The 2026 St. Louis Auto Show and Extended Museum Nights: What’s On Today
A Vibrant Thursday in the Gateway City
St. Louis is bustling this Thursday, January 22, 2026, offering a diverse array of activities ranging from high-octane automotive displays to serene gallery walks and traditional community festivals. Whether you are looking to admire cutting-edge engineering or enjoy a night of live theater and music, the city has plenty of verified local events to fill your schedule.
The 2026 St. Louis Auto Show Kicks Off
The highly anticipated 2026 St. Louis Auto Show officially opens its doors today at America’s Center and The Dome. This event is a paradise for car enthusiasts, featuring an impressive collection of the latest models, luxury vehicles, and high-performance cars. Visitors can get a first-hand look at the future of the automotive industry, including the newest innovations in electric vehicles and smart technology. The show floor opens at 10:00 AM, providing a full day of exploration for families and hobbyists alike. It is the perfect venue to experience the power and precision of modern engineering right in the heart of downtown.
Artistic Reflections and Historical Journeys
For those seeking a more contemplative experience, the Saint Louis Art Museum is offering special extended hours for its landmark exhibition, "Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea." Due to popular demand as the show enters its final days, the museum will remain open until 9:00 PM tonight. This free exhibition showcases Kiefer’s evocative works, including massive installations and symbolic paintings that explore history and memory. A cash bar will be available in Sculpture Hall starting at 5:00 PM, making it an ideal destination for an evening cultural crawl.
Simultaneously, the Missouri History Museum invites the public to revisit the grandeur of the city’s past with its 1904 World’s Fair Exhibit. Open today until 8:00 PM, this display provides a deep dive into the complex history of the fair that put St. Louis on the global map, featuring artifacts and interactive elements that tell the story of the fair’s innovation and lasting social impact.
Theater, Music, and Community Traditions
The local theater and live performance scene is equally vibrant tonight. At the Edison Theatre at Washington University, audiences can attend a performance of "The Dance on Widow's Row," a compelling play that blends humor and drama. For those preferring comedy, acclaimed performer Nate Bargatze brings his world tour to the Enterprise Center at 7:00 PM, while the band Umphrey’s McGee will be delivering a night of progressive rock at The Pageant.
If you are looking for a community-focused celebration, the Schlafly Tap Room is hosting its annual Burns Night Festival from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This traditional event honors the life and poetry of Robert Burns with Scottish music and food. Additionally, social meetups are taking place across the city, including an expat gathering at 6:00 PM and a local singles mixer in Webster Groves starting at 9:00 PM.