Culture and Recreation
West St. Louis County residents have a number of cultural and recreational activities in their own “backyard” and throughout the metropolitan area. Activities include community celebrations, nationally known performing art groups, historic walking tours, four professional sport teams, and much more.
Community Celebrations
The West St. Louis County area has many community celebrations throughout the year. The City of Ballwin features an event called Ballwin Days, which includes a five-mile parade, sports tournaments, carnival rides, a talent show, and live entertainment. Ellisville offers free “Concerts in the Park” at Bluebird Park every Thursday night from June til August. The weekend after Labor Day is homecoming in Manchester. The fair includes midway rides, band concerts, a variety of contests, and much more. Valley Days, hosted by Valley Bank, is held in mid-August. It includes a Parade with commercial entries, rides, music, a baby contest and more. In addition, residents of all ages can enjoy Wildwood Days, a celebration of a community joining together to recognize and celebrate a strong-rooted heritage.
Theater
A wide array of renowned performing arts companies and theaters are based in the metropolitan area. The Muny, a 12,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, is located in St. Louis’ Forest Park, and presents musicals, plays, dances, and popular headliners from around the country. The “Fabulous Fox” is a restored 1929 movie palace which provides an interesting backdrop for concert performances, touring theatrical productions, ballet, special events, and classic films. The Riverport Amphitheater, in northwest St. Louis County, has 20,000 seats and uses state-of-the-art sound and video systems to present outdoor concerts by major recording artists.
Parks
There are several communities in West St. Louis County with well-equipped parks and extensive recreational programs for all ages. Ballwin’s well-developed parks and recreational facilities include a municipal golf course, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and two recreational centers. Ellisville has 10 parks, which weave through neighborhoods and connect by multi-trails. They comprise 13% of the City’s total size. The City’s Aquatic Park opens this summer. The 5 parks located within Manchester total approximately 55 acres of parkland. Each offers different amenities attractive to residents and families. The City of Valley Park has four parks, which provide residents with ball fields, picnic areas, open space recreation area, and much more. Wildwood boasts 12 square miles of beautiful parkland, which includes Babler State Park, Rockwoods Reservation, and Greensfelder County Park.
Sports
St. Louis is home to professional baseball, hockey, and soccer teams. Athletic associations in Ballwin, Ellisville, and Manchester provide baseball and softball leagues for young people and adults.
For more information about West St. Louis County recreational activities, go to the Things To Do section or refer to our Membership Directory.
What Our Members Say About Us
"This is a great Chamber for making business connections and getting involved with the local communities. I have met many friends through my involvement with the West County Chamber of Commerce."
Robin Monks, Cetera Investors
"Joining the Chamber has helped advanced our business during good times and bad. Glad we made the commitment to join over ten years ago. There is no better place to develop your business than the West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce!!!"
Sandy Chestnas, Owner SERVPRO Team Chestnas
"The West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce has helped me grow my business for the past four years. Through their various networking meetings and events I've made business connections and friendships I otherwise wouldn't have. Their website and Facebook page are also a great resources for keeping up with local information and events."
Courtney Callahan, Courtney Callahan Realty
"I joined the West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce 3.5 years ago when opening Fox Creek Veterinary Hospital in Manchester, MO, and I’m so glad I did! The Chamber has been an incredible partner in helping grow my business over the past three years. Through their many networking meetings and events, I’ve made valuable business connections—and even better, real friendships—that I wouldn’t have found anywhere else. The Chamber’s website and social media pages, especially Facebook and Instagram, are also excellent tools for staying updated on local news and events. This is a super active Chamber filled with like-minded, motivated businesspeople who genuinely want to see each other succeed. Thank you Lori and Heather—you’re the best! Your energy and dedication make this Chamber truly special."
Wendy Sens, Fox Creek Veterinary Hospital
"I’m a proud member of the West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce and have made countless valuable connections that have helped in both business and in my personal life! I recommend this chamber to anyone that is looking to grow your network and make great friends while doing it! You will get a very warm welcome and feel the value quickly!"
Jenn Lawler, Red Key Realty Leaders
"Lori and Heather make this chamber rock. What an excellent way to connect and to expand your business impact. Join today!"
Doug Vernon, Thrivent Financial
"The West St Louis County Chamber of Commerce is an amazing group of people who are supportive on so many levels! Lori and Heather make sure members are engaged and always host the best events!"
April Baker, Magnolia Soap and Bath