From a summer solstice courtyard party at Edera, to a community “Meet in the Street” night — here are five things to do this weekend in the Central West End!
Celebrate the Summer Solstice | Edera Italian Eatery
Friday, June 25
9 p.m.-midnight
Kick off the summer at one of the most beautiful patios in St. Louis! This Friday, guests can sit under the stars while sampling Edera Italian Eatery’s new food and beverage specials, while taking in live music from DJ Al Cheekz. Inspired by the popular Summer Solstice celebrations in Italy, Edera is going all out for the season with the launch of two new menus: a Burrata and Bubbles Happy Hour (Tuesdays-Thursdays from 5-6:30 p.m.) and Pizza for a Purpose Late Night Menu (Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m.–midnight.). The Summer Solstice launch event is open to the public and does not require reservations; food and beverage is for purchase.
Head to a Birthday Beach Bash | Up-Down STL
Saturday, June 26
11 a.m.-1:30 a.m.
Up-Down STL is celebrating their two year anniversary in the Central West End with a weekend full of festivities! On Saturday, drop by their patio for a beach party to kick off the start of summer. They’ll have tropical cocktails and specials all night long! At 3 p.m., to celebrate their birthday, they’ll be serving up FREE slices of cake to guests while supplies last, so be sure to get there early!
Attend an Artist Talk | projects+gallery
Saturday, June 26
12:30 p.m.
This Saturday at 12:30 p.m., projects+gallery is hosting its first public gallery talk in over a year! Join Taylor Yocom —whose series “Guarded” is featured in a viewing room in projects+gallery, in compliment to the current exhibition Michele Pred, “Freedom is for Everybody” — and Barrett Barrera Projects Associate Curator Margaret Rieckenberg for a discussion about Yocom’s practice. If you can’t make the talk in person, it will also be streamed on Instagram Live @bb_projects.
Created between 2014 and 2016 while Yocom was a college student and recent graduate, the series “Guarded” features photographs of college women across the United States holding what they carry to protect themselves on walks at night. From the keys to unlock their apartments to the pepper spray their parents gifted them for high school graduation, everyday objects are turned into modes of self-defense. “Guarded” is a testament to gender conditioning and the societal expectation of women to be on alert and respond to sexual violence.
Make Plans to Meet in the Street | CWE Meet in the Street
Saturday, June 26
5-10 p.m.
This summer, rediscover your love for the Central West End and make plans to “Meet in the Street” on the last Saturday of the month! Experience a vibrant summer atmosphere and enjoy FREE family-friendly festivities, including fire performers, jugglers, face paintings, unicyclists, hula hoopers, artist demonstrations, interactive games, and more! Plus, listen to live music by Farshid Etnicko and the Joe Metzka Duo. For more information, click here.
Enjoy a Hot Swing Brunch | Evangeline’s Bistro & Music House
Sunday, June 27
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Start your Sunday with a Hot Swing Brunch at Evangeline’s! You don’t want to miss the performance by Miss Jubilee and the Yas Yas Boys. Treat yourself to a Strawberries Jubilee Stuffed New Orleans French Toast, Andouille Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, or their delicious Beignets. Plus, take advantage of their “Be Nice or Leave” Bloody Mary Bar!