DISCLAIMER:
The Science for Health Systems Conference Planning Group is not responsible for any events, activities, or gatherings that are not officially sponsored or organized by the conference. Participation in such non-sponsored events is entirely voluntary and at the discretion of the attendee.
The Planning Group assumes no liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred as a result of participation in these external activities. Attendees are encouraged to exercise personal judgment and take appropriate precautions.
Inclusion of information about non-sponsored events on conference platforms (e.g., website, app) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement or responsibility.
Oct 28 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | QuEST Network–WashU Medicine Joint Session
Title: Shared challenges, shared opportunities: improving health system quality globally
Location: Cori Interactive Classroom, McDonnell Medical Sciences Bldg, Floor 1 (https://meet.wustl.edu/items/cori-interactive-classroom-2/)
This special session brings together QuEST Principal Investigators traveling from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America alongside WashU leaders. It will showcase pressing global health system challenges, foster dialogue across regions, and highlight the work of WashU Medicine in this space. The moderator of this session would be Dr. Victoria Fraser, Adolphus Busch Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine.
Lunch will be provided. Register here: https://wustl.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_01xP7kezUuqDncq
Oct 29 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception at the Kemper Art Museum
We open the conference with a warm welcome at the Kemper Art Museum (about a 15-minute walk from the Knight Center), one of St. Louis’s cultural landmarks. Guests will enjoy an evening of conversation, art, and networking surrounded by world-class contemporary collections. This reception sets the stage for the days ahead, creating space for informal connections across disciplines and geographies.
Oct 30 | 4:00–5:30 p.m. | Cocktails & Blues: A St. Louis Mixer
Experience the spirit of St. Louis through live blues music, cocktails, and light refreshments. Hosted in the Knight Center’s Frick Forum, this mixer will be an opportunity to unwind after the day’s sessions while enjoying the vibrant music culture that defines the city. Organized in collaboration with the WashU Music Department, it promises to be both lively and memorable.
Oct 29 and Oct 30 | Jazz St. Louis
There is a show on Wednesday and Thursday night (7:30). Tickets are $55 (although there would be a discount if we purchase more than 20). The show is Luciana Souza, Grammy-nominated vocalist bringing a blend or jazz, poetry, and Brazilian rhythm to St. Louis. More information.
Oct 30 | 6:30pm | Global Soul Health
Coordinators: Dr. Luke Allen (luke.allen@phc.ox.ac.uk) and Dr. Marious Ungureanu (marius.ungureanu@publichealth.ro)
Location: Cafe la Vie
The new Global Soul Health group invites Christians working in global health to an informal gathering to connect, share personal and professional challenges, and reflect on how to advance peace and justice globally.
This initiative seeks to build a supportive, values-driven community of global health practitioners committed to justice, equity, kindness, and generosity. The group plans to meet regularly on the sidelines of major conferences and WHO meetings, putting the soul back into global health while supporting colleagues and partners of all faiths and none.
Note: This event is independently organized and not part of the official Health Systems Conference agenda.
Oct 31 | 6am | Morning Run ft. Prof. Kruk
For anyone attending the conference who enjoys starting the day with some fresh air and movement, we’ll be organizing an optional 6 AM running session around Forest Park — one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. and a beautiful landmark in St. Louis.
It’s a great opportunity to stretch your legs, meet other participants, and enjoy the scenery before the sessions begin.
We will gather at the reception of the Knight Center before heading out.
All levels are welcome — just bring your running shoes!
St. Louis Highlights and Attractions
Iconic Landmarks
**Gateway Arch**: Explore the 630-foot-tall Arch, visit the museum, and take the tram to the top for stunning views of the city. https://www.gatewayarch.com/
2. **Forest Park**: Larger than Central Park, it features walking trails, beautiful landscapes, and multiple free attractions. https://www.forestparkforever.org/**Old Courthouse**: A historic site tied to the Dred Scott case, now part of the Gateway Arch National Park. https://www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/och.htm
Museums & Culture
**City Museum**: A one-of-a-kind attraction featuring a mix of playground, art exhibit, and architectural marvels. https://citymuseum.org/
**Missouri History Museum**: Learn about the state’s rich history, located in Forest Park. https://mohistory.org/museum
6. **St. Louis Art Museum**: Free admission to an incredible art collection spanning centuries. https://www.slam.org/
7. **Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM)**: Cutting-edge modern art exhibits. https://camstl.org/**National Blues Museum**: Celebrate St. Louis’ deep blues music heritage. https://www.nationalbluesmuseum.org/
Family-Friendly Spots
**St. Louis Zoo**: A world-class, free-admission zoo in Forest Park. https://stlzoo.org/
10. **St. Louis Science Center**: Hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and more for all ages. https://www.slsc.org/
Sports & Entertainment**Busch Stadium**: Catch a Cardinals game or enjoy a stadium tour. https://www.mlb.com/cardinals
**Enterprise Center**: Home of the St. Louis Blues hockey team. https://www.nhl.com/blues/fans/gameday-guide
13. **CityPark**: Check out a St. Louis City SC soccer match. https://www.stlcitysc.com/
14. **Ballpark Village**: A sports-themed entertainment district near Busch Stadium. https://www.stlballparkvillage.com/
Music & Nightlife
**The Pageant**: A top venue for concerts and live performances. https://www.thepageant.com/
16. **Blueberry Hill**: Famous for live music, memorabilia, and its connection to Chuck Berry. https://blueberryhill.com/**Jazz at the Bistro**: A vibrant spot for jazz performances. https://jazzstl.org/
Food & Drink
**Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour**: Learn about beer-making history and sample brews. https://www.budweisertours.com/
**Soulard Farmers Market**: A historic market offering local produce, food vendors, and crafts. https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/soulard/index.cfm
20. **The Hill**: A neighborhood known for authentic Italian cuisine. https://www.hillstl.org/**Ted Drewes Frozen Custard**: A must-try St. Louis classic. https://teddrewes.com/
**Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery**: Creative, locally made ice cream flavors. https://www.clementinescreamery.com/
Outdoor Adventures
**Missouri Botanical Garden**: A stunning garden with themed displays and rare plants. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/
**The Great Rivers Greenway**: A network of trails for walking, running, and biking. https://greatriversgreenway.org/
**Laumeier Sculpture Park**: An outdoor museum blending art and nature. https://www.laumeiersculpturepark.org/
26. **Castlewood State Park**: Popular for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic views. https://mostateparks.com/park/castlewood-state-park
Unique Experiences
**The Magic House**: A children’s museum filled with fun and interactive exhibits. https://www.magichouse.org/
28. **City Foundry STL**: A trendy food hall, retail space, and entertainment venue. https://www.cityfoundrystl.com/
29. **Tower Grove Park**: A Victorian-style park with picnic areas and farmers’ markets. https://www.towergrovepark.org/
Food Experiences in Clayton, Dogtown, and Central West End
Clayton
**Pastaria**: Vibrant Italian spot offering handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
2. **801 Chophouse**: Upscale steakhouse known for prime cuts and a refined dining experience.
3. **Louie**: Cozy yet sophisticated neighborhood bistro with a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
4. **Bar Moro**: Spanish-inspired small plates, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
5. **Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery**: Unique, locally made ice creams with boozy and classic options.
6. **The Crossing**: Fine dining with a focus on contemporary American and French cuisine.
7. **Half & Half**: A popular brunch spot offering inventive dishes like ricotta pancakes and huevos rancheros.
8. **Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria**: Modern Italian eatery with creative pizzas, pasta, and a trendy vibe.
9. **Narwhal’s Crafted**: Frozen cocktails and creative drinks in a relaxed environment.
10. **Sauce on the Side**: Gourmet calzones with a variety of unique fillings and dipping sauces.
Dogtown
**Seamus McDaniel’s**: A long-standing Irish pub with hearty burgers and traditional pub fare.
2. **Tamm Avenue Bar**: Relaxed bar with great drinks, outdoor seating, and food truck-style eats.
3. **Nomad STL**: A modern gastropub with a creative menu and local beer options.
4. **Felix’s Pizza Pub**: Casual spot for New York-style pizza and a wide selection of craft beers.
5. **Heavy Riff Brewing Co.**: Craft brewery with house-made beers and BBQ-inspired eats.
6. **Pat Connolly Tavern**: Iconic Irish tavern serving classic comfort food like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.
7. **Hi-Pointe Drive-In**: Known for creative, over-the-top burgers and milkshakes.
8. **Sweet Em’s Coffee & Ice Cream**: A charming spot for coffee, ice cream, and baked treats.
9. **J. Devoti Trattoria**: Farm-to-table Italian dishes with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.
10. **The Doghaus**: Great spot for casual dining with hot dogs, brats, and beer.
Central West End (CWE)
**Brasserie by Niche**: French-inspired dishes in a casual yet elegant setting. The steak frites are a standout.
2. **Kingside Diner**: Classic diner menu with a modern twist, great for breakfast and brunch.
3. **The Preston**: Upscale restaurant inside the Chase Park Plaza featuring globally inspired small plates.
4. **Taste**: A trendy cocktail bar with an inventive menu of small plates.
5. **Evangeline’s Bistro & Music House**: Cajun and Creole cuisine paired with live music performances.
6. **Scarlett’s Wine Bar**: Wine-focused eatery with wood-fired pizzas and shareable plates.
7. **The Block CWE**: Farm-to-table restaurant and butcher shop with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
8. **The Cup**: Iconic cupcake bakery with a variety of classic and seasonal flavors.
9. **Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co.**: A CWE staple for artisan coffee and light café fare.
10. **Up-Down STL**: A unique combination of a bar, arcade, and pizza joint for a fun night out.