Paint Louis St. Louis is widely recognized as the world’s largest graffiti festival, drawing artists and fans from around the globe. Held annually over Labor Day weekend, the event transforms the city’s riverfront into a massive, open-air gallery where creativity meets community.
Located along the Mississippi River just south of the Gateway Arch, the festival takes place on the city’s famous “Mural Mile.” This floodwall is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest graffiti wall in the world, offering a monumental canvas for hundreds of muralists and graffiti artists.
More Than Graffiti: A Full Hip-Hop Experience
While graffiti art takes center stage, Paint Louis celebrates the four core elements of hip-hop culture:
- Graffiti
- DJing
- Breakdancing
- MCing (rapping)
Free live performances by both legendary and emerging hip-hop artists provide a soundtrack to the visual artistry, creating an immersive cultural experience that blends music, dance, and street art.
From Graffiti Jam to Global Festival
Paint Louis began in the mid-1990s as an informal graffiti jam and officially became a named festival in 1997. After a pause in the early 2000s, it returned in 2013 and has since grown into a major cultural fixture. Today, it attracts thousands of spectators along with top graffiti and contemporary street artists.
For St. Louis, the event represents not only a celebration of creativity but also a sense of community pride and international recognition.
Paint Louis 2025 Dates and Details
The upcoming Paint Louis festival is scheduled for August 29–31, 2025. Admission is free and open to the public, making it one of the most accessible and inclusive art events in the country.
Visitors can expect:
- Hundreds of murals created live throughout the weekend
- Performances by hip-hop artists and DJs
- Breakdancing showcases
- A vibrant community atmosphere along the riverfront
Paint Louis has become a hallmark of St. Louis culture, fusing global talent with local energy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Louis St. Louis
What is Paint Louis?
Paint Louis is the world’s largest graffiti festival, held annually in St. Louis, Missouri. The event showcases graffiti, mural art, hip-hop performances, breakdancing, and DJing along the city’s “Mural Mile.”
When is Paint Louis 2025?
The 2025 Paint Louis festival will take place August 29–31, 2025, over Labor Day weekend.
Where is Paint Louis held?
The event is hosted on the Mural Mile, a floodwall along the Mississippi River just south of the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis.
Is Paint Louis free to attend?
Yes. Paint Louis is a free and open-to-the-public event, making it one of the most accessible large-scale art festivals in the U.S.
What can visitors expect at Paint Louis?
Attendees can watch artists create murals in real time, enjoy live hip-hop performances, see breakdancing showcases, and explore St. Louis’ riverfront transformed into a massive outdoor art gallery.
