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
"The West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce truly lives up to the community model of business. We share a belief that we are all in this together to build up our community and help businesses flourish so they can provide great jobs...The opportunities to get involved are endless. At the West County Chamber, members like each other. Come join us!"
Bruce Sheridan, Organizational Compass Inc.
"The West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce is a great place to meet others! The goal of the Chamber is to help members promote their business and contribute to the community in a fun and friendly atmosphere!"
John Hoover, U.S. Bank Home Mortgage
"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 of Fenton/South Ballwin
"The Chamber and member businesses are a critical part of Ellisville’s success. An investment in The Chamber strengthens our entire region and is simply good business."
Mayor Mike Roemerman, City of Ellisville
"The West County Chamber of Commerce continually provides the Parkway School District with business and community connections that ultimately benefit our students and educators. They willingly share information about the school district with the larger community. Information from the West St. Louis Chamber assists Parkway in our future planning. We very much appreciate our partnership."
Keith Marty, Superintendent Parkway School District
"This is the most amazing chamber I have ever seen! Lori Kelling and Heather Zerweck are the dynamic duo 🙂 They bring so much energy and a truly amazing culture to the West County Chamber of Commerce. The connections I created have made such a positive impact on my business!!"
Jay Grosman, Owner/Founder iAutoAgent
"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 Ruder, Ruder Realty