For more than 15 years, The Hill has hosted a soap box derby on Macklind Avenue between Botanical and Shaw. The race is part of the All-American Soap Box Derby youth racing program, which dates back to 1934.
When it happens
The derby is held in late spring or early summer. Recent races were June 8, 2025, and May 31, 2026, with a 9:00 am start. Dates for 2027 had not been announced as of October 2026.
What to expect
- Boys and girls ages 7 to 18 racing gravity-powered cars down the Macklind slope
- Competition in the Stock and Super Stock divisions
- A morning of cheering on young racers from the curb
Families interested in racing can find car kits, rules and registration through the St. Louis Soap Box Derby program.
For more on the neighborhood’s past, see our History of The Hill timeline.
Sources: Hill 2000 – 2026 Soap Box Derby, Hill 2000 – Soap Box Derby (2025)
