The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Best of Missouri Market is back and bigger than ever. Shoppers are invited to peruse the very best of the state’s makers and artisans. Almost 150 vendors will showcase their wares, ranging from handicrafts and art to gourmet food and beverage.

Beautiful handmade ceramics will be available at the Best of Missouri Market.
Photo courtesy of Erik S. Anderson/Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis will hold its 32nd annual Best of Missouri Market fall festival October 4-6, 2024 in the historic Shaw neighborhood. The event highlights the skills and creativity of Missouri’s top artisans and the delicious scope of our state’s cuisine.

“The Best of Missouri Market is the perfect event for everyone to enjoy,” says Catherine Martin, Senior Public Information Officer at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

This year’s event features 147 vendors—the most this festival has ever hosted—selling handcrafted items, locally produced food, wine, beer, craft spirits, native plants, herbs, clothing, custom jewelry, and more.

The Best of Missouri Market is an opportunity to stock up on gourmet foods and beverages from the state’s best purveyors.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Cato/Missouri Botanical Garden

Pick up some bottles of Adam Puchta Winery’s award-winning Dry Vignoles. Shop jewelry and textiles made by refugee and immigrant artisans with Forai. Watch Sewn Portraits apply thread to felt to make your favorite face appear right before your eyes. Peruse the modern apothecarial offerings of Forest & Meadow Herbal Shop. Try some candied bacon jerky from This Little Piggery.

“Get an early start on your holiday shopping, or treat yourself,” Martin says.

There’s truly something for everyone. And they do mean everyone.

“Little ones love the Kids’ Corner,” Martin says.

This so-called “corner” is actually a two-acre space adjacent to the popular Children’s Garden. Family-friendly activities abound, including a petting zoo, a “pumpkin patch” where children are invited to pick a gourd to decorate, a hands-on pot-a-plant activity, and more.   

Live music and a food truck park featuring 11 different vendors round out the fun. Free parking will be available at the corner of Shaw Boulevard and South Vandeventer Avenue, and parking shuttles will run continuously throughout the weekend.

Tickets for the Best of Missouri Market are now available for advance purchase.

Featured photo courtesy of Lisa DeLorenzo/Missouri Botanical Garden

For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.