We’re five weeks into the school year, which means everyone on campus is being inundated with midterm exams and papers right before we experience the sweet, sweet relief of fall break. If you’re staying in St. Louis, there are a ton of entertaining ways to have fun and stay occupied during the long weekend. From concert venues to alpaca farms, read more to find out!

The Unplug – Acoustic Sessions at Utopia Studios

Oct. 10, 1:30 p.m.

Hosted by St. Louis Open Mic Nights, this is part of a monthly series of open mic nights around the city. It’s free for everyone, and singers, comedians, musicians and more are all welcome to perform. Show off your talents to other local artists, or if you’re not up for performing, you can always just watch.

St. Louis Art Museum (SLAM)

If you’ve ever looked into things to do in St. Louis, SLAM has most definitely come up, making it somewhat of a basic option. But it’s basic because it’s fun, and now that there are a few days off from school, you have time to visit! SLAM is home to artworks from the medieval period to modern day, so you’re sure to find something that suits your artistic interests. Currently, the museum features a thought-provoking exhibit by Oliver Lee Jackson, a painter involved in the Black Artists Group, which was founded in St. Louis in 1968.

Alpacas of Troy

Picture this: You’ve just finished your first round of midterms, and you want nothing more than to play with cool animals. You want something cooler than the zoo, but where do you go? As an answer I raise you Alpacas of Troy. Located about 45 minutes from St. Louis in Troy, Missouri — a journey the long weekend will allow time for — Alpacas of Troy is home to more than 40 alpacas in addition to pigs, goats, chickens and more! Many people say money can’t buy happiness, but since a tour of the farm is only $5, I think it’s safe to say that in this case it can.

Brew in the Lou

Oct. 9, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Lutheran Elementary School Association’s (LESA) ninth annual “Brew in the Lou” festival is happening this weekend. The event includes over 100 tasting stations and drinks from more than 40 local and national breweries. Admission includes unlimited food and drinks, making this event the perfect way to turn your Fall Break into a fall feast.

Concerts at the Duck Room, Blueberry Hill

One of the highlights of being so close to the Delmar Loop is that we have numerous concert venues in walking distance. The Duck Room is a hidden gem in the basement of Blueberry Hill with frequent local concerts. During Fall Break, Jackson Stokes will be performing Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. and on Oct. 8, Chickpee, Becca Mancari and Ron Gallow will be performing at 8:00 p.m, 8:45 p.m. and 10:00 p.m, respectively. The Duck Room requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon entry, and the venue is a great and accessible way to see underground artists in concert.