Jazz Jams, Dark Comedies, and Historic Exhibits: What's On in St. Louis Today

St. Louis Midweek Highlights for January 21, 2026

Happy Wednesday, St. Louis! Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in the local arts scene, catch a classic film, or explore a century of city history, today’s schedule offers a rich variety of community events. From the jazz-filled corners of Grand Center to the quiet galleries of our world-class museums, here is your guide to what is happening across the gateway city this Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Live Music and Jazz

Kick off your evening with the Wednesday Night Jazz Jam at The Dark Room at The Grandel. This weekly gathering celebrates the city’s deep-rooted jazz legacy, providing a space for both established local legends and emerging talents to share the stage. This family-friendly event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is free to the public, making it the perfect midweek musical escape for fans of live performance and local culture.

Theater and Stage Performances

If you prefer a night at the theater, St. Louis has several compelling options today:

• The Dance on Widow's Row: Head to the Edison Theatre at Washington University for this dark comedy presented by The Black Rep. Directed by Ron Himes, the play follows four wealthy Southern widows with a reputation for "unlucky" bachelors as they host a high-stakes gathering. The show begins at 7:00 p.m.
• Mrs. Krishnan's Party: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents this unique production by the Indian Ink Theatre Company at the Emerson Studio Theatre. This immersive experience invites the audience into the backroom of a corner dairy shop for a celebration of life, food, and community.
• See How They Run: Over at the Reim Theatre in the Kirkwood Community Center, the Kirkwood Theatre Guild continues its run of this classic British farce filled with mistaken identities and hilarious chases.

Museums and Special Exhibitions

Daytime visitors can explore a wide range of public exhibitions today:

• Behind the Feathers: Visit the Field House Museum to explore a century of "Weatherbird" history. This exhibit showcases the legacy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s iconic daily cartoon character, offering a witty look at over 120 years of local commentary and artistic evolution.
• Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea: The Saint Louis Art Museum is currently hosting a landmark exhibition featuring the provocative works of Anselm Kiefer. Today is an excellent opportunity to view these large-scale installations and sculptures before the exhibition concludes.
• The 1904 World's Fair Exhibit: The Missouri History Museum offers a deep dive into the complex history of the fair that defined St. Louis at the turn of the century.

Cinema and Community Meetups

For movie buffs, the historic Hi-Pointe Theatre is hosting its "Widescreen Wednesday" series with a special screening of the modern classic La La Land. If you are looking to network, FOCUS St. Louis is holding a Speed Mentoring session at the Missouri Athletic Club this morning, perfect for professionals seeking new connections. Alternatively, you can find the Chess at the Brewery group for their weekly rotating meetup, where players of all skill levels gather for friendly matches in a relaxed atmosphere.