If summertime in St. Louis brings out the music lover in you, here’s your summer bucket list. Whether you want to kick up your feet and release that inner dancing diva or sit back with a cold brew while you listen to tunes, there’s something you’ll love here. With so many parks, live music shows, and outdoor concerts in St. Louis, you’ll find plenty of options to get in the fresh air, make new friends, and let the music take you away.
Whitaker Music Festival
This free evening outdoor concert series is a St. Louis favorite. It features a select and wide array of musical styles. It’s held on the lawn of the Cohen Amphitheater in Missouri Botanical Gardens.
When: Every Wednesday in June and July from 5pm to 9pm; music begins at 7pm.
Cost: Free entry, but advance reservations required. Food items are available for purchase after 5pm.
What to know: Sitting on the lawn chairs and blankets are allowed. Picnics are permitted after 5; you can bring food and drink or buy them in the gardens. Pets, barbecue grills, and smoking are not allowed.
Faust Park 35th Annual Summer Concert Series
The Summer Concert Series offers the opportunity to listen to local musicians while having fun with family and friends at Faust County Park in Chesterfield.
When: Every Tuesday in June and July, with the last show on August 3. Gates open at 5:30pm, and the concert is from 7 to 9.
Cost: $5 per person or $45 for a season pass.
What to know: Tickets are non-refundable. Snacks, sodas, beer and wine available for purchase at the concession stand. Food trucks and local restaurants also offer a variety of food choices. Lots of fun stuff for kids (face painting, balloon twisting, games, and bubble bus) at The Commerce Bank Kids Zone.
Union Station Monthly Concert Series
A free summer concert series of fun entertainment at St. Louis Union Station. Extend the fun with a ride on the St. Louis Whale or a visit to the nearby St. Louis Aquarium.
When: The 2nd Friday of June, July and August from 5–9pm.
Cost: Free to attend; parking costs vary. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Tickets are required for St. Louis Whale and St. Louis Aquarium.
What to know: Dogs are allowed outside. Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted to sit. Parking is available on 20th Street in downtown St. Louis or at the parking lot at Union Station, and parking costs vary by location and time of day. Guests can ride the St. Louis Whale from until 10pm or visit the St. Louis Aquarium from till closing at 8pm.
Hot Summer Nights Concert Series
This free outdoor summer concert series is in the historic Frenchtown area of St. Charles. You’ll find the festivities on the 600-900 block of North Second Street, and there’s plenty to do nearby.
When: Every second Saturday for June, July, August. The event’s start time is 6pm and the music starts at 7pm.
Cost: Free to attend; food trucks and local breweries will have plenty of food selections and beverages nearby.
What to know: Bring your lawn chairs.
Maplewood Summer Concert Series
A free outdoor concert series that brings everyone together for an evening of music and entertainment. This friendly neighborhood series is fun and friendly. It’s held at Ryan Hummert Park in Maplewood.
When: The 4th Wednesday of the month from June to September, from 6pm to 8pm.
Cost: Free to attend; local vendors will have food and drink options nearby for purchase.
What to know: Guests can bring their own food and drink. It’s a good idea to bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket, too.
St. Louis has a fantastic collection of local bands and musicians with a long history of promoting musicians from Scott Joplin to Mel Davis, Chuck Berry, and Pokey Lafarge. And summertime means outdoor concerts and live music in the park from one end of St. Louis to the other. Take a break from building that backyard oasis, get those dancing shoes on and get out there!