Explore St. Louis

Hot air balloons and hot theatrical performances are among the cool things to do in The Lou.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race takes to the skies on Saturday, September 17. The annual hair and hound balloons launch at 4:30 p.m. from Central Field (between the Jewel Box and Steinberg Rink).

The race is the finale for a multi-day event that starts on Friday, September 16 with a “Balloon Glow.” The colorful aircraft are lit from within to make a dazzling scene near the park’s World’s Fair Pavilion. Race day festivities begin at noon with parachute exhibitions, kids’ entertainment areas, food and music.

St. Louis’-own Tennessee Williams’ classic tale of a dysfunctional Southern family, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” sizzles on the stage of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis through October 7. Who knew a full-slip could be so, well, hot? The Rep also presents one of Broadway’s hottest shows, “Take Me Out” at the Grandel Theatre, September 21 through October 9. The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play follows a professional baseball team as they adjust to a star player’s revelation that he’s gay.

Speaking of baseball, no team is hotter than the St. Louis Cardinals who host their last regular season home stands at Busch Stadium September 27, 28 and 30 and October 1 and 2. “New” Busch Stadium opens in April 2006. Go Cards!