St. Louis families can gobble up some creative fun this month: the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries presents Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts on Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22, 2026, a hands-on weekend where attendees create festive Thanksgiving decorations to take home.
The program is part of the museum’s official upcoming-events calendar, which pairs the game of chess with art, culture and history all season long. The Hall of Fame, in the Central West End at 4652 Maryland Avenue, explores chess through stunning exhibits, artifacts and artistic chess sets from its permanent collection, alongside educational programs for visitors of all ages — from absolute beginners to experts.
The museum is a highlight of the Saint Louis Chess Campus, sitting alongside the Saint Louis Chess Club and Kingside Diner, in the city proudly known as the Chess Capital of America. Between craft tables, families can wander galleries that trace more than 1,500 years of chess history and see how the game connects to art, music and pop culture.
It is an easy, joyful plan for the weekend before Thanksgiving: make something festive together, discover a one-of-a-kind museum, and enjoy one of St. Louis’s most creative neighborhoods. Check the museum’s calendar at worldchesshof.org for the latest program details before you go.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
