WHAT: Wizard World St. Louis
WHERE: America’s Center
WHEN: Various times, April 5 to 7
Aquaman star Jason Momoa headlines the seventh annual pop-culture event at America’s Center that also features Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings, Stranger Things 2), Chris Kattan (Saturday Night Live, A Night at the Roxbury) and Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, Desperate Housewives). A plethora of other stars and some of the world’s most talented creators, writers and artists have planned appearances along Artist Alley throughout the weekend. The event will also feature non-stop live entertainment, gaming, exclusive Q&A sessions with top celebrities, movie screenings, and more. Be sure to bring your cosplay best, as Wizard World is the best place to show off that superhero suit or those Dothraki robes. $39.99 and up; wizardworld.com/comiccon/st-louis
The Grandel photo courtesy of Kranzberg Arts Foundation
WHAT: Grandel Ghost Tour
WHERE: The Grandel Theatre
WHEN: 7 and 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 9
The Grandel is housed in the former First Congregational Church, a 134-year-old limestone structure in the heart of Grand Center. Throughout its history, the building has reportedly been the site of several unexplained paranormal activity, and following months of research, the St. Louis Paranormal Research Society has gathered enough evidence to support some of the claims. During the tour, guests will be allowed access to areas of the theater that are normally off-limits to the public, accompanied with high-tech investigative equipment; and St. Louis Paranormal Research Society investigators will conduct spirit communications sessions in known “hot spots.” $30; thegrandel.com
WHAT: Cirque du Soleil Corteo
WHERE: Chaifetz Arena
WHEN: Various times; April 24 to 28
The latest Cirque du Soleil arena production, Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, tells of a joyous procession—a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together a cast of 51 acrobats, musicians, singers and actors from all around the world, with the clown picturing his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic,and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music turns lyrical and playful carrying Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality. $42-$108; cirquedusoleil.com/corteo
WHAT: Chinese Culture Days
WHERE: Missouri Botanical Garden
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 27 and 28
Highlights of the annual springtime festival include a grand parade led by a 70-foot dancing dragon, as well as acrobats, dancers, traditional artwork, tea and cooking demonstrations. Special activities will also be held in the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Chinese Garden, and authentic regional cuisine will be available for purchase on site. $16 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12 ($8 for garden members, free for member children ages 3 to 12); missouribotanicalgarden.org
