Missouri Botanical Garden Offers Free Admission and Free Concerts in July

July is a great month to visit the Missouri Botanical Garden. Admission is free on July 4, in honor of Independence Day, and on July 24, the anniversary of founder Henry Shaw's birthday. And, there's also the Whitaker Music Festival, a series of free concerts every Wednesday night until August 13.

This is the 14th year for the music festival, and it's bringing in bigger and better acts every year. Featured performers this year include blues singer Kim Massie and contemporary artist Javier Mendoza. Admission to the Garden is free on Wednesdays after 5 p.m., and the concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner and gather at the Cohen Amphitheater.

Whitaker Music Festival

July 9 - Javier Mendoza
July 16 - Kim Massie
July 23 - Poor People of Paris
July 30 - FolknBluesGrass
August 6 - Laytham and Holmes
August 13 - Alvin Jett & the Phat noiZ

For more ideas on what to do in St. Louis without spending money, read my Free Summer Events article.

(Javier Mendoza performs July 9. Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden)