Sababa Just Got Cooler – New Outdoor Festival Location Announced for 2026

Sababa, the region’s coolest celebration of modern Jewish culture, will return on October 18, 2026, in a new Clayton location designed to support the festival’s growth and create a unique immersive environment.

The Sababa Jewish Arts & Culture Festival, a free family-friendly celebration that originated in 2018, is presented by the Jewish Community Center (The J) and the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. This year’s festival holds special significance as a centerpiece of the St. Louis Federation’s year-long 125th anniversary celebrations.

Sababa (a modern Hebrew slang word meaning “cool” or “awesome”) perfectly captures the festival’s experience, which is a blend of tradition and bold contemporary expression through live music, visual art, kosher food, and cultural storytelling inspired by Jewish heritage and global influences.

“Each year the festival grows in both scale and ambition,” said Rabbi Brad Horwitz, Chief Jewish Engagement Officer at The J. “Moving to Clayton allows us to expand the experience, welcome more attendees, and continue showcasing the incredible creativity shaping contemporary Jewish culture.”

Sababa has drawn thousands of attendees in previous years and has become known for its inclusive atmosphere, welcoming both the Jewish community and the broader public to engage with culture in fresh and unexpected ways.

“As we mark 125 years of building Jewish life in St. Louis, Sababa is a powerful expression of our community’s creativity, connection, and forward momentum,” said Danny Cohn, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. “We’re proud to partner with The J and the City of Clayton to create this celebration and invite the entire St. Louis region to experience the joy, energy, and vibrancy of modern Jewish culture.”

To ensure a world-class experience, the organizers have engaged Contemporary Productions to lead the festival’s large-scale production.

Additional details, including artist announcements and program highlights, will be released in the coming months at SABABASTL.com. Follow Sababa on social media @SababaSTL for updates.

About The J
The J—St. Louis’ Jewish Community Center—is a nonprofit organization that brings people together through programs that inspire wellness, creativity, learning, and community connection. With locations in Creve Coeur and Chesterfield, The J serves tens of thousands of individuals and families each year through health and fitness programs, arts and culture, early childhood education, camps, and community events. Rooted in Jewish values and open to people of all backgrounds, The J strengthens the St. Louis community by creating inclusive opportunities for engagement, enrichment, and belonging.

About Jewish Federation of St. Louis
The Jewish Federation of St. Louis mobilizes the Jewish community and its partners to build a strong, vibrant, and secure Jewish future in St. Louis, Israel, and around the world. Through leadership, fundraising, and collaboration, the Federation supports programs and services that care for people in need, strengthen Jewish identity, and connect individuals and families to Jewish life. Founded in 1901, the Federation works with a network of agencies, congregations, and community organizations to ensure a thriving Jewish community for generations to come.

About Contemporary Productions
For over 55 years, Contemporary Productions has confidently served as an industry leader in event management, entertainment booking and corporate event production. Our clients span Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits and businesses of every size yet, our approach, is anything but one-size-fits-all. Our seamless integration of event management with unmatched entertainment expertise is a rare combination that ensures an event’s success. From intricate logistics to securing nationally recognized entertainers, every element is executed with precision and creativity.