Opera Nights, Comedy Legends, and Exotic Blooms in St. Louis Today
Evening Stage and Theater Performances
St. Louis offers a spectacular lineup of performing arts this Friday, February 20, 2026. Headlining the evening is the touring production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. This classic musical continues its run with a 7:30 PM performance, bringing the haunting romance and iconic score back to the Grand Center Arts District. For those who prefer the majesty of the symphony, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a complete concert version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute at the newly renovated Powell Hall. Starting at 7:30 PM, this production features a star-studded cast and the St. Louis Symphony Chorus under the direction of Stéphane Denève.
Comedy fans have significant options tonight as well. The Legends of Laughter tour arrives at the Stifel Theatre at 8:00 PM, featuring a high-energy lineup including Sommore and other veteran stand-up performers. Additionally, the Helium Comedy Club is hosting Shuler King for a 7:00 PM set, providing an intimate setting for fans of sharp, observational humor.
Museum Exhibitions and Art Socials
The Saint Louis Art Museum is a hub of activity today with its SLAM Social—Lunar New Year celebration. From 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the museum hosts a free event featuring cultural displays and activities associated with the zodiac. Following the social, the museum will host a free screening of Everything Everywhere All at Once at 6:00 PM as part of its SLAM Cinema series. Earlier in the day, visitors can participate in "Let’s Talk in the Galleries," where educators will be stationed near the Aymara Weavings exhibition from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM to lead discussions on Indigenous Andean art.
At the Missouri History Museum, the world premiere production of A Brick and A Bible is being showcased with a 7:00 PM performance. This production tells the vital true story of the 1933 Funsten Nut Strike in St. Louis, highlighting the courage of Black women who organized for labor rights in the city.
Community Events and Special Markets
Spring may still be weeks away, but the Missouri Botanical Garden is in full bloom with its Annual Orchid Show. Open today from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the show features thousands of individual orchids representing hundreds of species within the Orthwein Floral Display Hall. Over at the Third Degree Glass Factory, the popular Third Friday open house returns from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offering live glassblowing demonstrations, music, and local art displays.
For outdoor enthusiasts and families, the St. Louis Boat and Fishing Show opens today at the Dome at America's Center. This massive marketplace features the latest in marine technology and equipment. Finally, residents in West County can enjoy Family Fridays at The District in Chesterfield, which offers kids' meal deals and "glow-in-the-dark" pickleball starting at 3:00 PM.