Moonrise Hotel's Guide To St. Louis' Top Events

St. Louis has hundreds of events throughout the year that may be of interest to out- of-town guests. Music festivals, art fairs, exciting theater and sporting events are always on tap. Here's just a sample of the upcoming events in store for visitors of the Moonrise Hotel.

March

St. Louis Symphony Orchestral Program: Beethoven 4
Date: Friday, March 1, 2013 until Saturday, March 2, 2013
Venue: Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center
Category: Music
Maestro Sir Andrew Davis leads the program including Beethoven's Fourth Symphony and violinist Tasmin Little makes her St. Louis Symphony debut with Elgar's Violin Concerto. 8:00 p.m. www.stlsymphony.org, (314) 534-1700 or (800) 232-1880

A Midsummer Night's Dream presented by Alexandra Ballet
Date: Saturday, March 9, 2013 until Sunday, March 10, 2013
Venue: Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at University of Missouri-St. Louis
Category: Arts & Entertainment
William Shakespeare's most popular comedic tale of adventures and misadventures, mortals and fairies, love and mischeif. www.touhill.org (314) 516-4949

The Mountaintop
Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 until Sunday, March 10, 2013
Venue: St. Louis Black Repertory Company, The Grandel Theatre in Grand Center
Category: Arts & Entertainment
A gripping re-imagining of events the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. www.theblackrep.org, (314) 534-3810

New York City Ballet MOVES
Date: Saturday, March 9, 2013 until Sunday, March 10, 2013
Venue: The Fox Theatre in Grand Center
Category: Arts & Entertainment
New York City Ballet MOVES is made up of a rotating selection of about 20 principal dancers, soloists, and members of the corps de ballet. The performances also feature live music by members of the New York City Ballet Orchestra. The ensemble performs dynamic works from the company's unparalleled active repertory of more than 150 dances, including new works as well as classics by Christopher Wheeldon, Jerome Robbins, and the company's founder George Balanchine. 8:00 p.m. (9), 2:00 p.m. (10) www.fabulousfox.com, (314) 534-1111 or (314) 534-1678

BON JOVI Because We Can - The Tour
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Venue: Scottrade Center
Category: Music
www.scottradecenter.com, (800) 745-3000

Livingston Taylor & Janis Ian
Date: Friday, March 15, 2013
Venue: The Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center
Category: Music
8:00 p.m. www.thesheldon.org, (314) 533-9900

44th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and 35th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade Run
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2013
Venue: Downtown St. Louis
Category: Annual Events
Elaborate floats, marching bands, and giant helium-filled balloons fill the streets of St. Louis for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The parade steps off at noon from 18th and Market streets and proceeds east to its conclusion at Broadway and Market streets. The 9 a.m. five-mile run precedes the parade which begins on Broadway outside of Busch Stadium, just north of Spruce Street and ends with a 500-meter downhill sprint to the finish in front of the Old Courthouse. www.irishparade.org, (314) 241-7287 parade or (314) 231-2598 run

Ancient Order of Hibernians' Dogtown St. Patrick's Day Parade
Date: Sunday, March 17, 2013
Venue: Dogtown Neighborhood
Category: Annual Events
Marching bands, floats, family clans and more. The parade starts at Tamm and Oakland Avenue and ends at Tamm & Manchester. 12:30 p.m. www.stlhibernians.com

A Chorus Line
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2013 until Saturday, March 23, 2013
Venue: Peabody Opera House
Category: Arts & Entertainment
The musical for everyone who's ever had a dream and put it all on the line. www.peabodyoperahouse.com, (800) 745-3000

Disney On Ice: Rockin' Ever After
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2013 until Sunday, March 24, 2013
Venue: Scottrade Center
Category: Arts & Entertainment
Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida. Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel. A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn. And, get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle's enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. 7:00 p.m. (21-23); 10:30 a.m. (22), 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. (23); 1:00 pm. & 5:00 p.m. (24) www.scottradecenter.com, (800) 745-3000

Annie Oakley
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2013 until Friday, March 29, 2013
Venue: The History Museum in Forest Park
Category: Arts & Entertainment
Follow Annie's adventures in this rootin' tootin' trip through American history as she lifts her family from poverty with her skill and shows everyone that she's "just as good as any man." www.repstl.org, (314) 968-4925

OMNIMAX Film: Born to be wild
Date: Friday, October 5, 2012 until Sunday, March 31, 2013
Venue: Saint Louis Science Center in Forest Park
Category: Arts & Entertainment
Narrated by Academy-Award winner Morgan Freeman, this film is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. The film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them. www.slsc.org, (314) 289-4400 or (800) 456-SLSC

April

Peter Pan
Date: Tuesday, April 2, 2013 until Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Venue: Peabody Opera House
Category: Arts & Entertainment
The legend you thought you knew, is now the adventure you never dreamed possible...Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan. www.peabodyoperahouse.com, (800) 745-3000

GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2013 until Sunday, April 7, 2013
Venue: Downtown St. Louis
Category: Annual Events
Missouri's premiere family fitness festival featuring a marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), marathon relay, 5k run/walk (3.1 miles), children's fun runs, mature mile and a fitness expo. Marathoners will start in downtown St. Louis and run past St. Louis landmarks including Busch Stadium, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Forest Park, Clayton and University City. www.gostlouis.org, (314) 727-0800

Weird Al Yankovic
Date: Friday, April 19, 2013
Venue: The Family Arena
Category: Arts & Entertainment
7:30 p.m. www.familyarena.com, (314) 534-1111

Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2013
Venue: The Family Arena
Category: Arts & Entertainment
1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. www.familyarena.com, (314) 534-1111

Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival presented by University of Missouri-St. Louis, Touhil & Jazz St. Louis
Date: Friday, April 19, 2013 until Saturday, April 20, 2013
Venue: Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at University of Missouri-St. Louis
Category: Music
Monterey Jazz Festival with opening set by UMSL Jazz Ensemble will be Friday night's headliner and Doc Severinsen and His Big Band with opening set by UMSL Jazz Ensemble will be Saturday night's headliner. 7:30 p.m. www.touhill.org, (314) 516-4949

24th Annual St. Louis Earth Day Festival
Date: Sunday, April 21, 2013
Venue: The Muny Grounds in Forest Park
Category: Annual Events
The festival offers live music, cultural performances, local food, vendors and hand-on activities for the whole family. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. www.stlouisearthday.org, (314) 616-7354

Dianne Reeves
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2013
Venue: The Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center
Category: Music
8:00 p.m. www.thesheldon.org, (314) 533-9900

May

St. Louis Fine Print, Rare Book & Paper Arts Fair
Date: Saturday, May 4, 2013 until Sunday, May 5, 2013
Venue: Campus of University of Missouri St. Louis
Category: Annual Events
Artists demonstrations and lectures featured throughout the weekend. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (4); 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (5) www.umsl.edu, (314-516-6740

Contemporary Ballet presented by Saint Louis Ballet
Date: Friday, May 10, 2013 until Saturday, May 11, 2013
Venue: Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at University of Missouri-St. Louis
Category: Arts & Entertainment
This mixed-bill lineup features world premieres by renowned artist Christopher d'Amboise and Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi and will highlight the dancers' artistry and technique. The program also features a comedic duet to Rossini's William Tell Overture choreographed by Dance St. Louis' Michael Uthoff, and Reflections by The Joffrey Ballet co-founder Gerald Arpino. 8:00 p.m. (10-11), 2:00 p.m. (11) www.touhill.org, (314) 516-4949

Art Fair at Laumeier
Date: Friday, May 10, 2013 until Sunday, May 12, 2013
Venue: Laumeier Sculpture Park
Category: Annual Events
A nationally acclaimed fine art and crafts fair featuring national artists representing clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking/drawing, sculpture and wood with live music, entertainment, demonstrations, food, a beer and wine garden and more. www.laumeier.com, (314) 821-1209

12th Annual Art on the Square
Date: Friday, May 17, 2013 until Sunday, May 19, 2013
Venue: Belleville Public Square, Belleville, Illinois
Category: Annual Events
Art show with family entertainment, children's workshops and more. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (17), 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (18), 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (19) www.artonthesquare.com, (618) 239-9428

Lewis and Clark Heritage Days
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013 until Sunday, May 19, 2013
Venue: St. Charles, Missouri
Category: Annual Events
Lewis and Clark Heritage Days in St. Charles commemorates the arrival of Captain Clark and the Corps of Discovery to St. Charles. The reenactment includes a grand parade, military encampment, fife and drum corps muster, musket and cannon demonstrations, a skillet throw, and period music, food and wares. Each day begins with the raising of colors and the day ends with retreat and the lowering of colors. www.lewisandclarkheritagedays.com, (800) 366-2427 or (636) 946-7776

Saint Louis Bluesweek Festival
Date: Friday, May 24, 2013 until Sunday, May 26, 2013
Venue: Soldier's Memorial in downtown St. Louis
Category: Annual Events
This free event will take you for a ride on the Blues highway from Deep in the Delta all the way to Chicago. 4:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (24), 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. (25-26) www.stlbluesweek.com

St. Louis Greek Fest
Date: Friday, May 24, 2013 until Monday, May 27, 2013
Venue: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Category: Annual Events
Authentic Greek food and pastries, live Greek music, authentic Greek folk dancing, Agora Marketplace, church tours, kids corner and more. 11:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. www.stlgreekfest.com, (314) 966-2255

June

Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire (Dates Vary)
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013 until Sunday, June 9, 2013
Venue: Rotary Park
Category: Annual Events
Travel back in time as you step into the beautifully wooded, 16th century village called Petit Lyon! Immerse yourself in the costumes and mannerisms of the era. Thrill to the exploits of Jousting Knights on thundering steeds. Roam the village shops for unique crafts and goods as artisans demonstrate period skills. Delight in comedy, music and feats of derring do. Feast on delicious food and drink while strolling minstrels entertain. Interact with the colorful villagers, nobles, peasants and personalities of ages past. Faire times are Saturday and Sunday and Memorial Day, May 27. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. www.renstl.org, (636) 928-4141

Monty Python's Spamalot
Date: Monday, June 17, 2013 until Sunday, June 23, 2013
Venue: The Muny in Forest Park
Category: Arts & Entertainment
The nation's largest and oldest outdoor theatrical venue under the stars in Forest Park presents a new musical lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," that tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. All performances begin promptly at 8:15 p.m. www.muny.org, (314) 361-1900

Disney's Cinderella
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2013 until Sunday, June 30, 2013
Venue: Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade
Category: Arts & Entertainment
This treasured Disney retelling of everyone's favorite fairy tale comes to glorious life in this delightful stage adaptation by the Theatre for Young Audiences with an enchanting score including "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" and the magical "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo." www.stagesstlouis.org, (314) 821-2407

PrideFest St. Louis
Date: Saturday, June 29, 2013 until Sunday, June 30, 2013
Venue: Tower Grove Park
Category: Annual Events
PrideFest is an annual celebration of gay, lesbian, and transgender culture. The festival includes a parade with floats and contingents, twenty hours of live entertainment ranging from pop, disco, jazz, rock, country and rap. The parade begins at Noon on Sunday, June 30 at Utah and Grand, north on Grand to the eastern end of Tower Grove Park. www.pridestl.org, 772-8888

July

Les Misérables
Date: Monday, July 15, 2013 until Sunday, July 21, 2013
Venue: The Muny in Forest Park
Category: Arts & Entertainment
The nation's largest and oldest outdoor theatrical venue under the stars in Forest Park presents the enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. All performances begin promptly at 8:15 p.m. www.muny.org, 361-1900

August

Mary Poppins
Date: Thursday, July 25, 2013 until Friday, August 2, 2013
Venue: The Muny in Forest Park
Category: Arts & Entertainment
The nation's largest and oldest outdoor theatrical venue under the stars in Forest Park presents a flying governess who takes over the house of a turn-of-the-century London banker and wins the hearts of his two children. All performances begin promptly at 8:15 p.m. www.muny.org, (314) 361-1900

West Side Story
Date: Monday, August 5, 2013 until Sunday, August 11, 2013
Venue: The Muny in Forest Park
Category: Arts & Entertainment
The nation's largest and oldest outdoor theatrical venue under the stars in Forest Park combines the Sharks and the Jets, Tony and Maria, the romance and the rumbles to retell the timeless Romeo and Juliet story in purely American way. All performances begin promptly at 8:15 p.m. www.muny.org, (314) 361-1900

Legally Blonde, The Musical
Date: Friday, July 19, 2013 until Sunday, August 18, 2013
Venue: The Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Center
Category: Arts & Entertainment
Sorority sister Elle thinks she has her future all tied up with a nice, little pink ribbon, until her boyfriend suddenly dumps her for someone more "serious." But don't break out the tissue just yet! This is one girl who doesn't take "no" for an answer as she sets out to prove that being true to yourself and going after "what you want" never goes out of style. www.stagesstlouis.org, (314) 821-2407

October

My Fair Lady
Date: Friday, September 6, 2013 until Sunday, October 6, 2013
Venue: The Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Center
Category: Arts & Entertainment
One of the great literary classics in the grand musical theatre tradition radiates a charm and sophistication unlike any other. The thrilling performance of a lowly flower girl in Victorian London into a ravishing upper class lady reigns as a triumphant American masterpiece with joyous show stoppers and gorgeous ballads such as "I Could Have Danced All Night," "On the Street Where You Live," and "Get Me to the Church on Time." www.stagesstlouis.org, (314) 821-2407

December

OMNIMAX Film: Flight of the Butterflies (CLOSING DATE TO BE DETERMINED)
Date: Friday, January 18, 2013 until Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Venue: Saint Louis Science Center in Forest Park OMNIMAX Theatre
Category: Arts & Entertainment
This film follows the monarchs' perilous journey and soar a mile high alongside one of the greatest spectacles of the natural world, with breathtaking cinematography from an award winning team including Oscar® winner Peter Parks. Be captivated by the true and compelling story of an intrepid scientist's 30-year search to find the monarchs' secret hideaway. www.slsc.org, (314) 289-4400 or (800) 456-SLSC

OMNIMAX Film: Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs (CLOSING DATE TO BE DETERMINED)
Date: Saturday, May 25, 2013 until Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Venue: Saint Louis Science Center in Forest Park OMNIMAX Theatre
Category: Arts & Entertainment
This film follows researchers and explorers as they piece together the archeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies. www.slsc.org, (314) 289-4400 or (800) 456-SLSC