Renaissance SEPT 2026

Oktoberfest at SoulardMarket returns October 9-10, celebrating both the city’s and neighborhood’s German heritage through two days of food, drink, live music and entertainment. Octoberfest 2026 will feature an open-air plaza, wine garden, bands (including crowd favorites Deutschmeister Brass Band and Bolzen Beer Band) and audience competitions. The two-day annual event is family- friendly, and entry is free. Those ages 21 and over can further enhance their experience by purchasing a VIP Bud- weiser Tent ticket for $30, which includes access to the VIP Budweiser Tent (with additional seating and bathrooms), ax- throwing, tent-exclusive entertainment, expanded beer selections, a premium food menu for purchase, and a one-liter commemorative Budweiser 150thOkto- berfest at Soulard Market stein. Attendees can choose from a variety of festive food and drink options: special menus from Sugarfire Smokehouse and Hammerstone’s, pretzels from Pretzel Boys, Cutwater and NÜTRL cocktails, wines fromNoboleis Vineyards, and beer from Soulard’s own Anheuser-Busch. Event hours are Friday, Oct 10 (3 –11 p.m.) and Saturday, Oct 11 (11 a.m.– 10:30 p.m.). On Friday, The Busch Light Brigade will march through the streets of Soulard starting at 6:15 p.m. to help kick off the opening ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Throughout the weekend, two stages — the Plaza Stage and the VIP Budweiser Oktoberfest at Soulard Market returns Oct 9–10 By Beth Hoops The stein-holding contest always draws a crowd. Beth Hoops photo Parks, recycling and a plan for Soulard’s economy By the Soulard CID Soulard Community Improvement District continues to take on new ini- tiatives to enhance the neighborhood, whilemaintaining improvements already in place. Trash cans, dog waste bag dis- pensers and skyscraper signage has been added to the CID expansion area (south of Ann), as well as CID-funded services like supplemental bulk trash pick up (reminder: if there’s amess on your street or alley, email cleanstreets@soulardcid. org so the Soulard Clean Team can be directed to your area). Economic Development Plan Soulard CID recently issued two RFPs seeking professionals to assist with a neighborhood economic development plan and a historic tour scripting project. For the economic development plan, the CID is excited to start work with St. Louis-based firm PGAV. The project’s goal is for the CID and PVAG to create a practical roadmap to guide economic growth and reinvestment across the Soulard and Kosciusko neighborhoods. In their proposal, PVAG notes that the plan “must strengthen the business environment, attract and retain diverse commercial uses, identify infrastructure priorities and promote tourism while preserving neighborhood character. It should align with current and future citywide planning efforts and provide clear, implementable steps for short- and long-term success.” PVAG’s work will take place in three phases, the first of which is underway. Phase one reviews existing conditions and develops a neighborhood steering committee to provide local input and guidance. The steering committee mem- bers are Mary Hart Burton (CID), Mike Crossno (Kosciusko), Kevin Wilkins (MGI), Laura Leister (SBA, CID), Jimmy Roberts (SRG), Mary BethWallace (Real- tor), Liz Henry (Property Owner), Dan Tent Stage — will feature continuous entertainment and oom-pah-pah jams. Oktoberfest at Soulard Market is or- ganized by the Soulard Safety Program and benefits multiple participating neighborhood organizations, including Soulard Business Association, Soulard Restoration Group, South Broadway Athletic Club and Soulard School (for volunteer opportunities, please contact these groups). For more information or to purchase VIP Budweiser Tent tickets, visit www. soulard-oktoberfest.com . Also follow Oktoberfest at Soulard Market on Face- book at www.facebook.com/oktoberfest- soulard or Instagram at www.instagram. com/oktoberfestsoulard. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 PLAZA STAGE: 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. Music from Deutschmeister Brass Band 6:15 p.m. Busch Light Brigade marches through Soulard 6:30 p.m. Oktoberfest at Soulard Market Opening Ceremony and the traditional tapping of the first keg 7 – 10 p.m. Music from Die Spitzbuam Budweiser stein-holding competition for men and women VIP BUDWEISER TENT: 6 – 10 p.m. Music from Bolzen Beer Band SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 PLAZA STAGE: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Music from Brasshaufen Brass Band 3 – 6 p.m. Music from Deutschmeister Brass Band 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. Music from Die Spitzbuam Audience games: stein-holding competition for kids, NÜTRL chicken dance-off, Noboleis Vineyards blind wine taste, Cutwater log saw VIP BUDWEISER TENT: 11 a.m. Tent opens 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. Music from Bolzen Beer Band Budweiser stein-holding competition for men and women 7:30 p.m. Tent closes 2026 SEPTEMBER VOLUME LI ISSUE 3 SOULARD RENAISSANCE LIVING WITH HISTORY THE From the Editors Page 2 Time Capsule Page 8 Abstract Art Show Page 9 Bastille Day & Summer Concerts Page 11 Continued on Page 3