The Show Me State is home to the iconic cities of Kansas and St. Louis, and its Ozark Mountains are popular with those who seek adventure. With its fair share of both barren wilderness and bustling city life, it offers a wide range of experiences, including many exciting and appealing festivals throughout the year.
One of the state’s most iconic events is the Ann Arbor Film Festival, the longest-running independent and experimental film festival in North America. For six days, the festival hosts almost 200 films from around the world, including shorts, animations, documentaries and more. It’s a great event for avid film fans, or for those who are interested in discovering some of the most unique and unusual talents in the world of filmmaking. The festival aims to offer the best opportunities for film makers and viewers alike, and also plays host to panels, conversations, installations and retrospectives. Previous screenings here have included work from the likes of Agnes Varda, Andy Warhol, Gus Van Sant, Kenneth Anger and more.
Missouri’s festival scene provides many insights into multiple cultures, with World-Fest, one of the biggest international events in the USA, and Festival of Nations. Both of these annual events provide a vibrant and varied program of international food, entertainment, music and customs, all from lands far and wide, with a proud focus on the celebration of dozens of countries, regions and traditions. Other state-wide events celebrate the history and culture of areas and countries such as Japan, Germany, Bavaria, Ireland and more.
Saint Louis Art Fair is one of the most reputable art fairs in the USA, and many renowned and revered visual artists exhibit and offer their work here each year. Much of the work is unique and ground-breaking, while other offerings display and demonstrate more traditional forms and styles. Visitors can treat themselves to a plethora of ceramics, paintings, jewellery, glasswork, metalwork, printmaking, sculpture, photography and more. The event also features plenty of entertainment, attractions, competitions, food and kids’ activities. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a complete novice looking for an excellent introduction, there’ll be something here you to take your fancy.
Other festivals throughout the state celebrate Shakespeare, cars, bluegrass, Mark Twain, trout, St Patrick’s Day, ragtime music, balloons, cowboys and loads more. So come to the Show Me State and show yourself something you love!