What do original art, fabulous cocktails, and our four-legged friends have in common? Art of PAWS & People! On Saturday, October 24, Vivent Health, continuing the legacy of Saint Louis Effort for AIDS, will host this extraordinary fundraiser at the Gatsby Ballroom STL at The Alverne. Presented by St. Louis-based global pet care leader Purina, a dedicated sponsor for 23 years, the evening features original artwork by celebrated local artists, including Charlie Houska, live and silent auctions, cocktails, and delicious hors d'oeuvres.

But the real heart of the evening is PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support), which provides pet food and veterinary assistance to people living with HIV, ensuring they don't have to choose between caring for themselves and their beloved companions. Currently helping approximately 80 clients, with another 50 waiting for assistance, the program urgently needs community support. Art lovers, animal enthusiasts, and philanthropists alike are invited to enjoy an unforgettable evening while helping keep people and the pets they love together. Because sometimes the greatest gift isn't a work of art—it's the unconditional love of a cherished pet.

A dazzling parade of elegant, extravagant, and whimsical hats transformed Forest Park’s iconic World’s Fair Pavilion into a spectacular celebration of fashion and philanthropy for the 35th Annual Forest Park Forever Hat Luncheon. Nearly 800 civic leaders, philanthropists, and park enthusiasts gathered for the sold-out affair, raising a record-breaking $665,000 to support the care and preservation of Forest Park’s magnificent 1,300 acres.

Emceed by Carol Daniel and co-chaired by Akberet Boykin Farr and Laura Sawyier, the festivities celebrated two remarkable milestones: Forest Park’s 150th anniversary and Forest Park Forever’s 40th anniversary. Established in 1991, the Hat Luncheon has blossomed into one of St. Louis’ most fashionable and beloved philanthropic traditions, proving that fabulous hats, generous hearts, and civic pride are always in style!

Big hair, bold colors and even bigger hearts set the scene as more than 150 donors turned back the clock to the swinging ’60s for The Muny’s third annual Groovy Do fundraiser before the June 18 performance of Hairspray. The Broadhurst Pavilion was buzzing as guests mixed, mingled and got their groove on while raising more than $95,000 to help make the magic of The Muny accessible to everyone. Chaired by Cheree Berry, Ashley Kemper and Brooke Ray, the colorful celebration supported everything from nearly 1,500 free seats at every performance to ASL interpretation, audio description, closed captioning, assistive listening and wheelchair assistance. It was an evening where fabulous fun met a meaningful mission—proving that at The Muny, everyone deserves a seat, everyone deserves to experience the magic, and generosity is always in style.

Fashion lovers, consider yourselves in on one of St. Louis’ best-kept style secrets. On Sunday, October 4, the fifth Anomaly Fashion Experience: Off White After Five takes over The Majorette in Maplewood for an evening of runway fashion, art, creativity and community. Guests are encouraged to make their own fashion statement in shades of off-white while discovering local designers including Kraze Krystals, Upgrade My Diva, Lila Mae, Laha, Embellishments Adorned, HZuchelli and Designs By J. Stocking. The evening will also honor 2026 Anomaly Award recipients Dr. Veronic Lewis-Kelly, Courtney Goad and Jade Harrell. For Sophisticated Living readers who love discovering emerging talent before everyone else does, this is one fashion experience you won't want to miss.

In the wake of Dolly Parton’s recent passing, St. Louis has an opportunity to celebrate not only the unforgettable music of the beloved entertainer, but also her extraordinary legacy of giving. The Dolly Show Starring Kelly O’Brien comes to The Factory in Chesterfield on Tuesday, October 27, taking audiences on a glittering journey through six decades of Dolly classics, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You. O’Brien, endorsed by the Parton family and selected by Dolly Parton Enterprises as Dolly’s official body double for film, brings the legend’s voice, humor, warmth and signature rhinestone glamour to the stage. Even more meaningful, The Factory will donate $1 from every ticket sold to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, helping continue the literacy mission Dolly championed for decades. Sophisticated Living encourages St. Louis to fill The Factory, celebrate an extraordinary life and help ensure Dolly’s generosity lives on. Come for the music. Celebrate the legend. Help continue the legacy.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but The Hamsa Wellness Community at the J is encouraging St. Louisans to move beyond awareness and take action. On Sunday, October 25, its annual Beyond Pink event brings together education, exercise and community resources for a free morning dedicated to cancer prevention, wellness and survivorship. Participants can learn about hereditary cancer risks and genetic testing while exploring resources from leading St. Louis cancer organizations and taking part in Zumba, T’ai Chi, restorative movement and specialized Yoga for Cancer and Strength Over Cancer programs. With breast cancer touching approximately one in eight American women during their lifetime, understanding personal and family risk, following appropriate screening recommendations and embracing healthy lifestyle choices can be powerful steps. Whether you are facing cancer, supporting someone you love, celebrating survivorship or simply becoming more proactive about your health, Beyond Pink offers an important reminder: awareness gets our attention, but knowledge, movement and action can make a difference.

For 50 years, The St. Louis Black Repertory Company has given Black artists a stage, brought powerful stories to St. Louis audiences and grown from Ron Himes’ vision as a Washington University student into the nation’s largest professional African-American theater company. Its golden anniversary season opened triumphantly with The Color Purple, featuring a powerhouse performance by Angela Wildflower as Celie and culminating in a sold-out final performance. Thank you to Sophisticated Living readers and patrons who showed up and filled those seats. Now, the challenge is to keep showing up. With an ambitious 50th season ahead and a $15 million endowment campaign aimed at securing its future, The Black Rep is not simply celebrating its remarkable past—it is building its next half-century. Buy another ticket, bring a friend, make a donation and, for those with the means, consider a transformational gift. The Black Rep is here. Let’s make certain it stays here for the next 50 years.

Saint Louis Dance Theatre is ready to get St. Louis moving at its annual Movers & Shakers Ball, Friday, October 23, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or have never experienced the company before, this is the night to discover why Saint Louis Dance Theatre has become such an exciting force in our city’s cultural landscape. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the gala promises an unforgettable evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a main-stage dance performance, silent auction, seated dinner and DJ dance party. More than a glamorous night out, Movers & Shakers supports the world-class dancers, acclaimed choreographers and ambitious programming that are helping put St. Louis on the national contemporary dance map. Come for the party, experience the artistry and become part of the movement.

One of the world’s most iconic pieces of furniture has a surprising hometown connection. Long before Charles Eames and his wife, Ray, created the legendary Eames Lounge Chair, Charles was a curious young St. Louisan exploring the city with a sketchbook and developing an appreciation for architecture, craftsmanship and design. From Yeatman High School and Washington University to early work at The Muny, St. Louis helped shape the creative vision that would ultimately transform modern furniture. Introduced in 1956, the Eames Lounge Chair remains a coveted symbol of timeless design, still handcrafted by Herman Miller nearly 70 years later. Now the story comes full circle with the opening of St. Louis’ first dedicated Herman Miller showroom in the Central West End—a fitting homecoming for a design legacy that began on the streets of St. Louis and went on to influence the world.

For acclaimed St. Louis restaurateur Ben Poremba, food has always been about something larger than what arrives on the plate: bringing people together. That philosophy is transforming the Delmar Maker District, where his Bengelina Hospitality restaurants Nixta, Florentin and the new Del Bono surround the Maker’s Yard, an outdoor gathering place designed for dining, music, markets, families and the simple pleasure of spending time together. Following the devastating May 2025 tornado, Poremba saw an opportunity not simply to rebuild, but to give St. Louisans new reasons to return to Delmar and help change the narrative surrounding a street too often defined by division. Each restaurant reflects his travels and personal history—from the Israeli-inspired Florentin and contemporary Mexican Nixta to Del Bono, his warm, wood-fired interpretation of Italy. But Poremba’s real ambition extends beyond restaurants. Inspired by the hospitality he learned from his mother, he is creating a place that feels welcoming, sophisticated, diverse and connected—and demonstrating how food, thoughtful design and genuine hospitality can help rebuild not only a neighborhood, but a sense of community.

Set on nearly 20 wooded acres overlooking a secluded lake in Labadie, Missouri, award-winning architect Thomas Wall’s contemporary retreat demonstrates that true luxury is not measured in square footage, but in thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship and connection to place. Conceived as a weekend “cabin” for a client drawn to contemporary and mid-century modern architecture, the residence evolved into a sophisticated composition of glass, steel, walnut, stone and concrete-inspired surfaces, with nearly every principal room oriented toward the water. Floor-to-ceiling glass, a dramatic floating walnut staircase, disappearing walls, a two-sided fireplace and striking walnut slatted ceilings blur the distinction between architecture and landscape while showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. Yet the home’s greatest achievement may be its restraint. Rather than competing with its spectacular setting, Wall designed the residence to frame it, allowing sunlight, water, woodland and changing seasons to become part of the interior experience. The result is a timeless retreat that makes a compelling case for a more sophisticated definition of luxury: less about excess and more about exceptional design, enduring materials and the emotional connection between a home and the land it inhabits.

St. Louis has lost one of its quiet giants. John Ferring was a visionary businessman, philanthropist and civic leader whose influence can be felt across the arts, education, healthcare, Forest Park and countless organizations serving the community. Yet those who knew him say his greatest gift was not simply his generosity—it was the sincerity, humility, discipline and personal commitment he brought to everything he supported. Ferring approached philanthropy as a partnership, investing his time, intellect and confidence along with his resources and inspiring others to think bigger and do better. Leaders from the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, ArchCity Defenders and St. Louis Shakespeare Festival remember a man who listened, asked thoughtful questions and took genuine joy in helping people and institutions succeed. Together with his wife, Alison, Ferring helped shape a stronger, more compassionate St. Louis. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the institutions he strengthened, the leaders he inspired and the countless lives made better because he quietly invested in a city he never stopped believing in.

Sababa is getting bigger—and St. Louis is invited. After attracting approximately 3,000 guests in 2024, the Sababa Jewish Arts & Culture Festival could welcome as many as 5,000 people when it moves to downtown Clayton on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Headlining the free celebration is Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb, joined by an impressive musical lineup that includes Yuval Raphael, Nissim Black, Elana Jagoda and Klezundheit. Rooted in Jewish culture but created for everyone, Sababa—modern Hebrew slang for “awesome” or “cool”—invites the entire St. Louis community to experience contemporary Jewish culture through live music, art, kosher cuisine and family activities. From fine art and a 12-foot-tall “tree of life,” activation inspired by the tradition of placing written messages in Jerusalem's Western Wall, to challah braiding, a bubble party and plenty of pastrami and knishes, there is something for every generation. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Come curious, come hungry—and absolutely come for Lisa Loeb. With potentially 5,000 people celebrating together in Clayton, that sounds pretty Sababa to us.

St. Louis has long produced extraordinary artistic talent, but some of the city’s most important artists may still be hiding in plain sight. Here, we turn to three respected St. Louis gallerists—William Shearburn, Philip Slein and Tanner Steslow—to identify 18 artists they believe deserve the attention of serious collectors. Their selections range from internationally recognized talents including Kennedy Yanko, Katherine Bernhardt and Tom Friedman to rising and underrecognized artists such as Amy Granat and Jamie Adams (pictured here), whose work may represent compelling opportunities for collectors. The list also revisits historically significant figures such as Ernest Trova, Oliver Lee Jackson, Arthur Osver and Ernestine Betsberg, making the case that collecting well requires looking backward as well as forward. Ultimately, the story is about more than acquiring art. It is about developing the eye and conviction to recognize important work before consensus arrives—and preserving the remarkable artistic legacy and evolving cultural story of St. Louis in the process. Read about the background and see the works here.

PALM Health is putting its commitment to longevity into motion by joining Pedal the Cause, September 19–20, 2026, at the Family Arena in St. Charles. Led by Team Captain Mary Druyvesteyn, Team PALM is bringing together employees, members, friends, cyclists, spinners, volunteers and donors to help fund groundbreaking cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Since 2010, Pedal the Cause has raised more than $56 million, with 100% of participant-raised funds supporting cancer research. For PALM Health, a Ladue-based center dedicated to personalized longevity medicine and helping people live longer, healthier and more vibrant lives, the partnership is a natural extension of its mission. Through group rides, training sessions, “Pilates for a Purpose” classes and fundraising efforts, Team PALM invites the community to ride, spin, volunteer or donate—because every contribution helps create more birthdays, more celebrations and more time with the people we love.

The Clydesdale certainly knows how to make an entrance. Grayling Holmes and his daughter, Megan Anne Holmes-Govier, experienced the VIP preview of James Beard Award-winning Chef Kevin Nashan’s new upscale American tavern at Ballpark Village—and the evening began spectacularly with the Budweiser Clydesdales trotting down Clark Avenue under police escort to ceremoniously deliver the beer.

Inside, the father-daughter duo discovered an equally memorable experience: warm wood paneling and hunter green accents, premium cocktails, oysters, jumbo shrimp, irresistible sliders and elevated tavern fare showcasing Nashan’s celebrated culinary touch. But what impressed them most was the extraordinary service. From the moment Megan, who uses a cane, arrived, the staff anticipated her needs with warmth, attentiveness and grace. “Daddy, I really feel special here,” she told her father.

For two people who have attended their share of VIP events, that simple observation became the evening’s greatest compliment. The Clydesdales delivered the spectacle, Nashan delivered the food, but the staff delivered something equally important—genuine hospitality.

A fabulous pool party with a serious purpose helped make theater history in St. Louis. The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis’ signature summer fundraiser, An “In-Appropriate” Afternoon by the Pool, brought 75 arts patrons and philanthropists to the magnificent Central West End home of longtime Festival supporter Andy Arnold for cocktails, cuisine, art and giving. Record proceeds from ticket sales and an auction featuring works by notable artists provided critical funding for the Festival’s 11th season and its landmark production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Tony Award-winning Appropriate, running September 17–27 at COCA.

The production marks both the St. Louis premiere of Appropriate and the first time the Festival has selected a headliner not written by Tennessee Williams. Instead, the season explores “The Tennessee Effect”—Williams’ enduring influence on contemporary playwrights such as Pulitzer Prize and two-time Tony Award winner Jacobs-Jenkins. Fundraising, together with generous grant support from Washington University, is also helping bring Jacobs-Jenkins to St. Louis for the free “A Conversation with Branden Jacobs-Jenkins” on September 19 at the St. Louis County Library’s Clark Family Branch.

The afternoon proved that behind every great production are patrons willing to help raise the curtain—and sometimes they do it poolside.

This fall, one of St. Louis’ most important yet underappreciated artists returns to the spotlight with a major exhibition in the heart of the Central West End gallery district. Beginning October 23, Philip Slein Gallery presents Edward E. Boccia: An American Modernist, bringing together approximately 30 paintings spanning five decades, including monumental multi-panel works that demonstrate Boccia’s remarkable fusion of Renaissance traditions, Expressionism and deeply personal storytelling. The exhibition coincides with the publication of Edward E. Boccia: Painter of Nightmares and Dreams by art historian Rosa J.H. Berland, the first comprehensive scholarly monograph devoted to the influential longtime Washington University professor and painter. Sophisticated Living readers, collectors and art enthusiasts are invited to experience this long-overdue rediscovery at the opening reception Friday, October 23, from 5–8 p.m. at Philip Slein Gallery, 4735 McPherson Avenue. The exhibition continues through April 23, 2027, offering St. Louis the rare opportunity to reconsider an extraordinary artist in the city where his mature artistic vision flourished.

For writer Grayling Holmes, the mission of Gratitude House is deeply personal. His best friend Bridgette was beautiful, brilliant and raised with every advantage, yet a lifelong battle with alcohol and drug addiction ultimately claimed her life at just 51. Her story is a powerful reminder that addiction knows no ZIP code, social status or income level. Today, Gratitude House offers women in early recovery something Bridgette might have benefited from—an elevated sober-living home combining dignity, structure, accountability and neuroscience-based education to help turn sobriety into lasting recovery. On September 19, the Gratitude GiddyUp Gala at Casa Loma Ballroom will raise critical funds for current operations and an ambitious 2027 expansion, including the new Gratitude Institute for Recovery and Behavioral Change. Whether attending the gala or donating from home, Sophisticated Living readers have an opportunity to help give a woman struggling with addiction the support, tools and time she needs to build a different future—and perhaps a different ending.

Summer may be winding down, but St. Louis is just getting started. In his welcome to the September/October issue, Grayling Holmes looks ahead to the city’s bustling fall gala season and the philanthropists, civic leaders and tastemakers who make it one of the most exciting times of the year. This issue celebrates the people, places and ideas shaping St. Louis, while also taking readers beyond our borders into the worlds of travel, automobiles, wine, fashion, food and luxury living. Look back on summer through the always-popular Celebrations pages, then discover stories ranging from a moving remembrance of philanthropist John Ferring and the fascinating St. Louis origins of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair to our cover story on restaurateur Ben Poremba and his ambitious vision for Maker’s Yard on Delmar. Consider it your invitation to savor fall in St. Louis—before the holidays arrive and 2027 is suddenly at our doorstep.

One of St. Louis’ most beloved traditions returns September 16, when Music Director Stéphane Denève and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra launch the SLSO’s 147th season with a free concert on Forest Park’s iconic Art Hill. For Sophisticated Living’s Grayling Holmes, who has enjoyed the tradition many times, there is nothing quite like settling onto the hill with a picnic, a glass of wine and hundreds of fellow symphony and St. Louis lovers as magnificent music fills the park. The evening features favorites from Beethoven, Bernstein, Gershwin, Copland, John Williams and others, along with members of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and IN UNISON Chorus, before culminating with The Stars and Stripes Forever and fireworks over the Grand Basin. It’s a uniquely St. Louis celebration—two enduring city institutions coming together for an unforgettable evening of music, community and civic pride under the stars.

The Saint Louis Fashion Fund is investing in Missouri’s next generation of fashion talent through education, financial support and invaluable industry connections. This year, six students received a total of $30,000 through the Susan Sherman Fashion Scholarships, with each receiving $5,000 toward fashion or fashion-related studies at Missouri colleges and universities. The recipients were recognized during the 3rd Annual Fashion Futures Collegiate Kickoff, presented in partnership with Caleres and Neiman Marcus, where approximately 100 students, parents and industry professionals gathered to connect aspiring creatives with mentors and opportunities for internships, apprenticeships and future careers. Together, the scholarships and Fashion Futures create an important bridge from the classroom to the professional fashion world while demonstrating that promising careers can begin and flourish right here in Missouri. By investing not only in education but also mentorship, relationships and opportunity, the Saint Louis Fashion Fund is doing more than celebrating emerging talent—it is helping fund the future of fashion.

Celebrating its 45th anniversary, Girls Inc. of St. Louis marked a historic milestone by hosting the organization’s first-ever national summit at Washington University, bringing together more than 250 young women from over 30 affiliates across the United States and Canada. During four transformative days, participants strengthened leadership skills, built confidence, explored emotional intelligence and critical thinking, and formed relationships with peers and community leaders. For Girls Inc. of St. Louis President and CEO Cheryl Jones, hosting the inaugural summit was a full-circle moment, reflecting the organization’s decades-long commitment to inspiring young women to be strong, smart and bold. Participants arrived from communities across North America as strangers but departed as part of a powerful new leadership network—equipped with greater confidence, meaningful connections and the encouragement to use their voices to shape a better future.

The Saint Louis Zoo's most important annual fundraiser, ZOOFARI 2026 presented by Wells Fargo, brought supporters together for a spectacular summer evening of food, entertainment, and philanthropy on June 12. The all-inclusive "grazing gala" featured signature bites from more than 40 local restaurants and caterers, refreshing libations, and live music from A-Town A-List. Guests also supported the Zoo through a wine pull, bourbon tasting, bubbly wall, silent auction, restaurant gift cards, Topgolf experience, Hearth & Soul pop-up, Kendra Scott Color Bar®, and a giving gallery featuring flamingo artwork. Beyond the festivities, ZOOFARI serves a critical purpose: proceeds from the evening support the Saint Louis Zoo's exceptional animal care and conservation efforts in St. Louis and around the world, making an unforgettable night out an investment in wildlife and its future.

As summer gives way to the busy rhythm of a new school year, families quickly discover which spaces in their homes are helping—or hindering—the morning routine. In this feature, we explores how thoughtful home organization can transform everyday life, from streamlined mudrooms and custom kids' closets to dedicated homework stations, efficient pantries, and hardworking laundry rooms. Jennifer Quinn Williams, founder of Saint Louis Closet Co., explains why successful storage begins with listening to how families live before designing personalized solutions. More than simply reducing clutter, custom organization gives families back valuable time, lowers stress, and makes busy mornings run more smoothly. For more than 35 years, Saint Louis Closet Co. has helped homeowners across the St. Louis region create beautiful, functional spaces that make daily life easier—proving that the greatest luxury isn't just a well-designed home, but one that works effortlessly for the people who live there.

The Festival of Nations returns to Tower Grove Park on August 29-30, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors to celebrate the food, music, art, and traditions of over 80 countries. While the beloved multicultural festival remains free to the public, Sophisticated Living readers can elevate the experience with the exclusive VIP Oasis at the Piper Palm House. VIP guests enjoy premier parking, a dedicated entrance, air-conditioned lounge, reserved Main Stage seating, complimentary beverages, and access to a private Kick-Off Party at the new Director's Croquet Garden. New this year, a single-day VIP pass offers a flexible way to enjoy these premium amenities. Beyond the comfort and convenience, every VIP ticket supports the International Institute of St. Louis, whose mission since 1919 has been to help immigrants and refugees build successful new lives in our community. It's an unforgettable way to experience one of St. Louis' signature cultural events while making a meaningful investment in the region's future.

The curtain is about to fall on Union Avenue Opera's acclaimed 32nd Festival Season, and audiences have just four final opportunities to experience its spectacular finale. Camille Saint-Saëns' Samson et Dalila takes the stage August 14, 15, 21, and 22, bringing one of opera's most passionate love stories to life with soaring music, unforgettable choral moments, and the exhilarating "Bacchanale." Featuring acclaimed artists Jonny Kaufman and Melody Wilson, the production transforms Union Avenue Opera's intimate venue into an immersive theatrical experience where every note and emotion resonates. Following a season praised by critics as "gorgeous," "emotionally grounded," and "simply perfection," this powerful company premiere provides a fitting crescendo to another remarkable year. With only four performances remaining, opera lovers—and those curious to experience the art form for the first time—have one last chance to witness the unforgettable finale of one of St. Louis' most celebrated summer cultural traditions.

The world's most extraordinary new convertibles take luxury to new heights. Leading the pack is the breathtaking Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster, the most powerful open-top Lamborghini ever created—a 1,080-horsepower masterpiece produced in a limited run of just 15 examples. It headlines an exclusive roundup of the world's newest and most coveted luxury convertibles, where engineering brilliance meets bespoke craftsmanship. From Bentley's hybrid-powered Continental GT S and the ultra-exclusive Rolls-Royce Project Nightingale to the Pagani Utopia Roadster, Porsche 911 GT3 S/C, BMW Z4 Final Edition, and Chevrolet's next-generation Corvette Grand Sport X, this collection showcases the latest in open-air performance and prestige. For those who believe life is too short to settle for ordinary, these remarkable automobiles prove that the finest driving experiences are reserved for those who appreciate uncompromising luxury, innovation, and style.

Tequila, Sunshine, and the Perfect Summer Margarita… In this refreshing guide to one of summer's most beloved cocktails, Jennifer Brian explores the rich heritage of tequila while celebrating the bounty of farmers' market season. Readers will discover why 100% Blue Weber agave tequila is the gold standard, learn the differences between blanco, reposado, and añejo varieties, and gain insight into what makes an authentic margarita. The article also features three easy-to-make recipes—the timeless Classic Margarita, a refreshing Watermelon Margarita, and a Strawberry Margarita bursting with seasonal flavor—proving that fresh ingredients and simple techniques are all that's needed to elevate summer entertaining. Whether hosting a backyard gathering or relaxing on the patio, these handcrafted cocktails are the perfect toast to the season.

Just a short drive from St. Louis, OxFest returns to the Washington Fairgrounds on September 20 with three stages of live music, family-friendly entertainment, local food vendors, and special guest Sarah Kraffty, the viral food creator with more than 2.3 million followers. More importantly, the festival continues its mission of transforming young lives in Franklin County and surrounding communities. Since 2017, OxFest Charities has donated more than $400,000 to organizations that provide scholarships, classroom grants, healthcare, advocacy, and opportunities for children in need. Whether spending the day enjoying great music or making a tax-deductible donation, Sophisticated Living readers have the opportunity to help children and families in this rural corner of the St. Louis region build brighter futures through the power of community philanthropy.