The city’s signature holiday—314 Day—has already begun pulsing through St. Louis, kicking off a week that now stretches far beyond its original one‑day concept. What started in 2006 as a simple idea has grown into a full slate of community gatherings and cultural activations that spotlight the artists, entrepreneurs and everyday residents who shape the city’s identity. As the milestone 20th year approaches, St. Louis is once again leaning into the energy that has made 314 Day a defining moment on the local calendar.
Festivities opened Sunday morning, March 8, with a prayer march—an anchor event for founders Terrell “Dip” Evans and Tatum Polk.
“This city is rooted in religion,” Polk said. “We know things aren’t perfect, and we know some people need hope, so the march is a really inspiring moment for us and keeps us grounded.”
For Evans, the march reflects the unity that has carried 314 Day from an idea to a movement. That sense of pride is central to why the founders believe 314 Day resonates so deeply.
“We don’t want to be a flyover city,” Polk said. “In the middle of the map, you have this melting pot of people, culture and art. We want to let the whole world know who we are and what we have to offer.”
This year’s lineup reflects that spirit. There are skate parties, fashion shows, dining experiences, dance events, a block party at Grand and Olive from 2:30 to 5 p.m., and a throwback concert at The Pageant featuring Lil Webbie, Big Boogie, Murphy Lee and more.
The date became official in 2022, but its roots stretch back two decades. Evans remembers the spark clearly.
“That first year, we wanted to see what it looked like to get as many artists under the same roof on the same stage because it wasn’t happening that much,” he said.
At the time, Evans was a radio host helping to define the St. Louis sound, while Polk was promoting and marketing Nelly and the Pimp Juice brand. Their combined vision—and their love for the city—laid the foundation for what 314 Day would become.
“314 Day was created by two people passionate about the crib,” Evans said. “We had the opportunity to jump into the industry, learn, help different artists, and thought we needed something for us.”
Polk added that the date itself became a unifying force.
“What’s unique about this is no matter where you are in the world, it’s March 14,” he said. “A lot of people move away, so this is a time to come home or a talking point to tell people about the city they grew up in.”
And people have carried it with them. Observances have popped up as far south as Texas and as far west as Colorado.
“It is energy—St. Louis spirit in its purest form,” said vocalist Meadow McNeary, also known as MGM. “You see our creativity and art, and that’s what 314 Day is.”
Polk sees it as both a snapshot and a reminder.
“It gives people who aren’t familiar with our culture a quick glimpse,” he said. “And it gives people who are familiar a nostalgic reminder of the great things St. Louis has to offer.”
Evans believes the impact extends beyond the week’s events.
“The blueprint we have here in St. Louis started it all,” he said. “Now it can move around and help communities. It’s helping the unhoused, the youth—everything the 314 Day Foundation serves.”
The foundation was created to uplift the community through safety initiatives, educational opportunities and college scholarships.
“The foundation is the backbone of the day,” Evans said. “It was made to be a catalyst—to go into communities and create a platform for the city. St. Louis gets repped wherever people go, but this was also to inspire other cities to pick up the blueprint and activate it in their own way.”
What began as a concept has become a reflection of St. Louis energy—proud, creative and deeply connected.
“For me, 314 Day is a day where we all come out together,” said media specialist Bombay Boeski, “and celebrate unification toward creating a community for us, people that’s from St. Louis.”
Polk sees that unity as the heart of it all.
“The day is rooted in pride and unity,” he said. “There’s nothing more important than having some civic pride—understanding the history of your city and how powerful our city is.”
For a full list of 314 Day 2026 programming, visit: thestl.com/314day/
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
