to “España” performed by the CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF ST. LOUIS on Oct. 8-9. The show will feature music of the Iberian peninsula including pieces from Falla, Albeñiz and Granados, among others. The concerts take place at 7:30 p.m. in the ballroom at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more info and tickets, visit www.Chambermusicstl.org or call 314-941-6309.

More than 130 years after the play “A Doll’s House” premiered, “A Doll’s House 2” will make its local debut at the REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS. The sequel picks up where the original left off and is described by The New York Times as “smart, funny and utterly engrossing.” Evening and matinee performances from Oct. 10- Nov. 4 at the Loretto-Hilton Center in Webster Groves. For ticket prices, call 314-968-4925 or go to www.repstl.org.

“The Tempest” crashes into ST. LOUIS SHAKESPEARE on Oct. 12. The classic play tells the story of the exiled Duke of Milan and his daughter who are stuck on an island. The Duke uses his magical powers to try and change his fate. Performances take place at THE IVORY THEATRE, 7620 Michigan Ave. Tickets cost $15 (for students and educators) to $20. For tickets or info on evening and matinee performances, see www.stlshakespeare.org or call 314-361-5664.

Presented in collaboration between the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and the Jewish Community Center, SABABA — Hebrew slang for cool — is a new outdoor festival showcasing Jewish culture. The free, family-friendly festival, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, features local, regional and national visual art exhibitors, culinary experiences and musical performances. For more information, go to www.sababastl.com.

Make “The Little Mermaid” part of your world with shows Oct. 18-21 presented by the Variety Theatre at the TOUHILL CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS on the campus of UMSL. The show features an inclusive children’s ensemble with a professional adult cast. Notably, the St. Louis Theater Circle recently presented the Variety Theatre with its “Special Award for a Body of Work.” Tickets cost $18-$50. Call 314-516-4949 or see www.touhill.org

Seven-time Grammy Award winner Gladys Knight brings her impeccable stylings of pop, gospel, R&B and adult contemporary to the FOX THEATRE, where she will appear along with special guest Peabo Bryson on Oct. 19. Tickets, ranging from $47.50 to $152.50, are available at the Fox box office as well as Metrotix, 314-534-1111 or www.metrotix.com.

Insight Theatre Company presents “Silent Sky,” about a female scientist struggling for recognition in the man’s world of turn-of-the-century astronomy. The play, which runs from Oct. 19 to Nov. 4, will be presented at the KRANZBERG ARTS CENTER, 501 N. Grand Blvd. Tickets are $15 to $35 and available through Metrotix at metrotix.com.

Fleetwood Mac pulls into the ENTERPRISE CENTER Oct. 20 – its one of the iconic bands’s early stops on a 52-city North American tour with members Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie in attendance. Taking the place of Lindsay Buckingham – he and the band apparently had a falling out – will be Tom Petty’s guitarist Mike Campbell and Crowded House’s Neil Finn. All this nostaligia doesn’t come cheap, with tickets starting at $66.50 and going into the hundreds. They are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Check out KIDZ BOP Live 2018 on Oct. 21 at the STIFEL THEATRE. The show is “sung by kids for kids” and was named Billboard’s No. 1 Kids’ Artist for eight consecutive years. Tickets are $20-$75 and can be purchased at www.stifeltheatre.com or by calling 314-499-7676.

Thespian and singer Darius de Haas will perform music from Leonard Bernstein Oct. 24-25 at JAZZ AT THE BISTRO in Grand Center. For ticket information, visit www.jazzstl.org or call 314-571-6000.

Faith Prince has been dazzling Broadway audiences since winning the Tony Award for her performance as Ms. Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls.” She is bringing her cabaret show to the GASLIGHT CABARET FESTIVAL at 8 p.m.Oct. 26-27 at the Gaslight Theater, 358 N. Boyle Ave. For tickets, ranging from $35-$85, call 314-725-4200 or go to www.gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

Kathy Griffin is like the Energizer Bunny. After a year of scandal, she’s b-a-c-k, bringing her comedy show to the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER at 8 p.m. Oct. 27. Says Griffin: “We will talk about THE photo that sparked a conversation around the world, how my mom Maggie still watches Fox News and thinks I might be in ISIS, and hell, I’ll even walk you through my interrogation by the feds.” How can you resist a pitch like that? Tickets range from $35-$95 and are availavle at www.touhill.org.

Sir Elton John is traveling the Yellow Brick Road to the ENTERPRISE CENTER Oct. 30 for what he is calling his farewell tour. His new stage production will take fans on a musical and highly visual journey spanning a 50-year career of hits. Don’t miss your chance to see the wizard perform, even if you need to take out a second mortgage. Tickets start at $46.50 and go up and up. They are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

November 

The ST. LOUIS INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST returns Nov. 1-11. Cinephiles will find a host of independent films, documentaries, international films and short films screening at local theaters. As of press time the schedule had not been released; for ticket prices and updated information, see cinemastlouis.org.

Bluegrass group Hot Rize visits THE SHELDON on Nov. 2. The group — now with three original members and one newcomer — recently marked its 40^th anniversary. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $35 to $45. Call 314-533-9900 or visit www.TheSheldon.org.

William Shakespeare’s beloved “Romeo & Juliet” is reimagined by St. Louis Ballet Nov. 2-4 at the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi choreographed the ballet, which is set to Sergei Prokofiev’s score composed in the 1930s for the Kirov Ballet. Tickets are $35-$69; call 314-516-4949 or visit www.touhill.org.

The world tour of “Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games” stops at the STIFEL THEATRE at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. A cast of 40 brings to life Michael Flatley’s choreography, with a modern, high-energy take on Irish music and dance. Tickets are $27.50 to $97.50, available through Ticketmaster. Call 800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Peter Sagel, host of National Public Radio’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” game show, opens the 40^th annual ST. LOUIS JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL. Sagel’s keynote address on Nov. 4 kicks off two weeks of author events at the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur. Authors will include James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Rose Levy Beranbaum, TV newsman Martin Fletcher, comedian and entertainer Sarge, and spiritual medium Rebecca Rosen. For a full list of author events and festival tickets or passes, visit www.stljewishbookfestival.org or call 314-442-3299.

Pop music icon Christina Aguilera brings her Liberation Tour to STIFEL THEATRE at 8 p.m. Nov. 6. Best known for hits like “Genie in a Bottle,” “What A Girl Wants,” “Beautiful” and “Lady Marmalade,” and her work as a judge on the reality TV series “The Voice,” this is the singer’s first major tour in a decade. Rapper Big Boi of Outkast will also perform. Tickets are $46.50 to $156.50 and are available at the Stifel box office, by phone at 800-745-3000 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

While we’re on the subject of genies in bottles, the Broadway musical version of Disney’s animated classic “Aladdin” hits the stage of the FOX THEATRE Nov. 7-25. The musical includes songs from the film as well as new music from Alan Menken (“Newsies”) and lyrics by Tim Rice (“The Lion King,” “Aida”) and Howard Ashman (“Beauty and the Beast.” Tickets are $27 to $199, and are available by calling 314-534-1111 or visiting www.metrotix.com.

Beloved comedian, actress and all-around entertainer Carol Burnett performs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at the STIFEL THEATRE. During “An Evening of Laughter and Reflection,” Burnett will take questions from the audience and show video clips from her long career. She is perhaps best known for “The Carol Burnett Show,” which received 25 Emmy Awards during its 11-year run. Tickets are $65 to $175, available at the Stifel box office, by phone at 800-745-3000 or at www.ticketmaster.com. 

The FLYOVER COMEDY FESTIVAL will return to The Grove neighborhood Nov. 8-10. The festival features local and national standup comedy talent as well as improv workshops and performances, and sketch comedy and storytelling shows. For more information, visit www.flyovercomedyfest.com.

Jewish comedian and LGBT activist Dana Goldberg visits St. Louis for a performance at the THE SHELDON at 8 p.m. Nov. 9. Goldberg’s edgy humor has earned her accolades and prominent spots at comedy festivals and top clubs across the country, while also raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight HIV/AIDS. Shannon Yarbrough is special guest. Tickets are $25-$60, available through Metrotix at 314-534-1111 or www.metrotix.com.

WINTER OPERA ST. LOUIS presents Johann Strauss II’s exuberant operetta “Die Fledermaus” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 and at 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade School, 425 Lindbergh Blvd. Tickets cost $35-$55. Performed in English with supertitles. For details, call 314-865-0038 or visit www.winteroperastl.org. 

R-S Theatrics will stage “Every Brilliant Thing” Nov. 9-25 at the KRANZBERG ARTS CENTER, 501 North Grand Blvd. The one-character play by Duncan Macmillan became an acclaimed Off Broadway hit and was adapted into an HBO documentary. Tickets are $20 to $25; visit www.r-stheatrics.com or call Metrotix at 314-534-1111.

The African Heritage Association of St. Louis welcomes the Soweto Gospel Choir to the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER at 8 p.m.on Nov. 10. The 43-member choir was formed in Soweto, South Africa and blends gospel with elements of reggae, Negro spirituals and American popular music. The group won a Grammy for Best Traditional World Music Album in 2007 and 2008.  Tickets are $30-$60, available at 314-516-4949 or www.touhill.org.

Music Director Designate Stéphane Denève will conduct the ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA at 8 p.m. Nov. 10 and 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at Powell Hall.Mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor will join the orchestra for performances of Alexander Scriabin’s “Poem of Ecstasy,” as well as Wagner’s “Tristan and Isolde,” Berlioz’s “Romeo and Juliet” and Lieberson’s “Neruda Songs.” Tickets are $25 to $83. Call 314-534-1700 or visit www.slso.org for the full lineup of November events.

The Big Muddy Dance Company takes on the history of a legendary (and perhaps cursed) St. Louis beer family in “Lemp Legends: A Ghost Story” Nov. 16-17 at the EDISON THEATRE, 6445 Forsyth Blvd.on the Washington University Campus. Performances are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $35. Call 314-935-6543 or visit www.edison.wustl.edu.

Cristian Macelaru will conduct a ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA performance of Copland’s Third at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 16 and 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at Powell Symphony Hall. Principal Bassoon Andrew Cuneo will perform the world premiere of Rouse’s Bassoon Concerto, which was commissioned by the SLSO. Tickets are $25 to $83. The following weekend, Nov. 23-25, acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell joins the SLSO for Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. Call 314-534-1700 or visit www.slso.org.

On Nov. 21 Elvis Costello & The Imposters visit the STIFEL THEATRE on a tour supporting the group’s upcoming album “Look Now,” which will be released Oct. 12. The last time Costello visited St. Louis, in 2015, he delighted fans with a 32-song set going all the way back to his 1977 debut, “My Aim is True.” Tickets are $35.50-$125.50. Call 800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

The NEW JEWISH THEATRE continues its 2018-2019 season with “An Act of God” by David Javerbaum from Nov. 29-Dec. 16 at the Jewish Community Center’s Wool Studio Theater. NJT Artistic Director Edward Coffield directs Alan Knoll, Will Bonfiglio and Cassidy Flynn in the “divine comedy” where “God and his devoted angels answer some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since Creation,” including a “new and improved set of commandments.” For performance dates and ticket prices, call 314-442-3283 or visit www.newjewishtheatre.org. 

For a contemporary twist on Tchaikovsky’s classic, check out The Hip Hop Nutcracker at 8 p.m. Nov. 30 at the FOX THEATRE. The story shifts from 19^th-century Germany to New Year’s Eve in a multicultural, present-day New York City. A dozen hip-hop dancers are joined by an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist, mixing the traditional Tchaikovsky score with reimagined choreography and set designs. Tickets are $25-$65. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com or call 314-534-1111.

On Nov. 30, Kenny G brings “The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour” to the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. The Grammy-winning saxophonist has sold 75 million records worldwide and has had more than a dozen hits on Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart. Tickets are $47-$99; call 314-516-4949 or visit www.touhill.org.

If you’re more of a rock music fan, you can head to ENTERPRISE CENTER for Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band at 7 p.m. Nov. 30. Seger brings a host of classic rock hits like “Night Moves,” “Stranger In Town” and “Against The Wind.” The concert is the rescheduled date of the canceled Oct. 12, 2017 show. Tickets for the original concert will be honored at the new date. Tickets are $52-$122 and are available at BobSeger.com, LiveNation.com, and the Enterprise Center box office. 

The St. Louis Actors’ Studio presents “Tribes” by playwright Nina Raine Nov. 30-Dec. 16 at THE GASLIGHT THEATER. Annamaria Pileggi directs the play about a young deaf man born to a “comically dysfunctional” hearing family who meets a young woman born to deaf parents who is slowly going deaf herself. Tickets are $30-$35, available at 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. Sunday and Thursday performances will be interpreted for hearing impaired patrons. 

December

Pals Martin Short and Steve Martin team up for “An Evening You’ll Never Forget for the Rest of Your Life” at the FOX THEATRE on Dec. 1. The show includes stand-up, film clips, musical numbers and conversations about their lives in show business. Tickets start at $58 and are available at the Fox box office and Metrotix. Call 314-534-1111 or go to www.metrotix.com.

Mozart composed some of the most elegant music ever written. Tchaikovsky wrote some of the most passionate and romantic. Savor one of the most beloved compositions from each when the CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF ST. LOUIS performs at 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at the 560 Music Center in University City. Tickets are $38 and available at www.chambermusicstl.org.

“Hamilton” fans — you can spend “An Evening with Leslie Odom Jr.” on Dec. 2, when Odom returns to Powell Symphony Hall to perform an evening of holiday jazz tunes. from his debut solo album. For the uninitiated, Odom won a Tony Award for his role as Aaron Burr in the original Broadway cast of “Hamilton.” This special ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY concert starts at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 314-534-1700 or see www.slso.org. 

Originally from Belgium, Jérôme Mouffe came to the United States to study with one of the greatest guitarists alive today, Eliot Fisk. Now a graduate of the New England Conservatory he has racked up an impressive number of performances in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. He makes his St. Louis debut at the ST. LOUIS CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY at 8 p.m. Dec. 8. The show takes place at the Ethical Society of St. Louis. Tickets cost $24 for members and $28 for nonmembers and are available at www.guitarstlouis.net.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, “Les Misérables” tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. And it does so in under three hours! Check it out when the play comes to the FOX THEATRE Dec. 11-16. Tickets are available through MetroTix .

The former Backstreet Boy – you might know him as Justin Timberlake or J.T., or perhaps even Jessica Biel’s husband – brings his “The Man of the Woods” tour to the ENTERPRISE CENTER at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets range from $49.50 or $225 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

COCA’s Ballet Eclectica presents “Little Dancer,”the tale of the famous sculpture, The Little Dancer of 14 Years, as it comes to life and discovers the world in magical ways. Appropriate for children ages 5 and older, matinee and evening shows take place Dec. 14-16 at Edison Theatre. Tickets, ranging from $14 to $18, can be purchased at www.cocastl.org.

“Anastasia” transports audiences from the Russian Empire to the thrill of 1920s Paris, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. The musical comes to the FOX THEATRE Dec. 26-Jan. 6. For tickets and more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com. 

Disney lovers of all generations will experience iconic musical moments from favorite Walt Disney films released over the last decade as the ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY performs the scores from “Moana,” “Tangled,” “Frozen,” “Wreck-It Ralph,”and more on Dec. 28-29. Watch clips from the films as the orchestra plays the music live at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd. For ticket prices see www.slso.org or call 314-534-1700.  

Food, beer and wine festivals this fall

Food, beer and wine festivals abound in the St. Louis region, especially in the fall when the weather lends itself to eating and drinking outdoors. Here are seven of these events you may not want to miss.

September 

CRAFT SPIRIT & COCKTAIL WEEK, Sept. 8-16, teams up local distilleries and cocktail bars so you can “drink like a local” and discover local craft spirits and cocktails through a series of events showcasing local micro distilleries and craft cocktail making. The nine-day celebration kicks off with the Classic Cocktail Party from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 8 at Lafayette Park, with the Jeremiah Johnson Band. Tickets are $35 for unlimited samples and available on www.eventbrite.com. Single drink tickets will be available on site. For more information, call 314-231-2537 or go to facebook.com/stlouiscraftspiritscocktailweek. 

THE 14^th ANNUAL TASTE ST. LOUIS is the ultimate food experience, held Sept. 14 to 16 at the Chesterfield Amphitheater, 631 Veterans Place Dr. The event is free and features 30-plus restaurants, live music, culinary competitions, kid’s food activities, shopping and, new in 2018: the Dessert & Bubbly Bar. For more information,  visit www.tastestl.com.  

Sample more than 40 different styles of Schlafly brews and six specialty taps that you may not find anywhere else, ever. The 20^th ANNUAL HOP IN THE CITY takes place downtown at St. Louis Brewery & Tap Room, 2100 Locust St. on Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (tasting are from noon to 4 p.m.). Expect a day of live, local music, festival fare and brewers getting a chance to show off what they love to do most, create beer. Tickets, at $35 in advance; $40 day of event, are available at www.schlafly.com, along with more information. Must be 21 or older to attend.

October 

More than 120 food producers and crafters offer baked goods, fresh and dried flowers, herbs, handcrafted items, baskets, wooden toys, custom jewelry and more at the BEST OF MISSOURI MARKET at the Missouri Botanical Gardens Oct. 5-7. Tickets are $15 adults (ages 13 and up), $7 children (ages 3-12), $7 Garden members and free for member children (ages 3-12).For more information, go to missouribotanicalgarden.org.

STL SQUARE OFF PIZZA FESTIVAL 2018 returns to Berra Park, 5400 Shaw Ave.in the Hill neighborhood from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14 as local pizzarias — square off — for the title of “Best St. Louis Style Pizza” and all the bragging rights that come along with it.  Tickets are $25 at www.eventbrite.com and must be purchased in advance. Kids under 12 are free. In addition to sampling pizza and voting for your favorite, the event boasts live music, artist vendors, kid’s activities and more. 

THE 3^rd ANNUAL ST. LOUIS KOSHER BARBECUE COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL will be held from 12-4 p.m. Oct. 21 at Nusach Hari B’nai Zion, 650 N. Price Road in Olivette. In addition to fierce competitors barbecuing various kosher meat and chicken cuts, the free event offers tasting booths, kid’s activities, live music and more. All teams will purchase meat and use grills, smokers and utensils provided by NHBZ.  The event will be under the Kashrut supervision of Rabbi Ze’ev Smason. Food and drink will be available for purchase and the cost of a taste is roughly $1. 

The St. Louis Brewers Guild annual STL BEER HALLOWEEN PARTY features more than 25 local breweries pouring samples, along with live music, great food, wild costumes, a Hefe Ride (think hay-ride with kegs on it) and more, from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 27 at Lafayette Park. Food trucks, food vendors and retail vendors will be onsite for attendees to purchase whatever they want. Tickets, for $35, include a commemorative glass and are available at www.eventbrite.com. Designated Driver tickets will be available the day-of for $5. Bring a blanket or camping chairs if you want, or just share the picnic tables provided by the park. And don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume because there will be prizes for the best dressed (individual and couple/group).