Seated: 500 with no dance floor, 450 with dance floor
Buffet Seated: 450 with no dance floor, 400 with dance floor
Buffet Cocktail: 600 (2/3 seating)

Events

Facility Rental:

Please visit the City of St. Louis’ website for pricing.

Availability:

Please visit the City of St. Louis’ website for availability.


Ceremonies

Please visit the City of St. Louis’ website for pricing.


Note

There is a $1,000 additional setup fee, which includes setup, breakdown and cleaning before and after the event. 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
  • Well-lit, free parking lot

Mediterranean Event Pavilion

World’s Fair Pavilion in St. Louis

Open-air Mediterranean pavilion in Forest Park

The World’s Fair Pavilion has been one of Forest Park’s most popular attractions since it was built in 1909. It was built using proceeds from the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, hence its name! This space commands your attention before you even reach the doors: it sits on top of Government Hill, with views of the Boathouse, Post-Dispatch Lake and the Emerson Grand Basin that you and your guests can enjoy during any event. There is ample space, indoors and out, for guests to spread out, making it perfect for a large wedding full of family and friends, or even for a charity fundraiser!

Ready to get started? Contact us today to plan your dream event at World’s Fair Pavilion in St. Louis.
World’s Fair Pavilion in St. Louis

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 World’s Fair Pavilion is a grand open-air event venue in St. Louis, ideal for wedding ceremonies and receptions, galas, fundraisers, corporate events, reunions, cultural festivals, and large social celebrations. With its iconic arches and expansive terraces, the Pavilion is one of the most sought-after event spaces in the city.

The Pavilion is located in the heart of Forest Park at:
1904 Concourse Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110
Perched on Government Hill, it offers panoramic views of Forest Park and is minutes from the Central West End and downtown St. Louis.

Built in 1909 as part of the legacy of the 1904 World’s Fair, the Pavilion features Spanish Revival architecture, open arches, soaring ceilings, and elevated terraces. Its historic charm, open-air layout, and sweeping views make it an unparalleled open-air event venue in St. Louis.

The World’s Fair Pavilion can accommodate up to 500 guests for a seated dinner and more than 1,000 for a standing or cocktail-style event, depending on setup. It’s one of the largest outdoor-capable venues in the region, with flexibility for large-scale celebrations.

Yes. The venue is partially covered, providing protection from rain and sun under its massive roof and archways. However, it is not fully enclosed, so weather should be considered when planning. Tents or supplemental rentals can be arranged for added protection.

Absolutely. Many couples choose to host both their wedding ceremony and reception at the World’s Fair Pavilion. The spacious layout allows for multiple zones—ceremony, dining, dancing, and cocktail areas—all within a single location.

Yes. The Pavilion itself is open-air, and the surrounding Government Hill lawns, terraces, and reflecting pools offer additional space for outdoor ceremonies, photos, and event flow.

Venue rental includes exclusive use of the Pavilion, access to indoor restrooms, basic tables and chairs, standard linens, setup and teardown services, and support from the Catering St. Louis team. Additional rentals such as tents, lighting, and staging can be coordinated upon request.

No. All food and beverage services must be provided by Catering St. Louis, the exclusive partner for the World’s Fair Pavilion. Their team offers a wide variety of culinary options and beverage packages to fit any type of event.

Yes. Free public parking is available around Government Hill and along nearby streets within Forest Park. Valet services or shuttle transportation can be arranged for larger events or added convenience.

Yes. The World’s Fair Pavilion is ADA-compliant, with ramps, accessible restrooms, and paved walkways available for guests with mobility needs.

Yes. Due to its historic nature and public park location, the venue does have guidelines—no open flames (except enclosed candles), no nails or adhesives on the structure, and no confetti or glitter. The venue’s architecture and scenic views often require minimal additional décor.

It is recommended to book 12 to 18 months in advance, particularly for peak seasons like spring and fall. This venue is in high demand for both private and public events. Weekday or off-season availability may allow for shorter booking windows.

Yes. Private tours of the World’s Fair Pavilion can be arranged through Catering St. Louis. Touring the space in person is the best way to appreciate its scale, architectural beauty, and flexibility as an open-air event venue in St. Louis.

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(314) 961-7588
info@cateringstlouis.com