There are certain people in St. Louis who seem to possess a rare gift.
They have the ability to bring people together. Not just for a party. Not simply for a social gathering. But for a purpose. Kelly Burrell Bagwe is one of those people. Kelly as a successful model, actress, philanthropist, and fixture on the St. Louis social scene. What they may not know is how much of her time, energy, talent, and personal network she dedicates to helping others. Not only is she a Kelly as a successful model, actress, philanthropist, and fixture on the St. Louis social scene, she uses her time, energy, talent, and personal network she dedicates to helping others through her “Premiere with a Purpose” events. Read about the latest when she helps host the “Hairspray” at the Muny.
Queer Writes: An Evening of Selections by LGBTQ+ Writers in St. Louis for its fourth consecutive year on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Missouri History Museum. The event is part of the Museum’s Thursday Nights at the Museum series and its Gateway to Pride programming.
“On this 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, we invite the community to come together in remembrance of those who lost their lives while serving our country,” said Mark Sundlov, Managing Director of Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. Soldiers Memorial Military Museum will hold its annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 25 at 10:00 AM. This event is free and open to the public. This powerful event honors the memory of America’s fallen service members and includes a wreath-laying ceremony and musical tribute.
An invitation was sent to St. Louis for the 2026 Three-Sixty Westport Kentucky Derby Soirée, and with it came an unspoken understanding: one does not simply attend—one arrives properly. What awaited atop the Gold Tower at Westport on May 2nd, was not merely a party, but an interpretation—St. Louis’ answer to the pageantry of Churchill Downs. And it was convincing. The details were intentional. As Lodging Hospitality Management Chairman and CEO Bob O’Loughlin has noted, the intention has been clear: to elevate Westport into a premier destination for both visitors and the local community. On Derby Day, one of the crown jewels in the LHM firmament of properties, Three-Sixty Westport, ran for the roses and brought them home.
On April 26, inside the dignified halls of the Missouri History Museum, approximately 150 figures from the arts and cultural community gathered not simply to honor Joan Lipkin, but to affirm the scope of a career that has long extended beyond any single stage, city, or discipline. The occasion: her receipt of the 2026 Margo Jones Medal—an honor bestowed annually upon one citizen-of-the-theatre nationwide. In its 65-year history, it had never before been presented in St. Louis.
First recognized as a week-long observance in 1978 and expanded to a full month in 1990, May was chosen to commemorate two key moments: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in 1843. It is both a celebration and a correction—an acknowledgment of contributions that were too often overlooked. Their professional presence is significant—spanning medicine, finance, engineering, technology, academia, and entrepreneurship. They are physicians, executives, innovators, and business owners whose economic contributions help drive both local and national growth. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the importance of this recognition only grows.
There are certain holidays that arrive with obligation—and then there are those that arrive with reverence. Mother's Day belongs, unequivocally, to the latter. In St. Louis, the second Sunday in May is not simply marked; it is curated. It is a day when gratitude is translated into beauty, indulgence, and, increasingly, experience. And for the city’s most discerning families, the question is no longer whether to celebrate—but how exquisitely. Because in St. Louis, as in New York City or Paris, sophistication is not defined by how much is spent—but by how thoughtfully it is given. On Sunday in May, 10, 2026 nothing is more luxurious than getting it exactly right.
If you are reading this, you are the FIRST to see our May/June 2026 issue. In it, we explore how St. Louis continues to leave its imprint on the world stage. Our cover story, “The Rooms That Speak: Lou Bopp and the Art of Photographing Absence,” is a deeply moving piece that will leave a lasting impression on you. It is a poignant look at the creation of a 2026 Oscar-winning documentary by a St. Louis photographer. It is, quite simply, unforgettable. We also take a deep dive into two other St. Louis institutions, the 101-year-old Al’s Restaurant, which was the very definition of fine dining in yesteryear and carries the torch today in St. Louis and beyond. Also read about how Stifel Financial Corporation Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski ensures that their brand is carried throughout the nation and the world.
A different kind of supermodel hit the red carpet at the Expo Porte de Versailles in the City of Lights this past January. Coinciding with the biannual Paris Haute Couture Week, over four days, the 50th annual Rétromobile drew close to 150,000 motoring enthusiasts to this comprehensive lifestyle motoring event. To mark the milestone, Rétromobile’s official 2026 poster featured BMW’s first Art Car, a BMW 3.0 CSL with graphics designed by Alexander Calder half a century earlier. Since then, BMW has teamed up with an esteemed roster of artists, including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons, to name a few, whose one-of-a-kind works were displayed alongside one another in one of three sprawling halls at Rétromobile.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis hosted their 3rd Annual Holiday Benefit. The event brought community, artistry, and festive spirit together for an unforgettable winter celebration supporting St. Louis theatre. This year’s event welcomed Emmy Award–winning actress Britt Lower — star of Apple TV+’s Severance and a proud Midwestern artist with St. Louis roots — who shared stories from her creative journey and reflected on the power of live theatre. Embracing the theme Home for the Holidays, guests enjoyed performances by Broadway star Taylor Louderman, unique auction experiences and exceptional food and drinks, all contributing to raising more than $300,000 to support The Rep’s educational and community programs, world-class productions, and overall presence in St. Louis’ vibrant arts community.
The Black and White Ball 2025 was a true celebration of St. Louis’ generous heart. It transformed the Four Seasons Ballroom into a celebration of glamour, community and giving back, blending high-fashion moments with unforgettable performances and hometown pride. Nelly, a longtime supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, announced that 4-year-old Elijah Gilligan will be going on an all-expense paid trip to Disney World with his family. Nelly also surprised Harris-Stowe State University student Te’Ron Moore with a 4-year full ride scholarship. Ashanti, Busta Rhymes, Doug E. Fresh, Jermaine Dupri, Ozzie Smith, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Wesley Bell.
This year marked the museum’s 20th Art in Bloom, the Saint Louis Art Museum’s annual celebration of fresh flowers and fine art. It drew a record-breaking 35,000-plus visitors from February 27 through March 1. The festival featured 30 local floral designers’ interpreting works from the museum’s collection. In addition to the floral arrangements on view, the Art in Bloom weekend included a successful Preview Party, the ticketed Flowers After Hours event, family programs and a drop-in demonstration by Rachel Cho, a New York–based floral designer who created a large-scale installation in Sculpture Hall for the festival. See highlights.
Known for its extravagance and decadence, Dubai inspires immediate awe and wonder. In its midst sits two hotels in what is sometimes called “the city of gold” — Atlantis The Royal, and Atlantis, The Palm. One will feel nothing but relaxed, sipping an ice-cold spritz atop the 22nd floor as the sun sets over the city of Dubai at The Atlantis. At The Palm, rooms with the undersea views beckon. Renowned chef Gordon Ramsey even located one of his premium restaurants at The Palm. The food and lodging at both is nothing less than extraordinary. Be sure to visit once the Middle East settles again. Well worth the trip.
Ever wonder how the country’s largest park grew up in St. Louis. A new children’s book, “How Forest Park Was Made”, tells you how in picture and illustration. Forest Park has grown to be the crown jewel of St. Louis. Can you imagine Forest Park without the Saint Louis Zoo? What about the Art Museum or The Muny or the Jewel Box? Journey through time to see how all your favorite Forest Park destinations first came to be. The book is primarily written for children, but kids from 1 through 99 will enjoy it.
Experience the Robot Renaissance at City Museum in St. Louis now through May 31st. The museum exhibit coincides with the VEX Robotics World Championships at the the America’s Center Convention complex, which runs through the April 30th. These particular, peculiar robots are built with everyday objects by St. Louis artists Bill Christman and Dave Rudis. Guests can visit the Robot Renaissance exhibit at the Beatnik Bob's section of the museum.
Hundreds of dog lovers will gather at Gateway Arch National Park on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s annual Arch Bark presented by Purina to celebrate sustainability in action and the ongoing mission to nurture thriving spaces where pets and people flourish together. The annual event is the ideal place for St. Louis dog lovers to explore the Foundation’s mission to preserve 91 acres of parkland in the heart of downtown from 10am - 2pm.
In St. Louis, Route 66 is not nostalgia. It’s geography. As Route 66 marks its centennial in 2026, St. Louis finds itself not at the margins of the celebration, but at its emotional center. From here, the Mother Road, crossed the heartland, climbed deserts and mountains and eventually reached the Pacific Ocean. One hundred years later, the centennial lets St. Louisans see familiar streets as the opening chapter of one of America’s most enduring stories. Here, explore the “Mother Road” of America.
On the cover of our 2026 Spring issue is Chaim Bloom, the new President of Baseball Operations for the St. Louis Cardinals. He replaces John Mozeliak and is tasked with breathing new life into to the once mighty St. Louis Cardinals. Craig Kaminer sits down with him in a revelatory interview found ONLY on Sophisticated TV St. Louis, which underscores the story Craig authored. Like our entire March/April issue, we continue the long-established custom of bringing you the exclusive, the new, the now — things that affect you in the ever-changing landscape that is St. Louis. Read the article for excerpts from the issue, as well as ways to “play ball” with ways to rediscover St. Louis old and new.
True Caliber's introduction of the color of the year, Espresso, propels the brand into a new era of dark neutrals. Launching at the 2026 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, the new finish is a deep, full-bodied brown that exudes a rich, velvet-matte warmth. Whether anchored in a sleek indoor bar or a sun-drenched outdoor kitchen, Espresso brings a refined sense of quiet luxury to True Caliber's full suite of refrigeration curated custom finish now allows designers and homeowners a choice of 96 alluring color combinations.
Take a trip back to yesteryear when the typewriter was the essential tool for literature, business, and personal use. Typosphere, a vintage typewriter museum and art gallery on Cherokee Antique Row in St. Louis, is your portal. Every third and fourth Saturday of the month, visitors can take a trip back in time by using vintage typewriters with workshops conducted by founder Louise Lawler and renowned St. Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine Anderson. Hop into a “type” machine to use these relics of the past that echo the paperless keyboards still in use today.
