After a successful debut in 2024, Delish on Delmar will return to the Delmar Maker District on Friday, Oct. 17, celebrating the neighborhood’s growing restaurant scene and its continued recovery as a vibrant arts corridor.
The event runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and is described by organizers as equal parts block party, food festival and makers market. It will coincide with the Third Friday anniversary celebration for Third Degree Glass Factory, the district’s original anchor.
This year’s festival carries added meaning. In May, a tornado struck the area, causing widespread damage and hardship for residents and businesses.
“More than a festival, it is a celebration of recovery, hope and the future of Delmar,” organizers said in a statement. “Coming out to the event is not only a chance to enjoy great food, music, and makers — it’s also a way to stand with and support a neighborhood that is rebuilding stronger than ever.”
Created and led by Maxine Clark, founder of Delmar DivINe and Build-A-Bear Workshop and a board member of Delmar Main Street, the festival will welcome guests to the revitalized stretch of Delmar Boulevard between Union and Kingshighway boulevards.
“It really is an introduction to the economic expansion on Delmar in the new Delmar Maker District,” Clark said. “It is meant to be fun and entertaining, as well as a way for everyone to see the changes that have been made and how so many have been able to bounce back from the tornado.”
District restaurants will serve food and drinks from street tents, including Ben Poremba’s acclaimed concepts Nixta, Esca, Florentin and Deli Divine, along with AO&Co., Fountain on Delmar, Steve’s Hot Dogs, Too Much Sauce and Cellar Cigar Lounge.
Food trucks will feature Guys with the Fries, Honey Bee Tea and Crooked Boot.
Three live bands — Anita Jackson, Groove Junkies and the Fabulous Motown Revue — will perform on a main stage along Delmar Boulevard, which will be closed from Academy to Lake avenues. The music runs from 5 to 9:30 p.m.
“We want to make people feel welcome and see what is possible when we are all in for St. Louis,” Clark said.