free events

See a collection of one-act plays written by fifth graders at the WiseWrite Festival of One-Act Plays, now in its 20th year. The WiseWrite Festival is free and open to all.

The festival, presented by Springboard, is the culmination of many weeks of learning, brainstorming, writing, editing, practicing, reading, coaching and tweaking by students and their Springboard instructors and teachers. Using character development, plot analysis, theatricality and more, students increase literacy skills while bringing their stories to life as original plays. 

Birds are starting to make their way back from their winter homes, so it's time to celebrate birds by learning about their special traits. Kids can learn what makes a bird a bird, make some binoculars and go outside to spot birds in the wild.

For ages 3 to 6.

10 to 11 a.m. at Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood. More information: mdc.mo.gov

Enjoy the rhythms and stories of Africa with storyteller and performer Kenya Ajanaku at this exciting, free program for all ages. Part of the Black History Month celebration at the St. Louis County Library. 

Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Florissant Valley Branch

Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Branch

Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Bridgeton Trails Branch

Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Indian Trails Branch

Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Weber Road Branch

More information: slcl.org

Talk with representatives from summer camps across the St. Louis area at this free camp fair. The fair is hosted by the Webster Groves School District and open to parents and families in any school district.

Camps from across the St. Louis area will have representatives on hand, including the Saint Louis Science Center, STAGES St. Louis, Mad Science of St. Louis, STL Camps and lots more. You'll find camps, summer opportunities and volunteer opportunities for kids from preschool through grade 12.

Bring your family to free Makerspace Sundays at Craft Alliance and experience the 3D Makerbot printers, Liquid 3D printer, 3D scanner, CNC Router and CAD software in the Boeing Graphics Studio.

An instructor will be on hand to help you explore the programs, the 3D printer, laser cutter and other digital technology.

Sessions are free and they fill up fast. Registration is required by the Thursday prior to class. Held on Sundays through May 15 (no class March 27).

1-4 p.m. at Craft Alliance in Grand Center.

Celebrate African-American literature, culture and heritage at the fourth annual African American Read In at the Gateway Region YMCA.

Guest authors Candi Pettiford, Floyd Boykin Jr., and Sylveser Chison will share their stories, passion and journey as authors. There will also be literacy and art activities for families, resource tables, and poetry performances by students of Crossroads Preparatory School and spoken word artists. Refreshments will be provided.

For all ages. 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Monsanto Family YMCA. Free.

Watch St. Louis city high school students compete in the St. Louis regional Competition of Poetry Out Loud, a national poetry recitation contest in which the winner will advance to the state championships.