This championship is one of the biggest skating events in the country, serving as the final qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Team headed to the Winter Olympics in Italy.

What This Means for Metro Commuters

Many visitors will arrive through St. Louis Lambert Airport over the next week and we expect a lot of them to choose MetroLink to get downtown, to hotels, and to Enterprise Center where the final rounds of competition will take place.

Here’s what you should know as a Metro rider:

• Expect higher passenger volumes on eastbound trains especially during morning and evening rush hours from Jan. 5–11.

• Trains and buses may feel more crowded than usual during peak event days.
• Riders might notice longer waits at ticket vending machines and spikes in platform traffic downtown.
• Consider giving yourself extra travel time if you’re heading to work, appointments, or making bus connections.

Visitors will be headed to these downtown stations:

• Civic Center (closest to Enterprise Center)
• Union Station (hotels & attractions)
• Laclede’s Landing / Stadium / Convention Center (lodging & dining)

Trip Tips:

1. Our Transit Info Specialist can answer your transit questions and offer assistance with travel planning – call them at 314.231.2345 or text 314.207.9786
2. Use TransitApp to purchase mobile fare, check schedules, and see real-time locations of your bus or MetroLink.
3. If you see something suspicious, report it to a nearby Public Safety team member at anytime: (Call) 314-289-6873 (Text) 314-300-0188

The post Heads Up for Metro Riders, Big Crowd Coming to St. Louis appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

The Polar Express Train Ride at Union Station

All aboard! The Polar Express experience returns this holiday season at Union Station. You’ll find decorated trains, Santa and his elves, and a magical train ride perfect for families and kids.

When: Runs through December 30
Transit connection: Union Station MetroLink Station or MetroBus routes #4, #11, #94

Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden

It’s the perfect time to wander through the garden’s twinkling light installations and festive displays. Whether you attend for a romantic stroll, a family outing, or just want to soak in some holiday magic, Garden Glow always delivers.

When: Every evening through January 3 with some exceptions for the holidays.
Transit connection: MetroBus #8 Shaw-Cherokee

Trans‑Siberian Orchestra at Enterprise Center 

Vibe out to holiday classics with an orchestra twist. This year’s show features all new production of the beloved The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. With two performances on December 23, it’s a holiday concert you won’t want to miss.

When: December 23
Transit connection: Civic Center Transit Center

Winterfest

Enjoy downtown holiday fun with ice skating, festive lights, vendors, markets, and a New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration. Winterfest brings community joy and holiday cheer — a great way to wrap up the year.

When: Every weekend through January 11
Transit connection: 8^th & Pine or Stadium MetroLink Stations

Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo

Wild Lights transforms the zoo into a glowing winter wonderland with light displays, festive foods, and holiday magic. It’s a perfect evening that animal lovers and friend groups can enjoy.

When: Select nights through December 28
Transit connection: MetroBus #90 Hampton

Plan Your Metro Ride

St. Louis has plenty to offer this December and with Metro Transit, you can skip the parking hassles and enjoy a convenient ride. Adding transit to your holiday excursions can only enhance the magical moments this season brings. Download the free Transit app and plan your ride for a fun, festive night out.

The post Metro is Your Ride to Holiday Fun appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Whether you’re coming from North County, South City, the Metro East, or anywhere in between, MetroLink is the best way to get downtown for Winterfest.

Just hop on the Red or Blue Line and ride to either:

• Stadium Station – just steps from Kiener Plaza, with a quick walk past Busch Stadium and right into the holiday action
• 8th & Pine Station – another great option that drops you right into the center of downtown

From either station, you’ll be only a short walk away from Winterfest activities. Opening day is November 22 and you can enjoy the fun every weekend through Jan. 11, 2026. Check here for the full season itinerary.

Plan Your Trip

Plan your MetroLink ride with ease by downloading the free Transit App to purchase fare and find the best route from your neighborhood.

Bundle up, grab your skating gear, and let MetroLink take you straight to St. Louis’ favorite winter tradition.

The post Metro is Your Ride to Winterfest appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Love Languages: Saint Louis Dance Theatre Fall Series

From November 14–16, the Saint Louis Dance Theatre presents their “Love Languages” Fall Series at various locations in Midtown St. Louis. Enjoy a weekend emerged in the performing arts and local artists.

Connecting Transit Routes: Use MetroBus route #70 Grand to arrive in the Grand Center Arts District.

Flyover Comedy Festival (Nov 13–16)

St. Louis hosts the Flyover Comedy Festival with 40+ shows across multiple venues and headline talent including Aziz Ansari, Kym Whitley, and many more! Whether you prefer improv or stand-up, this festival offers lots of options. Pick your show, check the venue, ride on Metro, and enjoy the laughter.

Connecting Transit Routes: Download TransitApp to discover which routes will get you to the venue in time for the show.

Opening Night of Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Starting this Saturday, November 15, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s beloved Garden Glow returns with all-new light installations, interactive features and photo-friendly scenes throughout the garden. Opening night is the perfect outing for families, couples or friends looking for a fun fall evening under the lights.

Connecting Transit Routes: Use MetroBus #8 Shaw-Cherokee and get steps away from the Botanical Gardens entrance.

St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center

Catch the Blues this weekend at the Enterprise Center:

• Friday, November 14, vs. the Philadelphia Flyers (7:00 pm)
• Saturday, November 15, vs. the Vegas Golden Knights (7:00 pm)

Connecting Transit Routes: Drop your car at a nearby MetroLink Station and arrive at Enterprise Center before the puck drop.

Brandy & Monica – The Boy Is Mine Tour

Brandy and Monica headline their first-ever co-headlining tour with special guests Kelly Rowland, Muni Long and Jamal Roberts. This is great for R&B fans looking for classic combo of nostalgia and new-school energy.

Connecting Transit Routes: Getting to Enterprise Center is simple with MetroLink, just stop at Civic Center, cross the street, and enjoy the game.

Be sure to check schedules for the weekend, allow extra travel time for events, and consider buying $5 day passes for convenience.

This weekend, you don’t need a car to get out and enjoy St. Louis. Whether you’re planning with friends, family, a date night, or a solo adventure, pick your favorite event, plan your route, and ride in style.

Let’s make it a weekend to remember. See you out there!

The post Enjoy These Weekend Events with Metro Transit appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Metro Transit riders will soon get an early look at our next exciting upgrade to the MetroLink system as we install the first fare validators that will integrate with our new security gates. 

Beginning October 21, the first new fare validators will be installed at Washington Park Station, with additional stations in Illinois to follow before upgrades are made at all 38 stations.

What you need to know now:

As we install new validators at each station, we will also be removing the existing machines used to validate Gateway Cards and one-ride MetroLink tickets. Riders using a Gateway Card or one-ride ticket at a station with new validators and closed security gates will only need to show their card or ticket to Metro Security personnel to access the platform.

What you should know for the future:

We are installing our new fare validators at MetroLink stations in advance of Metro’s new fare system. Once ready, the validators will be able to read every form of fare — digital, smart card, pass, and paper ticket — and automatically open security gates for quick and easy access to MetroLink.

While it will be exciting to get a look at the future of Metro, MetroLink validators will not be able to accept fare and open gates until the launch of the new fare system in Spring 2026. However, our new validators are already installed and working on all MetroBus vehicles for Transit app users.

The post Installation of New MetroLink Fare Validators Starts Soon appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Located at 7529 Michigan Ave., Wine Down Café brings a community-centered atmosphere to South City, making you feel right at home.

Even better—your Metro Transit pass unlocks a special discount just for commuters. Simply show your server a valid pass to receive a free fountain drink with your meal. It’s our way of saying thanks for riding and supporting local businesses in neighborhoods we drive through every day.

Getting there is easy with MetroBus route #73 Carondelet, which drops you just steps away from the café. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or planning a weekend meetup, Wine Down Café is the perfect destination to sip, savor, and socialize—no parking hassle required.

So grab your friends, grab your transit pass, and make Wine Down Café your next stop on the route.

Learn more about Destination Deals and explore more local discounts at metrostlouis.org/deals.

The post Wind Down at Wine Down Café — Your Next Metro Destination Deal appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Game day in St. Louis is electric. But rising gas prices, traffic jams, and parking drama has sports fans rethinking how they get downtown. That’s where transit comes in as a game-changer.

Skip the hassle and let Metro do the heavy lifting. For tonight’s home opener, here’s your guide to getting to the games this season.

Plan Your Route

1. Start with Parking: There are 21 free Park-Ride lots at MetroLink stations across Missouri and Illinois. Park your car, hop on the Red or Blue Line to Civic Center.
2. Use MetroBus where it helps: Several MetroBus routes serve Civic Center Transit Center.
3. If you’re east of the river: The Blue Note Express runs for select home from downtown Belleville.
4. Get ready: Buy your fare beforehand using the Transit app or at ticket vending machines at the stations. Start your traveling early and enjoy nearby food and fun.

Why Transit Wins (Especially Tonight)

• No circling for parking — skip the hunt, the fees, the tolls.
• Peace of mind — avoid downtown congestion.
• Budget friendly — a $5 ticket gets you there and back while beating parking, gas prices, and stress.
• Mascot-approved — Louie’s on board, literally, to show you how doable it is.

Tonight’s home opener is the perfect time to try it. With Blue Note Express available and full MetroLink connectivity, Metro transit is ready for game day.

The post Take Transit to the Blues Home Opener appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

The Best of Missouri Market | October 3-5

Celebrate fall at the Best of Missouri Market (Oct. 3–5) at the Missouri Botanical Garden, featuring 150+ local vendors, food, music, and family fun.

Your Ride: Take MetroBus Route #8 Shaw-Cherokee to Missouri Botanical Garden.

FestAbility | October 4

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Korean Harvest Festival | October 4 

Celebrate Korean culture with food, music, and family-friendly activities at this annual festival in Tower Grove Park.

Your Ride: Hop on MetroBus #95 Kingshighway, #8 Shaw Cherokee, #30 Arsenal, or #70 Grand, which all serve Tower Grove Park.

Grove Fest | October 4

The Grove neighborhood comes alive with art, food, music, and entertainment during Grove Fest, one of St. Louis’ most colorful street festivals.

Your Ride: Take a walk from Central West End MetroLink Station or catch a ride on MetroBus #8 Shaw-Cherokee to get to the area. Keep in mind that this route could be rerouted due to nearby road closures.

Alabama Live | October 4 

Country music legends Alabama take the stage at Enterprise Center for a night of hits and nostalgia. Don’t worry about downtown traffic—ride with us.

Your Ride: Take MetroLink directly to Civic Center Transit Center, and find your walking path to Enterprise Center.

STL Veg Fest | October 5

Foodies and wellness enthusiasts will gather for vegan eats, speakers, cooking demos, and more at the STL Veg Fest in Forest Park.

Your Ride: Ride MetroLink to Forest Park–DeBaliviere Station, then ride on MetroBus #90 Hampton right into the park.

Why Ride Metro This Weekend?

• No Parking Hassles: Leave the car at home and skip circling for a spot.
• Affordable & Convenient: Your rides are unlimited with a $5 Metro Day Pass which means you can hop between events all weekend long.

Plan your trip today by downloading the free Transit App or the through the online Trip Planner.

This weekend, let Metro Transit be your ride to the fun!

The post Your Weekend Ride Guide: October 4–5 appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

For the St. Louis region, this campaign matters deeply. Every day, thousands of residents rely on Metro Transit — our services help connect people to jobs, education, health care, and community. By participating, you are taking a stand with us and those we serve, ultimately advocating for transit as a public service that helps so many people in our region. Week Without Driving helps us to reinforce that every resident should have access to reliable, safe, and clean transportation options.

Want to get the best out of your Week Without Driving? Check out these resources:

• Week Without Driving Kick-off Community Event
  Friday, Sept. 26, 5–7 p.m. at Perennial Community Workshop. Grab all the info and transit tips you need to be successful during your commute next week. Learn more here.

• Guided Downtown MetroLink and MetroBus Excursion
  Tuesday, Sept. 30, join Public Affairs’ own Matt Fernandes in partnership with Citizens for Modern Transit for a guided tour of how to ride Metro.Click here to register.

• Full List of Week Without Driving Events
  Our partners at Trailnet are championing the campaign and have created a community calendar of events. View the full list of local events here.

• Metro Rider Tools
  Trip planning tools, route maps, real-time arrival info, and payment options are found at metrostlouis.org or through the Transit App.

• Metro Transit Information Team
  Have questions about planning your trip? Call our Transit Information team at 314-231-2345 for personalized help.

We encourage you to try transit during the week — even just once — and share your experience with us. Every ride makes a difference, and your voice helps shape the future of public transportation in our region.

The post All You Need to Know About Week Without Driving (Sept 29-Oct 5) appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

The Great Balloon Glow & Race

The annual tradition that lights up Forest Park is back! The Balloon Glow (Friday) and Balloon Race (Saturday) are two of the region’s most anticipated events, drawing hundreds of visitors to the area. Skip the traffic backups and road closures around Forest Park and let MetroLink or MetroBus be your ride.

Routes to Take:
Park your vehicle at any of 21 free Park-Ride lots at MetroLink stations in Missouri and Illinois – and ride to the Central West End Station. From the Central West End Station, take the west exit and walk south on Euclid. Go west on Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza, cross Kingshighway into Forest Park, and then follow the walking paths to Jefferson Drive and Emerson Central Fields.

Frizz Fest at Tower Grove Park

On Saturday, Tower Grove Park transforms into a celebration of natural beauty, culture, and community at Frizz Fest. From live performances and local vendors to family-friendly fun, this event is all about uplifting the community. Let us get you there and celebrate in style.

Routes to Take:
MetroBus routes #8 Shaw-Cherokee, #30 Arsenal, #70 Grand, and #95 Kingshighway all serve Tower Grove park.

Why Ride Metro This Weekend?

• Affordable: Just $1 per MetroBus ride and $2.50 per MetroLink ride.

• Convenient: Avoid traffic congestion and parking headaches at busy event areas.

• Connected: Get to the city’s most celebrated events with routes that serve the heart of St. Louis.

Plan Your Ride

Use the Trip Planner or the Transit app to find the best route for you. With Metro, your weekend plans are easier and more fun. So grab your friends, bring your family, and let Metro Transit be your ride to your favorite weekend events!

The post Your Weekend Ride for September 19-21 appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.