When you first arrive at Washington University, your inbox will be flooded with e-mails about hundreds of different events going on around campus. This will be the University’s attempt to make sure freshmen have enough options to keep them active during the first month of school. While all of these events certainly help new students adjust to campus and meet new people, they make it all too easy to forget that there is life beyond Brookings.

After all, you didn’t just move to Washington University; you also moved to St. Louis (hence our wonderfully creative name). St. Louis might be a small city compared to New York City or Los Angeles, but there is still plenty to do. So take advantage of some of these options while your workload is still at a minimum…because the free time won’t last for very long!

For the sports enthusiast

Cardinals’ Baseball
All home games happen at Busch Stadium—a beautifully renovated facility in downtown St. Louis overlooking the Gateway Arch. Take a group of friends and learn what it takes to be a Cardinals fan.

• St. Louis vs. Milwaukee: Sept. 1-3
• St. Louis vs. Atlanta: Sept. 11-13
• St. Louis vs. Florida: Sept. 14-16
• St. Louis vs. Chicago: Sept. 18-20

State Farm Arch Rivalry Game, Illinois vs. St. Louis
Sept. 5, 2:30 p.m.
Edward Jones Dome
The biggest sports event of the season, this game is sure to be a crowd pleaser. If you want to get a feel for St. Louis sports, this rivalry match is a must-see. Just be careful not to get trampled in the wake of all the diehard Rams fans.

For the theater buff

“Guys and Dolls”
Sept. 5-Oct. 4
The Robert G. Reim Theatre
Come to this intimate venue to see this classic musical produced by Stages St. Louis, a local nonprofit theater company of professional actors. This is always an unforgettable performance, with its show-stopping musical numbers and kooky characters. For ticket and performance information, visit www.stagesstlouis.com or call 314-821-2407.

“Phantom of the Opera”
Sept. 30-Oct. 25
The Fabulous Fox Theatre
With almost a full month of performances this fall, you will have plenty of opportunities to see this world-famous musical. But don’t wait to buy tickets—this show is popular every time. Get seats in the back of the theater, where you and your friends can sing along! Tickets are $28-$75. Go to www.fabulousfox.com for performance details.

For the music lover

“American Idol Live”
Aug. 29, 7 p.m.
Scottrade Center
For fans and non-fans alike, this promises to be a spectacular show. “American Idol” winner Kris Allen will be performing in St. Louis for one night only, along with Adam Lambert, Danny Goki and all of this season’s top 10 finalists. Tickets are on sale NOW for $37-$66 through the Scottrade Center.

The Moody Blues
Sept. 5, 8 p.m.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre
Rolling Stone Magazine called them “the Sistine Chapel of popular music.” See this iconic group, part of the ‘60s legendary British Invasion, this fall in St. Louis. Take a group of friends and rock out to some of the world’s best rock ‘n’ roll. Tickets are on sale now for $42.50-$52.50 through the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

Kings of Leon
Sept. 30, 8 p.m.
Scottrade Center
The New York Times referred to them as “the all-American long-haired rockers.” They won “Best International Band” and “Best International Album” at the 2009 Brit Awards, and a Grammy at the 2009 Grammy Awards. See the Followill brothers live this fall for one night only. Tickets are on sale now for $43.50 through the Scottrade Center.

Miley Cyrus
Oct. 4, 7 p.m.
Scottrade Center
This famous teenybopper can put on quite a show. Miley Cyrus, the world’s hottest teen sensation, will be performing in St. Louis for one night only. Warning: Expect to fight hundreds of screaming 13-year-olds for the best view of the stage. Tickets are on sale now for $39.50-$79.50 through the Scottrade Center.

Open Acoustic Night
Every Tuesday night, 8 p.m.
Pop’s Blue Moon, 5249 Pattison Road
Whether you’re there to listen or perform, this venue is open to anyone, with or without a guitar. If you have questions about the venue, or if you would like to play during the Open Acoustic Night, call Joshua at 314-276-2700.

For the diverse crowd

Japanese Festival
Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
St. Louis Botanical Gardens
Enjoy a truly authentic taste of Japan right here in St. Louis. This annual festival takes place in one of the largest Japanese gardens in North America. Among dozens of performances and activities, visitors can enjoy Bon Odori (traditional Japanese dance), Taiko drumming, Ikebana flower arranging, delicious Japanese food and sumo demonstrations. General admission: $10, pay at entrance.

Big Muddy Blues Festival
Sept. 5-6
Laclede’s Landing
This cultural festival highlights the best of blues from across America. Big Muddy’s various stages will feature regional and local bands, while the main stage showcases national headliners. This blues fest attracts music fans of all genres and ages from all over the Midwest, and for the past 15 years it has become synonymous with Labor Day in St. Louis. Pack a picnic and drag a group of friends to this unforgettable event. Entrance is free.

St. Louis Art Fair
Sept. 11-13, various times
The heart of Clayton, just five minutes from campus, will shut down its streets for three days in September, giving visitors a chance to take in some truly remarkable art. Artists from all over the country submit their work to the St. Louis Art Fair every year, and those who were selected by a panel of judges will display their work on the streets of Clayton. The fair grounds will include food stalls set up on Brentwood Boulevard between Maryland Avenue and Forsyth Boulevard, an auction, a glassblowing stand, a performance stage and various hands-on art booths. The event is free. Sept. 11, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 13, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race
Sept. 18-19
Center field in Forest Park
Join hundreds of visitors who flock to Forest Park every year to see this grand spectacle. On the evening of Sept. 18 (7-8:30 p.m.), dozens of enormous hot air balloons will be lit up for viewers to see. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and bask in their glow. Or, you can come watch the balloons lift off on the 19th to commence the race and enjoy festivities through out the day. Pony rides, food stalls, photo contests and skydivers are only some of the things on the agenda (12-6:30 p.m.). Entrance is free.

Chili Cook Off and Salsa Competition
Sept. 26, all day
Westport Plaza
Watch as nearly 100 aspiring and professional chefs prepare their chili and salsa recipes to compete for the Missouri championship titles. Samples of all recipes are 50 cents, and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorites. Other food will be served, including brats, burgers, grilled chicken and smoothies. Come taste and vote and be a part of this hot event. Entrance is free.