Shoppers looking for handmade gifts and local flavor have a reason to head to the Missouri Botanical Garden this weekend, as the Best of Missouri Market sets up shop from Friday through Sunday, October 9 through 11. The three-day event brings together more than 150 artists and small businesses under one roof and across the Garden grounds, with food, cocktails and family-friendly activities rounding out the weekend.
According to FOX 2, the market returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden with its signature mix of vendors offering goods ranging from crafts to specialty foods, alongside cocktails for adults browsing the stalls. The event is also bringing back dedicated children's areas, giving families a reason to make a day of it.
What's New This Year
One notable addition for 2026 is a new indoor area, according to the same report. Details on exactly what that space will house were not specified, but its addition suggests organizers are looking to expand the market's footprint beyond its traditional outdoor setup.
Hours for the weekend are set at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, per the station's report, giving visitors a full eight hours daily to browse the more than 150 participating artists and small businesses.
Beyond the headline vendor count, the market operates as a curated marketplace: participation is by invitation. The Garden says the three-day event draws more than 25,000 shoppers annually. The Garden’s vendor information outlines its selection approach and annual attendance.
Planning a Visit
Those looking to plan ahead can find additional information at mobot.org/market, the official event page referenced in the report. The Best of Missouri Market has long served as a fall tradition for St. Louis shoppers seeking locally made goods, and this year's run keeps that tradition going with its expanded vendor lineup and new indoor component.
The market takes place at an institution with a much longer public history. Founded by Henry Shaw, the Missouri Botanical Garden opened to the public in 1859. Today, the Garden describes itself as a center for botanical research, science education and conservation, alongside its public gardens. The Garden’s history traces that founding and mission, while its overview describes its current work.
