Get Social with Sips, Concerts, and Art in STL!

Get ready for an evening of music as our Chess Pocket Park Concerts continue! On Friday, May 8, 7:00-8:00 pm, we are proud to spotlight the local sounds of The Adam Maness Trio. Join us at Piazza Imo, 2109 Marconi Ave., for a perfect summer hour of music and strategy.

About the Performer
The Adam Maness Trio showcases their signature blend of sophisticated improvisation and reimagined pop classics. Led by pianist Adam Maness, with bassist Bob DeBoo and drummer Kaleb Kirby, this ensemble bridges musical worlds through dynamic interplay. From Ellington to Eilish, the trio transforms every tune into a fresh musical conversation.

Know Before You Go

• What to Bring: These events are outdoors and casual. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and drinks to enjoy during the performance.
• Cost: Admission is completely FREE.

About the Chess Pocket Park Concerts
Experience the harmony of music and community this summer with the WCHOF Music Series’ Chess Pocket Park Concerts, a collection of fun, free outdoor performances held in various Saint Louis parks. These concerts are designed to be engaging community events that spotlight local performers and raise awareness of the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries.

These concerts take place adjacent to the iconic stone chess tables installed by our sister organization, the Saint Louis Chess Club. We call these vibrant community spaces Chess Pocket Parks, and they serve as the perfect backdrop for making chess accessible to everyone while enjoying an hour of exceptional music.

Learn & Play While You Listen
We are bringing the board to the beat! At every event, friendly chess instructors will be stationed at the tables to encourage open chess play for all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a grandmaster or a complete beginner, we invite you to learn chess here. Instructors will provide easy-to-follow introductions to the game and answer any questions you have about chess strategy or local programs.

More Chess to Explore

• Have a look at the full map of park locations and find your nearest Chess Pocket Park to play today!
• Check out the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries’ website for more information on world-class exhibits and upcoming programs!

• Game Plan: The Strategy of Chess & Sports – explores the strategic and cultural parallels between chess and sports through displays of legendary competitors, regional history, and interactive play. It demonstrates how discipline and mental preparation unite the physical and intellectual arenas of competition.

The Social Hour
The tour is just the beginning! Once we’ve explored the galleries, we keep the good vibes going with:

• Boxed Lunches & Refreshments: Savor a delicious catered lunch and a selection of drinks on us (if you RSVP in advance).
• Special Guests: On select dates, you might meet featured guest artists, world-class grandmasters, or local historians.
• Community & Conversation: Meet fellow art lovers and history buffs in a relaxed, inclusive setting right in the heart of the Central West End.

Ready to make your move? Space is limited to keep these tours intimate and engaging. Check out our current schedule and reserve your spot at worldchesshof.org.

The Exhibition: Game Plan: The Strategy of Chess & Sports
This fun program is offered in connection with our interactive exhibition, Game Plan: The Strategy of Chess & Sports. This exhibition explores the shared world of competitive drive, physical mastery, and the mental stamina required in both athletic pursuits and chess. This event promotes chess education by demonstrating how the strategic elements of the board translate to the field, court, and track.

GET READY FOR A CREATIVE HOME RUN!
Join the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries, Saint Louis's premier cultural destination, for a unique, approachable, hands-on workshop. This interactive, social program is a highlight of the local calendar and a fun way to experience chess education through creative play and the exploration of sports strategy.

The Program: Design Your Own Custom Baseball Cap
Hit a home run with your creativity at our museum, where you can customize your very own custom baseball cap using a variety of iron-on patches. We'll provide all the supplies you need, including plain baseball caps. However, if you have a favorite hat that you'd like to personalize, feel free to bring it along!

After you've created your one-of-a-kind cap, take a walk-off victory lap through our newest exhibition. Refreshments from Brennan's will be provided to keep the inspiration flowing as you explore.

All supplies for this self-led activity are included, and no chess experience is needed to join in!

The program has a $20 entry fee, but it is $10 for seniors, students, military personnel, and World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries Members! Learn more about becoming a member and join here.

The Exhibition: Game Plan: The Strategy of Chess & Sports
This fun program is offered in connection with our interactive exhibition, Game Plan: The Strategy of Chess & Sports. This exhibition the intersection of art and strategy in modern culture, specifically examining the shared mental discipline of athletes and chess players. This event promotes chess education by demonstrating how the strategic thinking found in sports—and the gear we wear to play them—relates to the tactical world of chess.