City Of Kirkwood, MO
Home MenuGreentree Festival
Event Details
Dates and Times:
September 13 - 15, 2024
Friday, September 13: 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. (no arts & crafts booths)
Saturday, September 14: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 15: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Festival Overview
The Greentree Festival, a cornerstone of Kirkwood's vibrant community life, has been celebrated annually since 1961. This treasured event brings together thousands of residents and visitors for a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, artisan crafts, and diverse culinary delights. Rooted in our rich cultural heritage, the festival not only commemorates over six decades of tradition but also strengthens the bonds within our community. Join us at Kirkwood Park to experience the unity, pride, and joy that define the Greentree Festival, and be part of a legacy that continues to honor our past while inspiring our future.
The Greentree Festival is a pedestrian festival. We kindly ask that you refrain from using bicycles or roller blades in the park for the safety of all. We love dogs, but dogs don’t always love crowds or loud noises. Dogs are NOT allowed at the Greentree Festival. Please keep your pets and other festival goers safe by leaving your dogs at home, except for service animals and for those dogs entered in the Friday night Kids' Dog Show and Friskies Canine Frisbee competition.
Greentree Mission Statement
The mission of the Greentree Festival is to provide an annual event for Kirkwood-area residents, to enhance community spirit, and to showcase the volunteer involvement of residents and their nonprofit organizations. The Festival provides entertaining and educational activities that reflect the community's traditional values, that appeal to all ages, and that encourage Kirkwood-area residents to congregate, interact, and celebrate.
Location:
KIRKWOOD PARK, 111 S Geyer Rd, Kirkwood MO 63122
Festival Schedule
For detailed information on the events, please explore the Family-Friendly Activities, Live Music and Entertainment, Food Vendors, and Artisan Crafts tabs below. Dive deeper into each event's specifics and make the most of your experience by staying informed. Below the festival schedule is information about the Rotary Ramble,Party in the Park, and the Parade Route.
Clicking on the schedule image will allow you to access a printable PDF version for your convenience.
Rotary Ramble
Experience the Kirkwood Greentree Rotary Ramble, a charitable race intertwined with community spirit and giving back. Join us for the dog-friendly 5k and 10k Run/Walk, along with a Fun Run for kids. Every step you take contributes to meaningful donations for local Kirkwood charities. Be part of this impactful event on Saturday, September 7th, preceding the Greentree Festival. Your participation fuels our mission to support the organizations like Kirk Care and Moms of Meacham. Lace up your shoes, join the cause, and be a part of something bigger at the Rotary Ramble 2024.
For more information and registration go to RotaryRamble.org.
Greentree Racquet Sports Events
Join us September 7 as we kick off the 2024 Greentree Festival with a Party in the Park.
Register for the Doubles Pickleball Scramble or the Kirkwood Racquetball Fun-raiser.
Party in the Park
Join us September 7 as we kick off the 2024 Greentree Festival with a Party in the Park.
Parade Route
The parade begins at 10:00 a.m., Saturday morning, September 14.
The parade kicks off from the North side of KHS along Dougherty Ferry. From there, it will continue on Peeke, head South on Kirkwood, and finally, turn West on Argonne, concluding at Kirkwood Park.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Greentree Festival offers a diverse range of family-friendly activities designed to entertain and engage attendees of all ages. Here's what you can look forward to:
- Live Performances: Family-friendly performances on stage throughout the festival, ensuring continuous entertainment.
- Game Booths: A dedicated area featuring interactive games and educational exhibits that stimulate young minds and spark creativity.
- Culinary Delights: Our diverse range of food booths offers something to satisfy every palate.
- Pony Rides: An opportunity for children to interact with a variety of friendly animals, fostering a sense of connection with nature.
- Face Painting: Skilled artists transform children's faces into whimsical characters, adding an element of fun and fantasy to the festival experience.
- Storytelling Sessions: Engaging storytelling performances that captivate audiences with tales of adventure, culture, and imagination.
- Inflatables: Safe and supervised inflatable structures where children can jump, climb, and play to their heart's content.
- Arts and Crafts: We are excited to feature over 100 arts & crafts vendors offering a wide range of unique and handcrafted items.
Kirkwood's Cutest Baby Contest
Application available on the Applications Page
Kids Day Activities and Entertainment
(Located at West end of the festival grounds)
Saturday, September 14, 2024 |
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Inflatable Fun courtesy of Vetta Sports | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
F-4 Cockpit – Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
Meadow Creek Pony Rides | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
Tree Climbing Demo and Kids Activities by Hansen’s Tree Service | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
Upper Limits Rock Wall (free!) | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
On the Fly Aerial Demo | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
Face Painting | 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. | |
Lucille Rapp Dance Studio Performance | 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. | |
Charmette School of Dance | 1:00 -1:45 p.m. | |
Magic of Leland | 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. | |
Bobby Norfolk Storyteller | 3:00 -3:45 p.m. |
Sunday, September 15, 2024 |
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Inflatable Fun courtesy of Vetta Sports | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
F-4 Cockpit | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
Meadow Creek Pony Rides | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
Tree Climbing Demo and Kids Activities by Hansen’s Tree Service | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
Upper Limits Rock Wall (free!) | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
On the Fly Aerial Demo | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
Face Painting | 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | |
Bubble Bus | 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. | |
NiMoli Dance | 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. | |
GCPA Show Starters | 1:00 -1:45 p.m. | |
Willow Martial Arts | 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. | |
Bri the Science Guy | 3:00 -3:45 p.m. |
Live Music and Entertainment
The Greentree Festival offers a vibrant lineup of live music and entertainment, ensuring a memorable experience for attendees of all ages. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Main Stage Performances: Enjoy an array of musical acts, including locally well-known artists, covering genres such as rock, blue grass, country, and folk.
- Dance Performances: Witness dance routines from community groups at the Kids Day Mainstage.
- Evening Concerts: As the sun sets, enjoy our evening concert under the stars, with some of the best live music around.
- Folklife: Experience the Greentree Festival's Folklife Area for free: live demonstrations from artisans, fun "Passport to the Past" activities for kids, and various performances and live historical reenactments.
Folklife Schedule
Saturday, September 16, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Sunday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Step back in time and visit the Folklife Area at Greentree Festival! Grab a game card at the Information Booth. Collect stamps at various tents and win prizes!
Get ready for an action-packed historical adventure historical adventure with over 40 artisans in authentic costumes demonstrating their crafts, displaying their wares, and teaching folkways of the 1700’s and 1800’s. Experience a rich tapestry of history and craftsmanship with live demonstrations from blacksmiths, Buffalo Soldiers, doctors, frontiersmen, soldiers reenacting historical battles, potters, basket weavers, and spinners. Children can "make history" by picking up a "Passport to the Past" activity card and earning exciting prizes.
Featured Performances:
- Saturday at 1:00 p.m.: Enjoy a captivating performance by British Regency period dancers, reminiscent of the popular series Bridgerton.
- Sunday at 1:00 p.m.: Experience the dynamic and traditional moves of Scottish Caledonian dancers.
Don't miss these highly anticipated performances, back by popular demand!
Living History Reenactors
- Civil War Reenactors: Turner Brigade and Fletcher Camp
- British 17th Royal Regiment of Foote
- Iron Riders: Buffalo Soldiers
- French Marines du Fort de Chartres
Artisans and Crafts
- Barbara’s Bounty: Fried Pies
- Marbled Paper
- Herbs n’ Handspun: Spinning
- Rock Island Trading Post: Pottery
- Hickory Hill Farm: Herbs and Simples
- Flint’s Ole Tyme Wagons
- Tintype Photographer
- Bud’s Root Beer
- The Crafty Firefly: Rag Rugs
- Crystal Arrow: Weaving
- Baskets by Laura
- Wild Flower Farm: Sheep & Spinning
- Deer Hide Tanning
- The Black Pearl Ironworks
- Pat Moore’s Weaving & Chair Caning
- Pioneer Chicken & Dumplins and Karmel Korn
- Dulcimer
- 18th Century Barber Surgeon: Revolutionary War Surgeon
- Paper Filigree Quilling
- Cast Iron Cooking and Civil War Artillery
- Flax Processing
- Pewter Casting
- Jarvis Bows
Picker's Jamboree at the MO Fiddlers' Tent
Performance Schedule:
- Saturday:
- Performances begin at 11:00 a.m.
- 45-minute sets with 15-minute breaks between groups
- Last group starts at 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday:
- Performances resume at 10:00 a.m.
- Concludes with an open jam session from 1:00 p.m. until the musicians decide to wrap up
Event Highlight: Join us at the Fiddlers' Tent in the Folklife Area for this heartfelt tribute to the Missouri Fiddlers. This local organization has been promoting and supporting Folk and Bluegrass musicians for over three decades.
This year's event features homegrown, 100% organic, local pickers playing a mix of traditional tunes and exciting new original compositions. Don't miss this celebration of musical heritage and community spirit. Join us for lively performances, and be part of the open jam session on Sunday.
It's all FREE so don't miss out--visit the Greentree Festival's Folklife Area for an unforgettable historical adventure!
Food Vendors
The Greentree Festival features an impressive selection of food vendors, offering a culinary journey that caters to all tastes and preferences. Here’s what you can expect:
- International Cuisine: Delight in a global feast with vendors offering authentic dishes from around the world.
- Grilled Specialties: Indulge in flavorful grilled meats, expertly prepared and served with traditional sides.
- Sweet Treats: Treat yourself to decadent desserts, including homemade ice creams, pastries, and kettle corn.
- Beverage Stalls: Quench your thirst with a variety of drink options, including craft sodas, lemonade, and locally brewed beverages.
Artisan Crafts
The Greentree Festival proudly showcases a diverse array of artisan crafts, highlighting the exceptional talent and creativity within our community. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Handcrafted Jewelry: Discover unique, handcrafted jewelry pieces made from a variety of materials, including precious metals, gemstones, and beads, each telling its own story.
- Pottery and Ceramics: Explore beautifully crafted pottery and ceramic items, ranging from functional kitchenware to decorative pieces, all demonstrating skilled craftsmanship.
- Textiles and Fabrics: Admire intricately designed textiles, including hand-woven scarves, quilts, and clothing, showcasing traditional techniques and modern designs.
- Woodworking: Marvel at finely crafted wooden items, such as furniture, carvings, and home decor, created by talented woodworkers who bring out the natural beauty of the wood.
- Painting and Art: Enjoy a gallery-like experience with paintings, drawings, and mixed media artworks that capture a wide range of styles and subjects, perfect for adding a touch of art to your home.
- Glasswork: Be captivated by the vibrant colors and intricate details of glass art, including blown glass, stained glass, and fused glass creations.
- Metalwork: Inspect impressive metal sculptures, garden art, and functional metal items, each reflecting the artist's unique vision and technical skill.
- Leather Goods: Browse through high-quality leather products, such as bags, wallets, belts, and accessories, each handcrafted with care and precision.
- Candles and Soaps: Delight in artisanal candles and soaps, made using natural ingredients and aromatic fragrances, perfect for gifts or personal indulgence.
- Photography: View stunning photographic prints capturing landscapes, wildlife, and moments of everyday life, offering a new perspective on the world around us.
Artisan Craft Vendor listings coming soon!
History of the Kirkwood Greentree Festival
In the year 1961, amidst iconic global events, the Kirkwood Greentree Festival took root as a symbol of community resilience and unity. Led by Mayor Bill Pfitzinger and esteemed Council Members Robert Reim, Ninian Edwards, and Robert Staed, the festival bloomed from a noble cause - to replenish Kirkwood's greenery in the face of environmental challenges like drought and Dutch Elm blight.
The inaugural festival marked a pivotal moment as the city offered a variety of tree species at a nominal price, igniting a movement of tree planting that continues to flourish today. The sight of Pin Oaks, Sweet Gum, Thornless Locust, White Birch, and Tulip trees adorning Kirkwood's streets stands as a testament to the festival's enduring commitment to environmental stewardship.
With Boy Scout Troop 325's annual tradition of distributing tree seedlings, the festival not only celebrates community spirit but also actively contributes to the city's ecological legacy.
As time has marched on, the festival has evolved, yet the core values of volunteerism and civic engagement remain unwavering. From the traditional parades and dog shows to the diverse array of community-sponsored booths offering gastronomic delights, the festival continues to be a cherished family-oriented affair that beckons residents and visitors alike to partake in its joyous festivities.
Every year, dedicated volunteers infuse new energy and creativity into the celebration, ensuring that each edition is a fresh and engaging experience. Join us at the Greentree Festival, where history, nature, and community converge to create cherished memories and lasting connections.
Significant Festival Milestones
- Inception: Originated in 1961 under Mayor Bill Pfitzinger's leadership.
- Tree Planting Initiative: Introduced various tree species for sale at the first festival to combat environmental challenges.
- Community Engagement: Boy Scout Troop 325's yearly distribution of tree seedlings adds a community-oriented touch.
- Volunteer Commitment: A testament to dedicated volunteers who contribute countless hours from February through September.
- Evolution: Over the years, the festival has evolved to include diverse activities while maintaining its core values.
- Attendance: Draws thousands of residents and visitors annually to Kirkwood Park.
- Economic Impact: Generates revenue for local businesses and promotes tourism in the area.
- Cultural Significance: An integral part of Kirkwood's identity, fostering a sense of community pride and unity.
These milestones and statistics attest to the enduring growth and positive impact of the Kirkwood Greentree Festival over the years, solidifying its position as a beloved community event that continues to thrive and evolve.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Complete the 2024 Greentree Sponsorship Form for the opportunity to be a Greentree Festival Sponsor.
If you need accessible parking, ask the police in the parking lot next to the tennis courts to direct you to the designated area. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you require special accommodations to participate in or attend the Greentree Festival, please call the Kirkwood Community Center at 314-822-5855 at least five business days prior to the festival.
The Greentree shuttle is FREE and accessible to those with disabilities. Take advantage of Friday night service from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Shuttles run continuously from 10:00 a.m. to the close of the festival Saturday and Sunday. To use the wheelchair-accessible shuttle, the wheelchair must be certified for mobile transportation.
- Map of the Meramec Campus
- Mapquest map
Committee
Thank you to the 2024 Greentree Festival Planning Committee!
Contact Us
For general questions or inquiries about Greentree, call us at 314-822-5855
For inclement weather updates, please call our rainout line at 314-433-4313 ext. 9
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