15 Things to Do in St Louis in April

March 13 to May 17
The Chinese lantern festival Animals Aglow will return to the Saint Louis Zoo with dozens of towering lanterns and light displays this spring. Running from March 13 to May 17, Animals Aglow celebrates the culture, art and beauty of traditional lantern festivals that have been celebrated in China for centuries. This year, illuminated displays include a 100-foot-long tunnel of traditional Chinese lanterns, an interactive beehive topped with giant hummingbirds and the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, which guests can enjoy along with nightly cultural performances and specialty food and drinks. Animals Aglow will also spotlight wildlife from three regions – Africa, South America and the Arctic – as well as Chinese lanterns and folklore.

March 26 to April 19
What happens when you’re not the hero of the story? Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead flips Hamlet on its head, following two side characters who suddenly find themselves trapped inside a story they don’t fully understand. As events spiral around them, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern wrestle with fate, free will, friendship and the unsettling realization that they might have very little control over what happens next. Part of the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s 2026 season, the absurdist tragicomedy will play at the Albion Theatre this spring.

April 4
In St. Louis, we don’t mind getting a little dirty. In fact, The Dome at America’s Center is known for having some of the best dirt in the country, drawing powerhouse events such as the Gateway Dirt Nationals, Monster Jam and Monster Energy AMA Supercross annually. Coming to town in April, the latter is the premier indoor dirt bike racing series, featuring elite riders battling on 450cc and 250cc machines in a high-flying, bar-to-bar showdown that you won’t want to miss. Secure your tickets now and experience the adrenaline live.

April 10 to 12
From the creators of the International Quilt Festival, this show at America’s Center Convention Complex embraces all the needle arts, from quilting to crochet and knitting to embroidery. Across the festival footprint, attendees can browse scores of booths, take more than 50 classes and join lectures from top teachers in the field. The show floor will also feature an open studio where four instructors will demonstrate their craft, alongside more than 600 pieces of fabric and fiber art on display in themed exhibits. Stitch on!

April 18 and 19
Get ready to pawty – the newest Paw Patrol adventure is coming to Stifel Theatre in April. After Chase, Marshall, Skye and the gang save Adventure City with their Mighty Pup Powers, it’s time to celebrate – but not too fast. When supervillain scientist Victoria Vance feels left out of the festivities, she unleashes her latest invention to crash the party and steal the spotlight for herself! Can the Mighty Pups outsmart Victoria to ensure Adventure City’s biggest bash goes off without a hitch? It’ll take the power of pupspiration and teamwork to foil her plans and keep the party pumping! With heroic action, catchy tunes and bark-loads of interactive fun, Paw Patrol’s electrifying new production is sure to leave tails wagging and audiences cheering.

April 25 and 26
The St. Louis Earth Day Festival is a community tradition. At the two-day event, guests learn about sustainable products and services offered by area businesses and organizations. You can also meet local nonprofits, such as the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, which share Earth Day values, and try local restaurants, such as Salt + Smoke, which comprise the Green Dining Alliance – all while enjoying live entertainment. This year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastic, which focuses on vendors, sponsors and educational resources that challenge plastic pollution and inspire sustainable choices. Whether you come for the activities, the food or the music, the St. Louis Earth Day Festival will leave you feeling inspired by the real progress being made to preserve our planet – plus, knowledge about how you can take action in your daily life!