WHAT: MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN ORCHID SHOW
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through March 22
WHERE: Missouri Botanical Garden
One of the world’s largest orchid collections will be on display at the 2020 Orchid Show at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The show features an artistic “Mayan-inspired” theme, complete with moss-covered mannequins donning lavish botanical headdresses, each created by members of the American Institute of Floral Designers. Orchid Nights, a wine-and-spirit tasting event, will be held on two nights, Feb. 13 and March 5, with tickets available online or at the door.
$5 (ages 3 and older), in addition to regular Garden admission; free for Garden members; Orchid Nights $20 ($15 for Garden members); mobot.org
WHAT: GHOST
WHEN: 7 p.m. (Fridays) and 2 p.m. (Sundays) through March 1
WHERE: Grandel Theatre
Based on Jason Reynolds’ award-winning bestseller for young readers, Metro Theater Company’s rolling world premiere of playwright Idris Goodwin’s adaptation tells the story of Castle Cranshaw, a.k.a. “Ghost,” who loves to run, but for all the wrong reasons. With the help of Coach, who becomes his father figure, Castle tries to stay on track—literally and figuratively—as a member of an elite local track team, while battling the difficult realities of his past and present. Following the Sunday, Feb. 9, performance, Metro Theater hosts a post-show conversation with community leaders about the story’s resonance and the lived experiences of young people in the St. Louis region. Julius Anthony, president of St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature, will moderate.
$20 adults, $16 youth; metroplays.org
WHAT: OWL PROWL
WHEN: 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13
WHERE: World Bird Sanctuary
This adults-only event is especially created with Valentine’s Day in mind, featuring wine and chocolate-covered strawberries. Learn about the history of Valentine’s Day and meet the “Valentine Owl,” in addition to learning more about these nighttime feathered friends from World Bird Sanctuary naturalists. The evening begins with a 40-minute “All About Owls” presentation and natural history experience featuring several of the sanctuary’s owls, followed by an easy night hike through the grounds and interactive lesson on how to hoot.
$20; worldbirdsanctuary.org
WHAT: PURINA PET PARADE
WHEN: 10 a.m. (registration), 1 p.m. (parade), Sunday, Feb. 16
WHERE: Begins at 12th Street and Allen Avenue in Soulard
Sure, there are a plethora of Mardi Gras-related events on tap in Soulard, but one of our favorites is the Purina Pet Parade, touted as a largest costumed pet parade in the world! Sit back and watch the parade of furried creatures, or have your pet join in on the fun by registering online or the day of the event at 12th Street and Allen Avenue beginning at 10 a.m. The best-dressed four-legged contestants will be selected as members of the Court of the Mystical Krewe of Barkus, and invited to the Coronation Pageant at Soulard Market Park, where the King and Queen of Barkus will be crowned.
Free parade; $10 registration fee, with proceeds to benefit Open Door Animal Sanctuary; stlmardigras.org
