Festival of Saint Louis
Planning Your Pilgrimage
Each year pilgrims from all of the U.S. and beyond join hundreds of Missourians
to join the Festival of Saint Louis. Here is some information to help those making the trip.
Places to Stay
Here are just a few lodging options:
Courtyard by Marriott
Just 1.3 miles from the
Oratory of Ss. Gregory & Augustine
Residence Inn Downtown
Just 1.8 miles from
St. Francis de Sales Oratory
The Cheshire
Just 0.8 miles for the
Oratory of Ss. Gregory & Augustine
Things to Do
If you’re looking to explore the city of St. Louis prior to the festival or in between festival events, consider our recommendations below!
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is a one-of-a-kind work of art. With its lofty vaults and radiant mosaics, the sheer scale of beauty is a thing of awe. More than a dozen architects’ and artisans’ concepts and works have coalesced in a magnificently well-integrated and harmonious whole. From top to bottom, front to back, the Cathedral Basilica draws one’s thoughts and emotions upward toward the contemplation of something transcendent.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis King
(commonly called The Old Cathedral)
The Old Cathedral is one of the most historic buildings in St. Louis with roots dating back to 1764 when St. Louis founders Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau dedicated a parcel of land to the people of St. Louis for religious purposes that was called the “church block”.
The Missouri Botanical Garden
Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the nation’s oldest botanical gardens in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark. The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, historic architecture, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered flora.
St. Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum was founded in 1879, at the close of a decade that saw the establishment of art museums in great cities across the eastern half of the United States.
The St. Louis Zoo
One of the finest zoos in the country, and admission is free!
FAQ
Who should attend the Festival of Saint Louis?
The Festival of Saint Louis honors a Catholic Saint through the celebration of Catholic liturgies, and all men and women of good will are welcome to join in any of the festival events.
Will Confessions be available prior to or during Festival liturgies?
Yes, for the confession schedule at the two churches primarily involved in the festival, see below:
St. Francis de Sales Oratory (2653 Ohio Ave, St. Louis, MO 63118)
- Saturday, August 23rd: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
- Sunday, August 24th: 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Monday, August 25th: 7:30 to 7:55 a.m.
Ss. Gregory & Augustine Oratory (7230 Dale Ave, St. Louis, MO 63117)
- Saturday, August 23rd, 7:00 to 8:00 a.m.
- Monday, August 25th: 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Is parking readily available at Festival events?
Yes. Please see the parking instructions for each event below:
Holy Rosary Novena
Free parking is available in Forest Park at the Art Museum lots on either side of the Apotheosis of St. Louis (along Fine Arts Drive) or any legal street parking along the Forest Park streets.
Banquet and Vespers (Sunday, August 24th)
Free parking is available in the St. Francis de Sales parking lot located on Iowa Avenue (look for the lot surrounded by the short black iron fence). Handicap parking is available on Lynch Street. Free street parking is available on all of the streets in the immediate proximity.
Louismas Liturgies and Procession (Monday, August 25th)
Free parking is available in the Oratory of Ss. Gregory & Augustine parking lot along Dale Avenue (next to the baseball fields). Handicap parking is available on the other side of the church along Bellevue Avenue. Free street parking is also available.
How long is the procession?
The Procession is roughly 2 miles along city sidewalks and paths in Forest Park. Pilgrims are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes. Families are very welcome, and jogger-style strollers are recommended. The route is flat for the most park, but there is slightly uneven terrain within Forest Park and a stretch across grass (rather than pavement) towards the end. Those with mobility issues are encouraged to drive directly to the Apotheosis (where the procession will end with the Holy Rosary), and await the arrival of the procession at 6:30 p.m. For those unable to stand or kneel during the Holy Rosary, we recommend the use of lawn chairs.
Is water available during the procession?
Yes! Each year, we have fantastic volunteer water runners who make sure that all pilgrims have access to cold water as they walk.
What should I wear for the procession?
Each pilgrim may decide what attire works for him. Anything modest and respectful of the occasion is allowed. Each year, despite the heat, there are always some gentlemen who wear suits and some ladies who wear their Sunday best. It has become a delightful custom for men to wear flowers in their button holes and for girls and ladies to wear white dresses and flower crowns. This is all in special devotion to the Kingship of St. Louis and the Kingship of Christ.
How do I get back to my vehicle after the procession?
There will be a free shuttle available to take pilgrims back from the Apotheosis to the Oratory of Ss. Gregory & Augustine to retrieve their cars and head on their way as soon as they are ready to go home. The shuttle will begin running immediately following Holy Rosary and go until 10 p.m. in the evening (the park curfew).
How can I donate to support the Festival of Saint Louis?
There are multiple 501(c)(3) organizations that make the Festival of Saint Louis possible.
Please see our sponsors page to read more about each group and how you can help.