Events at The Pageant, St. Louis

About The Pageant

The Pageant is a mid-sized live-music nightclub in St. Louis’s Delmar Loop arts district, first opened in October 2000 (dbpedia.org). It takes its name from the historic 1915 Pageant movie theater that once stood nearby. Built from the ground up for concerts, it features a tiered floor plan and state-of-the-art sound and lighting (www.thepageant.com) (russosgourmet.com). With roughly 30,000 square feet of space (www.eventective.com) (www.cvent.com), the venue holds about 2,000 people (around 2,300 at maximum standing-room capacity) (www.eventective.com) (www.cvent.com). Designers optimized sightlines: every fan is within about 70 feet of the stage (www.thepageant.com) (russosgourmet.com), and reviewers consistently praise its outstanding acoustics (www.thepageant.com) (www.airial.travel). The Pageant has been called “St. Louis’ premier midsize venue” (dbpedia.org) and has ranked in Pollstar’s top 10 nightclub lists (e.g. #4 worldwide in 2008) (dbpedia.org), reflecting its international reputation. It also includes The Halo Bar – an attached concert-themed lounge and outdoor patio – offering early entry to shows and a party atmosphere before doors officially open (www.thepageant.com).

Events and Programming

The Pageant hosts a wide variety of performances year-round. Most nights feature national touring acts – everything from alternative rock, country and indie bands to hip-hop, electronic, folk, and metal artists. Big-name acts like Flaming Lips, Gin Blossoms, Japanese Breakfast and Trombone Shorty have sold out the hall (www.stlmag.com) (www.stlmag.com). The venue also welcomes comedian shows, dance/burlesque presentations, and even drag performances (for example, RuPaul’s Drag Race star Alyssa Edwards headlined a 2025 show (www.thepageant.com)). Local traditions and themed event series are a hallmark – for instance, St. Louis Magazine reports that each December the venue hosts “Punk Rock Christmas,” an all-ages holiday concert where local punk musicians perform festive songs and even give audience members mohawks on stage (www.stlmag.com). Special community fundraisers and album-anniversary tours also occur regularly: for example, Jack’s Mannequin played a 20th-anniversary benefit show, and the Pageant has staged family-friendly holiday events like multi-band Christmas shows. In total, the Pageant averages hundreds of shows annually, from club-style concerts to unique themed events and occasional late-night theater shows.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Pageant events are sold primarily online through official outlets or at the venue box office on show days. The Pageant box office does not accept phone orders (www.thepageant.com), and patrons usually purchase tickets via the event announcement or through a ticketing platform ahead of time. Fans can find out about new shows via the venue’s website and social media or by subscribing to the newsletter (www.thepageant.com). Advance tickets often sell out quickly, especially for popular artists (www.airial.travel), so the best strategy is to buy as soon as a show is announced. Some events offer presales (via fan clubs, credit cards, or local radio partnerships) before the general on-sale date. Ticket prices vary by show: a typical range might be from roughly $20–$60 for standard concerts, though high-demand shows, VIP packages, or resale tickets can run higher. When on sale, tickets are tiered (e.g. balcony vs floor admission), and certain shows also offer premium VIP packages with perks like front-row seating, early entry, or meet-and-greets (www.thepageant.com). The venue sometimes pairs hotel packages (for example, the Moonrise Hotel next door) with concerts (www.thepageant.com), but patrons can also simply buy tickets individually. Always be cautious of scalped tickets or unauthorized sellers; buying through official channels or directly at the box office is safest.

Seating and Layout

The Pageant’s interior is designed for intimacy and flexibility. From the stage, the flat main floor slopes gently upward in tiers of cabaret-style seating (in GA shows) or rows of chairs (in reserved shows), ensuring clear views. Floor capacity is general admission (first-come seating) on many nights: tables, chairs and bar stools are scattered around, but standing is common when a show is full (www.thepageant.com). In these GA setups, “every seat is a good seat” – indeed, reviewers note great stage views and “fantastic acoustics” from anywhere in the hall (www.airial.travel). For some concerts (or artist-specific demands) the floor may be arranged with reserved theater-style seating. Above the floor is a single balcony level. It contains about four rows of cushioned stadium-style seats (each with a cupholder) plus secondary standing/barstool areas behind. Balcony tickets are generally reserved seating, and the balcony is open only for select shows (www.thepageant.com). Comfort is good: seats are cushioned, and the tiered design means no one is directly behind a tall standing fan. Pitch and acoustics are excellent, so sound carries well and clear sight lines are the norm. Accessible seating is available on each tier – ramps and an elevator provide wheelchair access to both levels (www.thepageant.com). (Guests needing accommodations for mobility, hearing, or vision should contact box office in advance.)

Getting There and Parking

The Pageant is at 6161 Delmar Blvd in St. Louis (in the Delmar Loop district), a walkable neighborhood of shops and eateries. It lies just west of the city boundary, near the Loop’s eastern end. By car, route signs direct to Delmar Blvd (Route 366); Evening traffic can be heavy around the venue for big shows, so plan extra time. Ample parking is nearby: an official surface lot sits directly behind the building, and patrons share the free park-and-ride lot of the Delmar MetroLink station a block away (www.delmarstage.com). (Convenient pedestrian paths connect the MetroLink lot to the venue entry.) Street parking lines Delmar and adjacent side streets, though city meter rules apply. Attendees often use the Delmar Loop Garage (at Kingsland & Delmar, about one block west) or other small paid lots if the free spaces fill up. The combination of venue and transit parking means it’s generally easy to find a spot within a block or two, but again arrive early to avoid last-minute stress during busy nights (www.delmarstage.com).

Public transit access is excellent. The MetroLink light rail’s Delmar Loop Station (serving both Red and Blue lines) is adjacent to the Loop district – roughly a block southeast of The Pageant. Exit the station toward Delmar Blvd and you’ll be steps from the venue (www.delmarstage.com). In addition, multiple MetroBus routes stop near the Loop (for example, Route 97 runs on Delmar, and routes 2, 5, 16, 90/91 serve nearby streets) (moovitapp.com). After evening events, the last trains typically run around midnight (later on weekends), so rideshares or taxi drop-offs are common for late shows. Rideshare/Uber drivers usually swing onto Delmar at Kingsland or Union to drop off and pick up in front of the building. Whether driving or taking transit, a single block gate at Delmar & Kingsland is the main entrance – just look for the illuminated marquee.

Inside the Venue

Upon arrival, guests enter through a single rail-track front entrance. Expect a security check: purses and bags (anything over 12” x 6” x 12”) are searched, and metal detectors pat down attendees for safety (www.thepageant.com) (www.thepageant.com). All patrons must have valid ID if aged 21± (the venue enforces age limits for alcohol and may check IDs if a show is restricted). Children or anyone, regardless of age, needs a ticket to enter (www.thepageant.com). Those over 21 may re-enter, but under-21 guests cannot re-enter once they leave (www.thepageant.com) – so plan accordingly. Coat checks and small lockers are often available (ask staff) for jackets and bags.

Inside, the atmosphere is casual-concert. Dimmed lights, graffitied walls or art posters, and stage lighting set the mood. The crowd might range from families at all-ages shows to college students to metalheads – but courtesy is enforced by staff. House rules ban rowdy behavior: stagesurfing or crowd-surfing will get you ejected (www.thepageant.com). Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not allowed indoors at all (www.thepageant.com). The venue has multiple bar stations serving beer, wine and cocktails; drinks are moderately priced as concert venues go. (No outside food or drink is permitted.) Fast-serve bars mean lines form, but tend to move quickly between songs. There are bottled water and soft drinks for sale too. Restrooms are located on each level (one cluster mid-floor and another at the balcony); expect minor waits at intermission.

Merchandise tables typically stand near the front of the hall or in a side vestibule. Each concert’s T-shirts, posters, and souvenirs are available for cash/credit. The venue itself does not host concession food beyond snacks, but its cafe/lounge (Halo Bar) operates until showtime for light food and drinks. During early-entry, ticket-holders can hang in the Halo Bar lounge, which has themed decor and a small patio seating (www.thepageant.com). For connectivity, cell phone and mobile data usually work well inside. There’s no public Wi-Fi, so to share on social media one should use a mobile plan.

Nearby Amenities

The Pageant sits in the heart of the Delmar Loop, a bustling 2-block entertainment corridor. Dozens of restaurants and bars are steps from the door. For pre-show dining, options range from casual to sit-down: popular spots include Blueberry Hill (an iconic burger-and-music joint open late into the night), The Schlafly Tap Room (brewpub with a rooftop beer garden just a block away), Seoul Taco (Korean/Mexican fusion), Casa Donas (tacos), Nudo House (ramen), Arepas (Venezuelan), and many others. There are also coffee shops, pizza parlors, and vegetarian-friendly cafes. For drinks before or after, Blueberry Hill – famous for its stage and Chuck Berry memorabilia – keeps its bar open past midnight on weekends. Moonrise Hotel (adjacent to the Pageant) has a modern bar and an outdoor patio with skyline views. The Loop area is lively on weekend evenings: it’s common to stroll Delmar’s sidewalks to catch street musicians or visit the vintage Fox Theatre (blocks west) or live DJs nearby.

Hotel options are plentiful within a short walk. The upscale Moonrise Hotel is literally next door (the lobby and front door are a 30-second walk) (www.thepageant.com). Its market and bar on-site make it easy for late-night snacks or an overnight stay. Nearby chains include the Sleep Inn/St. Louis (Marriott) and several downtown hotels just 1–1.5 miles south. If attending an all-nighter show, note public transit may stop running late – rideshare and taxis serve the area 24/7. For daytime visits, the Loop also has daytime attractions: shops, the University City library branch, and the free Delmar Loop Tour bus (a seasonal hop-on service) pass right by.

What Makes This Venue Special

The Pageant’s magic lies in its perfect blend of intimacy, infrastructure, and local lore. Unlike cavernous arenas, its size lets fans feel up-close with artists – a rockstar is never more than a few dozen feet away (www.thepageant.com). Yet it still packs enough people to generate big-show energy and favorable tours. Architecturally, it’s purpose-built for sound; in Consequence of Sound’s words, it “put on great shows in a more-intimate setting” and its acoustic quality stood out (dbpedia.org). The venue’s retro signage recalls its theater namesake, even as the interior feels sleek and modern. Its location anchors the Delmar Loop’s cultural revival: the Pageant helped transform that corridor from stumbling block to entertainment hotspot in the 2000s. It is a community hub: St. Louis radio stations often choose it for charity events and holiday concerts (like the mohawk-shaving “Punk Rock Christmas” charity night) (www.stlmag.com). Famous local musicians drop in from time to time – the Loop even boasts a statue of rock legend Chuck Berry on Delmar. Industry polls confirm performers love it too: Pollstar data shows the Pageant consistently ranks among top worldwide mid-size music clubs. One longtime critic said you’ll “always be within 70 feet of the stage,” capturing how consistently “every seat is a great seat” there (www.thepageant.com) (russosgourmet.com). In short, the Pageant offers big-production concerts with a passionate hometown feel, making it a cherished stop for national touring acts and a local landmark alike.

Visitor Tips and Information

**Doors & Arrive Time:** Doors usually open about 1 hour before showtime (check the event listing for exact times). Expect fans to queue a bit early, especially for general admission shows. If you want a particular seat or spot, arrive when the Halo Bar opens (often 2–3 hours before) for early entry (www.thepageant.com). As one tip, remember the Halo Bar has limited capacity; it fills up fast, so don’t linger there too early or you might not get in before doors. Once inside, ticket-holders are stamped for re-entry (21+ only) (www.thepageant.com).

**Entry & What to Bring:** Bring your ID and ticket (print or mobile). Everyone needs a ticket–even infants (www.thepageant.com). Wear comfortable shoes; many guests stand or dance. Check the bag size rules: no bags larger than ~12×6×12 inches (www.thepageant.com). Cell phones are fine; small point-and-shoot cameras are forbidden (www.thepageant.com). Earplugs are a good idea for sensitive ears (shows can be loud). Do not bring outside food/drinks or weapons; see the venue’s prohibited list for details (www.thepageant.com) (www.thepageant.com).

**Security & Conduct:** Security is strict: pot, guns, or big weapon-like items are banned (www.thepageant.com). If a staff member deems your behavior unsafe or disrespectful, you could be removed (a standard code of conduct applies) (www.thepageant.com). Cameras (non-phone) are not allowed (www.thepageant.com). No smoking inside (patios only) (www.thepageant.com). Many fans stress good manners: no pushing to the front before the band, no saving spots, and patience with drink lines. Male-toilets sometimes have urinals only; be prepared for lines.

**Accessibility:** The Pageant is fully accessible. There are ramps to each tier and an elevator to the balcony (www.thepageant.com). ADA-designated seats are available; call ahead to reserve a spot or discuss needs. Wheelchair users can generally navigate anywhere in the venue, and staff will gladly help with short distances if needed (it’s only about 2 floors total).

**Dress Code and Age:** Dress is casual (jeans, band tees, hoodies, etc.). There’s no formal dress code, but a lot of patrons dress “night out” smart-casual. Most shows are 18+ or 21+; minors must always be accompanied by an adult. If alcohol is served, IDs are checked rigorously. If there is an age restriction (some hip-hop or comedy shows are 18+ or 21+), they will enforce it without exception. For 18+ shows, ID is mandatory at the door; for all-ages shows, kids are welcome with tickets (www.thepageant.com).

**Cell Reception:** Cell signal is generally good, especially upstairs near windows or at the back. Wi-Fi is not provided, so you will need to rely on your own cell plan. If you plan to ride public transit home, check train/bus schedules before you enter or on your phone during the show. It’s wise to set a “ride now” alarm for the last train or bus departure time and line up early.

**Photo/Video:** Generally you may take pictures with your phone only. As noted, professional cameras (with lenses) and video/audio recording devices are forbidden (www.thepageant.com). Occasionally an artist will explicitly allow phones at the start of the show; otherwise, keep photography to a minimum. Flash photography is also usually discouraged as it can disrupt performers. If in doubt, check with house staff or the artist’s tour information before taking your camera out.

**Health & Safety:** The venue adheres to fire codes (multiple exits are visible) (www.thepageant.com). During lines outside, weather can be cold in winter or hot in summer; plan clothing accordingly. If you have mobility or breathing issues, consider requesting early entry or seats near an exit. Since The Pageant is indoors, weather only matters for getting to/from the venue. Parking shuttles (like Uber) are plentiful after shows, and the loop is well-lit at night for walking a short distance to your car or station.

**Last-Minute:** If your first choice of tickets is sold out, check if the venue or promoters release any day-of show. Sometimes a limited number of “rush” or door tickets become available an hour before curtain. But don’t count on it – plan ahead for big shows. Also, keep in mind the Pageant is active beyond concerts: check if any matinee or family-friendly shows (like children’s theater or drag brunches) are on the calendar if that suits you. Overall, arrive early con-minded, be mindful of others, and you’ll likely have a great Pageant experience.