U City Happenings: International Bike Race, Homecoming Parade and Jazz Festival

There are a lot of different and interesting activities happening in University City this week, and that's why U City Patch is giving residents a head start on its Things to do in U City column. Also, some events require an advance ticket purchase.

YOUNG PEOPLE, WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?
Youth between the ages of 13-21 from the St. Louis region are invited to attend a Youth Speak-Out forum in U City. Attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts about the St. Louis community and what they would like to see happening here. Snacks will be served. The forum is FREE.

• Tuesday, September 20
• 6:00pm-8:00pm
• , 975 Pennsylvania

CYCLOCROSS COMES TO U CITY
University City’s Heman Park plays host to the inaugural Gateway Cross Cup on Wednesday. The cyclocross event features bike riders from across the U.S. and Europe. Community members are invited to watch the races. For a price, kids can take part in a fun race. There will also be 5K foot race on the track. Click here for a schedule of events.

• Wednesday, September 21
• 12:00pm-10:00pm

MAKE U CITY MORE BIKING AND WALKING FRIENDLY
Have any ideas on how to make U City a friendlier place for walkers and bikers? Your presence is wanted at a 2nd public workshop meeting on U City's Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan.

• Thursday, September 22
• 7:00pm
• , 7210 Olive Blvd.

UCHS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES CEREMONY
Some pretty neat people have graduated from . And now the school has singled out nine graduates for special recognition - induction into the the school’s 2011 Hall of Fame. Inductees represent the fields of music, medicine, business, research, law enforcement and writing. Advanced tickets required. NO admission at the door. Monday (Today) is the last day to buy tickets.

• Crowne Plaza in Clayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave
• Friday, September 23
• Reception 6:00pm. Dinner 7:00pm. Ceremony 7:30pm

Looks out! Here come the floats, school bands and baton twirlers! The homecoming parade takes over the streets of U City on Saturday morning. FREE and open to the public.

• Saturday, September 24
• Parade Line-up 9 a.m.
• Parade Begins 10 a.m. 
• Loop at Kinsgland, west on Delmar, north on Hanley, east on Balson to UCHS

BONUS HOMECOMING EVENTS

1. Homecoming Football Game UCHS Lions vs Seckman Jaguars. Kick Off at 12:30pm on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Muhl-Schemmer Stadium, 7401 Balson Avenue. Alumni are invited to gather with classmates and sit in sections designated by decade. Alumni attendees will be recognized at the game. Tickets are available in advance or at the gate.
2. Alumni & Friends Homecoming Dance on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7:00-10:00 p.m. Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School Gym, 1500 North 82nd Blvd. Advanced tickets required. NO admission at the door.

U CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL
Enjoy an outdoor jazz festival. University City kicks off its first U City Jazz Festival on Saturday at . Local and national renowned artists will perform free concerts. Click here for schedule of performers. Food Vendors: Shu Feng (Asian), Whatsmokin’? (barbeque), and the (multi-national). The events go on rain or shine. No glass bottles allowed. FREE and open to the public.

• Saturday, September 24
• 11:00am-7:00pm

WASH U'S KEMPER MUSEUM HOLDS COMMUNITY DAY
Community Day is a chance for the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum  to welcome both new and regular visitors. The day includes, an all-ages afternoon of games, storytelling, art-making, workshops and tours. Bubble artist Josh Routh, a founding member of St. Louis’ Circus Kaput, will perform throughout the day. Rockabilly revivalists The Woo Daddies will perform beginning at 1 p.m. Other events will include an art-themed scavenger hunt and a storytelling session. FREE and open to all.

• Saturday, September 24
• Washington University's Mildred Lane Kemper Museum
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Located near the intersection of Skinker and Forsyth boulevards.