Sababa is getting bigger. Here’s what’s changing this year

Published March 20, 2026

Sababa returns this fall with something new: more room, a new setting and a festival experience designed to match its growing energy.

On Oct. 18, the region’s lively celebration of modern Jewish culture moves to a new location in Clayton, at S. Central and Carondelet Avenues. The shift, organizers say, will give the festival more room to expand and create a more immersive experience. Since its launch in 2018, the Sababa Jewish Arts & Culture Festival—a free, family-friendly event presented by the Jewish Community Center (the J) and the Jewish Federation of St. Louis—has drawn thousands. This year, it also takes on added meaning as part of the Federation’s 125th anniversary celebration.

The name Sababa, a Hebrew slang word for “cool” or “awesome,” has come to reflect the feel of the day itself: a mix of live music, visual art, kosher food and storytelling shaped by both tradition and global influence.

“Each year the festival grows in both scale and ambition,” said Rabbi Brad Horwitz, chief Jewish engagement officer at the J. “Moving to Clayton allows us to expand the experience, welcome more attendees, and continue showcasing the incredible creativity shaping contemporary Jewish culture.”

That growth has been steady. What began as a new idea has become a signature event, known for its open, welcoming atmosphere and its ability to draw not only the Jewish community but the broader public into the experience.

“As we mark 125 years of building Jewish life in St. Louis, Sababa is a powerful expression of our community’s creativity, connection, and forward momentum,” said Danny Cohn, president and CEO of Federation. “We’re proud to partner with the J and the city of Clayton to create this celebration and invite the entire St. Louis region to experience the joy, energy and vibrancy of modern Jewish culture.”

To match its growing scale, organizers have brought in Contemporary Productions to lead this year’s large-scale production.

More details—including artists and programming—are expected in the coming months at SababaSTL.com.