Beer, Bikes, and Boats: Upcoming St. Louis Events for Outdoor Fun

Ready to shake up your social calendar? From bikes and brews to dragon boats and indie films, these upcoming St. Louis events promise equal parts fun, fundraising, and fresh air. Whether you’re walking for a cause or pedaling for poker glory, there’s something here to get you moving.

 

Spoker Ride
Brought to you by Terrain Magazine and New Belgium Brewing, the Spoker Ride on May 17 in St. Louis is three events in one. It’s a 13-mile charity bike ride, a six-stop bar crawl, and a winner-takes-all card game for prizes. You’ll meet at Hwy 61 Roadhouse in Webster Groves, then pedal to the other participating locations and enjoy free New Belgium beer pours. At each stop, you’ll receive a playing card, and at the end of the route, the rider with the best poker hand wins! For more info, go here.

 

Walk MS: St. Louis
Centered around the theme of circles of support, the Walk MS experience on May 17 at Forest Park emphasizes the people and organizations that help improve a person’s life with multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants can opt for a one-mile or three-mile walk, and both routes are accessible and equipped with hydration stations. By choosing to walk, you’ll play a powerful role in the MS community, whether you live with MS or care about someone who does. For more info, go here.

 

Mound City Film Series
If you like beer, movies, or the outdoors, here’s exciting news: The downtown St. Louis location of 4 Hands Brewing Co. is hosting the first-ever Mound City Film Series. Once a month, from April through September, the brewery will screen short films focused on outdoor adventure and activism. (They’re good films, too. They’ve all been featured at the prestigious Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colorado.) The nights kick off with live music, followed by guest speakers and the screenings. Don’t miss the May 28 edition, which celebrates the spirit of cycling, including the film Time Is a Funny Thing (pictured). For more info, go here.

 

Gateway Dragon Boat Festival
Registration is now open for one of the St. Louis area’s most unique, family-friendly events of the year: the 19th annual Gateway Dragon Boat Festival on August 16. You’ll hop aboard a dragon boat (a traditional Chinese canoe-style vessel) as part of a team of 20 paddlers — plus a drummer — for a thrilling race at Creve Coeur Lake. In addition to the race (which raises money for families in need), there will be carnival games, food trucks, face painting, and a bounce house. Even a Chinese dragon dance. For more info, go here.

Author: Shawn Donnelly is the managing editor of Terrain.

Top image: Courtesy of Walk MS: St. Louis.