Symphonic Soul and Stand-Up: What's On in St. Louis This Friday
A Vibrant Friday in the Gateway City
St. Louis is alive with cultural energy today, Friday, January 23, 2026. From world-class musical collaborations at Forest Park to major arena comedy tours, the city offers a diverse lineup of events for every interest. Whether you are looking for immersive theater, local history, or the latest in automotive technology, today’s schedule is packed with verified activities across our most iconic venues.
Arts and Live Performance
The centerpiece of today’s cultural calendar is a unique collaboration at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Starting at 6:00 PM, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra joins forces with the Saint Louis Dance Theatre for "Facing Shores." This original program is inspired by the monumental exhibition Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea. The performance is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the museum is offering extended hours today, allowing visitors to explore the Kiefer exhibition until 9:00 PM.
On the theater stage, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Mrs. Krishnan’s Party in the Emerson Studio. This interactive and joyful celebration from New Zealand’s Indian Ink Theatre Company invites the audience to join the party on stage. Meanwhile, The Black Rep continues its run of The Dance on Widow’s Row at the Edison Theatre, a sophisticated comedy-drama that has become a local favorite this season.
Major Community Events
Car enthusiasts should head to America’s Center & The Dome for the 2026 St. Louis Auto Show. Running through the weekend, the show features the latest high-performance models and precision engineering from top global manufacturers. It is a family-friendly staple of the January calendar in St. Louis.
For those interested in local heritage, the Field House Museum is hosting the exhibition Behind the Feather: A Century of Weatherbird History from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This exhibit explores the legacy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s iconic mascot. Nearby, the Missouri History Museum continues to showcase The 1904 World’s Fair Exhibit, bringing the city’s most famous historical moment to life through original artifacts and interactive displays.
Comedy and Nightlife
It is a massive night for comedy in the city. Nate Bargatze brings his "Big Dumb Eyes World Tour" to the Enterprise Center at 7:00 PM. Known for his clean, relatable humor, Bargatze is one of the most sought-after acts in the country. If you prefer a more intimate comedy setting, Russell Peters is performing two sets at Helium Comedy Club at 7:00 PM and 9:15 PM.
Music lovers can catch Cassadee Pope at the City Winery in City Foundry STL, with the performance scheduled for 7:30 PM. For those seeking a winter escape, Eckert’s Country Store & Farms is hosting "The Lodge," a winter pop-up bar featuring fireside drinks and a cozy atmosphere, open from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.