MATI Festival and Conference is widening its footprint for 2027 by bringing two of St. Louis’ most storied venues into the fold. Organizers announced that the seventh annual event will return July 15–18 with eight main stages across the Grand Center Arts District, including Powell Hall and The Sheldon Concert Hall for the first time.
The additions reflect MATI’s continued growth and its push to use Grand Center’s full slate of world‑class arts spaces. Indoor shows will run Thursday through Sunday at Powell Hall, The Sheldon, The Fabulous Fox Theatre, The Sovereign and Jazz St. Louis.
“As MATI continues to grow and evolve, we’re thrilled to welcome Powell Hall and The Sheldon as official festival main stages,” said Chris Hansen, Executive Director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. “The capacity and caliber of Grand Center’s world‑class venues allow us to secure top‑tier artists and really unique programming.”
MATI is also shifting how fans access the festival. Instead of a weekend pass, attendees will buy individual tickets for the artists and showcases that interest them most — a change Hansen says keeps costs manageable while giving fans flexibility.
Outdoor programming remains free. On Friday and Saturday, The Big Top, a mobile Wash Ave stage and Counterpublic’s Performance Green Stage will host national and St. Louis‑based artists. Those stages anchor MATI’s community block party, which stretches down Washington Avenue with family activities, mural exhibits, food vendors and incentives to explore Midtown’s bars, restaurants and retailers.
“We’re going even bigger with the free community block party this year,” Hansen said. “Eight national acts — along with St. Louis‑based talent — will perform there or at The Big Top. Counterpublic’s Performance Green Stage will feature non‑musical performances. Plus, the streets will be alive with community, art, fashion, poetry, shopping, kids’ activities and more.”
MATI Places — including The Key, The Grandel, The Dark Room and Metro Theater — will again host partner events, workshops and late‑night sets. Midtown Alley and Grand Center’s visual arts corridor are also planning special activations.
The festival’s thought‑leadership conference returns to .ZACK with panels, keynote discussions and networking for artists, creatives and entrepreneurs. Most MATI Places programming and the conference remain free.
For updates and additional information, visit Music at the Intersection at www.matistl.org or follow the festival on social media: Facebook (www.facebook.com/matistlouis), Twitter (www.x.com/matistl), Instagram (www.instagram.com/matistlouis) and TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@matistl).