Art Outside is this weekend—and we have the first look at the art on the beer can

Perfect weather. Cold beer. Local art. That’s the vibe at this weekend’s Art Outside Festival at Schlafly Bottleworks—and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to spend a September afternoon in St. Louis.

The tents go up Friday, Sept. 5, and come down Sunday, Sept. 7. In between: over 60 local artists, a full lineup of live music, festival eats, and a new beer brewed just for the occasion. If you’ve been before, you already know the deal. If you haven’t? This is your friendly nudge to go.

And while you’re there, keep an eye out for Schlafly AF Raspberry Hefeweizen—a seasonal pour with one of the most meaningful labels I’ve seen all year.

The beer of the fest

Let’s talk about the beer first, because yes—it’s been one of my favorites for years. Schlafly AF is a light, hazy raspberry hefeweizen that pours a soft pink, leans a little tart, and finishes smooth. It’s not overly sweet, not overly fruited—just crisp, bright, and built for sipping between booths while you debate whether that mosaic lamp would look weird in your guest bathroom (it won’t).

It’s refreshing, but not just in the “beer on a sunny day” kind of way.

This can tells a story

The “AF” in Schlafly AF stands for Artists First, a Maplewood-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering artists of all abilities. But this year’s label isn’t just a nod to the name—it’s a full-on artistic collaboration.

Designed by five Artists First Collective members, the label is a visual mashup of abstract design, character illustration, and near-photorealism—each element reflecting a different voice, vision, and creative journey. Some of the artists have been with the organization for over a decade, growing their styles and confidence along the way.

“The label visually captures the collaborative spirit between Artists First and Schlafly,” says Sheila Suderwalla, Executive Director. “And it reflects the core of what we stand for—Artists, Community, and Dignity.”

That spirit goes back more than ten years, when Schlafly first connected with Artists First through Art Outside. Since then, the partnership has turned into something much deeper.

“Schlafly’s support directly impacts our programming for individuals with disabilities, youth, and veterans,” says Suderwalla. “It’s a model of what a meaningful community collaboration can look like.”

And it’s not just symbolic. 20% of proceeds from every can or pint of Schlafly AF will go directly to the organization, helping them expand their space, offer more adaptive art tools, and host more inclusive events.

“These funds help us literally and figuratively break down barriers to arts engagement,” she adds with a wink.

Beer that gives back

Here’s the part I love: 20% of the proceeds from Schlafly AF go straight to Artists First. That means every pint, every can, helps fund adaptive art supplies, workshops, and inclusive programming for STL artists of all abilities—youth, veterans, adults with disabilities.

“These funds are helping us break down barriers—figuratively and literally,” says Suderwalla. “This collab makes room for more artists, more voices.”

Here’s why you should try it

Because the beer is good. The label is better. And the story behind both? Even better than that.

You can find Schlafly AF on draft and in limited 6-packs at Bottleworks during the festival. With sunny skies in the forecast and good vibes on tap, this might be the most meaningful drink you’ll have all weekend.

Pro tip: grab an extra can to take home. It’s basically art.

🎨 Art Outside Festival at Schlafly Bottleworks

📅 Dates:
Friday, Sept. 5 – Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025
🕒 Times:

Friday: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

📍 Location:
Schlafly Bottleworks
7260 Southwest Ave, Maplewood, MO 63143

💵 Admission:
Free to attend

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