Get Out And Do Something This Weekend

You know what's fun? Three-day weekends.

You know what's also fun? Eating...and good weather...and good people...and experiencing something new.

Lucky for us, we can have all those things right here in St. Louis this Labor Day weekend. If you're looking for something to keep your mind off what waits for you back at work on Tuesday or just trying to avoid all that yard work you planned on tackling, no sweat, there's plenty to choose from. Here's a list of events going on this weekend and a few suggestions of places to grab a bite/beverage before or after the events.

Take in some live music Saturday and Sunday at the Big Muddy Blues Festival on Laclede's Landing. Bands on four different outdoor stages play from 1-11 PM both days. Enjoy all of this for the low, low price of FREE. There are plenty of places to fill up your tank, such as Morgan Street Brewery and Joey B's, while roaming from stage to stage. Or slip on in to nearby Lumiere Place casino and gamble all that money you saved on the free festival.

Get an up close glimpse at the culture and traditions of Japan at the annual Japanese Festival held at the Missouri Botanical Garden. There are martial arts, taiko drumming, calligraphy, cooking and sumo demonstrations, as well as, a traditional tea ceremony and candlelight walks in the Japanese Garden. Afterward, rest your feet and enjoy a glass of wine and some food at Sasha's On Shaw.

Cheer on your favorite team (Mizzou) in the Missouri v. Illinois Arch Rivalry game at the Edward Jones Dome, Saturday Sept. 5. It should be a close game (doubt it), with both teams evenly matched (not really). But unfortunately, someone will have to lose (Illinois). There are several places downtown perfect for pre-game tailgating including Tin Can and Wave Taco.

A great way to see different parts of the city is to follow the Gateway Cup series this weekend. This four day bicycle race features events for men, women and children of all abilities including professional. The races usually draw good crowds and there's more to do than just spectating. See this race as it visits these neighborhoods:

Friday, September 4th - Lafayette Square
Saturday, September 5th - St. Louis Hills
Sunday, September 6th - The Hill
Monday, September 7th - Downtown

Visit the St. Nicholas Greek Festival at the corner of Kingshighway and Forest Park in the Central West End Saturday through Monday for authentic Greek cuisine, folk dance and live music.

Over 140 national artists will be exhibiting and selling their art at the 32nd Art Fair at Queeny Park. The fair is open Friday through Sunday and is $5 to get in. Click here for times and a $1 off coupon.