Creative Events at STLCC: Art, Theatre, Music and Culinary

February 23, 2026

Posted by STLCC in Programs and Pathways 

Looking for something fun to do that won’t wreck your budget? St. Louis Community College hosts art exhibits, theatre productions, music performances and culinary events throughout the year. Many are free or low cost, and most are open to the community.

These events are a great way to see what students, faculty and local artists are creating across STLCC campuses. You can stop by a gallery, hear live music, watch a play or enjoy a student-prepared meal while supporting the creative work happening in your community.

You don’t have to be an STLCC student to attend most events. Families, friends, alumni, neighbors and community members are welcome. Use the STLCC events calendar to find upcoming dates, campus locations, times and reservation details.

Visit an Art Exhibit

STLCC art galleries feature rotating art exhibits from students, faculty and artists from around the region. You may see drawing, ceramics, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media and other creative work.

Each exhibit gives visitors a chance to slow down and see ideas, materials and personal stories come together through art. Some exhibits focus on student work, while others bring in regional artists or community themes. That variety makes the galleries worth checking throughout the year.

Exhibits are held at campuses such as Florissant Valley, Forest Park and Meramec. Many are free and open to the public.

Watch the events calendar for exhibit receptions. These gatherings may give you a chance to meet artists, ask questions and learn more about the work on display. They can also be a good way to connect with other people who enjoy local art.

See a Theatre Production

STLCC theatre productions feature student performers, community actors, faculty and theatre staff. Productions take place at Florissant Valley, Forest Park and Meramec.

Each production is part performance and part learning experience. Students may help with acting, lighting, costumes, set design, sound, stage management and other parts of live theatre. Community members also take part, which helps make the productions feel connected to the larger St. Louis arts scene.

For audiences, STLCC theatre is an affordable way to enjoy live performance close to home. You can see familiar stories in a new way, discover a play you have never heard of or support students building confidence on stage and behind the scenes.

Most STLCC theatre productions are free and do not require tickets, but seating may be limited. Arriving early is a good idea, especially for popular performances.

Hear Live Music

STLCC hosts music performances throughout the year, including concerts, recitals, ensembles, choir performances and student showcases.

These events give music students a chance to perform for an audience and build experience in a live setting. They also give the community an easy way to enjoy music without the cost of many larger venues.

You may find performances that include jazz, classical music, choral pieces, chamber groups, student recitals or larger ensemble concerts. Some events highlight a specific class or group, while others bring together performers from across campus.

Live music can be a simple way to spend an evening, support student musicians and experience the energy of a campus performance. Check the events calendar for dates, times, campus locations and performance details.

Try a Student-Prepared Culinary Event

At the Forest Park campus, culinary arts students prepare and serve meals through capstone lunches and dinners in the Anheuser-Busch Dining Room at the Jack E. Miller Hospitality Center.

These meals give students real experience planning, preparing and serving food in a professional setting. Guests get a restaurant-style meal at a lower cost while supporting students near the end of their program.

The menu may change by event, but the experience is designed to show the skills students have built in the kitchen and dining room. It is a practical learning experience for students and a unique dining option for the community.

• Lunch: $15 per person, including soup or salad, an entrée, dessert and a beverage.
• Dinner: $20 per person, including soup, salad, an entrée, dessert and a beverage.

Reservations are required, and seats can fill quickly. 

Bring a Friend, Classmate or Family Member

STLCC events can be a good option when you want to make plans without spending a lot. They are also a low-pressure way to visit a campus, learn more about a program or spend time with people you care about.

You might stop by an art exhibit between classes, bring your family to a theatre production, meet a friend for a music performance or plan a low-cost lunch at Forest Park. Because events happen throughout the year, there are many chances to try something different.

Why STLCC Events Are Worth Checking Out

STLCC events are a simple way to do something affordable, creative and local. You can support students, connect with the community and experience the arts across campus.

They are also a good option if you’re looking for:

• Free or low-cost things to do.
• Family-friendly arts and culture events.
• Local theatre, music and gallery experiences.
• Ways to support students and emerging artists.
• Events on or near STLCC campuses.

The events calendar is the best place to find current dates, times and details. Events change throughout the year, so check back often to see what’s coming up next.