It’s summertime in St. Louis — which means fairs, festivals, and fun are around almost every corner! Here’s a list of some of our favorites.
Fair St. Louis | July 2-4
Fair Saint Louis is celebrating 41 years of tradition in St. Louis. This free event has delivered on the promise of entertainment, summertime fun, and a sense of community since 1981. Produced locally by St. Louisans, the fair attracts visitors from across the globe to enjoy live music, entertainment, great food, and a spectacular fireworks display – all FREE. This year’s performers will include Third Eye Blind and Rodney Atkins.
Circus Flora | June 9 – July 3
Circus Florahas been a St. Louis tradition for over 35 years! This one-ring production is a truly American circus with an engaging narrative and awe-inspiring physical feats. As always, Circus Flora has assembled a troupe of the best circus acts and storytellers, all in the intimate Big Top setting. This year’s production is“The Quest For The Innkeeper’s Cask”
Let Them Eat Art | July 8
Take a casual stroll through the streets and shops of Historic Downtown Maplewood as you enjoy the sights and sounds of Let Them Eat Art. Featuring live art demonstrations, performances by regional musicians, and kids’ activities – plus food and drink from Maplewood’s award-winning food purveyors – Let Them Eat Art serves as a celebration of the arts and as a whimsical tribute to Bastille Day. There will be plenty of shopping along the way, too. Maplewood retailers will have extended hours and offer special event-only promotions.
Art Hill Film Series | Fridays July 8 – July 29
Enjoy a St. Louis tradition of films, food, and fun when the Museum’s front yard is transformed into the city’s biggest cinema. This year’s theme, “Game On!” features some favorite sports movies. Click here to see the film lineup for this year. The film series kicks off the upcoming summer exhibition, “Catching the Moment” – a contemporary art collection assembled by Cards Hall of Famer Ted Simmons and his wife.
Whitaker Music Festival | Wednesdays thru August 3
Each summer the Missouri Botanical Garden hosts a free outdoor concert series called the Whitaker Music Festival. Popular musicians from across the St. Louis area perform on Wednesday evenings at the Garden’s Cohen Amphitheater. Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic dinners. Admission begins at 5 pm, so there is time to enjoy the beauty of the Garden before the music starts at 7:30 pm. The Children’s Garden, a large outdoor play area, also has free admission from 5 – 7 pm. Click here to see the lineup. And new this year: free reservations are required for admission.
Jungle Boogie Concert Series | Fridays thru Aug. 12
The Jungle Boogie Concert Series brings bands to Schnuck Family Plaza, located at the center of the St. Louis Zoo. Join the animals in gawking at some humans for a change. Enjoy this free event Fridays this summer. Click here to see the lineup.
The Muny | June 13 – Aug. 18
The Municipal Opera (Muny) in Forest Park has been a St. Louis summer tradition for over 100 years! The oldest and largest outdoor musical theater puts on seven musicals every summer, bringing in top stars from Broadway and Hollywood. Click here for this year’s lineup. Whether you’re attending your first show or your 50th, there is a real sense of being a part of history when spending a summer night at the Muny. Shows begin each evening at 8:15 p.m. For those on a budget, there are more than 1000 free seats in the back of the theater that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, be sure to watch HEC’s documentary: The Best of Us: 100 Yeas of Muny Magic.
Blues at the Arch | August 12-14
Experience the seventh annual Blues at the Arch, hosted by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. This popular end-of-summer celebration pays tribute to St. Louis’ storied blues history and showcases the talents of national and local artists. This free festival is the only one of its kind to take place on national park grounds. Click here for more information.
Grub and Groove | August 13
Grub & Groove is a free annual event in Francis Park! The event showcases food and drink from exceptional local restaurants and live music from some of St. Louis’ finest musicians. While Grub & Groove is a great opportunity to connect with neighbors and friends, any proceeds from the event are used to improve Francis Park and the surrounding neighborhood.
Festival of the Little Hills | Aug. 19-21
Every year in August since 1971, this festival has been celebrating the rich history of St. Charles, Missouri. Now showcasing hundreds of arts and crafts vendors along Main Street and Frontier Park, the Festival of the Little Hills also has amazing food, live entertainment, and a children’s area knows as the Kids Corner.
Festival of Nations | Aug. 27-28
Tower Grove Park becomes the center of the world every year during the Festival of Nations. Immigrants from dozens of countries show off the culture, music, and food of their old homeland for the benefit of their new one. Where else can you eat Nepalese food while hearing the music of the Ivory Coast? If you don’t want to eat your way through the festival, you can shop at the World Bazaar, enjoy the family arts and crafts area, and learn something about religions of the world through the St. Louis Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis.
Japanese Festival | Sept. 3-5
If you need one last big weekend out before school starts and fair days dwindle, there’s no event better than the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Japanese Festival. Sumo wrestlers, taiko drummers, dancers, food vendors, martial arts demonstrations and more make the Japanese Festival an action-packed weekend.
SLSO’s Forest Park Concert | Sep 14
Gather together for a summertime tradition. The SLSO’s free Forest Park Concert is a musical celebration, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The concert begins at 7 pm.
Sauce Food Truck Fridays | Select Fridays thru September
Sauce Magazine’s Food Truck Fridays are one of the best ways to experience the diversity and creativity of the food culture in St. Louis. More than 20 local food trucks fill Tower Grove Park on select Fridays of each summer month from (see schedule as times vary). These trucks offer everything from burgers and pizza to tacos and falafel. The evening also features live, local music and craft beer from area breweries like 4 Hands, Schlafly, and Urban Chestnut. For the best selection of food and drinks, arrive early because many of the trucks often run out of their most popular items as the evening goes on. Click here for dates.
Favorite Author Series | Select summer dates
Each month the St. Louis County Library Foundation presents bestselling and award-winning authors both virtually and in-person. Upcoming featured writers include Lynne Cox and Louis Bayard. Seating is limited so early arrival is recommended. Find the summer schedule here.
