Forest Park Visitor Center
Forest Park Visitor Center
Forest Park Visitor Center
Forest Park Visitor Center
Forest Park Visitor Center
Forest Park Visitor Center
Forest Park Visitor Center
Forest Park Visitor Center
Forest Park Visitor Center
retirement event at forest park visitor center
fruit dessert with marble brownie
cupcake cookie and brownie dessert table
retirement part guests at forest park visitor center
people chatting at retirement party at forest park visitor center
server asking guest about wine selection
food table with flatbread, sandwiches, and veggies

Seated: 210 with dance floor, 240 without
Buffet Seated: 200 with no dance floor, 160 with dance floor
Buffet Cocktail: 275 (2/3 seating)
Cocktail Reception: 400 (standing)

Note

The capacities for seated and buffet seated events are calculated using 60-inch round tables with 10 guests at each. Any deviation (altering the number of guests at each table, adding a “head” table and/or changing the shape of a table from round to square and/or rectangle) will decrease capacity and may cause you to incur extra charges.

Events

Day Facility Rental:

Monday – Friday: $500
Saturday: $2,500
Sunday: $2,000

Evening Facility Rental:

Monday – Wednesday: $1,200
Thursday, Friday, or Sunday: $2,000
Saturday: $2,500

Availability:

Year-round
Up to 4 hours

Latest end time for day rentals: 4:00pm

Earliest start time for evening rentals: 6:30pm

Note

There is a $12,000 food and beverage minimum for Saturday night events during peak months. April, May, Jun, September, October. There is a $1,500 additional set up and clean up fee added to all space rentals. Events with a final guest count of 31-54 adults will incur a surcharge of $500. Events with 30 adults or fewer will incur a surcharge of $1,000.

  • Exclusive use of the event space
  • 60-inch round dining tables
  • Black Chavari ballroom chairs
  • Floor-length ivory tablecloths with white cotton overlays
  • White cotton napkins for seated dinners
  • All china, stemware and flatware
  • All bar glasses
  • Votive candles for tables
  • Ambient indoor lighting
  • Comfortable chairs and accent tables throughout
  • Outdoor café tables and chairs at entrance
  • Beautifully landscaped entrance
  • Landscape lighting
  • Well-lit, free parking lot
  • Private event signage

Events in Forest Park

Forest Park Visitor Center

Spanish-style building with historic clock tower

The Forest Park Visitor Center was originally built in 1892 as a streetcar shelter. Today, it is a Spanish-style event space with the building’s original clocktower. Inside, the Visitor Center offers a large, open-concept space to allow your creativity, style and personality to shine through during the event. Complete with a modern banquet facility and state-of-the-art meeting rooms, the Forest Park Visitor Center is a great fit for any event from a wedding to a corporate event or fundraiser.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to plan your dream event at Forest Park Visitor Center.
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Forest Park Visitor Center

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bayer Event Center is perfect for weddings, corporate events, galas, celebrations, and nonprofit functions. With flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s ideal for both intimate gatherings and large-scale events.

The venue can accommodate more than 350 guests for cocktail-style events and up to 200 guests for seated dinners, depending on your preferred setup.

Yes, the Bayer Event Center is available for rentals year-round and features climate-controlled indoor spaces for comfort in any season.

Rental packages typically include tables, chairs, basic linens, and setup/breakdown services. Catering St. Louis also provides in-house catering and bar service options.

No. All food and beverage service is provided exclusively by Catering St. Louis, the exclusive caterer for the Bayer Event Center and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Yes, 100 free parking spaces are available for guests in the Missouri Botanical Garden’s designated lots.

Yes, the Bayer Event Center features both indoor event space and access to beautifully landscaped outdoor areas, which can be used for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or casual mingling.

Yes, the Bayer Event Center is fully ADA accessible, including entrances, restrooms, and event spaces.

Popular dates tend to book quickly, so we recommend securing your date at least 12 months in advance, especially for weddings or weekend events.

To schedule a tour or check availability, visit our contact page or call Catering St. Louis directly at (314) 961-7588. We’d be happy to walk you through the space and discuss your event needs.

The Forest Park Visitor Center is a unique and versatile venue perfect for a wide range of Forest Park events, including wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate retreats, nonprofit galas, holiday parties, and milestone celebrations. With its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, it’s an exceptional choice for gatherings large or small.

The venue is located at:
5595 Grand Drive
St. Louis, MO 63112
right at the entrance to Forest Park near the intersection of Grand Drive and Lindell Boulevard. It’s centrally positioned with easy access to nearby attractions like the Saint Louis Art Museum and The Muny.

The Forest Park Visitor Center can host up to 200 guests for a cocktail-style reception and 150 guests for a seated dinner. It offers multiple spaces—indoor and outdoor—that can be customized to suit the size and style of your event.

As one of the most iconic locations in St. Louis’s historic Forest Park, this venue offers convenience, elegance, and a memorable backdrop. With views of the park, charming architectural details, and access to surrounding green spaces, it’s a standout destination for Forest Park events of all types.

Yes. The venue features a beautifully landscaped outdoor terrace and lawn area, which is perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or additional seating. The natural setting complements indoor festivities and provides a flexible flow between event areas.

Rental includes exclusive use of the event space, access to both indoor and outdoor areas, tables, chairs, setup and breakdown, staff support, and standard linens. You’ll also work with Catering St. Louis to create a customized food and beverage package tailored to your event.

No. All catering and bar services must be provided by Catering St. Louis, the exclusive provider for the Forest Park Visitor Center. Their menus offer locally sourced ingredients, seasonal options, and professional service to elevate any occasion.

Yes, ample public parking is available near the venue, including dedicated event parking and nearby lots within Forest Park. Valet services can also be arranged through Catering St. Louis or an outside vendor.

Yes. The Forest Park Visitor Center is fully ADA compliant, with accessible entrances, restrooms, and pathways to ensure all guests can enjoy the event comfortably.

Absolutely. Many couples choose to host both their ceremony and reception at the Forest Park Visitor Center. The indoor and outdoor spaces are both beautifully suited for romantic ceremonies, with Forest Park serving as a stunning natural backdrop.

While the venue welcomes personal touches and custom event themes, some restrictions apply—such as no open flames (except enclosed candles), confetti, or nails in the walls. The event coordinator can help you plan décor that aligns with venue policies and enhances the space.

Yes. Basic A/V services are available, including a sound system and microphone setup for speeches or presentations. If additional equipment is needed, Catering St. Louis can assist with rentals and vendor coordination.

To secure your preferred date—especially for spring and fall weekends—it’s best to book 6–12 months in advance. That said, some weekday or off-season dates may still be available with shorter notice.

Yes. Private tours are available by appointment. Contact Catering St. Louis to schedule a walkthrough and see for yourself why the Forest Park Visitor Center is one of the premier venues for Forest Park events in St. Louis.

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(314) 961-7588
info@cateringstlouis.com