ST. LOUIS — It’s almost time for the spotlight to shine once again in the St. Louis region! 314 Day is a day of celebrating all things St. Louis. Local businesses and organizations join together to shine a light on everything that makes our city a great place to start up, stand out, and stay.
This year’s festivities kick off on Saturday, March 9, and culminate on Thursday, March, 14 — 314 Day — with an exciting variety of events, celebrations, and special deals highlighting local makers, musicians, artists, businesses, organizations, and neighborhoods that are proud #STLMade.
Terrell “Young Dip” Evans and Tatum Polk created 314 Day in 2006 with the vision of bringing St. Louis together to celebrate the positive things happening in the city. Since that time, it has evolved to become an official region-wide holiday shared by all local cultures, as well as organizations and businesses large and small throughout the unique communities and neighborhoods that make up the St. Louis metro.
“314 Day continues to grow bigger and better every year — beyond anything we could have ever imagined — uniting people from all walks of life to celebrate and bring positivity to our community,” Polk said.
This year’s signature events include 314 Day Small Business Expo at The Armory; Phat Tuesday comedy show with celebrated native St. Louis comedian Guy Torry; all-faith Prayer March around the Arch; 314 Eve Bowling Party; 314 Day Coffee kick-off with local coffee makers Kaldi’s, Northwest Coffee, and Goshen; and a 314 Day Brunch. A complete list of events, celebrations, and special deals from local businesses will continuously be added in the days leading up to 314 Day at theSTL.com/314day. All are invited to celebrate 314 Day in their own way and share their love for St. Louis on social media using the hashtags #314Day and #STLMade.
In honor of 314 Day 2024, The 314 Day Foundation in partnership with theSTLMade movement launched an inaugural 314 Day Design Contest. Visual artists and illustrators across the region submitted samples of their existing work for consideration to create the official 314 Day 2024 design. The winning artist, Marley Billie D, has created a unique piece of art inspired by her love of St. Louis that will be splashed across t-shirts, stickers, and bags to celebrate 314 Day. Commemorative t-shirts will be available for purchase in some local retail stores including STL-Style.
This year the 314 Day Foundation has partnered with Jewels, Inc., a national mentoring organization, to launch the inaugural 314 Day Youth & Women’s division. In collaboration with Harris-Stowe State University, SLDC, and the Mayor’s Youth Cabinet there will be a host of youth-led initiatives including a celebration for teens run by teens that highlights the St. Louis youth entrepreneurs through the use of a space to sell and promote their business while also having expert speakers in topics like financial literacy, gun violence/mental health, and paying for college. #SheCan Connect professional women’s network is collaborating with the 314Day Foundation to celebrate STL Women executives and entrepreneurs who have made history.
The STLMade movement, an initiative of Greater St. Louis, Inc., continues to partner with the official314 Day Foundation to make 314 Day 2024 the biggest celebration yet.
“We encourage people across the St. Louis region to join the celebration in whatever way speaks to them, whether it’s hosting or attending one of the exciting events, visiting one of our world-class attractions or institutions, supporting their favorite local business or restaurant, or simply sharing local pride on social media to let everyone know why St. Louis is a great place to start up, stand out, and stay,” said Tony Wyche, spokesman for Greater St. Louis, Inc.
FOOD & DRINK
Coffee kickoff | Goshen, Kaldis, Latte Lounge, Northwest Coffee metro locations, Thurs 3/14
314 Day brunch | Marquee Restaurant and Social Bar & Grill, Thurs 3/14
314 Day party | Rouge Bistro, Thurs 3/14, 3-8 p.m.
Midwest Cigar Social | Caramel Room, Thurs 3/14, 6-10 p.m.
Gooey butter cake ice cream sandwich | Sugarwitch, Thurs 3/14 - Sun 3/16
Mix In The City mixology competition | Anita Cafe & Bar, Mon 3/11, 6-9 p.m.
SHOPPING
314 Day small business & wellness expo | Armory, Sat 3/9, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
College entrepreneur marketplace | Harris-Stowe State University, Thurs 3/14, 5-7:30 p.m.
SPORTS & RECREATION
St. Louis CITY SC watch party (away game) | Armory, Sat 3/9, 6:30 p.m. drink specials, game time 7:30 p.m. WashU and Go! St. Louis 3.14-mile fun run | WashU Danforth campus, Thurs 3/14, 6:30 a.m.
Community walk/run | Profield Reserve (Cherokee St.), Thurs 3/14, 3:14 p.m.
Battlehawks town hall | Ballpark Village, Thurs 3/14, 5:30 p.m.
3.14 mile self-guided greenway routes | Multiple greenways across the region
YOUTH
Kid's movie day | Armory, Sat 3/9, movie begins at llama Student art bazaar | R&R Marketplace, Wed 3/13, 6 p.m.
TEEN-1-4 DAY panel, marketplace & party | ZACK, Sat 3/16, 4-11 p.m.
OTHER EVENTS
Non-denominational march & prayer | Arch grounds, Sun 3/10, Gather at 2 p.m.
Dining with dignity (feeding our unhoused community) | St. Patrick Center, Gateway180, Sts. Peter & Paul, Thurs 3/14, volunteers welcome.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.
