More than 1 million new and quality used books, CDs, magazines and records will be available at the 40th Annual Gateway Region YMCA Book Fair Aug. 17-21. Proceeds from the fair benefit Y Community Literacy programs.
The YMCA Book Fair attracts more than 5,000 people each year, and this year's event will feature 750,000 books, plus a Family Day with author appearances, food trucks and family activities.
The Fair will be held at the Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park. This year the fair celebrates its 40th year, and has raised over $2.3 million to fund literacy and development programs that serve 2,000+ children and adults.
Friday, Aug. 17 is First Selection Day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a $10 donation.
Free admission days are Aug. 18-21 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Half Price day is Monday, Aug. 20. $10 Box Day is Tuesday, Aug. 21.
For more information, visit gwrymca.org
The St. Louis African Arts Festival, held in Forest Park, celebrates the rich and diverse cultures of Africa and African people. Children's activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, mask-making and educational workshops. In conjunction with the festival, the Saint Louis Zoo will have special activities focused on a different African animal each day.
There are more than strawberries (but plenty of those too) at this festival! Kids can enjoy carnival rides, a petting farm, pony rides, the children's play area and lots more.
Families are invited to the Saint Louis Art Museum on Sunday afternoon to participate in free hands-on art activities with fun themes and to explore the galleries. Each Family Sunday focuses on a different family-friendly theme.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
See the Purina Incredible Dog Team perform extraordinary feats of athleticism and skill right here in St. Louis at Union Station this summer! Free performances are happening Thursdays through Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Union Station's Performance Plaza in front of the St. Louis Wheel.